Frequently Asked Questions
Why are people doing this?
Many people use their own cells for cosmetic and reconstructive procedures because they prefer their own natural tissue rather than using something synthetic and foreign to their body. By storing healthy tissue today, you can avoid undergoing extra liposuction procedures in the future — meaning you can save your youthful cells of today for use five, ten, or even twenty years down the road.
Do I have to have a special procedure done? Is it safe?
Your cells are removed through an ordinary liposuction procedure without any increased risk. This procedure may be performed alone or in conjunction with other surgeries.
How do I know if my doctor can do this?
In order for you to bank your cells with us, you need to have your procedure performed by a doctor in our “network.” See the list of approved BioLife banking physicians. If your doctor is not on this list, he or she may be approved through a simple process. Tell your doctor you’d like to bank cells with BioLife. Your doctor may easily connect with us in the For Physicians section of this website.
Where are my cells stored?
Your cells are stored in a cryogenic preservation tank at our facility in Dallas, Texas.
How long can my cells be stored?
Because your cells will be stored in a state of suspended animation with cryopreservation, the potency is maintained for years and is, theoretically, indefinite.
What is cryopreservation?
Cryopreservation is a process where cells are preserved by cooling at very low temperatures.
What if there is a power outage at the storage facility? Will my cells be impacted?
Cells are kept cold with liquid nitrogen which does not require electrical power. So, your cells would be maintained at a safe temperature even in the event of an electrical outage that lasts for several days.
Can other people use my cells?
No. Each person may only use his or her own cells.
How do I know you won’t lose my cells or get them mixed up with someone else’s?
Before your cells are removed, we are preparing for their arrival. As soon as we are notified of your upcoming procedure, we ship a special kit to your doctor intended for your cells. Immediately after removal of cells, your doctor’s office will label each item containing your cells and put them in the kit that is already carefully labeled for return shipping to us from your doctor. Upon arrival at our facilities, we monitor your cells through the BioLife Cell Bank proprietary tracking system that uses bar codes. The system is designed to ensure that each patient’s cells are kept safe and secure, exclusively for the use of that patient.
How much does it cost?
Please consult with your doctor for the pricing package that is right for you.
Do I need to communicate with BioLife to set things up or does my doctor do that?
Your doctor will communicate with us. Once we have your cells, you will be issued a card with all your information (and ours) should you need to contact us.
Stem cells are in fat?
You may have heard of stem cells being in other sources, such as bone marrow and embryos, but stem cells are also in fat. Actually, fat has the highest concentration of stem and regenerative cells – containing approximately one stem cell per 100 cells, compared to one in 100,000 in bone marrow stem cells.
What about the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?
BioLife is registered with the FDA as a processing bank and is in full compliance with their regulations and guidance including current Good Tissue Practice (cGTP). Additionally, our acquisition kits comply with regulations regarding the transport of tissue across state and international lines and may be sent to and from BioLife Cell Bank and our providers throughout the United States and Canada.