How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work?
Part of our Beginner’s Guide to Stem Cell Therapy
Medically reviewed by Bill Johnson, MD, Board Certified in Internal Medicine · Last reviewed: October 13, 2026
The short answer: Stem cell therapy works by placing cells that can send healing signals into the area that needs help. Researchers believe these cells mainly calm inflammation and support the body’s own repair, rather than replacing damaged tissue [4][5]. At Innovations Stem Cell Center, we use only your own fat-derived cells, collected and returned to you the same day. Individual results vary.
Key points
- Your own cells, from a small amount of your own fat.
- Collected, prepared and returned in one visit of about 4 hours (spine treatment about 5).
- Joint injections are ultrasound-guided by Dr. Johnson; an IV dose and AWT are included.
- Not FDA-approved. Medicare does not cover it.
What do the cells actually do?
Adult stem cells from fat, also called mesenchymal stem cells or MSCs, can renew themselves and develop into some other cell types [4]. In treatment, researchers think their main effect comes from the signals they release, sometimes called “paracrine” effects. These signals may:
- Calm inflammation.
- Support blood flow.
- Encourage the body’s own repair cells [4][5].
Think of the cells less as “spare parts” and more as messengers. Many patients report improvement in pain and function. Individual results vary.
Why we use your own fat-derived cells
- Plentiful: fat is one of the richest sources of these cells in the body [4][5]. See how sources compare.
- Your own tissue: there’s no donor-tissue mismatch [4].
- No donor cells, ever: many of our patients are very sick. The risk of an immune response from donor cells isn’t worth it, so we use only your own cells.
Step by step: your treatment day
- Check-in and review. Dr. Johnson and the team go over your health, imaging and plan.
- Fat collection. A small mini-liposuction is done under local anesthesia, usually from the belly or flank.
- Preparing your cells. Your cells are prepared the same day. They never leave the procedure, and they are not mixed with anyone else’s.
- Returning your cells.
- Joint injections are guided by ultrasound and given by Dr. Johnson, so the cells go where they’re intended.
- Spine treatment is performed with Dr. Davis.
- You also receive an IV dose of your cells.
- Acoustic wave therapy (AWT). An AWT session is included.
- Going home. Total time is about 4 hours (spine about 5). Most people go home the same day with aftercare instructions.
What conditions are being studied?
Researchers are studying fat-derived cells for joint and tissue problems, inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, and more [4][5]. Study results don’t predict results for any one person. See our condition pages (knee, shoulder, back, COPD, autoimmune) and what stem cells are used for.
Is it FDA-approved, and how is it regulated?
- Not FDA-approved. Our treatment is not an FDA-approved product, and the FDA has not approved stem cell or fat-derived cell treatments for joint, lung or most other conditions [1][2].
- The rule our process falls under: FDA rules include an exception for cells removed from a patient and returned to that same patient during the same surgical procedure [3]. Our process uses your own cells, returned the same day.
- Insurance: Medicare does not cover this treatment.
How soon might I notice a change?
It varies. Some patients report changes within weeks; for others it takes longer, and some notice little change. Individual results vary, and no specific outcome can be promised. Dr. Johnson will talk with you about realistic expectations.
Is stem cell therapy safe?
Every procedure has risks, such as soreness, bruising or infection where the fat is collected or the cells are injected. The FDA has reported serious harms with unapproved cell products and encourages patients to ask how products are made and tested [1]. See Is stem cell therapy safe?
Next steps
- Compare cell sources: Umbilical cord, amniotic, exosomes or your own fat cells?
- See if you may qualify: eligibility
- Call 972-893-9849 to schedule a consultation. Book a Consultation
Frequently asked questions
How does stem cell therapy work?
Cells from your own fat are returned to the area that needs help. Researchers believe they mainly release signals that may calm inflammation and support the body’s own repair. Individual results vary.
Are the stem cells from me or a donor?
Always from you. We never use donor cells, because many of our patients are very sick and the risk of an immune response from donor cells isn’t worth it.
How long does the procedure take?
About 4 hours from start to finish. Spine treatment takes about 5 hours and is performed with Dr. Davis.
How are the cells put into the joint?
Joint injections are guided by ultrasound and given by Dr. Johnson. You also receive an IV dose of your cells and an AWT session.
Does stem cell therapy work?
Many patients report improvement in pain and function, but individual results vary and no specific outcome can be promised.
Is it FDA-approved or covered by Medicare?
No. The treatment is not FDA-approved, and Medicare does not cover it.
Will I need to stay overnight?
No. Most people go home the same day with aftercare instructions.
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/
