Cells present in adipose tissue are used to promote wound healing in a patient. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of regenerative cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the regenerative cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Accordingly, in a preferred method, cells present in adipose tissue are placed directly into a recipient along with such additives necessary to promote, engender or support a therapeutic benefit.