Regenerative Medicine Terms: An Educational Overview
This page explains common regenerative medicine terms in plain language. It is provided for educational purposes only. Treatments vary by patient, candidacy, and medical necessity, and results vary by person. If you are considering any regenerative or stem cell therapy, we encourage you to talk with Dr. Myrdalis Díaz-Ramírez and with your regular physician.
| Term | What It Means (Simple Explanation) | Where It Comes From |
|---|---|---|
| PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) | A special part of your blood that’s rich in platelets and natural growth factors that may help the body’s own repair process. It’s made by taking a small blood sample and spinning it in a special machine to concentrate these helpful platelets. | From a simple blood draw in your doctor’s office. |
| Bone Marrow Aspiration (BMA / BMAC) | A process that collects a small sample of bone marrow—often from the back of the pelvis—to concentrate the body’s natural cells involved in repair and renewal. This can usually be done in the office with local numbing medicine. | From your own bone marrow, usually the back of the pelvis. |
| Microfragmented Fat (m-Fat) | A small amount of your own fat is gently collected—often with ultrasound guidance—then processed into smaller clusters that may help support tissue recovery. | From your own fat tissue, gathered in the physician’s office. |
| Protein Concentrate | A concentrated form of certain natural proteins involved in healing and inflammation control. These proteins can be separated during the same process used to prepare PRP or from a bone marrow sample. | From your own blood or bone marrow. |
| Stem Cells | Special cells naturally found throughout the body that regularly help repair and replace old or damaged cells. They’re part of how your body maintains and renews tissues every day. | From your own body or from approved donor sources (depending on type). |
| Exosomes | Tiny messengers released by cells that carry signals and instructions to help cells communicate and respond to changes in the body. They naturally work all the time to coordinate how tissues heal and function. | Usually produced naturally by cells throughout your body. |
| Autologous Tissues | Treatments that use material from your own body, such as blood, bone marrow, or fat, so it’s uniquely matched to you. | From your own tissue. |
| Allograft Tissues | Biologic materials donated from another person, carefully screened and processed for safety before use. | From donor tissue. |
| Umbilical Cord Blood | A biologic material that comes from donated birth tissues and may contain components that support natural repair processes. | From donated birth tissue. |
| Florida Law Notice (Stem Cells) | Florida law requires clinics to clearly tell patients when a stem cell therapy has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This written notice must be given before treatment so patients understand when a therapy is considered experimental. Patients are encouraged to talk with their regular doctor before starting any stem cell therapy. | Legal requirement under Florida Statute §456.48. |
Have questions about these options?
Schedule a consultation and we will walk you through them.