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Whether it’s the mode of action, areas of application, procedure, risks, or costs – these FAQs for stem cell therapy are aimed at patients who wish to be comprehensively informed and offer you well-founded, generally understandable information based on the latest scientific knowledge. The FAQs are intended for patients considering stem cell therapy, as well as anyone who wants comprehensive information. The goal is to help you with your personal decision-making and create transparency.
Most patients are suitable for cell therapy. There are only a few exceptions.
For example, treated high blood pressure, taking blood-thinning medication, diabetes, obesity, advanced age, or asthma do not pose a problem.
In cases of acute cancer, a risk assessment must be carried out in your personal case. There is no data or general recommendations for treating patients with acute cancer treatment or disease with cell therapy.
Age is not an obstacle – in the oldest patient at 94 years, no difference was observed compared to younger patients, with a cell count of 50.4 million living cells.
As we age, the number of stem cells in most tissues decreases. This leads to degeneration, as insufficient tissue can be regenerated. Cell therapy is one of the few ways to halt this process and regenerate damaged tissue “naturally.”
The principle is simple: tissues rich in stem cells serve as donors for tissues low in stem cells. For example, fat becomes the donor in aesthetic applications.
Cell therapy has been used worldwide for approximately 20 years. The application of highly concentrated cells and their components can bring about regeneration of the treated tissue and normalization of disturbed metabolism.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are special stem cells that can develop primarily in bone, cartilage, muscle, or adipose tissue. They have anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. In contrast, other types of stem cells, such as blood stem cells, can only form specific cell lines, such as blood cells. MSCs are more versatile for tissue regeneration and healing.
Basic research on stem cell therapy dates back to the 1960s. The first human applications in the orthopedic field began in the 2000s. Since then, the method has continuously evolved, particularly regarding safety and application protocols.
When properly applied by experienced medical professionals, stem cell therapy is well-tolerated. In rare cases, local reactions or infections may occur. Severe side effects are very rare and usually due to improper application.
Aesthetic stem cell therapy is a minimally invasive method for skin rejuvenation, in which the body’s own stem cells from adipose tissue are used for skin regeneration and reactivation. It works from within – entirely without artificial fillers or surgery.
Commonly treated areas include the face, neck, décolletage, hands, and double chin. The therapy is particularly effective for wrinkles, loss of elasticity, pigmentation disorders, or tired, dull skin.
First, a small amount of fat (approx. 50–120 ml) is removed from the abdominal or hip area. From this, stem cells are isolated, processed in a sterile procedure, and then injected into the desired skin areas – usually under local anesthesia.
The therapy is well-tolerated. The extraction is performed under local anesthesia, as is the injection. Mild swelling or feelings of tension afterwards are normal and subside quickly.
First effects, such as increased freshness and moisture, usually appear after 2–4 weeks. The full effect (e.g., firmer skin, wrinkle reduction) develops over 2–6 months – depending on individual regeneration.
The results can last 1 to 3 years or longer – depending on skin condition, age, and lifestyle. A refresh is individually possible, usually not before 12 months.
In contrast to Botox (muscle relaxation) and fillers (volume building), stem cell therapy has a regenerative effect. It permanently improves skin structure, entirely without a “mask-like” appearance. The result is natural and sustainable.
Yes. The backs of the hands often show early signs of aging such as thin skin, visible veins, or pigmentation disorders. Stem cell therapy can restore volume, improve skin quality, and visibly rejuvenate the hands.
Yes. Stem cells stimulate skin renewal, which can be very helpful for scars, hyperpigmentation, or an uneven complexion – especially in combination with microneedling or PRP.
Basically, anyone who desires natural-looking skin rejuvenation – ideally between 30–70 years of age, with good general health and realistic expectations.
There is no fixed limit, but for very mature or severely damaged skin, the results may be less pronounced. Even at an advanced age, the therapy can help – especially if some skin elasticity is still present.
The entire procedure (fat extraction, processing, injection) takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Afterwards, you are usually immediately able to resume daily activities.
Physical exertion, sports, sauna, or alcohol should be avoided for the first 48 hours. The skin may be red or swollen for 1–2 days – this subsides quickly.
A single treatment often shows good effects. In combination with 1–2 additional plasma sessions, the effect can often be further enhanced. Touch-ups are individually possible.
Even with sun-damaged or rough skin, the complexion can improve. The therapy activates cell renewal and provides more vitality – however, the results for severely damaged skin are often moderate.
Severe side effects are extremely rare. Possible reactions include small bruises, temporary swelling, or redness. Since the body’s own cells are used, the treatment is very well-tolerated.
PRP contains growth factors from the blood; stem cells are active repair cells. PRP has an anti-inflammatory and short-term revitalizing effect; stem cells are regenerative long-term. Both procedures can be combined effectively.
In most cases, yes – depending on your profession and personal feeling. Minor swelling or redness can be covered with makeup. If there is a visible needling effect, a 1–2 day break is advisable.
The exact cell count depends on the procedure – typically several hundred thousand regenerative cells per application. Biological quality is crucial, not just the quantity.
Yes – as long as the cells are used fresh and minimally manipulated, the therapy is approved in Germany. It may only be performed by qualified doctors under sterile conditions.
Certain pre-existing conditions such as active cancer, HIV, severe liver or kidney diseases, and inflammatory rheumatic diseases in an acute flare-up can be exclusion criteria. The therapy is also usually advised against in cases of severe immunodeficiency or significantly impaired healing.
No, stem cell therapy may only be performed by qualified physicians. These include, in particular, specialists in orthopedics, trauma surgery, or regenerative medicine with special training and experience in this field. In Germany, its application is also subject to legal requirements and must be officially approved.
Mit zunehmendem Alter nimmt die Regenerationsfähigkeit von Stammzellen leicht ab. Nevertheless, even older stem cells usually still possess sufficient regenerative potential to effectively support therapy. More important than biological age is the overall state of health and the quality of the harvested cell material.
Yes, older patients can also benefit from stem cell therapy. Especially at an advanced age, stem cell therapy can help avoid the risks associated with anesthesia while still providing a side-effect-free treatment. A thorough medical preliminary examination clarifies whether stem cell therapy is appropriate in individual cases.
Obesity is not a fundamental exclusion criterion. Since stem cells are often harvested from adipose tissue, being overweight can even be advantageous in terms of cell quantity.
Körpereigene Stammzellen (autolog) stammen vom Patienten selbst und bergen kein Risiko für Abstoßungsreaktionen oder Infektionen. Foreign stem cells (allogeneic) come from donors and require extensive safety testing. In Germany, autologous therapies are primarily legally permitted and medically preferred.
Not necessarily. Many therapies use fresh, non-expanded stem cells directly after processing from fat. In special cases, laboratory expansion may be beneficial, for example when cell count is low. However, these procedures are subject to strict legal requirements.
Distinction between allogeneic (from another person) and autologous (own cells) and fresh versus lab-expanded…
Fresh stem cells are processed and used directly after harvesting. They are biologically “unchanged.” Lab-expanded stem cells are specifically cultured, which allows for higher cell counts – but can also alter the cells’ properties and potentially make them less effective. In Germany, expansion is only permitted in approved studies or specialized centers.
PRP therapy costs approximately 300 to 800 euros per treatment, depending on the clinic and region. Several sessions are usually necessary. Compared to stem cell therapy, PRP is significantly cheaper but often has a more limited effect. The costs are generally not covered by statutory health insurance.
Autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) is a complex procedure and costs between 10,000 and 20,000 euros, depending on the case. For certain indications, statutory and private health insurance companies cover the costs.
The quality of stem cell therapy depends on several factors: the physician’s experience, the technique used, the purity and number of cells, and hygiene standards. High-quality providers use validated procedures, work under sterile conditions, and possess medical approvals. University hospitals and specialized orthopedic centers usually offer high standards.
Countries such as the USA, South Korea, Spain, and Germany are among the leading nations in stem cell therapy research and application. In the USA, there is a large number of clinical studies. An objective comparison is difficult because the study situation and documentation are not always consistent.