Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are stem cells?
A. Stem cells are the basic building blocks of life, the basic cell from which our bodies are made. They are formed
at conception and specialized to become all the different tissues of the body: muscle, nerve, organs, bone, blood and so on.
We tap into our body’s stem cell reserve to repair and replace injured or diseased tissue. Unfortunately, our reserve is finite and as it becomes depleted, the regenerative power of our body decreases and we succumb to diseases and to the ravages of aging.
Q. What are the sources of stem cells from one’s own body?
A. There are three sources from a patient that can be used clinically; these are bone marrow, peripheral blood and fat (adipose). The best source to harvest stem cell from one’s body is the FAT. It is rich in mesenchymal stem cells and more than 100x more can be harvested as compared to bone marrow.
Q. What are other sources of Stem Cells?
A. Cellular Therapeutics and Bio-Medical Solutions are able to provide fresh cells from Disease-Free Xenogenic Fetal Sources that have the most activity for proliferation and renewing old and aging cells. Live Cells of specific organs can be given and are called Precursor Stem Cells or Fresh Frozen Cells. Cellular Extracts or Peptides may also be given to aging organs of the patients concern.
Q. Are there any side effects to this kind of treatment?
A. Generally speaking, aside from the initial pain at the injection site, the patient will not experience any discomfort. Not one patient has developed a minor fever, headache or nausea. No long-term negative side effects have been reported.
Q. How long will it take to see results?
A. Each treatment and patient is unique, and there is no guarantee of what results will be seen or how quickly they may be observed. Some patients have commented on changes during the course of their treatment, others have seen more upon returning home.
Q. How much does this stem cell treatment cost?
A. In other countries and clinics, cost of treatment ranges from $10,000-$15,000 USD based on a myriad of other factors. Cost can also depend on the type of treatment required and will be discussed with you following patient application and diagnosis. The cost of treatment includes the treatment itself, pre-op medical examination and post-op care.
Q. Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?
A. Presently, insurance companies do not cover adult stem cell therapy.
Q. How do stem cells work?
A. Essentially, stem cells are progenitor cells which are capable of regeneration and differentiation into a wide range of specialized cell types. Once injected, stem cells follow inflammatory signals from damaged tissues and have multiple ways of repairing these damaged areas.
Q. What kind of stem cells are used?
A. The stem cells are derived from the patient's own body fat.
Q. How invasive are the procedures?
A. All of the treatments given are out-patient procedures. If your treatment consists of fat-derived stem cells, a small liposuction procedure will be performed. This is a minor surgical procedure, however you will not be required to stay in the hospital overnight.
Q. Will there be other drugs I need to take?
A. The doctors will not necessarily prescribe any medication as a part of your treatment; however they may advise a healthy regimen following the treatment.
Q. Does smoking or drinking affect the therapy?
A. Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking can both be detrimental to new progenitor stem cells. It is highly advisable that people do not smoke or drink during their treatment.
Q. How long will it take to get an appointment?
A. The doctor will review the patient’s medical records. It will then take 2 to 3 days to review the records and get back to the patient and review the treatment options. Then we will schedule the patient for the next available appointment. The process of scheduling takes 7-10 days from initial contact to the date of the first appointment.
Q. How do I apply to become a patient?
A. Please enter your personal information and details in the "Contact Us" section, and we will get right back to you.
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