Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is stem cell therapy right for me?

Stem cells are our body’s natural healing mediators, which formulate a tailored response to many offending conditions within the body. This gives them a relatively wide range of application. But like any medical approach, they have their limits, and are not appropriate for all medical problems. Some factors that you should take into account when considering stem cell therapy are:

  • Chronic autoimmune, metabolic, or neurological conditions
  • Back pain, neuropathy, stiff or sore joints
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Need to improve organ function
  • Frailty from aging
  • Inadequate conventional solutions
  • Desire to avoid or minimize drugs or surgery
  • Desire for quicker and improved healing
  • Improved sexual wellness

Perhaps you have not felt well in a long time, feel powerless to get control of your condition, or wish to resume activities that you love but in which you can no longer participate.

Whether you are a good candidate for stem cell treatment can be determined through consultation with a medical professional who has specialized knowledge and experience. Primavera Regenerative MedicineTM can set up a doctor consultation for you to further explore stem cell therapy.

2. Is stem cell therapy a cure for my condition?

Stem cells may be thought of as a biological “reset switch” that offers hope for an improved quality of life. In many cases, they can reduce pain and inflammation, allow for better and faster recovery from injuries, alleviate symptoms or complications of disease, slow or reverse disease progression, or enhance physical or mental performance. They are not a definitive cure for disease, but patients often find relief where other options have failed. Results vary according to a variety of factors, such as the disease condition and degree of progression, general patient health, age, diet, exercise regimen, genetics, etc.

3. Is stem cell therapy safe?

There is no such thing as a medical procedure that is 100% risk-free. The risk of infection is minimal, but always possible with medical interventions. Nevertheless, the safety record of stem cell medicine is outstanding. Of the hundreds of thousands of treatments that have been provided to-date using umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells, there are no registered deaths or long-term adverse side effects. Safety is maintained through proper testing of stem cell batches for quality control, and adherence to relevant regulations and international standards for tissue handling.

4. What side effects can I expect from the treatment?

Short-term side effects may include pain or swelling at the injection site, and some patients will experience chills and/or flu-like symptoms for several hours after treatment. Because the therapy uses natural substances that support rather than alter biological chemistry, there are no long-term side effects.

5. Do I have to travel outside of the U.S. to receive stem cell treatment?

That depends on the treatment that you are seeking. Other than bone marrow transplants (a form of stem cell therapy), the FDA has not approved stem cell treatments in the U.S. There are certain techniques for which non-legally-binding guidance has been provided, and various clinics are offering regenerative options for orthopedic conditions (typically using 1 – 5 million cells). A major advantage in Latin America is that young, active stem cells can be cultured to a substantially increased number. A high stem cell count (typically, 100 million to 300 million cells) of highly active mesenchymal stem cells has been correlated to the best results for many diseases in clinical trial studies and in practical experience. More treatment protocols are also available abroad for the highest probability of success.

6. What can I expect if I travel abroad to receive stem cell treatment?

At Primavera Regenerative Medicine,TM our highest priorities are to guide all patients to world-class facilities where they will receive outstanding care, and to ensure safety and comfort at all times. When you travel abroad for treatment, you will be supported from the moment you arrive in the foreign country until departure. Transportation will be provided to and from the airport, and between the hotel and clinic. Different lodging options are available, depending on your budget or preference. Dinners and tours can be arranged if you would like to experience the local destination. Translation services can also be provided.

7. What should I look for in a clinic?

An appropriate clinic should be one that offers a personalized treatment plan with clear and upfront pricing, and incorporates stem cell supportive applications like ultrasound guidance, vitamin infusion, and other complementary therapies applicable to your case. The medical staff should ideally specialize in regenerative medicine, with knowledge and experience in this field. Look for modern and clean facilities, and an organization that follows the relevant domestic regulations and international standards for tissue handling to ensure safety and efficacy. Other considerations include the types of cells that will be used, the quality of the cells, and what treatments are offered. If receiving cultured umbilical cord stem cells, the cells gradually lose activity with each processing step, known as a passage. They should be cultured using a state-of-the-art methodology, and be no more than passage 6-7. The best clinics can demonstrate with laboratory results that the injected serum contains at least 90% live cells.

8. What is the cost of stem cell therapy and is it covered by insurance?

The cost of stem cell therapy is reasonable when compared to traditional treatments, such as surgery or pharmaceutical medications. Stem cell medicine is not covered by insurance at this time.

For most patients, the investment into their health will be in the range of $10-25k USD at our partner clinics, which provide exceptional products and services. Some other premiere clinics may charge around double this price. Our partner clinics are able to offer more affordable pricing by controlling the entire process, from cell extraction and laboratory processing, to the final application. The quality of products and services offered is every bit as good, and in some ways arguably even better considering the complementary therapies that are typically included in the standard treatment cost.

Severe cases may involve additional expenses due to a high stem cell count, involvement of medical specialists, and/or use of hospital surgery rooms. We arrange doctor consultations for prospective patients. If the doctor determines that you are a good candidate for stem cell therapy, you will be provided with the treatment plan and exact cost for your particular case.

9. Is there anything that I need to do when receiving stem cell therapy?

Patients should make an attempt to meet the stem cells “half-way.” Remember, this is an opportunity for you to take back control of your health. Make an attempt to eat healthy and exercise, as appropriate according to your ability and state of health. Stem cell medical professionals may have specific recommendations for you depending on the particular circumstances. Consult with your physician when making changes that may impact your health.

10. Will I have to return for follow-up treatments?

Every patient comes with their own unique circumstances. The need for additional treatments will vary on a case-by-case basis. Individuals with advanced chronic diseases that have been developing over years cannot, in general, expect to reverse these long-term problems after a single treatment. For conditions with lower severity, it may be a simpler matter that does not require additional visits. An assessment of probable outcome for any specific case should be conducted with a qualified medical professional.