swiss medicaStem cell therapy is an evolving medical approach designed to promote tissue repair and reduce chronic inflammation using regenerative cellular mechanisms. If you’re considering undergoing a stem cell therapy procedure, it is essential to understand each phase of the process to make informed decisions.
This guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step overview of what you can expect—from consultation to recovery—highlighting the therapeutic potential and key considerations.
What Is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell treatment process is a form of regenerative medicine that utilizes the ability of stem cells to activate the patient’s own natural healing processes. This allows for the repair of damaged tissue and normalization of body function. These therapies are applied in various fields, including:
- neurology,
- cardiology,
- orthopedics,
- immunology and many more.
The treatment involves harvesting, processing, and administering cells that have the ability to regenerate damaged tissue.
Why a Stem Cell Therapy May Be Needed
Stem cell therapy may be considered when conventional treatments fail to provide relief or when the goal is to promote regeneration and functional recovery at the cellular level.
Common Conditions Treated with Stem Cell Therapy Procedures
Stem cell therapy has gained prominence and has been adopted to treat a variety of pathologies and diseases. Studies have shown positive results for the following conditions:
- Metabolic conditions: diabetes, Crohn’s disease.
- Autoimmune conditions: lupus, hypothyroidism, myasthenia gravis, and Sjogren’s syndrome.
- Cardiovascular conditions: cardiomyopathy, post-heart attack conditions, post-stroke conditions.
- Pulmonary conditions: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection-related pulmonary fibrosis.
- Renal conditions: acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, atherosclerotic renovascular disease.
- Dermatological conditions: psoriasis, eczema, ulcers, burns, photoaging.
- Digestive conditions: cirrhosis of the liver, inflammatory bowel diseases, peptic ulcers.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Neurodegenerative and neurological conditions: multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and fibromyalgia.
This therapy is also being actively explored for neurodevelopmental conditions; for example, you can learn more about stem cell therapy for autism as part of its expanding clinical application.
Potential Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy
Unlike conventional therapies that often aim to manage symptoms, stem cell-based interventions focus on repairing and restoring the body’s tissues from within. These benefits can vary depending on the patient’s condition, the type of stem cells used, and the overall treatment plan, but many patients report noticeable improvements in their quality of life:
- Promotes tissue regeneration and healing
- Reduces systemic and local inflammation
- Minimizes dependency on pharmaceuticals
- Improves quality of life and long-term prognosis
Stem cell therapies are also explored in anti-aging and rejuvenation programs due to their regenerative potential.
Overview of the Stem Cell Transplant Process
Initial Consultation and Medical Evaluation
A board-certified medical team conducts an in-depth clinical evaluation to assess your condition, review your medical history, and determine if you are a candidate for a stem cell transplant procedure.
You will have a consultation with a specialist who will assess any specific health concerns related to your condition.
- Laboratory testing to assess general health and identify any imbalances or risk factors;
- Medical imaging to visualize internal structures and support diagnosis;
Harvesting Stem Cells
Sources of Stem Cells for Therapy
Stem cells used in therapy are typically derived either from the donor tissues (known as allogeneic sources, including the umbilical cord and placenta) or from the patient’s own body (referred to as autologous sources, such as adipose tissue, bone marrow, or peripheral blood). The choice of source depends on various factors, including the patient’s condition, urgency of treatment, and suitability of the material.
Preparing for Stem Cell Treatment
The process of stem cell therapy includes a series of detailed medical assessments, which may include:
- Blood tests;
- Functional evaluations to measure physical capabilities and system performance;
- Additional diagnostics based on your condition, which may include targeted tests or advanced technologies.
- Additional appointments with a regenerative medicine specialist to discuss the process of stem cell administration.
Together, these preparatory steps contribute to the overall effectiveness and safety of the adult stem cell procedure, helping to establish a physiological foundation conducive to healing.
Administering the Stem Cells
The stem cell injection process typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the route of infusion and individual patient factors. The procedure is minimally invasive and generally painless—most patients experience only mild discomfort, similar to a standard vaccination or IV placement. Local anesthesia or topical numbing agents may be used if needed to ensure maximum comfort during the administration.
Infusion Methods and What Happens During Treatment
| Intravenous (IV) | Delivered into the bloodstream via drip; commonly used for widespread therapeutic effects. |
| Intramuscular | Injected into muscle tissue for targeted healing of localized conditions. |
| Intrathecal | Administered into the spinal canal for central nervous system access. |
| Intra-articular | Injected directly into joints to support regeneration in conditions like arthritis. |
| Retrobulbar | Delivered near the eye to address certain vision-related issues. |
Monitoring Recovery After Therapy
Follow-up visits and continuous monitoring are vital components of the stem cell therapy process. During the initial 24–48 hours, medical staff track vital signs (e.g., temperature, blood pressure, inflammatory markers) and watch for any immediate adverse reactions.
After returning home, patients continue to be monitored through scheduled follow-ups, telehealth consultations, and self-reported symptom logs.
Watching for Early Signs of Improvement
Following the stem cell injection process, patients undergo a monitoring phase.
This period is essential, as it provides early indicators of the treatment’s effectiveness and helps guide subsequent care decisions. While individual responses vary depending on the condition being treated, many patients begin to notice subtle positive changes within the first few weeks:
- Improved mobility or function in targeted areas
- Reduced inflammation and pain
- Enhanced energy and mood
- Stabilized laboratory indicators (e.g., glucose, markers of inflammation)
Get a free online consultation
Want to learn more about cell therapy? Schedule a free online consultation with our regenerative medicine expert.
Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor
Recovery Timeline After Stem Cell Treatment
The recovery period following the stem cell therapy procedure is a gradual process that reflects the body’s natural healing mechanisms. While individual experiences may vary, many patients report changes over the course of several weeks as the body begins to respond to the therapy.
| Timeframe | Expected outcome |
| Weeks 1–2 | Patients may experience the effects of the stem cell regeneration process through reduced localized or systemic inflammation, along with subtle improvements in energy levels and comfort in the affected areas. |
| Months 2–3 | Enhanced physical performance, such as improved joint mobility or muscle strength, may be observed. Pain levels tend to decrease, and daily activities often become easier to perform. |
| Months 6-8 | During follow-up evaluations, many patients report better biomarkers, longer-lasting symptom relief, and a clearer return of function to damaged tissues or organs. |
Possible Risks and Complications
While stem cell therapy is widely considered safe when performed in accredited clinics by experienced professionals, it is essential for patients to understand that no medical procedure is entirely without risk.
The potential complications associated with the stem cell treatment procedure are typically mild and manageable, but informed awareness supports better decision-making and realistic expectations. The known risk factors include:
- Infection at the injection site
- Mild immune response or allergic reactions
- Temporary fever or headache
Stem Cell Therapy vs. Traditional Treatments: Key Differences
While traditional treatments often focus mostly on alleviating symptoms or managing disease progression through medication or surgery, stem cell treatment procedures may offer a cellular-level intervention aimed at repairing and restoring damaged tissue. This section outlines some distinctions between the two approaches.
| Aspect | Stem Cell Therapy | Traditional Treatment |
| Mechanism | Regeneration at cellular level | Mostly symptom management |
| Duration | Long-lasting effects | Short- to medium-term |
| Approach | Personalized | Pharmacological or surgical |
| Side effects | Minimal | Can be extensive |
Lifestyle Adjustments After Stem Cell Therapy
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits after stem cell therapy is key to supporting recovery and maintaining long-term benefits. Patients are encouraged to:
- Follow a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet
This helps reduce residual inflammation and provides the body with essential nutrients for healing. - Incorporate low-impact physical activities
Activities such as walking or gentle stretching can improve circulation and tissue oxygenation without placing unnecessary stress on the body.
Success Rates and Long-Term Outcomes
Outcomes depend on individual health status, underlying disease, and the process of stem cell therapy used. The long-term safety of MSC therapy in patients with severe COVID-19 cases has been established over a period of three years. MSC treatment is promising in its ability to promote lung recovery and enhance quality of life for patients grappling with long-term effects of the virus.
At leading stem cell clinics, patient-reported improvements range from 60–85% across various conditions. Swiss Medica reports an 80% success rate with stem cell therapy—and our patients’ testimonials speak for themselves.
Traveling for Stem Cell Therapy to Serbia: Things to Know
As an emerging medical hub in Europe, Serbia offers a rare combination of affordability, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and compliance with international standards—making it an attractive destination for stem cell therapy.
Swiss Medica, located in Belgrade, is a trusted clinic for international patients seeking high-quality regenerative care. We provide transparent pricing from €7,000 to €31,000* that includes accommodation. In our clinic, our patients can expect:
*The prices mentioned are indicative and subject to change based on individual factors, including the condition’s severity and the number of stem cells needed. Prices are valid as of January 2025.
- Personalized care
Therapies are tailored to each patient and delivered in a dedicated hospital setting with an in-house laboratory for optimal safety and quality. - Ethically sound procedures
We provide only safe, reliable adult stem cell procedures, which are well-proven for their safety. This approach helps our patients avoid the ethical and biological concerns associated with embryonic stem cells. - Accessibility for all
Our clinic is fully equipped for patients with limited mobility, offering barrier-free access, adapted rooms, elevators, and accessible airport transfers.
No matter which country patients choose for stem cell therapy, a smooth experience starts with the following steps:
- Verify the clinic’s reputation by reading patient evaluations.
- Clarify travel and visa requirements
- Ensure multilingual support and follow-up care are available
- Consider travel insurance and take advantage of coordinated patient services
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the procedure for stem cell therapy?
The stem cell treatment process includes medical evaluation, stem cell harvesting, conditioning, administration, and post-treatment monitoring.
2. How long does the stem cell transplant process take?
Depending on the source of the stem cells—whether autologous (from your own body) or allogeneic (from a donor)—the stem cell transplant process can take anywhere from three days to one month, from consultation to cell infusion.
3. What is the difference between adult and embryonic stem cells?
Adult stem cells, used in the adult stem cell process, are ethically sourced and have low immunogenicity. Embryonic stem cells are rarely used in stem cell therapy procedures due to ethical and safety concerns.
4. Is the process of stem cell therapy painful?
The stem cell therapy process is minimally invasive. Most patients report mild discomfort during harvesting or injection.
5. Is this a permanent solution?
While some patients experience long-term remission after a stem cell transplant procedure, individual results vary. Periodic treatments may be necessary for chronic conditions.
Contact Us
To learn about the expected results of stem cell therapy in your case, as well as details about the cost and duration of treatment, request a free online consultation.
Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor
List of References
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Jasim, S.A., Yumashev, A.V., Abdelbasset, W.K. et al. Shining the light on clinical application of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in autoimmune diseases. Stem Cell Res Ther 13, 101 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-022-02782-7
Bari E, Ferrarotti I, Saracino L, Perteghella S, Torre ML, Richeldi L, Corsico AG. Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Secretome for Post-COVID-19 Pulmonary Fibrosis: A New Therapy to Treat the Long-Term Lung Sequelae? Cells. 2021 May 14;10(5):1203. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10051203
Wang, Y., Yi, H. & Song, Y. The safety of MSC therapy over the past 15 years: a meta-analysis. Stem Cell Res Ther 12, 545 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-021-02609-x
The University of Chicago Medicine. The Stem Cell Transplant Process. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/cancer/types-treatments/stem-cell-transplant/process
Hernández R, Jiménez-Luna C, Perales-Adán J, Perazzoli G, Melguizo C, Prados J. Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells towards Neuronal Lineage: Clinical Trials in Nervous System Disorders. Biomol Ther (Seoul). 2020 Jan 1;28(1):34-44. doi.org/10.4062/biomolther.2019.065
MD, Pediatrician, Regenerative Medicine Specialist
