Stem cell therapy has become one of the most talked-about regenerative treatments in modern medicine. People seek it for joint damage, chronic pain, anti-aging, autoimmune issues, and overall tissue repair. But two of the most common questions patients ask are:
How long do the results actually last?
And what does stem cell therapy cost?
Below is a clear breakdown based on current clinical practices and real-world outcomes.
How Long Do Stem Cell Therapy Results Last?
The duration of results from stem cell therapy varies depending on factors like:
- The condition being treated
- The type and quality of stem cells used
- Patient health, age, and lifestyle
- Severity of tissue damage
- Whether multiple sessions are performed
- Whether the cells are delivered properly
However, studies and clinical experience generally show the following timeframes:
1. Joint Pain, Cartilage Damage, and Orthopedic Issues
Results typically last: 1 to 5+ years
Many patients experience:
- Reduced pain & inflammation
- Improved mobility
- Increased cushioning in joints
- Slower degeneration
Some individuals maintain relief for several years, especially with lifestyle improvements and supportive therapies (PRP, physical therapy, etc.).
All tissues tend to degenerate for a plethora of reasons, including lack of one or more vital nutrients, reduced microcirculation to deliver nutrients, inadequate or inappropriate movement patterns and exercise, mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic dysregulation, toxins, etc.
2. Tendon and Ligament Injuries
Results typically last: Long-term or permanent. Of course, nothing is permanent; the better phrase is good as new for the time being.
If the tissue actually heals rather than just reducing inflammation, the improvement can be lasting, since stem cells help regenerate damaged fibers.
3. Back Pain and Disc Degeneration
Results typically last: 6 months to 3+ years
Stem cells can reduce inflammation and support partial disc repair. If degeneration is advanced, results may be shorter. If ligament attachments are properly treated and repaired, the results will tend to be significantly longer. Prolotherapy, the original Regenerative Injection Therapy, is well documented to stimulate the repair of ligament & tendon attachments. The downside is that very few doctors are trained in or proficient in the technique.
4. Skin, Hair, and Cosmetic Applications
Results typically last:
- Skin rejuvenation: 12 to 24 months
- Hair restoration: 1 to 2 years
Maintenance sessions are often recommended, as the underlying physiology that led to the problem typically remains.
5. Autoimmune and Systemic Conditions
Results typically last: 6 months to several years
Stem cells may help regulate immune activity, but ongoing treatment is usually necessary to maintain benefits.
What Affects How Long Results Last?
- Age and overall health
- Severity of the condition
- Quality of stem cell source (bone marrow, fat, umbilical cord, etc.). Umbilical cord-derived stem cells are the current gold standard.
- Dosage of stem cells
- After-care, rehabilitation, supplements, and lifestyle changes
Stem cell therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment; your body’s ability to heal plays a major role in how long the benefits remain.
How Much Does Stem Cell Therapy Cost?
Stem cell therapy is typically not covered by insurance, so prices can vary greatly depending on the clinic, region, and treatment type.
Below are average U.S. price ranges:
1. Joint Injections (Knee, Shoulder, Hip, Ankle)
Cost: $3,000 – $10,000 per joint
In the vast majority of cases, this is done as a single session, but that is not what I recommend at all. The body, even with a stem cell boost, can only heal at a certain rate. In my experience, the better approach is to spread the treatment out over 6 sessions to optimally stimulate the body’s healing response. It is also crucial to make sure all the essential nutrients are available; that’s why we include them in the program.
Factors affecting price include stem cell source, amount used, and whether additional supportive treatments are included. We include several nutritional support & home therapy components in addition to in-office treatments, all designed to support the healing process stimulated by the injections.
2. Spine and Disc Treatments
Cost: $5,000 – $20,000
More specialized procedures and imaging guidance can increase the cost. Additionally, disc tissue is more challenging to repair than many other tissues.
3. Soft Tissue Injuries (Tendon, Ligament)
Cost: $3,000 – $7,000
Often less expensive because fewer cells or smaller target areas are involved. With joint injuries, typically several ligament &/or tendon attachment sites are being treated vs. a more straightforward tendinopathy or sprained ligament repair.
4. Whole-Body or Anti-Aging Stem Cell Infusions
Cost: $6,000 to $30,000+
These are usually elective and vary widely depending on the clinic and cell dose. The cost depends primarily on how many vials of stem cells &/or exosomes are chosen based on need and preference.
5. Autoimmune or Systemic Conditions
Cost: $8,000 to $25,000
Costs depend on the treatment plan and the number of sessions required.
Why Does Stem Cell Therapy Cost So Much?
- Lab processing and cell expansion
- Cell expansion is only performed offshore and introduces some risks due to increased mutations associated with expansion and replication.
- Lab processing is quite extensive; it requires proper collection and transport procedures, tissue dissection, preparation, and extraction from umbilical tissue, isolation/filtration, concentration, characterization, testing, characterization, cryopreservation or lyophilization, and proper storage.
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards and proper laboratory procedures.
- Medical imaging and guided injections when needed
- High cell counts are required for regenerative outcomes
- Specialized expertise
The quality of the product and the experience of the clinician significantly influence results—and prices.
Final Takeaway
How long does stem cell therapy last?
1 to 5+ years, depending on the condition and treatment quality
Some repairs may be permanent if true regeneration occurs
How much does it cost:
Typically $5,000–$20,000+ depending on the treatment type, number of areas involved, etc.
Stem cell therapy can offer long-lasting relief and regenerative benefits, but outcomes vary. Patients should consult qualified specialists, inquire about the source of their cells, and choose reputable clinics for safe and effective results.