What are Leneva Fat Pad Injections?
Leneva fat pad injections are a medical treatment used to address foot pain, particularly in the heels and the balls of the feet, which can be caused by the thinning or loss of the natural fat pads that cushion these areas. The procedure involves injecting processed adipose tissue (fat) derived from donated human tissue (allograft) into the feet to restore cushioning, especially in cases of fat pad atrophy. This can help alleviate pain and improve mobility for individuals suffering from conditions like plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or general foot pain due to the loss of the natural fat pads in the feet.
Indications
Leneva fat pad injections are typically recommended as a minimally invasive treatment to restore cushioning and alleviate pain in areas of the feet where natural fat pads have deteriorated or become thin. Common conditions treated with Leneva fat pad injections include heel pain (often due to plantar fasciitis), metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot), and other conditions related to fat pad atrophy.
Preparation for Leneva Fat Pad Injections
In general, preparation for Leneva fat pad injections may include the following:
- Consultation: The patient meets with a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist to discuss symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. Imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, MRI) may be conducted to assess the extent of fat pad atrophy.
- Assessment: The doctor examines the affected areas of the foot, determining the precise locations for the injections.
- Pre-procedure Instructions: The patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, which may include avoiding certain medications or activities.
Procedure for Leneva Fat Pad Injections
In general, the Leneva fat pad injection procedure may involve the following steps:
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the injection site, ensuring the patient remains comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Site Preparation: The foot is cleaned and sterilized to reduce the risk of infection.
- Material: Leneva uses an allograft adipose matrix, which is derived from donated human fat tissue. Fat is typically harvested from areas of the body where there is excess, such as the abdomen or thighs, using a minimally invasive liposuction technique. The harvested fat is processed to remove impurities and concentrate the adipose tissue. The allograft adipose matrix provides a scaffold for the patient's own cells to repopulate and regenerate new tissue.
- Injection Process: The Leneva adipose matrix is prepared for injection. Using a fine needle, the doctor injects the Leneva material into the areas of the foot where the fat pads have thinned. The matrix integrates with the existing tissue and promotes the growth of new, healthy fat cells. Multiple injections may be needed to cover the entire affected area adequately.
- Post-Injection: After the injection, the doctor may massage the area gently to help distribute the material evenly.
Post-Procedure Care
In general, post-procedure care may include the following:
- The patient is monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions. The injection site is typically bandaged.
- The patient receives detailed instructions on how to care for the injection site, including keeping it clean and avoiding excessive pressure on the foot. Patients are usually advised to rest and elevate the foot for the first 24-48 hours.
- Patients are advised to avoid high-impact activities and wear supportive footwear to minimize stress on the treated area.
- A follow-up appointment is scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the injections and monitor the healing process. Additional imaging studies may be done to evaluate the integration of the injected material.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Leneva fat pad injections include mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort at the injection site. Serious risks may include infection, allergic reactions, or rejection of the allograft material, though these are rare.
Benefits
Benefits of Leneva fat pad injections include:
- Pain Relief: By restoring the cushioning in the feet, patients often experience significant pain relief.
- Improved Mobility: With less pain, patients can often walk and move more comfortably.
- Natural Regeneration: The allograft adipose matrix helps the body to regenerate its own tissue, leading to a more natural and potentially longer-lasting solution compared to synthetic fillers or other treatments.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is relatively simple and minimally invasive compared to other surgical options.