WHAT TO EXPECT

PATIENT’S INFO

OVERVIEW OF STEM CELL THERAPY TREATMENT

Step 1: Get a referral from your healthcare professional, or complete the online application: https://regenerative.nz/stem-cell-assessment/
Step 2: Consult with Dr Mubark to decide the best approach for your case
Step 3: abdominal (tummy) Fat Harvesting process by the Auckland Plastic Surgery Group under local anaesthesia
Step 4: Culture/Expansion of your stem cells at our specialized lab in Auckland, an average time of 6-8 weeks
Step 5: Dr Mubark will inject your expanded stem cells and plasma at Ormiston Hospital under local anaesthesia with ultrasound guidance, either once or twice, a few months apart

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

Before and During Your Stem Cell +/- PRP Procedure

-We take a sample of your blood and centrifuge it to prepare the PRP.

-The PRP is then combined with your stem cells.

-The injection is performed under local anaesthesia with ultrasound guidance.

-The entire process takes about one hour or longer.

Medications

-Take two Panadol tablets one hour before your injection.

-Continue taking two Panadol tablets, three times daily for three days after the procedure.

–Stop all anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., Celebrex, Brufen, Voltaren) one week before and for four weeks after your stem cell treatment.

-Continue your usual medications, including aspirin (used for coronary heart disease or stroke prevention).

-If you take blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban), please check with Dr. Mubark at: drhassanmubark@gmail.com.

If you need oral sedation, request a prescription from Dr. Mubark and take it one hour before your appointment.

Safety & Aftercare

-Do not drive on the day of your procedure—even if you haven’t taken sedation—to avoid strain or injury to the treated area.

-Avoid or limit alcohol for three days after treatment.

-Ensure you are well hydrated before and after the procedure.

-Rest for at least three days afterward; taking time off work is recommended.

POST INJECTION

First 2 Weeks post stem cell therapy (RECOVERY PHASE)

Knee (First 2 Weeks):

Start with gentle exercises like those in this video: Knee Rehab Exercises.
Wear a knee brace for 4 weeks during activity; an example is available here: McDavid Ligament Knee Support – Rebel Sport.

Hip (First 2 Weeks):

Do light hip exercises shown here: Hip Rehab Exercises.
Use crutches and try to avoid stairs for the first two weeks.

Ankle (First 2 Weeks):

Start with basic ankle movements as seen in this video: Ankle Exercises.
Include gentle exercycle use, and use crutches for 2 weeks.
Wear a simple ankle support for 6 weeks.

Hands (First 2 Weeks After Stem Cell Therapy):

Follow hand and finger exercises from this WebMD guide: Hand & Finger Exercises.

Shoulder (First 2 Weeks After Stem Cell Therapy):

Perform gentle exercises from this video: Shoulder Exercises.
You may use an arm sling for a few days to ease post-injection discomfort.

General Guidelines:

For lower limb and spinal treatments, avoid stairs and walking uphill when possible.
Do not use heat packs, ice, saunas, or hot pools; warm showers are acceptable.
Avoid running and jumping for 3 months following spine, hip, knee, ankle, foot, or toe stem cell procedures.
Use braces immediately after the stem cell procedure (bring it with you) and later on only when active (walking, exercising). Do not wear them while sitting, resting, sleeping, or showering.

After 2 weeks post knee, hip and ankle stem cell therapy

Active physical therapy with your preferred physiotherapist.
Begin using the exercycle on low resistance, then gradually increase the resistance as tolerated.

After 6 weeks (and in milder cases after 4 weeks)

Start with slow-paced jogging and gradually increase the intensity, preferably on a field or treadmill to minimize high-impact stress on the cartilage.