Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) Injections in Tempe, AZ

Regenerative option for joint, tendon, and ligament pain at Sellers Sports Medicine

Struggling with chronic knee, shoulder, hip, or ankle pain that’s limiting your sport or daily life? Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) is a minimally invasive procedure using a patient’s own fat tissue to support healing in painful musculoskeletal conditions. At Sellers Sports Medicine in Tempe, we offer MFAT from Apex Biologix as part of our comprehensive, conservative-to-advanced treatment approach.

What is MFAT?

MFAT stands for micro-fragmented adipose tissue—a concentrated sample of your own fat that’s gently processed into tiny clusters and injected into the injured area under ultrasound guidance. Adipose tissue naturally contains repair-supporting cells, growth factors, and extracellular matrix that may help create a more favorable environment for tissue healing.

Key points:

  • Uses your own tissue (autologous)

  • Outpatient procedure with local anesthesia

  • Ultrasound-guided for precision

  • Designed to support healing in degenerative or overuse injuries

Note: MFAT is a regenerative orthopedic injection based procedure. Results vary. We’ll help you decide if it’s appropriate for your condition and goals.

Conditions We Commonly Treat with MFAT

  • Knee: osteoarthritis, meniscus-related pain, patellar tendinopathy, ligament injury

  • Shoulder: rotator cuff tendinopathy/partial tears, biceps tendinopathy

  • Hip: gluteal tendinopathy (“hip bursitis”), labral-related pain, osteoarthritis

  • Elbow/Wrist: tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis / common extensor tendinopathy), golfer’s elbow, tendon tears

  • Ankle/Foot: Achilles tendinopathy, tears, plantar fasciitis

  • Ligament sprains and chronic overuse injuries that haven’t improved with standard care

MFAT may be used alone or alongside PRP, focused shockwave therapy, activity modification, and targeted rehab.

Benefits of MFAT at Sellers Sports Medicine

  • Autologous & minimally invasive: low risk of immune reaction

  • Targeted delivery: ultrasound guidance places MFAT precisely where it’s needed

  • Comprehensive care: we pair MFAT with sport-specific rehab, load management, and return-to-play planning

  • Local expertise: convenient East Valley access for athletes and active adults in Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale , and even out of state.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

MFAT may be considered if you:

  • Have persistent joint or tendon pain limiting sport/work or daily function

  • Have tried rest, activity changes, PT, NSAIDs, and injections (e.g., cortisone, hyaluronic acid) with limited relief

  • Want to delay or avoid surgery or escalate beyond standard conservative care

Contraindications/relative exclusions may include uncontrolled diabetes, active infection, bleeding disorders, or certain autoimmune conditions. We’ll review your medical history to determine fit.

How the Procedure Works (What to Expect)

  1. Consultation & Planning – Exam, imaging review, and discussion of options and goals.

  2. Tissue Harvest – Small amount of fat is collected (typically from the abdomen or flank) under local anesthesia.

  3. Processing – The adipose tissue is gently micro-fragmented into an injectable form.

  4. Ultrasound-Guided Injection – MFAT is injected precisely into the targeted tendon, ligament, or joint.

  5. Recovery – Most patients walk out the same day. Expect temporary soreness.

  6. Rehab & Follow-Up – We’ll provide a phased return-to-activity plan and check progress at set intervals.

Timeline: Improvement is typically gradual over 6–12 weeks, with continued gains for several months as tissue remodeling occurs.

Risks & Downtime

  • Common: temporary soreness, bruising, swelling at harvest and injection sites

  • Less common: infection, bleeding, contour irregularity, nerve irritation

  • Downtime: most daily activities within 24–72 hours; sport-specific return varies by body region and severity. We’ll tailor a plan to you.

MFAT vs. PRP vs. Hyaluronic Acid

  • PRP (platelet-rich plasma): concentrates growth factors from blood—great for tendons/early arthritis.

  • MFAT: provides a fat-derived, scaffold-rich environment that may help in more degenerative cases.

  • Hyaluronic Acid (“gel”): lubricates joints; symptom-focused rather than regenerative.

We frequently combine therapies based on your goals, imaging, and timeline.

Pricing & Insurance

MFAT is typically considered cash-pay. We’ll provide a transparent estimate for: consultation, procedure, ultrasound guidance, and follow-ups. You may use HSA/FSA; we’ll supply itemized receipts for out-of-network submission when appropriate.

Why Sellers Sports Medicine in Tempe?

  • Sports-medicine focus for athletes and active adults

  • Evidence-informed protocols and outcomes tracking

  • On-site ultrasound and coordinated rehab programming

  • Local, convenient care for Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale

Ready to See if MFAT Is Right for You?

Call or text to schedule a consult, or request an appointment online. Please bring prior imaging (X-ray/MRI) and any relevant reports.

  • Sellers Sports Medicine – Tempe, Arizona

  • Phone: (480) 426-2667

  • Address: 1492 S Mill Ave # 307, Tempe, AZ 85281

  • Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

FAQs (MFAT)

Is MFAT FDA-approved?
MFAT uses your own tissue collected and processed for same-day use. In musculoskeletal care, it’s typically offered under the practice of medicine. We’ll explain how this applies to your case and obtain informed consent.

How long does it take?
Plan for 60–120 minutes including harvest, processing, and injection.

Will I need more than one treatment?
Some patients do well with one procedure; others may benefit from a series or combination with PRP/shockwave depending on the diagnosis and goals.

When can I return to sport?
Light activity often resumes in a few days; progressive loading starts within 1–3 weeks; higher-impact return varies (often 6–12+ weeks) based on the tissue treated.

Are results guaranteed?
No. Response varies by condition severity, biomechanics, and adherence to rehab. We’ll set realistic expectations and track outcomes.