How Stem Cell Therapy Works: Extraction, Processing and Administration Step by Step

Quick answer: A typical same-day stem cell procedure has four stages: a physician consultation, extraction of a small amount of fat or bone marrow under local anaesthesia, on-site processing to concentrate the cells, and injection into the treatment area. The visit usually takes half a day, and most people go home the same day with some soreness at the extraction site.

Step 1: Consultation and screening

A physician reviews your goals, medical history, medications, allergies and previous procedures. Blood tests may be requested to check general health and clotting. This is the moment to discuss whether the procedure suits your goal at all, what results are realistic and what alternatives exist.

Step 2: Extraction

Cells are usually collected from one of two sources.

• Fat (adipose tissue): a small volume is drawn through a thin cannula, commonly from the abdomen or thighs, after local anaesthetic is injected.
• Bone marrow: a needle collects marrow from the back of the pelvic bone, also under local anaesthesia, sometimes with light sedation.

Most patients describe pressure rather than sharp pain. The area is dressed and may bruise for several days.

Step 3: Processing

In same-day procedures, the sample is processed in a closed system to separate and concentrate the cell-rich fraction. This typically takes one to two hours while you rest. Culturing cells over weeks is a different process that requires licensed facilities and stricter approval in Korea.

Step 4: Administration

The concentrate is returned to the body according to the treatment plan.

• Face: fine injections into the skin or deeper layers to support skin quality.
• Scalp: multiple small injections across the treated area.
• Joints: an injection into the joint, sometimes ultrasound-guided.
• Intravenous: used only where clinically justified and permitted.

Step 5: Recovery and follow-up

Expect swelling, bruising and tenderness at extraction and injection sites for a few days. Physicians usually advise avoiding strenuous exercise, saunas and alcohol for a short period. Changes in skin quality, if they occur, are gradual and assessed over weeks to months.

Frequently asked questions

Does stem cell extraction hurt?

Local anaesthesia keeps discomfort manageable. Soreness afterwards is common and usually eased with simple pain relief recommended by your doctor.

How long should I stay in Seoul afterwards?

Plan at least two to three days before a long-haul flight, especially after fat extraction, so swelling can settle and a check-up can be arranged if needed.

Key takeaways

• Same-day procedures follow consultation, extraction, processing and injection.
• Fat and bone marrow are the most common cell sources.
• Recovery is usually short but includes bruising and tenderness.
• Cultured cell therapies follow separate, stricter rules.

This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Suitability, risks and expected results should always be discussed individually with a licensed physician.