Cell Therapy for Joints in Sofia
PRP and SVF cell therapy for many joints, from knee and hip to shoulder. First step: a free review of your imaging
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Own tissue — your blood and adipose tissue
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation
and review of your scans
What is regenerative
joint treatment?
Instead of implants or foreign substances, regenerative joint treatment uses you as the source: platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your blood and the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from a small adipose tissue sample. It is injected into the troubled joint to lower pain and inflammation and support the tissues inside.
This treatment suits people with painful joints who would like to avoid or delay surgery, or who have been told that only a joint replacement will help. The earlier the stage, the better the prospect of a lasting result — the doctor judges this from your scans.
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
Joints we treat
Large and small joints — the doctor chooses the joint, the method and the number of injections after reviewing your scans
Elbow
Pain from overuse or sports strain, worn joint surfaces
Hand and wrist joints
Small joints of the wrist and fingers that are stiff and sore
Knee
Worn cartilage and meniscus issues, with pain on stairs and after walking
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Pain as the arm goes up, wear of the joint and adjacent tendons
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
To obtain SVF, the stromal vascular fraction, a small amount of your adipose tissue is processed; this cell mix takes part in repairing tissue. It is injected into the affected joint together with plasma from your own blood.
It is usually the choice when changes in the joint are more marked and the aim is a longer-lasting effect.
PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood
Plasma rich in platelets and growth factors comes from a small amount of your blood; once injected into the joint, it helps reduce inflammation and sets up better conditions for tissue repair.
A course of injections can be done with it alone, or it can be paired with SVF.
How the procedure goes: step by step
Consultation and scan review
The doctor assesses the joint in person and reviews X-rays, MRI or ultrasound, then decides if you are a candidate for the procedure. Scans you have can be sent before the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
A small volume of blood is drawn from a vein, which is later turned into platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
Around 30 ml of adipose tissue is taken through a single puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh under local anaesthetic, and the site needs no stitches.
Processing in a centrifuge
In a centrifuge the sample separates into layers. The stromal vascular fraction is then isolated and combined with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
The prepared material is injected directly into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance, which helps place it precisely.
Follow-up
Neither a hospital stay nor crutches are required. The doctor stays in contact after the procedure and monitors how the joint responds.
Consultation and scan review
The doctor assesses the joint in person and reviews X-rays, MRI or ultrasound, then decides if you are a candidate for the procedure. Scans you have can be sent before the visit.
Blood sample for PRP
A small volume of blood is drawn from a vein, which is later turned into platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
Around 30 ml of adipose tissue is taken through a single puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh under local anaesthetic, and the site needs no stitches.
Processing in a centrifuge
In a centrifuge the sample separates into layers. The stromal vascular fraction is then isolated and combined with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
The prepared material is injected directly into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance, which helps place it precisely.
Follow-up
Neither a hospital stay nor crutches are required. The doctor stays in contact after the procedure and monitors how the joint responds.
Follow-up visits
Check-ups after the procedure show the doctor how the joint responds, so the plan can be adjusted — typically pain eases in the first month, mobility improves within about three months and the full effect develops over around six months.
Conditions we treat
The decision on whether the treatment suits you is made by a doctor, after an examination and a look at your scans
What we work with
Arthritis
Arthrosis
Avascular necrosis
Osteoarthritis
Gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis)
Coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis)
Meniscus pathology and injury
Rehabilitation after injuries and surgery
Inflammatory joint conditions
Contraindications
Cancer
Pregnancy
Blood clotting disorders
Acute infections, including infection in or near the joint
Flare-up of a serious chronic illness
Cancer
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Serious heart, kidney or liver disease
Temporary contraindications: skin inflammation over the joint to be treated, a fever, a cold or flu
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
After the procedure
Recovery is short: most people go home the same day and are back to normal daily activity within a day or two, and the puncture sites only need small dressings. A slight increase in joint ache during the first week is an expected reaction. Typically pain eases over the first month, mobility and activity improve over about three months, and the full effect develops over around six months. How long it lasts varies with the person, the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors — no one can promise a fixed result. For the first weeks the doctor gives you individual advice on exercise and load.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
We try to preserve the joint you have rather than replace it, using treatment without surgery
Your own tissue
Only your own blood and adipose tissue — no donor or synthetic material is used
No crutches
Done through punctures instead of incisions, under local anaesthetic, without long rehabilitation
Second opinion
Send any X-rays, MRI or reports and receive an independent assessment from a doctor for free
Support after the procedure
Not just the injection day: we keep in touch after the procedure and monitor the result
Joint treatment prices
Because the joint, the stage of the condition and the method all affect the cost, the doctor states it after the consultation
Service
Price
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Joint treatment: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between PRP and SVF?
PRP is a platelet-rich plasma produced from your blood, and SVF is a fraction of cells isolated from a small sample of adipose tissue. They have different modes of action and are often combined to enhance the regenerative effect in the joint.
Is the treatment safe?
Your own tissue is used in both methods, which keeps the risk of rejection or an allergic reaction very low. Any injection may cause temporary pain, swelling or bruising; infection is rare. The doctor explains your individual risks at the consultation.
How long does the effect last?
It depends. PRP usually gives an effect lasting from several months to about a year; with SVF it can last longer. Because the stage of the condition and your body affect the duration, no one can promise a fixed result.
Who should not have the procedure?
The procedure is ruled out for cancer, acute infections and blood clotting disorders, during pregnancy and during a flare-up of a serious chronic illness. This is checked by the doctor at the consultation.
Can I treat hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis) without surgery?
Early on, PRP or SVF injections plus exercise therapy and physiotherapy can lessen pain and improve how the joint moves. For a joint that is already badly damaged, replacement may be the more realistic option; after reviewing your scans the doctor will tell you honestly.
Can avascular necrosis of the hip be treated?
In the early stages (1–2), SVF therapy may be considered to support the blood supply to the femoral head and put off the need for joint replacement. Later stages usually require surgery.
Why try to avoid joint replacement?
With early or moderate changes, trying to keep your own joint first is often the sensible path — a replacement means major surgery, lengthy rehabilitation, risks such as infection and implants that might eventually be redone.
Can I get a second opinion on my scans?
Of course. Send the X-rays, MRI, CT or medical reports you have; a doctor reviews them free and tells you if the procedure could suit you and what further steps may be needed.
How soon can I return to normal life?
Usually after a day or two. Crutches and long rehabilitation are not needed; for the first weeks you get recommendations on load and exercise from the doctor.
Does the treatment help with shoulder pain?
PRP is an option for rotator cuff and shoulder joint problems, and SVF can be considered for more advanced arthritis of the shoulder. The doctor first pins down the cause of the pain, and suitability depends on it.
City Medical Centre licences
Other services at our clinic
Joint treatment in Sofia: a short guide
The earlier the stage, the better the chance of a lasting effect. That is why patients from Sofia start with a review of their X-rays or MRI: the doctor assesses the joint and tells you honestly whether SVF or PRP is likely to help or whether another option is more realistic.
It starts with a consultation: the doctor examines the joint and reviews your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound. Then a small blood sample and an adipose tissue sample are taken, processed in a centrifuge and injected into the joint under ultrasound guidance. For patients from Sofia, everything is done in one day.
Book a free consultation in Sofia to find out whether regenerative joint treatment suits you. The doctor names the price after examining the joint and reviewing your scans.
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