Stem cell injections with Dr. Mark Ghalili offer a minimally invasive way to support patients with chronic pain, injuries, and degenerative conditions. Here’s what stem cell therapy may assist with, how it works, and what to expect if you’re considering this approach.
There’s a reason more patients are exploring stem cell injections before committing to surgery.
Stem cell therapy uses your body’s own cells to support healing in areas affected by injury, inflammation, or degeneration. At Regenerative Medicine LA, Dr. Mark Ghalili performs stem cell injections with a focus on precision, safety, and individualized patient care. For the right patient, stem cell treatment may offer a path to supporting pain relief and function without the risks and recovery of surgery.
Stem cell therapy may assist patients dealing with joint discomfort, inflammation, or tissue degeneration by supporting the body’s natural repair processes. At our clinic, patients commonly ask about stem cell therapy for concerns involving:
The best candidates are typically patients with mild to moderate degeneration who are looking for a regenerative approach that may help support comfort, mobility, and function while exploring options that are less invasive than surgery.
Stem cell injections for the knee may help support a healthier joint environment by assisting the body’s natural response to inflammation, tissue stress, and mobility challenges. This approach is commonly considered by patients with knee osteoarthritis, meniscus-related concerns, or mild to moderate joint degeneration.
Some patients report improved comfort, mobility, or daily function over time, though results vary and are not guaranteed. The best candidates are typically those with mild to moderate degeneration rather than advanced bone-on-bone arthritis. Learn more about Stem Cell Therapy for Knees.
Targeted injections into areas of tendon or cartilage concern may help support the body’s natural repair processes and assist with comfort, mobility, and function. This approach is commonly considered by patients with partial rotator cuff injuries, labral concerns, or arthritis-related shoulder discomfort.
By supporting the local healing environment, stem cells may assist with range of motion and strength for everyday activity or athletic movement. Complete tendon tears may still require surgical evaluation, but regenerative therapy may be an option for certain partial injuries when appropriate.
Stem cell injections may be placed near facet joints, discs, or sacroiliac joints to help support inflammatory balance and the body’s natural repair response. Patients with degenerative disc disease or facet arthritis may consider this option as part of a personalized care plan. Some patients report improved comfort or mobility, though results vary.
Stem cell therapy for hips may assist with pain and function in patients with arthritis, labral tears, and impingement-related injuries. Injections may support cartilage and soft tissue repair, often helping patients walk longer distances or return to activity without surgery. Many choose this therapy as a less invasive option that may help delay or avoid hip replacement surgery.
In stem cell protocols for multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, or stroke, stem cells may release factors that help support inflammatory balance and neural repair processes. Some patients report improvements in balance, strength, or fatigue, although results vary widely. These uses are still considered investigational and require careful case-by-case evaluation.
Stem cells may help support immune system balance. By assisting the body’s response to chronic inflammation, they may be considered for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme disease, lupus, or Crohn’s disease. While promising, these applications remain investigational, and treatment plans are personalized to each patient’s disease activity and history.
In investigational programs, stem cells have shown potential to support blood vessel growth and assist with scarring-related concerns in conditions like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or heart failure. Some patients may report improvements in breathing capacity or exercise tolerance. Because these are advanced applications, transparency and patient selection are essential.
Dr. Ghalili is internationally recognized for his work supporting patients with fluoroquinolone toxicity through regenerative medicine. Stem cell therapy in this setting focuses on supporting mitochondrial health, nerve-related discomfort, and overall function. Many patients require a series of treatments and gradual recovery, but these protocols may offer hope for those who have not found answers through conventional approaches.
Stem cells and growth factors may help support dormant hair follicles, scalp circulation, and healthier-looking hair in patients with androgenic alopecia or thinning hair. For skin, stem cells may support collagen production and tissue repair, helping with the appearance of scars, wound healing support, and overall skin quality. Cosmetic improvements often require multiple treatments for best results. Learn more about stem cells for hair growth.
At Regenerative Medicine LA, Dr. Mark Ghalili utilizes your body’s own autologous adult stem cells to help support the body’s response to chronic inflammation and tissue repair at the cellular level. This physician-led, minimally invasive protocol provides advanced stem cell therapy for anti-aging that may assist with biological health, long-term vitality, and overall wellness.
Stem cell therapy is not an instant fix or a cure-all. It cannot fully restore severely damaged or “bone-on-bone” joints, and it does not replace surgery in every case. Results also vary from patient to patient depending on the condition, severity, and overall health. The goal is to support possible improvement in pain and function, not perfection, which is why proper evaluation is essential to determine if this treatment is the right fit for you.
Many patients start considering stem cell therapy after being told surgery is their next option. Procedures like joint replacement, spinal fusion, or rotator cuff repair can be effective, but they also come with longer recovery times, higher costs, and increased risk.
Stem cell therapy may offer a minimally invasive alternative by using your body’s own cells to support healing rather than removing or replacing damaged tissue.
Patients often choose this approach because it may help them avoid major surgery, recover with less downtime, and focus on supporting function over time instead of relying on temporary relief.
Because we use autologous stem cells, meaning your own cells, the risk of rejection is very low, and the procedure can be performed in a single visit with minimal downtime.
For the right patient, stem cell therapy may support meaningful improvements in pain and mobility, sometimes allowing them to delay or avoid surgery altogether.
Choosing the right stem cell doctor matters. The quality of the procedure, the way your cells are handled, and the precision of the injection may all play an important role in your experience and potential outcome.
Dr. Mark Ghalili is a board-certified physician with a focus in regenerative medicine and extensive experience performing stem cell injections for patients with complex and chronic health concerns.
Unlike many clinics offering stem cell therapy, our approach is designed to follow strict medical guidelines. We use only autologous adult stem cells, meaning your own cells are harvested, processed, and reintroduced during a single visit using protocols intended to align with FDA same-surgical-procedure standards.
Every step is performed in a controlled, physician-led setting with a focus on safety, precision, and consistency. Our facility follows strict sterile protocols, and cell processing is handled according to current good tissue practice (cGTP) standards.
The difference is not just in the treatment itself, but in how it’s performed. This may play an important role in the quality of your experience and potential results.
Stem cell therapy at our clinic is performed in-office and typically completed in a single visit. The goal is to support your body’s own regenerative potential by concentrating your cells and delivering them precisely where they may be needed.
The process begins with a detailed consultation, where we review your medical history, imaging, and goals to determine if you’re a good candidate and create a personalized treatment plan.
If treatment is appropriate, a small sample of your own tissue, usually from adipose (fat) or bone marrow, is collected under local anesthesia. Adipose tissue is often preferred because it contains a higher concentration of regenerative cells and can often be collected with less discomfort.
Your sample is then processed to isolate and concentrate stem cells and regenerative components. This step is important, as cell quality and concentration may play a role in patient outcomes.
Once prepared, the cells are injected directly into the targeted area using image-guided precision. This helps support accurate placement into the joint, tendon, spine, or tissue being addressed.
After injection, the cells may assist by supporting inflammatory balance, signaling your body’s natural repair processes, and supporting tissue regeneration over time.
The entire procedure typically takes 2 to 4 hours, and most patients go home the same day.
Recovery from stem cell therapy is very different from surgery. There is typically minimal downtime, but potential results may develop gradually as your body goes through its natural healing process.
In the first few days, it’s common to experience mild soreness or a deep bruise-like feeling at the treatment site. Some patients also go through a temporary “flare” period where discomfort may increase slightly as the body initiates an inflammatory healing response. This typically resolves within one to two weeks.
Most patients can return to sedentary work the same day or the following day and resume light activity within about a week. Physical activity is gradually increased over the following weeks based on comfort and progress.
Over time, inflammation may begin to decrease and early improvements may appear within the first few weeks. The most noticeable changes are typically reported over 3 to 6 months, with continued healing support possible for up to a year.
To support the best possible outcome, we generally recommend avoiding anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for the first couple of weeks, as they may interfere with the body’s natural healing response.
Stem cell therapy using your own cells is generally considered well tolerated when performed by an experienced physician under proper medical protocols. Because the cells come from your own body, the risk of rejection is typically low. That said, like any medical procedure, there are potential side effects and risks to be aware of.
Common side effects may include temporary soreness, stiffness, or a bruise-like feeling at the injection site for several days. Some patients also experience a short-term “flare” response as the body activates its natural healing process, along with mild swelling or fatigue for a day or two.
Less common risks include infection, bleeding, or irritation at the injection site, as well as temporary nerve irritation depending on the area treated. More serious complications are uncommon, especially when the procedure is performed in a controlled, sterile medical setting.
Stem cell therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Patients with active cancer, infections, certain blood disorders, or severe “bone-on-bone” joint damage may not be good candidates. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and certain medications may also require postponing or modifying treatment.
The most important part of the process is proper evaluation. Every patient is assessed individually to determine whether this treatment is safe, appropriate, and may provide potential benefit.
If you’re considering stem cell therapy, the first step is understanding whether it may be an appropriate option for your specific condition.
At Regenerative Medicine LA, every patient is evaluated individually with a focus on honest guidance and realistic expectations. Our goal is to help you make the best decision for your health, whether that involves treatment with us or another approach.
Schedule your consultation today to find out if stem cell therapy may be appropriate for you.
For patients who want a deeper understanding of how stem cells are sourced and prepared, here’s what that process looks like at our clinic:
As part of the procedure, a small sample of your own tissue, usually from fat, is collected under local anesthesia. This process is called harvesting and is designed to be minimally invasive and well-tolerated.
Adipose (fat) tissue is often used because it contains a higher concentration of adult stem cells and can often be collected with less discomfort than other sources.
At Regenerative Medicine LA, we use autologous stem cells, meaning the cells come directly from your own body. This approach may help reduce certain risks associated with donor, umbilical cord, or lab-expanded cell products.
The adipose-derived stem cells we harvest may contain mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) along with stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a mixture of regenerative cells, growth factors, and signaling proteins that may work together to support the body’s natural repair processes.
Adipose tissue may also provide a higher concentration of stem cells compared to some other sources. In select cases, bone marrow may still be used depending on the condition being addressed.
Once collected, your cells are processed into a concentrated solution and prepared for precise, image-guided injection into the targeted area.
Because the cells come from your own body, the risk of rejection is typically low, and every step of the process is performed in a controlled, physician-led medical setting.
All your questions about stem cell therapy answered.
Stem cell therapy can range in price depending on the condition being addressed and the type of procedure recommended. Typically, harvesting adipose tissue and preparing your stem cells through a physician-led process may cost under $10,000, depending on the complexity of the case and treatment plan.
The adult stem cells used for your therapy come from your own body. Fat tissue is a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells. Dr. Ghalili can remove a small sample of your fat, process it in the office to prepare mesenchymal stem cells, then use those cells for your injection.
Stem cell therapy is frequently considered for musculoskeletal concerns, such as cartilage damage; muscle, ligament, and tendon tears; and inflammatory joint conditions like arthritis and bursitis.
Facial Rejuvenation using stem cells may help support healthier-looking skin and overall skin quality. Many studies are also evaluating the potential role of stem cell therapy for conditions such as fibromyalgia, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, complex regional pain syndrome, and chronic pelvic pain.
Stem cell therapy is not a pharmaceutical drug, and no provider should claim that stem cells are guaranteed to work or produce a specific medical outcome. Results vary from patient to patient depending on the condition, severity, overall health, and treatment plan.
Clinical experience and ongoing research continue to evaluate how stem cell therapy may support patients with orthopedic concerns, inflammatory conditions, and other complex health issues. Some patients report improvements in symptoms, comfort, mobility, or overall function, but individual outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Stem cell therapy using your own adipose-derived cells is generally considered well tolerated when performed by an experienced physician under proper medical protocols. Because the cells come from your own body, the risk of rejection is typically low compared to donor-derived cell products.
At Regenerative Medicine LA, the cells are processed in a controlled medical setting and passed through multiple micron filters before being prepared for use. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, including soreness, swelling, infection, bleeding, or irritation at the treatment site. Serious complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed appropriately, but they are still possible.
Donor-derived products, including umbilical cord-derived cell products, may carry different considerations because they do not come from the patient’s own body. This is why proper screening, sourcing, handling, and medical oversight are essential when evaluating any type of regenerative therapy.
Stem cell therapy is not appropriate for every patient or every area of the body. Certain uses may carry higher risks depending on anatomy, medical history, and the treatment site. A careful consultation is necessary to determine whether this approach may be safe and appropriate for your specific condition.
Stem cell therapy may be available in the United States when performed under appropriate medical oversight and in accordance with applicable regulations. At Regenerative Medicine LA, protocols are designed to align with relevant safety standards, medical guidelines, and oversight requirements.
Because regulations around stem cell therapy can vary depending on the cell source, processing method, and intended use, patients should discuss the details of their specific treatment plan during consultation.
Stem cells may be collected from a patient’s adipose tissue, commonly from the flank or “love handle” area. This allows Dr. Ghalili to use your own cells as part of a same-day regenerative procedure.
The area is numbed with topical anesthetic and lidocaine while you remain awake. Once the area is numb, a small amount of fat tissue is collected, typically around 50cc or less than 2 ounces.
From there, the sample is processed in-office to help separate and concentrate the stem cells and regenerative components from the remaining fat and blood. This is done through a careful, physician-led process designed to follow applicable safety and oversight standards.
Once prepared, the concentrated cells may be reintroduced back into your body the same day, depending on your treatment plan and the area being addressed.
Stem cell therapy may provide longer-lasting support for comfort, mobility, or function in some patients, but results are not guaranteed and may not be permanent. The longevity of potential benefits can vary based on the individual’s condition, the type of therapy used, overall health, and the body’s response to treatment.
While some patients report meaningful and sustained improvement, others may need follow-up care or additional treatments to help maintain their results.
To qualify for stem cell therapy, a thorough evaluation by a qualified specialist is necessary. This typically involves a review of your medical history, current health status, imaging when appropriate, and the specific condition being addressed.
Stem cell therapy may be considered for individuals with chronic or degenerative concerns that have not responded well to conventional treatments. Your eligibility will depend on factors such as the nature of your condition, severity of symptoms, overall health, and whether this approach may be appropriate for your goals.
Not everyone is a candidate for stem cell therapy. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as active infections, severe uncontrolled autoimmune disease, or active or advanced cancer, may not be suitable for treatment.
Additionally, patients with specific contraindications or poor overall health may be advised against undergoing stem cell therapy. A comprehensive evaluation by a specialist will help determine whether stem cell therapy may be appropriate for you.
Stem cells do not typically provide immediate results. The body’s response to stem cell therapy can take time as the cells may help support natural repair and regenerative processes.
Some patients begin to notice changes within a few weeks to months after treatment, depending on the condition being addressed, overall health, and individual response to therapy. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
The effects of stem cell injections can vary widely among patients. Potential benefits may last for several months to years, depending on the condition being addressed, the individual’s overall health, and the body’s response to treatment.
Follow-up treatments may be recommended in some cases to help support or maintain results over time. Regular assessments with your healthcare provider can help determine how your body is responding and whether additional care may be appropriate.
