The treatment phase begins with the collection of the biological material.
Prof. Dr. Erdal Karaöz
Get to know our regenerative medicine specialist, Prof. Dr. Erdal Karaöz, who is dedicated to helping patients discover their true potential for cellular therapies. This page outlines our precise diagnostic process, designed to determine if stem cell treatment is the right path for your specific health needs. Please continue reading to learn how our personalized evaluations pave the way for safe and targeted medical care.
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Learn MoreThe Science of Biological Repair
Regenerative medicine is more than just a simple injection. It is a sophisticated biological transfer that requires surgical precision, pharmaceutical-grade sterility, and advanced laboratory processing.
At Liv Hospital, we treat stem cell therapy as a Transplant Procedure. Whether we are harvesting cells from your own fat tissue or preparing high-dose Exosomes in our lab, every step is governed by strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) protocols. We ensure that the cells remain viable, sterile, and potent from the moment they leave the donor source until they are delivered to the injured tissue.
We generally offer two categories of treatment:
- Same-Day Procedures (Point-of-Care)Harvesting, processing, and injecting in one single visit (e.g., SVF for knees).
- Two-Step Procedures (Culture Expansion)Harvesting on Day 1, growing cells in the lab for 2–3 weeks, and injecting on Day 21 (e.g., for Autoimmune disease or Anti-Aging).
This guide walks you through the journey from "Harvest to Healing."
Step 1: Harvesting the Source
The first step is obtaining the raw material. We use minimally invasive techniques to ensure patient comfort.
Adipose (Fat) Tissue Harvesting
The Setting
Anesthesia
The Procedure
The Experience
Bone Marrow Aspiration
The Setting
Anesthesia
The Procedure
The Experience
Allogenic (Umbilical Cord)
No Harvest Needed
These cells are pre-processed from screened donors and stored in our cryo-bank (liquid nitrogen at -196°C).
The Prep
On the day of treatment, we thaw the vial under controlled conditions in the lab.
Step 2: Laboratory Processing (Isolating the Gold)
This is where Liv Hospital separates itself from standard clinics. We do not just spin the blood in a simple bedside centrifuge. We process it to isolate the "Gold."
Isolation of SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction)
For fat tissue, we must separate the useful stem cells from the oily fat cells.
Washing
The fat is washed with saline to remove blood and oil.
Enzymatic Digestion
We add a special enzyme (Collagenase) that dissolves the bonds holding fat cells together, freeing the stem cells.
Centrifugation
The mixture is spun at high speed. The heavy stem cells sink to the bottom (the "pellet"), while the oil floats to the top.
Filtration
Result
Culture Expansion (The Multiplier)
For systemic diseases or anti-aging, we need hundreds of millions of cells.
Seeding
We place the harvested cells into flasks with a nutrient-rich "growth medium."
Incubation
They are kept in a specialized incubator that mimics the human body (37°C, 5% CO2).
Passaging
As the cells multiply and fill the flask, we move them to larger flasks.
Harvest
Testing
Step 3: The Stem Cell Application
Injecting the cells blindly is a waste. We use guidance technology to ensure the cells land exactly where the damage is.
Intra-Articular Injection (Joints)
Ultrasound Guidance
We use a high-frequency ultrasound probe to visualize the needle in real-time. We watch the needle enter the joint space and release the cells. This guarantees we don't hit the bone or inject into the surrounding fat.
The Feeling
A sensation of "fullness" or pressure in the joint as the fluid enters. It is generally not painful.
Intradermal Injection (Face/Scalp)
Numbing Cream
We apply a strong anesthetic cream for 30 minutes.
Napage Technique
The doctor uses a very fine needle (mesotherapy) to make hundreds of tiny, shallow injections across the face or scalp.
Microneedling
Sometimes we apply the stem cells topically and use a microneedling device to push them deep into the dermis.
Intravenous Infusion (Systemic)
The Setup
A standard IV line is placed in your arm.
The Drip
The stem cells are suspended in saline. They are infused slowly over 30–60 minutes.
Monitoring
We monitor your blood pressure and oxygen levels to ensure you don't have an allergic reaction (which is extremely rare).
The Lung Trap
Step 4: Recovery and Post-Procedure
Observation
You stay in our recovery lounge for 30–60 minutes.
Bandaging
For fat harvest, you will have a small waterproof dressing. You may need to wear a compression garment (like a tight belt) for a few days to prevent bruising.
Discharge
You can walk out of the hospital. You do not need crutches (for knee injections) or a wheelchair.
Specialized Combination Therapies
Often, stem cells work better with a "partner."
PRP + Stem Cells (The "Fertilizer")
The Concept
The Process
The Benefit
Exosome Therapy (The "Signal")
The Product
The Method
The Advantage
Pain Management
We know the idea of "harvesting" sounds painful. We make it comfortable.
Pre-Medication
We offer an oral sedative (like Valium) to relax you before the procedure.
Tumescent Anesthesia
For liposuction, the fluid we inject contains Lidocaine (numbing) and Epinephrine (stops bleeding). You will be numb for hours after the procedure.
Cooling
For facial injections, we use cold air cooling devices (Zimmer) to numb the skin instantly during injection.
Safety and Sterility
In our GMP facility, safety is paramount.
Double Witnessing
Two lab technicians verify your name and ID on every tube and flask to prevent sample mix-ups.
Closed Systems
We use closed-circuit kits whenever possible, so the cells are never exposed to the open air of the room.
Endotoxin Testing
We test the final product for bacterial toxins before it touches the patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive home after the procedure?
If you had local anesthesia only, yes. If you chose oral sedation (Valium) or IV sedation, no. You must have a companion drive you or take a taxi to your hotel. Your reflexes will be slow.
How long does the whole process take?
- SVF (Same Day): Total time is about 4–5 hours. (30 min harvest + 90 min lab processing + 30 min injection + observation).
Cultured Cells: Two visits. Visit 1 is 30 mins (harvest). Visit 2 (3 weeks later) is 60 mins (infusion).A typical same-day procedure, including harvesting, processing, and administration, generally takes between 3 and 5 hours.
Will I have a scar from the liposuction?
The incision is tiny (2–3mm). It usually heals as a tiny dot that fades to skin color within 6 months. It is virtually invisible.
Can I combine Stem Cell therapy with surgery?
Yes. We often perform stem cell application during Arthroscopic Surgery. For example, the surgeon repairs a meniscus tear and then injects stem cells into the knee before closing up to accelerate healing.
Is the equipment disposable?
Absolutely. Every needle, syringe, tubing, and processing kit is single-use and sterile. We never re-use equipment between patients.
