FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS

WHAT ARE STEM CELLS?

Stem cells are cells that have not yet begun the differentiation process. Because of their undifferentiated nature, they have the potential to differentiate into different cell types, depending on the needs of the surrounding tissue, but they also retain their ability to multiply and migrate.

All tissues in the body have stem cells, some are dispersed, and others are in specific places. These cells can replace those that have deteriorated over time or due to tissue injury. To take the place of the lost cells, they must migrate to the site that needs them, differentiate, and mature functionally.

The differentiation process consists of several consecutive steps triggered by the environment surrounding the cells. The immune system plays a key role in the differentiation of stem cells after an injury. Regenerative treatments that seek to repair what has been damaged are based on the use of stem cells.

WHAT IS REGENERATIVE MEDICINE?

Regenerative medicine aims primarily to repair damaged tissues, improve conditions of worn-out tissues, even before clinical symptoms manifest.

Regenerative medicine seeks to enhance and facilitate natural repair processes. Interventions may enhance cellular metabolism, extending their productive lifespan and optimizing their functions; or they may introduce new material (new cells) to deficient tissues to improve their structure and function.

Ozone therapy, hyperbaric chamber treatments, anti-inflammatory diets, plasma exchange, chelation therapies, and trace element supplements have shown to improve cellular metabolism, thereby enhancing natural repair mechanisms.

Introducing new material to damaged tissues involves providing cells capable of replacing those lost, thereby enhancing the structure and function of the tissue. The cells used for this purpose are known as stem cells.

WHERE ARE STEM CELLS OBTAINED FROM?

Hypothetically, stem cells could be obtained from any tissue, but it is CHOSEN to obtain them from tissues where they are easy to extract and do not generate any additional damage. In adult individuals, these tissues are subcutaneous fat (fat below the skin) and bone marrow. Other sources from which stem cells can be obtained are the placenta and the umbilical cord.

WHICH CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED?

The conditions we treat can be found in the CONDITIONS TREATED section of this website. These include various cases of osteoarthritis, spinal cord injuries, muscle atrophy, and tendon or muscle injuries. There are many other conditions that can be treated with regenerative medicine or cell therapy. If you don’t find a description of your case, we invite you to contact us for further verification.

HOW ARE STEM CELLS OBTAINED?

The stem cells present in the fat are obtained by a micro liposuction in which local anesthesia is used. The fat is aspirated from the subcutaneous cellular tissue (tissue below the skin) of any part of the body. The most used sites for liposuction are the abdominal wall and the supra gluteal region.

The stem cells present in the bone marrow are obtained from a puncture and aspiration in the flat bones such as the sternum or pelvis. This procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia.

At the time of birth, tissues such as the placenta, umbilical cord, or Wharton’s jelly can be preserved. In all cases, the following steps must be followed:

Isolate stem cells and discard cells that are already differentiated. Culture the isolated stem cells to activate them metabolically and expand them in number.

If they are not planned to be used at that time, they can also be kept alive at very low temperature.

HOW MANY CELL IMPLANTS ARE NEEDED?

The number of implants and their frequency depend on each patient’s condition, the tissue to be regenerated, and the goals set together with the doctors. We provide personalized therapies with detailed monitoring of progress. In some cases, patients show satisfactory signs of recovery with just one implant. In others, two or more may be necessary. We invite you to contact us for a personalized evaluation of your case.

HOW ARE STEM CELLS IMPLANTED?

Implants are performed on an outpatient basis, with no need for hospitalization. Minimally invasive techniques are used, which also depend on the condition being treated.