What Is MFAT Therapy?
Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) therapy uses regenerative cells naturally found in your body’s fat tissue to support healing in joints, tendons, and other musculoskeletal structures.
Through a minimally invasive procedure, fat tissue is harvested, processed to preserve cell viability, and precisely injected where your body needs healing support. At Palm Beach Regenerative, Dr. Ghattas offers MFAT as an alternative or complement to bone marrow concentrate for carefully selected patients.
Adipose tissue contains a rich population of regenerative cells, growth factors, and supporting structures that work together to support tissue healing.
How MFAT Treatment Works
- Fat Harvest
A small amount of fat is harvested from your abdomen or flank using local anesthesia and a small cannula. The harvest is gentle and well-tolerated with minimal discomfort. - Laboratory Processing
Fat tissue is processed in a sterile closed system using gentle microfragmentation. This minimal processing preserves the natural structure and viability of cells. - Image-Guided Injection
Using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, Dr. Ghattas precisely injects MFAT to target structures in joints, tendons, or other tissues.
Total Time: Plan for 2.5-3 hours for complete visit.
Conditions Treated with MFAT
MFAT therapy may help patients with:
Joint Conditions:
- Knee osteoarthritis (mild-moderate)
- Hip osteoarthritis (select candidates)
- Shoulder arthritis
- Small joint arthritis
Tendon Conditions:
- Rotator cuff tears (partial)
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Chronic tendon degeneration
Other Applications:
- Ligament injuries
- Cartilage damage
- Chronic inflammation
- Conditions requiring substantial cell populations
What Makes MFAT Different?
Alternative Cell Source:
For patients where bone marrow harvest is not ideal, MFAT provides another option using fat tissue.
Abundant Cell Population:
Fat tissue contains high concentrations of regenerative cells in a small volume.
Minimally Invasive Harvest:
Fat harvest via small cannula is generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort.
Preserved Natural Structure:
Minimal processing maintains cells in their natural environment, potentially preserving function.
What to Expect After MFAT Treatment
Immediate (Day 0-3):
- Mild soreness at harvest site (similar to minor bruise)
- Some swelling or discomfort at injection site
- Ice and compression as directed
- Return to light activities day 1-2
Early Phase (Week 1-4):
- Harvest site heals quickly (usually within 1 week)
- Injection site inflammation part of healing response
- Begin gentle exercises as directed
Regeneration Phase (Week 4-12):
- Gradual improvement in symptoms
- Tissue healing and remodeling continues
- May be combined with physical therapy or MLS Laser
Maturation Phase (3-6 months):
- Continued improvement
- Full tissue remodeling takes several months
- Follow-up assessment and imaging
Activity Restrictions:
- Avoid high-impact activities: 4-8 weeks
- Gradual return to sport/activity
- Specific guidelines based on condition
Success Rates and Outcomes
Based on published research and clinical experience, many patients report:
- Meaningful reduction in joint pain
- Improved function and mobility
- Enhanced quality of life
- Delayed or avoided surgical intervention
Important: Results vary based on severity of arthritis/injury, age, overall health, adherence to rehabilitation, and individual healing capacity.
Is MFAT Right for You?
MFAT may be appropriate when:
- You have moderate joint arthritis or significant tendon damage
- Bone marrow harvest is not ideal for you
- You want substantial cell population for healing
- You prefer fat-based approach
MFAT vs. Bone Marrow Concentrate:
- Both contain regenerative cells with healing potential
- Harvest procedures differ (fat vs. bone marrow)
- Dr. Ghattas will recommend best option for your situation
MFAT vs. PRP/SCP:
- MFAT contains cells, not just growth factors
- MFAT may be considered for more severe conditions
- Recovery timelines differ
Why Choose Palm Beach Regenerative for MFAT?
- Minimally invasive gentle harvest technique
- Sterile closed-system processing
- Image-guided precision placement
- Fellowship-trained physician
- Systematic outcome tracking
- Can be combined with other treatments
Cost and Insurance
Most insurance plans do not cover MFAT therapy. We provide:
- Transparent pricing before commitment
- Itemized treatment plan
- Superbills for possible reimbursement
- HSA/FSA eligible
- CareCredit financing options
Required Disclaimer
Like all medical procedures, MFAT therapy has potential risks and benefits. Results vary by individual based on condition severity, overall health, and healing response. Not all patients are candidates. Dr. Ghattas will discuss realistic expectations and all treatment options, including when surgery may be more appropriate.
Request a Consultation to discuss MFAT treatment.
NEXT STEP
Consultations Are Usually Available Within 1 to 2 Weeks
Request a consultation or call (561) 501-3900.
●PATIENT OUTCOMES
Patient Experiences
No medical procedure can guarantee an outcome. What you should expect is an honest discussion of the evidence, a careful assessment of candidacy, and a recommendation based on your condition.
"Honestly one of the best experiences, I’ve had a really stiff neck for a couple weeks I tried seeing a chiropractor for and it helped marginally but the real jump in relief was coming to see Dr. Ghattas! He has been incredible, wonderful staff, and minimally invasive technique for my pain relief which was super important to me! Thank you Dr. Ghattas recommending to anyone with pain!"Monica A
"Ghattas was instrumental in helping my torn rotator cuff. I did Barbotage for the stone, and then PRP. Great experience. Been about a month or 2 since and I feel great."Ahmet B
"Over a year ago, both my daughter and I underwent PRP treatment with Dr. Ghattas—PRP for my left knee and PRP for my daughter’s L4-L5 and sacral region. We wanted to wait long enough to truly evaluate the results before sharing our experience. I am pleased to say that the outcomes have been outstanding. My daughter’s improvement has been remarkable, and the treatment has made a significant difference in her quality of life. I have also experienced excellent results with my knee. Dr. Ghattas is an exceptional physician who combines expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for his patients. We are incredibly grateful for the treatment we received and the positive impact it has had on our lives. Thank you, Dr. Ghattas. We are truly grateful for everything you have done. You are simply the best."Dr Jorge A
"Dr. Ghattas is very knowledgable and a sympathetic doctor. Hard to find in America. All questions answered, my procedure went very smoothly, very little pain. Follow up is excellent, I highly recommend his practice."Luciana D
“ I had severe knee pain and was looking for proper knee pain treatment, which is how I found Dr. Ghattas on Instagram. I was a bit hesitant at first, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made for my health. Francia was amazing at coordinating all my consultations and making the whole process easy and stress-free. If you’re dealing with knee pain and looking for a reliable doctor and team, I highly recommend them. ”Roger L
“Dr. Ghattas was terrific today. He spent a good amount of time examining me and explaining the regenerative process which I intend to have done next month. More to come after the procedure.”Louie R
“I received two treatments from Dr. Ghattas With excellent results, he takes great care in his assessment and in his treatment you couldn’t be in better hands. I highly recommend his work.”Gisela S
“Apart from the exemplary personal service by the reception and the staff that makes us feel we're at home at the clinic, I have experienced remarkable healing in several episodes from shoulder issue to knee injuries and hip pain. The doctor is so thorough in the diagnosis phase that he administered exactly what was needed, no more no less! Thank you folks for a wonderful experience.”RG G
“I am quite active and go to pilates 3-4 times per week. I was having left knee pain and which was treated with PRP. It took about 3 months for me to feel better but then the pain completely subsided. I now am able to exercise without the fear that I will tear a ligament and am pain free.”Ellipsis P
“Transparency, thoroughness, attention to detail, immediate, high quality, follow ups and follow through are just a few words that come to mind throughout my experiences with Palm Beach Regenerative Sport and Spine.”Milton L
These testimonials reflect the real-life experiences of patients with the Regenexx protocol but are not necessarily typical of what you or any other patient might experience. Individual results of the procedures using Regenexx lab processes will vary depending on a number of factors, including your diagnosis, the severity of your condition, your overall health, and others. To better understand what large numbers of patients experience on average, please visit the Patient Results page, and inquire with a physician within the licensed Regenexx network near you.
