Although talk of stem cells happened as early as the 1950s and fat stem cells were described in the 1970s, November 1998 was when the world was introduced to the true potential of stem cell therapy. There is no doubt these tiny cells have changed medicine significantly. The revelation also opened the door for more research regarding other types of stem cells and how they can help those living with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, heart disease, and spinal cord injuries.
The Innovations Stem Cell Center is proud of our work with stem cells and using them to give hope back to many individuals living with an injury or an incurable or treatment-resistant disease.
Why Stem Cells?
Stem cells are small but mighty. These tiny cells can regenerate without end and give rise to all our organs and tissues. These factors mean significant healing power for you.
What Are the Types of Stem Cells?
Embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells, also known as pluripotent stem cells, are taken from human embryos. The embryos are created in a laboratory, and the cells are harvested during in-vitro fertilization. These cells can develop into any tissue in the body. The use of embryonic stem cells is controversial and banned in all states, except for specially authorized university research centers.
Adult stem cells. Adult stem cells are taken from organs and tissues in the body. Although they have been given the name “adult,” these stem cells are found in infants and children, too. Even stem cells found in umbilical cords are adult stem cells!
Adult stem cells can develop into many different types of tissues of the body, such as bone marrow and fat. This versatility makes them a valuable resource in treating a variety of health conditions. Innovations Stem Cell uses adult stem cells taken from the body’s fat tissue.
Induced pluripotent stem cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells, also known as iPSCs, were discovered in November 2016. These stem cells are adult stem cells that have been changed back into an embryonic-like state to become any tissue the body needs.
Why Does Innovations Medical Use Fat Stem Cells?
One reason is that most people have fat stem cells in abundance. No, we’re not saying you’re fat! We’re saying that most people have areas of unwanted fat tissue from which we can take fat to get the cells for their treatment. Also, fat is easily accessible and does not require invasive procedures (our process only requires a tiny bandage and just a few minutes). Fat stem cells do not need to be reprogrammed like iPSCs and do not have the controversy associated with embryonic stem cells.
Why Use Your Own Cells?
Using your own cells has its benefits. For one, it’s your tissue, which means there is no chance of rejection or adverse reaction. This means no need for immunosuppressant medications to manage how your body accepts the cells. In fact, your body quickly recognizes the cells after deployment and puts them to work to repair damaged tissues.
Do you want to learn more about stem cell therapy from Innovations Medical? Call (214) 643-8665 now with your questions.