What are stem cells?
Stem cells are unspecialized cells that maintain and repair tissues. Stem cells are unique in that they have the potential to develop into many different types of cells. In regeneration, stem cells may seek out areas that need repair or restoration. Our body’s natural healing process is fairly efficient, but modern science can accelerate the process.
Where do stem cells come from?
There are primarily two types of stem cells used for treatments: embryonic and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos. Adult stem cells can be derived from a patient’s own body. Adult stem cells exist throughout the body, however the most abundant (and accessible) source is abdominal fat.
What is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell therapy is the process of isolating adult stem cells from abdominal fat and reintroducing them into the body where they can do the most good. The process begins with extracting a few ounces of fat from the patient in a “mini” liposuction procedure. Once the fat is removed, the stem cells are isolated utilizing the state-of-the-art Healeon Medical CENTRIcyte 1000 Centrifuge. Once isolated, the stem cells are then re-introduced to the body by IV and/or by injection for more localized treatments. Local treatments can help with knee, shoulder and other joint pain. Stem cells can also be applied to the face, neck and scalp using a micro-needle system to give you a more healthy and youthful look. The treatments are outpatient procedures conducted in a sterile environment in your doctor’s office utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. Under sedation and local anesthesia, the process is relatively painless and safe with minimal downtime.
What kind of ailments can stem cell therapy help?
Stem cell therapy may improve a variety of conditions. Our patients have shown significant improvement in:
- Blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Crohn’s Disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Joint pain
- Muscular degeneration
Stem cell therapy patients have also reported higher energy levels, better sleep and overall improved quality of life. No treatment can be guaranteed, and outcomes will vary from patient to patient. Your doctor will conduct an individual assessment to determine the best course of action.
How long does the liposuction take?
The “mini” liposuction only takes about 20 minutes. Once the fat has been extracted, the patient can relax or sleep while the stem cells are isolated.
Am I going have scars?
You may have small “punch” marks that look similar to small moles. Following the procedure careful care will help minimize the scar tissue. What happens after the liposuction? Following your liposuction, the medical staff will isolate your stem cells while you wait. Most patients will sleep during this time.
How does the stem cell isolation process work?
Utilizing the CENTRIcyte 1000 Centrifuge, the medical staff will perform four separate steps to isolate your stem cells. The process is completely closed and sterile for your safety.
Is the Healeon Medical CENTRIcyte 1000 FDA approved?
The Healeon Medical CENTRIcyte 1000 is one of few devices to be FDA registered and utilizes a FDA compliant process for autologous cell isolation at the point of care.
What happens after you are done isolating the stem cells?
Once your stem cells have been isolated, your physician will reintroduce them into your body with an intravenous mix of saline and stem cells. If you have elected local application, you physician will inject stem cells directly into the areas of concern. Application to the face, neck and scalp for cosmetic purposes may also occur at this time.
How long does the entire procedure take?
Most patient procedures will be complete within 3 to 4 hours.
Can I go home afterwards?
Stem cell therapy is an outpatient procedure. Patients will be able to go home immediately following completion of the procedure.
Can I drive myself home?
No, you will need someone to drive you home.
How long is the recovery?
Many patients are able to go back to work on the following day. However, you may be sore for about a week following the procedure. We ask you to refrain from exercise for at least a week.
How long does it take to see improvement?
Individual ailments vary and the outcome of Stem Cell therapy depends on your body’s unique healing process. Some patient may experience results immediately or within just days of receiving Stem cell therapy. Other patients have taken months to reach optimal resolution of their ailment. No one can guarantee the outcome for this or any treatment. Each patient is different and results will vary. Your physician will determine a treatment plan tailored specifically for your condition that gives you the best chance for success.
How long will the benefit last?
Results will vary from patient to patient depending on the ailment and the natural variation in isolated cells. Results have been shown to last 5+ years depending on the ailment and the age/overall health of the patient.
Is the stem cell isolation procedure FDA approved?
Currently all procedures utilizing stem cells to treat specific ailments are considered experimental. However there are more than 3500 clinical studies being conducted for specific applications and all have demonstrated significant promise in ailments that have otherwise been unresponsive to conventional treatments. The procedures are carried out utilizing FDA cleared and registered equipment and all fall within the FDA regulations for transferring tissue.
Do you modify my stem cells?
No. Your stem cells are simply isolated from your fat and reintroduced to your body. Your stem cells are not manipulated or modified in any way.
Can you guarantee results?
No treatment can be guaranteed. Results vary from patient to patient. However, approximately 90% of our patients have experienced positive results.
Can I save my stem cells for later use?
Stem cells can be stored in the US. However, the issue is being able to retrieve them for therapeutic use after they’ve been stored. The cryo-preservatives that are added into the sample can be seen as manipulating the tissue. This is why we choose to store the fat as no preservatives are added which ensures we comply with FDA regulations.
