---
title: "Adipose Tissue Banking | Preserve Your Own Cells | SaveMyFat"
description: "SaveMyFat connects you with a U.S.-based tissue bank to preserve your own adipose tissue. Education-first, compliance-first. Banking is not treatment."
url: "https://savemyfat.com/"
---

# Preserve Your Own Adipose Tissue for the Future

Your fat (adipose) tissue is a rich source of cells that scientists study. In one short in-office procedure, you can preserve your own tissue through long-term cryopreservation.

SaveMyFat connects you and your provider with a U.S.-based tissue bank. Banking is preservation, not treatment.

[Save My Fat](https://savemyfat.com/contact-us/)

Processed in U.S. Labs | FDA-Registered Labs | Your Cells, Your Future

## What This Page Covers

SaveMyFat connects patients and providers with a U.S.-based tissue bank that collects, processes, and cryopreserves your own adipose (fat) tissue. This page is an overview of how banking works, why people consider it, and what it can and cannot do. Banking is a way to preserve your own tissue now for potential future use in lawful, FDA-regulated pathways. It is not a treatment for any condition, and SaveMyFat does not collect, process, or store tissue itself.

**Key takeaways:**

- SaveMyFat is a connector. A partner provider collects your tissue; a U.S.-based tissue bank processes and cryopreserves it.
- Collection is a short in-office procedure, usually under 30 minutes.
- Banking is preservation, not treatment. It is not FDA-approved therapy and makes no promise of future benefit.
- Adipose-derived cell uses for most conditions are investigational and are not FDA-approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- Any future use depends on FDA decisions, available pathways, your health, and your physician’s judgment.

**Important:** SaveMyFat connects patients and providers with a U.S.-based tissue bank for adipose tissue banking. SaveMyFat does not collect, process, or store tissue itself, and it does not provide treatments or cures for any disease or medical condition. Most adipose-derived cell products that are more than minimally manipulated are regulated as biologics and are not FDA-approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Banking your tissue today does not guarantee eligibility, access, or clinical benefit from any future therapy or clinical trial. This page is educational and is not medical advice. Talk with your own licensed healthcare provider about any medical decision.

Driven by Science.

## Your Most
Valuable Cells
Are Hiding In Plain Sight.

Most people have never heard of [adipose-derived stem cells](https://savemyfat.com/stem-cell-science-glossary/). Your fat tissue is one of the more accessible sources of cells that researchers study. SaveMyFat connects you with a U.S.-based tissue bank so you can preserve your own tissue now. This is about preservation, not treatment, and banking is not FDA-approved therapy.

Learn more about the [FDA rules for adipose tissue](https://savemyfat.com/fda-regulation-adipose-tissue/), the [clinical trials](https://savemyfat.com/adipose-stem-cell-clinical-trials/) under way, and [banking for longevity](https://savemyfat.com/longevity-and-tissue-banking/).

[Learn More](https://savemyfat.com/how-stem-cell-banking-works/)

## Why Patients Choose Fat Stem Cell Banking

01

Your Own Cells (Autologous)

Autologous cells come from your own body, which avoids the donor-matching questions associated with tissue from other people. No option is risk-free.

02

One Collection. Many Vials.

A small collection can yield many cryopreserved vials of your own tissue. Storing more now preserves more options later. This does not guarantee any future use.

03

An Accessible Source.

Fat is an abundant, accessible source of cells that researchers study, and collecting it is less invasive than a bone marrow draw.

04

Processed in the U.S.A.

Your tissue stays in the United States in FDA-registered labs. That avoids the added risks of traveling abroad for unregulated procedures.

## What Adipose Tissue Banking Is, and What It Is Not

Adipose tissue banking is a preservation service. A partner provider collects a small amount of your own fat tissue, a U.S.-based tissue bank processes and cryopreserves it, and it is stored for the long term. SaveMyFat’s role is to connect you and your provider with that bank and coordinate the process, not to collect, process, or store tissue itself.

It is not a therapy. SaveMyFat is a facilitator, not a treatment provider or a laboratory. It does not diagnose conditions and does not promise that banked tissue will treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates human cells and tissues under [21 CFR Part 1271](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-L/part-1271). Cells that are more than minimally manipulated, or used for a different function, are regulated as biologics that require FDA approval before they may be marketed to treat disease. The FDA’s [consumer alert on regenerative medicine products](https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/consumers-biologics/consumer-alert-regenerative-medicine-products-including-stem-cells-and-exosomes) explains this in more detail. See where the science is heading on our [emerging research](https://savemyfat.com/emerging-research/) and [research areas](https://savemyfat.com/stem-cell-research-areas/) pages.

Why You Should Bank

## Areas of Interest and Research

Joint Support

#### Joint and Orthopedic

Orthopedic applications are an active area of [clinical research](https://savemyfat.com/adipose-stem-cell-clinical-trials/). Adipose-derived cell uses for joints are investigational and are not FDA-approved. Banking preserves your own tissue while the science develops.

- Knee and cartilage research
- Hip and mobility research
- Spine and disc research
- All investigational, not FDA-approved

[Read More about Joint and Orthopedics](https://savemyfat.com/joint-and-orthopedic/)

Wellness

#### Wellness and Healthy Aging

Longevity and wellness are a growing area of interest. Any cellular applications here are investigational and are not FDA-approved. Banking preserves your own tissue; it is not a wellness treatment.

- An area of ongoing research
- Investigational, not FDA-approved
- Autologous tissue preservation
- Discuss with your physician

[Learn more about wellness and healthy aging](https://savemyfat.com/wellness-and-healthy-aging/)

First Degree Family

#### Eligible Relatives May Be Considered.

Under certain legal and medical guidelines, eligible first-degree blood relatives may be considered for future use of your banked tissue. Eligibility is not guaranteed and is decided by a physician within a lawful pathway.

- Parents may be considered
- Children may be considered
- Siblings may be considered
- Eligibility is not guaranteed

[Learn more about family use](https://savemyfat.com/family/)

Research

#### Emerging Research

Registered clinical trials are studying adipose-derived and mesenchymal cells for conditions such as Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis. This research is investigational and is not FDA-approved. Registration of a trial is not proof of safety or effectiveness.

- Autoimmune conditions
- Chronic inflammation
- Crohn's disease
- Multiple sclerosis

[learn about emerging research](https://savemyfat.com/emerging-research/)

Step by Step

## How It Works (4 Steps)

Four steps from consultation to long-term storage. No hospital stay. No lengthy recovery. All done in the U.S.

#### Initial Consultation

Meet with a SaveMyFat partner provider to discuss your goals, review the process and its limits, and see whether banking fits your planning. This is educational, not a medical recommendation.

- Review your health history
- Discuss potential future uses in FDA-regulated pathways
- Answer your questions
- Schedule your collection

[Find A provider](https://savemyfat.com/contact-us/)

#### Harvest

A 30-minute, in-office procedure collects about 20cc of fat under local anesthesia. Like any procedure, it carries risks such as bruising or infection, which you should discuss with your provider.

- Quick outpatient visit
- Minimal discomfort
- No general anesthesia
- Go home the same day

[Schedule My Procedure](https://savemyfat.com/contact-us/)

#### Process and Store

A U.S.-based tissue bank isolates and cryopreserves your tissue in a secure, FDA-registered facility. SaveMyFat connects you with that bank; it does not process or store tissue itself.

- Viability testing
- Cell isolation and processing
- Many vials from one collection
- Long-term cryopreservation

[Learn More about how it works](https://savemyfat.com/how-stem-cell-banking-works/)

#### If a Future Pathway Applies

If you and a licensed physician ever pursue a lawful, FDA-regulated pathway, your stored tissue can be located and shipped to your provider without a new collection. This does not guarantee that any therapy will be available or appropriate.

- You and your physician decide
- Shipped under controlled conditions
- Delivered to your treating physician
- Only within a lawful pathway

[Get The Process Started](https://savemyfat.com/contact-us/)

Your Path Forward

## Ready to Get Started?

Whether you want to bank your own adipose tissue or offer banking in your practice, the next step is a conversation. We will walk you through the process, the costs, and the limits, so you can make an informed decision with your provider.

#### For Clinics and Networks

Bring compliant, U.S.-based adipose tissue banking to your organization.

[Learn More](https://savemyfat.com/providers/)

#### For Patients

Informed planning starts with one conversation.

- Find a provider near you.
- See what the procedure involves.
- Learn about potential future uses in FDA-regulated pathways.
- Understand the science in plain language, not medical speak.

[Find A provider](https://savemyfat.com/contact-us/)

#### For Providers

Add a powerful service to your practice.

- Training and protocol onboarding.
- Simple integration into existing workflows.
- U.S.-based lab processing.
- The science of adipose-derived cells, explained for your team.

[Become a Provider](https://savemyfat.com/providers/)

#### Every Partnership Includes:

- U.S.-Based Lab Processing
- FDA-Registered Labs

- Long-Term Cryopreservation
- Dedicated Support Team

Trusted By Medical Experts.

## Backed By Decades Of Expertise.

Our network includes providers and laboratory partners with decades of combined experience in regenerative medicine, surgery, and tissue processing. Their involvement reflects our focus on U.S.-based, standards-driven handling of your tissue. Any future medical decision should be made with your own licensed provider.

- U.S.-Based Processing
- Autologous (Your Own) Tissue
- Strict Quality Controls
- Long-Term Cryopreservation

Dr. Jose R. Ortega MD

Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Thom Lobe

Founder of Regeneveda and Professor of Clinical Surgery, University of Illinois Chicago

Dr. Rafael Diaz-Yoserev

Board-Certified General, Vascular & Cosmetic Surgeon

## Frequently Asked Questions

How long can adipose tissue be stored?

Many years. Cryopreservation keeps tissue stored at very low temperatures in a secure U.S.-based facility. Storage does not treat anything and does not guarantee future use.

Is the collection procedure painful?

Most people report minimal discomfort. The procedure typically uses local anesthesia and takes under 30 minutes. Like any procedure it carries risks such as bruising or infection, which you should discuss with your provider.

Why is fat used instead of bone marrow?

Fat is an abundant, accessible source of cells that researchers study, and collecting it is less invasive than a bone marrow draw. This is about preservation, not a claim that either source treats a condition.

Can family members use my banked tissue?

Eligible first-degree relatives may qualify under certain legal and clinical guidelines. Eligibility is not guaranteed. Ask your provider what may apply to your family.

What does adipose tissue banking cost?

Pricing varies by provider and location. Contact a SaveMyFat partner provider for specific details, and see our pricing page for general guidance.

What might banked tissue be used for in the future?

Adipose-derived and mesenchymal stromal cells are being studied in registered clinical trials for various applications, but these uses are investigational and not FDA-approved. Banking simply preserves your own tissue; it is not a treatment and does not promise any future use.

How soon can I use my banked tissue?

Banking is not a treatment you access on demand. Adipose-derived cell uses are investigational, and any future use would depend on FDA-regulated pathways and your physician’s judgment. Stored tissue being available does not mean a treatment is available.

Is adipose tissue banking safe?

Because banked tissue is your own, it avoids the donor-matching questions associated with tissue from other people. It is not risk-free: collection carries normal procedure risks such as bruising or infection. Processing happens in FDA-registered U.S. laboratories (registration is not FDA approval). Discuss risks with your provider.

Didn’t find your answer?

Talk to our team about adipose tissue banking, pricing, or how to get started. We do not provide medical advice; any medical decision is between you and a licensed physician.

[Contact Us](https://savemyfat.com/contact-us/)

## About the Author

**Oscar Tellez** is the founder and CEO of SaveMyFat. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from Florida Atlantic University. Oscar has spent more than a decade working across the regenerative medicine industry, including product distribution, laboratory and vendor relationships, and provider training. He founded SaveMyFat to connect patients and providers with compliant adipose tissue banking and to simplify the process. This article is educational, reflects current FDA guidance, and is not medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a licensed clinician.

**Sources and further reading:** U.S. FDA, [Consumer Alert on Regenerative Medicine Products](https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/consumers-biologics/consumer-alert-regenerative-medicine-products-including-stem-cells-and-exosomes); FDA, [Patient Information on Regenerative Medicine Therapies](https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/consumers-biologics/important-patient-and-consumer-information-about-regenerative-medicine-therapies); [21 CFR Part 1271 (HCT/Ps)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-L/part-1271); [FDA Expanded Access](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/expanded-access); [ClinicalTrials.gov](https://clinicaltrials.gov).

Last reviewed: July 2026.

## Our Posts About The Industry

### [Ohio Stem Cell Regulation in 2026: What Actually Applies](https://savemyfat.com/ohio-stem-cell-regulation-2026/)

 [Read More »](https://savemyfat.com/ohio-stem-cell-regulation-2026/)

Oscar Tellez 09/10/2026 10:00 AM

### [Understanding Texas Stem Cell Regulation: What Patients and Providers Should Know in 2026](https://savemyfat.com/texas-stem-cell-law-2026-guide/)

 [Read More »](https://savemyfat.com/texas-stem-cell-law-2026-guide/)

Oscar Tellez 09/09/2026 10:00 AM

### [Dallas, Texas Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Banking: A Regulatory Overview for Patients](https://savemyfat.com/dallas-texas-stem-cell-banking-rules/)

 [Read More »](https://savemyfat.com/dallas-texas-stem-cell-banking-rules/)

Oscar Tellez 09/08/2026 10:00 AM

[Learn More About The Industry](https://savemyfat.com/our-blog/)

```json
[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/#organization","name":"Save My Fat","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/savemyfat\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/save-my-fat","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/savemyfat\/","https:\/\/search.sunbiz.org\/Inquiry\/CorporationSearch\/SearchResultDetail?inquirytype=EntityName&directionType=Initial&searchNameOrder=SAVEMYFAT%20L260000005000&aggregateId=flal-l26000000500-32d6bf22-6788-4c6f-a062-b944408d7cda&searchTerm=SAVE%20MY%20LLC&listNameOrder=SAVEMY%20L250004108200"],"logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/#logo","url":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blk-Txt-Blk-BG-SMF.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blk-Txt-Blk-BG-SMF.svg","caption":"Save My Fat","inLanguage":"en-US","width":"500","height":"500"}},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com","name":"Save My Fat","alternateName":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/?s={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blk-Txt-Blk-BG-SMF.svg","url":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blk-Txt-Blk-BG-SMF.svg","width":"500","height":"500","caption":"Save My Fat Logo","inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"FAQPage","@id":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/#webpage","url":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/","name":"Adipose Tissue Banking | Preserve Your Own Cells | SaveMyFat","datePublished":"2025-12-01T16:07:06-05:00","dateModified":"2026-09-02T00:12:22-04:00","about":{"@id":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/#organization"},"isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blk-Txt-Blk-BG-SMF.svg"},"inLanguage":"en-US","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"How long can adipose tissue be stored?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Many years. Cryopreservation keeps tissue stored at very low temperatures in a secure U.S.-based facility. Storage does not treat anything and does not guarantee future use."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is the collection procedure painful?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Most people report minimal discomfort. The procedure typically uses local anesthesia and takes under 30 minutes. Like any procedure it carries risks such as bruising or infection, which you should discuss with your provider."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Why is fat used instead of bone marrow?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Fat is an abundant, accessible source of cells that researchers study, and collecting it is less invasive than a bone marrow draw. This is about preservation, not a claim that either source treats a condition."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can family members use my banked tissue?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Eligible first-degree relatives may qualify under certain legal and clinical guidelines. Eligibility is not guaranteed. Ask your provider what may apply to your family."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What does adipose tissue banking cost?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Pricing varies by provider and location. Contact a SaveMyFat partner provider for specific details, and see our pricing page for general guidance."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What might banked tissue be used for in the future?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Adipose-derived and mesenchymal stromal cells are being studied in registered clinical trials for various applications, but these uses are investigational and not FDA-approved. Banking simply preserves your own tissue; it is not a treatment and does not promise any future use."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How soon can I use my banked tissue?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Banking is not a treatment you access on demand. Adipose-derived cell uses are investigational, and any future use would depend on FDA-regulated pathways and your physician’s judgment. Stored tissue being available does not mean a treatment is available."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is adipose tissue banking safe?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Because banked tissue is your own, it avoids the donor-matching questions associated with tissue from other people. It is not risk-free: collection carries normal procedure risks such as bruising or infection. Processing happens in FDA-registered U.S. laboratories (registration is not FDA approval). Discuss risks with your provider."}}]}]},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/oscar-tellez\/#person","name":"Oscar Tellez","jobTitle":"Founder","description":"Oscar Tellez is the Founder of SaveMyFat, a company that connects patients and physicians with a U.S. tissue bank for adipose tissue banking, so a person's own tissue can be preserved for potential future use in FDA-regulated pathways. He is not a physician.","url":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/oscar-tellez","email":"info@savemyfat.com","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Oscar-Headshot-Rounded-1.png","width":"200","height":"200"},"worksFor":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/#organization","name":"SaveMyFat","url":"https:\/\/savemyfat.com"},"knowsAbout":["Adipose Tissue Banking","Cryopreservation","Regenerative Medicine Regulation","Adipose-Derived Cells","Expanded Access Pathways"],"sameAs":["https:\/\/savemyfat.com\/oscar-tellez","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/o-tellez\/","https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/savemyfat\/","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/savemyfat\/"]}]}]
```