Stem cells are the master cells that create all other cells in the body, including those responsible for healing. However, the body has a limited supply, and their ability to repair damage naturally declines with age, chronic inflammation, and disease.

Stem cell therapy delivers additional stem cells to areas of need, supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and helping the body recognize and respond to injuries more effectively. While this therapy is not a cure—especially for autoimmune or degenerative conditions—it can significantly reduce symptoms and, in some cases, help restore function where traditional treatments fall short.

Stem cells are “undifferentiated,” meaning they can transform into the specific cell types the body requires. They are categorized by their ability to differentiate:

Totipotent: Can form all cell types, including an entire organism.

Pluripotent: Can become any tissue in the body but cannot form a full organism.

Multipotent: Can turn into several related cell types.

Oligopotent: Limited to a small range of similar cell types.

Unipotent: Can produce only one specific type of cell.

Stem cells are also defined by origin: embryonic stem cells, found only in early development, and adult (somatic) stem cells, which are present throughout the body and support natural repair processes.

Adult stem cells are the stem cells naturally present in the human body after birth. To understand them, it helps to first define embryonic stem cells—these are the powerful, highly versatile cells found only in an early embryo before a baby is fully formed.

Once a baby is born, only adult stem cells remain. These cells still play a vital role in repair and regeneration, but they are more limited than embryonic stem cells. Adult stem cells can typically transform into only a select range of cell types—such as muscle, skin, or specific organ tissues—rather than every cell type in the body.

Exosomes are tiny, nano-sized vesicles naturally released by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). They carry powerful signaling molecules—such as cytokines, growth factors, and mRNA—that play key roles in cell-to-cell communication and are being widely studied for their regenerative potential.

Unlike live stem cells, exosomes contain no DNA, do not replicate, and are considered a completely cell-free therapy.

The main difference is regulation and safety. In the U.S., stem cell treatments are tightly controlled to protect patients and ensure evidence-based results, whereas other countries may allow broader access but with less oversight and higher risk.

Most regenerative medicine procedures, including stem cell and exosome therapies, are not covered by insurance. While there are limited cases in surgical settings where billing codes exist, these treatments are generally considered fee-for-service.

At Rejuve, through our partnerships, patients participating in research protocols receive industry-subsidized treatments—typically at about 40% less than standard pricing—making advanced regenerative therapies more accessible.

Regenerative medicine treatments vary in cost, typically starting around $1,000 and ranging up to $8,000 per injection, depending on the procedure and treatment plan.

It’s common for patients to experience mild side effects after stem cell treatment, and in some cases, these effects indicate that the therapy is actively working. Symptoms such as headaches or nausea may appear in the hours following the procedure. During the first 48 hours, existing symptoms may temporarily flare or feel more intense—this often means the stem cells are locating and addressing the affected areas. These effects are usually short-lived and resolve within one to two days.