WHAT TO EXPECT
PATIENT’S INFO
OVERVIEW OF STEM CELL THERAPY TREATMENT
- Step 1: Consult with Dr Mubark to decide the best approach for your case
- Step 2: abdominal (tummy) Fat Harvesting process by the plastic surgeon under local anaesthesia
- Step 3: Culture/Expansion of your stem cells at our specialized lab in Auckland, an average time of 6-8 weeks
- Step 4: Implantation of the expanded stem cells in combination with your plasma (PRP) under ultrasound guidance twice (few months apart) to optimize the response
Preparing For The FAT Harvest
- FAT HARVESTING (mini- liposuction) from the abdominal fat under local anaesthesia at Auckland Plastic Surgery Group located at 31 Highbrook Drive, East Tamaki/ Auckland 2013/ Tel:(09) 2202580
- Medication –discuss with the plastic surgeon if they need you to stop any medicine; usually blood thinners, to avoid bleeding with the fat harvest.
STEM CELL INJECTIONS- RECOVERY 2 WEEKS
All injections are done at Ormiston Specialist Centre
- On the day of stem cell injections, we take blood from you and then centrifuge it to extract the platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and then we mix it with the stem cells to implant them together under local anaesthesia and ultrasound guidance.
- Take 2 Panadol tablets one hour before the injection and continue 2 tabs 3 times daily for 3 days to prevent pain.
- Please stop anti-inflammatory medicine like Celebrex, Brufen, Voltaren & others for 1 week before and 4 weeks after stem cell therapy.
- Continue your regular medicine including aspirin but other blood thinners (warfarin, dabigatran and rivaroxaban) to discuss with Dr Mubark (drhassanmubark@gmail.com).
- If you need oral sedation, ask Dr. Mubark for a script & take it 1 hour before the procedure.
- Don’t drive on the day of the procedure (even when not sedated) to avoid pain and damage to the cells.
- Please avoid alcohol or minimum use for 3 days after the procedure.
- Good hydration before and after the stem cell injections.
- Rest for 3 days after the procedure so the best to take a leave.
POST INJECTION
First 2 Weeks post stem cell therapy (RECOVERY PHASE)
- First 2 week for knee– easy exercises https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOrc3zADC7k&t=11s & any knee braces for 6 weeks example of brace from Rebel sport or online https://www.rebelsport.co.nz/product/8026257/mcdavid-ligament-knee-support/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA3Na5BhAZEiwAzrfagANNYLuBmCjfpgZIH9QDMXSmcoknjZM1D-RwQSQ3IIYQjbu-qXVFnxoCXoAQAvD_BwE
- First 2 week for hip-easy exercises https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfLRFxr9bJ0 & crutches for 2 weeks & avoid stairs as much as possible for 2 weeks
- First 2 week for ankle -easy exercises https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br8bPmeP5HM also gentle exercycle & crutches for 2 weeks with simple ankle support for 6 weeks
- First 2 weeks for Hands stem cells: https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/ss/slideshow-hand-finger-exercises.
- First 2 weeks for shoulder stem cells: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jHsraw2NIk , you can use any kind of arm sling for a couple of days to reduce post injection pain
- Avoid, if possible, going upstairs and hills for lower limbs and spinal stem cell therapy.
- Avoid heat or ice packs ; avoid saunas and swimming in hot water, warm shower is ok.
- Avoid running and jumping for 3 months for spine & lower limbs “hip/knee/ankle/feet/toes”
- Braces are used when you are on your feet, walking, or doing exercises, but not when sleeping/resting/sitting/showering.
After 2 weeks post knee, hip and ankle stem cell therapy
- Active physical therapy with your preferred physiotherapist
- Exercycle use starting on low resistance and increase the resistance gradually as tolerated
- Avoid running and jumping for 3 months after hip, knee and ankle stem cell injections.
After 3 Months
- All normal activities can be resumed, including running & jumping.