Stem Cell Therapy: A Beginner's Guide

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Medically reviewed by Bill Johnson, MD, Board Certified in Internal Medicine · Last reviewed: October 13, 2026

The short answer: Stem cell therapy uses cells that can help support the body’s own repair processes. At Innovations Stem Cell Center in Dallas, treatment uses only your own fat-derived cells, collected and returned to you the same day. Many patients report improvement in pain and function. Individual results vary, and this treatment is not FDA-approved.

Key points

Your own cells only. No donor cells, ever.
One visit: about 4 hours (spine treatment about 5 hours).
Joint injections are guided by ultrasound and given by Dr. Johnson.
An IV dose and acoustic wave therapy (AWT) are included.
Not FDA-approved, and Medicare does not cover it.

In this guide: 1 What is a stem cell? · 2 How does it work? · 3 What conditions are being studied? · 4 Is it safe? · 5 Is it FDA-approved? · 6 Where do the cells come from? · 7 What are MSCs? · 8 Who may qualify? · 9 What does it cost? · 10 What to expect · 11 Patient stories

1. What is a stem cell?

A stem cell is a type of cell that can renew itself and, in some cases, develop into other cell types. Adult stem cells are found in many tissues, including fat (adipose tissue) and bone marrow [4].

Read more: What is a stem cell?

2. How does stem cell therapy work?

Researchers believe these cells work mainly by releasing signals that may calm inflammation and support repair, rather than by simply “replacing” damaged tissue [4][5]. At our center, a small amount of your fat is collected, your cells are prepared, and they are returned to you the same day.

Read more: How does stem cell therapy work?

3. What conditions are being studied?

Researchers are studying fat-derived cells for joint, tissue and inflammatory conditions, among others [4][5]. Research is ongoing, and results in studies don’t promise results for any one person.

Read more: What are stem cells used for? · Condition pages: knee, shoulder, back, COPD, autoimmune.

4. Is it safe?

Every medical procedure carries risks. The FDA has reported serious problems, such as infections, with unapproved cell products, and it warns patients to ask questions [1]. Using your own cells avoids donor-tissue mismatch [4]. That is one reason we never use donor cells: many of our patients are very sick, and the risk of an immune response isn’t worth it. Dr. Johnson will review your health history and the risks with you.

Read more: Is stem cell therapy safe?

5. Is it FDA-approved?

No. The FDA has approved only a short list of cell-based products, mostly for blood and immune disorders [2]. It has not approved stem cell or fat-derived cell treatments for joint, lung or most other conditions [1]. Our treatment uses your own cells, returned to you during the same procedure. FDA rules include a separate exception for cells used this way [3]. We will explain how our process is regulated at your consultation.

Read more: Is stem cell therapy FDA-approved?

6. Where do the cells come from?

Cells can come from your own fat or bone marrow, or from donated birth tissue such as umbilical cord or amniotic products. Lab studies of several commercial birth-tissue products found no living cells [6]. Exosomes are not cells, and the FDA says no exosome products are FDA-approved [7].

7. What are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)?

MSCs are a type of adult stem cell found in fat, bone marrow and other tissues. Fat is one of the richest sources of these cells in the body [4][5].

Read more: Mesenchymal stem cells explained

8. Who may qualify?

Candidates are people with conditions where research suggests cells may help, who are healthy enough for a small fat collection. Dr. Johnson reviews your history, imaging and goals before recommending treatment.

Read more: Who may qualify and next steps

9. What does it cost?

Pricing is listed in the FAQ below and on our cost page. Medicare does not cover this treatment. Financing options are available.

Read more: Cost and financing options

10. What to expect on treatment day and after

Arrival and check-in.
Fat collection: a small mini-liposuction under local anesthesia.
Preparing your cells: done the same day.
Return of your cells: joint injections are guided by ultrasound and given by Dr. Johnson. You also receive an IV dose and an AWT session.
Time: about 4 hours in total, or about 5 hours for spine treatment, which is performed with Dr. Davis.
Afterward: most people go home the same day with written aftercare instructions.

Read more: What to expect after treatment · Stem cells and alcohol: what you need to know

11. Patient stories

Many patients report improvement in pain, mobility and daily activity. Individual results vary.

Read more: Patient stories

Ready to learn more?

Call 972-893-9849 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bill Johnson at Innovations Stem Cell Center, Dallas. Book a Consultation

Frequently asked questions

What is stem cell therapy?

Stem cell therapy uses cells that may help support the body’s natural repair processes. At Innovations Stem Cell Center, we use only your own fat-derived cells, collected and returned the same day. Individual results vary.

Do you use donor or umbilical cord cells?

No. We never use donor cells. Many of our patients are very sick, and the risk of an immune response from donor cells isn’t worth it, so we use only your own cells.

Is stem cell therapy FDA-approved?

No. The FDA has not approved stem cell or fat-derived cell treatments for joint, lung or most other conditions. We explain how our same-day process is regulated at your consultation.

Does Medicare cover stem cell therapy?

No. Medicare does not cover this treatment. Financing options are available.

How long does treatment take?

About 4 hours. Spine treatment takes about 5 hours.

Does stem cell therapy work?

Many patients report improvement in pain and function. Individual results vary, and no specific outcome can be promised.

Is the procedure painful?

Fat collection is done under local anesthesia. Most people report mild soreness or bruising afterward.

How much does treatment cost?

The first treatment is $16,500, which includes the AWT (acoustic wave therapy) session and the IV dose. Spine treatment is $19,000. Medicare does not cover this treatment. Call 972-893-9849 to discuss financing options.

Sources

FDA. Important Patient and Consumer Information About Regenerative Medicine Therapies. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/consumers-biologics/important-patient-and-consumer-information-about-regenerative-medicine-therapies
FDA. Approved Cellular and Gene Therapy Products. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/cellular-gene-therapy-products/approved-cellular-and-gene-therapy-products
21 CFR 1271.15 (exceptions, incl. same surgical procedure). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-L/part-1271/subpart-A/section-1271.15
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells as a Tool in Cell-Based Therapies (review). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5085986/
Mizuno H. Adipose-derived stem cells for tissue repair and regeneration: ten years of research and a literature review. J Nippon Med Sch. 2009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19443990/
Becktell L, et al. Proteomic Analysis and Cell Viability of Nine Amnion, Chorion, Umbilical Cord, and Amniotic Fluid–Derived Products. Cartilage. 2021. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8804846/
FDA. Public Safety Notification on Exosome Products. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/safety-availability-biologics/public-safety-notification-exosome-products