Lichen sclerosus impacts many women, especially those experiencing menopause or young girls. This chronic inflammatory dermatosis causes ongoing irritation, pain, and skin changes in the genital area. This rare condition can create severe complications like blisters, sores, and permanent scarring if left untreated.
Stem cell treatment for lichen sclerosus brings new hope through groundbreaking regenerative approaches. Regencord Pereira’s clinic in Colombia provides advanced therapeutic options that include autologous and allogeneic stem cell treatments. Treatment costs range from $5,000 to USD 14,000. These treatments employ bone marrow cells, specifically hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, that reduce inflammation and help regenerate damaged tissues.
Lichen sclerosus (LS) ranks among the toughest chronic inflammatory skin conditions. This progressive disease affects the genital and anal areas, and in some cases, lichen sclerosus breast involvement has been reported. Its symptoms go way beyond physical discomfort and can turn someone’s daily life upside down.
The skin develops white, raised patches that become thin, crinkled, and unusually pale with LS. These affected areas tear easily with just a slight touch. Research shows that itching is the predominant symptom, and it affects 93% of patients who rate it five on a pain scale. The itching gets worse at night for many people, with about half the patients losing sleep because of nocturnal itching.
Patients also deal with these common issues:
Women experience anatomical changes as the condition worsens. The labia minora might flatten or disappear completely. Scar tissue can bury the clitoris, and the vaginal opening might become much narrower. Men face their challenges - LS can cause phimosis (tight foreskin) and affect the urethra.
LS disrupts nearly every part of life. Women who have LS are 2.16 times more likely to get diagnosed with depression and 2.5 times more likely to develop anxiety compared to others. The numbers paint a stark picture - 42.5% of women with LS end up with clinical depression.
Sexual function takes a huge hit. Only 17.2% of patients say their sex life stays normal. A detailed review reveals that about 60% of LS patients develop sexual disorders. The endless discomfort, body changes, and mental stress create a vicious cycle that's hard to escape.
Simple daily activities become challenging. Patients struggle with sitting, walking, using the bathroom, and wearing certain clothes. Sleep suffers too - about half of adult patients can't rest properly because of the itching.
The mental toll runs deep. A 2015 survey revealed something alarming - one in five women with vulvar conditions thought about suicide or self-harm. Many patients feel isolated, ashamed, and worthless.
Topical corticosteroids remain the go-to treatment for LS, but they have clear limitations. Many patients build up resistance to steroids over time. The success rate tells an incomplete story of patients feeling some relief, but only 22-23% see their clinical signs disappear completely.
These treatments need lifelong commitment. Symptoms often return even after getting under control, so patients require constant monitoring and treatment changes. People feel frustrated when relief lasts only briefly before symptoms come back.
Long-term steroid use brings its problems. Patients might experience skin irritation, burning, dryness, and possible dermal atrophy. The current medical approach doesn't deal very well with both physical and mental aspects, leaving patients feeling alone - despite knowing that 42.6% of women with LS struggle with anxiety.
These shortcomings push many patients to explore alternatives like stem cell treatment and PRP for lichen sclerosus. They hope these new approaches better tackle inflammation and tissue damage than standard therapies. Many patients wonder, "Can lichen sclerosus go away?" While a complete cure is rare, these innovative treatments offer promising results for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Regenerative medicine stands out as a powerful option to treat chronic inflammatory conditions. It brings new hope to patients who don’t get enough relief from standard therapies. Stem cell treatment for lichen sclerosus aims to address the root causes of the disease, unlike traditional therapies that just mask the symptoms.
Regenerative medicine helps the body harness its natural healing abilities through specialized cells. These cells can repair and create new tissue when damaged. This represents a fundamental change in treating lichen sclerosus because it tackles inflammation and tissue breakdown simultaneously.
The treatment builds on multipotent cells that can differentiate into various tissue types. These cells also create strong anti-inflammatory effects through immune modulation. They work through several pathways and reverse inflammatory processes. They release cell factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines while promoting healthy tissue growth.
These regenerative methods show great promise to reduce lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA). The treatment not only relieves symptoms but might also alter the disease's progression.
Stem cells show remarkable abilities to curb lichen sclerosus in several ways:
Immunomodulation: Stem cells work directly with immune cells. Their immunomodulatory action suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine production and helps regulatory T-cells develop. This rebalances the immune response that causes LS symptoms.
Anti-fibrotic action: Lichen sclerosus increases pro-fibrotic growth factors like TGF-β and CTGF, leading to excessive collagen buildup. Stem cells counteract this by inhibiting fibroblast-to-myofibroblast development and reducing collagen formation.
Angiogenesis promotion: Stem cells release growth factors like VEGF, HGF, and bFGF. These stimulate new blood vessel formation in affected areas, addressing one of the main features of LS.
Tissue regeneration: Stem cells trigger healing cascades that rebuild damaged tissue. They do this by releasing growth factors like PDGF and TGF-β from alpha platelet granules, promoting epithelization.
The "stem cell secretome"—everything these cells secrete—blocks hypertrophic scar formation by stopping the inflammatory p38/MAPK signaling pathway. Patients then experience restored normal genital anatomy, which improves their quality of life and sexual function.
Regencord Pereira uses various kinds of stem cells in their treatments:
Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs): These cells come from the patient's adipose tissue. They've garnered special attention because they're easy to obtain, abundant, and proven effective. ADSCs have powerful healing abilities and produce growth factors that facilitate tissue repair.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): These versatile cells can differentiate into various types of connective tissue. They also provide anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. They produce molecules that aid in tissue reconstruction.
Stromal vascular fraction (SVF): This cell mixture contains adult mesenchymal stem cells with strong immunomodulatory properties. Regencord's method often uses SVF in two ways: through IV to treat systemic inflammation and local injections for specific areas.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Doctors often use PRP with stem cells. Depending on the patient's needs, both autologous PRP and homologous PRP are utilized. PRP contains major growth factors that promote wound healing through cell migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis.
A study of 319 LS patients treated with these regenerative methods showed that none developed squamous cell carcinoma in the anogenital area. This suggests that these treatments might offer protection beyond managing symptoms.
Regencord's doctors have 30 years of experience in genetics, biotechnology, and pharmacology. Using these advanced cell therapies, they create patient-specific treatment plans that address both the local and systemic aspects of lichen sclerosus.
Regencord Pereira helps patients find science-based solutions for lichen sclerosus. The 11-year-old facility has treated more than 5,000 patients with conditions of all types. Their proven protocol combines medical breakthroughs with patient care.
A comprehensive evaluation starts the experience. Medical specialists assess the patient’s condition and review their medical history. The first visit allows clinicians to document symptoms, past treatments, and their outcomes. This evaluation includes:
Doctors use this opportunity to explain stem cell therapy’s science and set realistic expectations. They answer questions about the procedure, recovery time, and expected outcomes.
The actual treatment occurs in several distinct phases after evaluation:
The team first collects biological materials. They perform a mini-liposuction to harvest adipose tissue from the abdomen or thighs for adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) treatment. They also draw blood samples to prepare platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
Regencord's ISO-certified cleanrooms handle laboratory processing. The fat undergoes specialized processing to isolate the stromal vascular fraction containing ADSCs, and the blood samples undergo centrifugation to concentrate platelets and growth factors for PRP.
The treatment concludes with careful injection of processed stem cells and/or PRP into affected areas. This targeted delivery provides maximum therapeutic benefit.
After treatment, patients receive specific care instructions. They might experience moderate pain for about ten days. The team schedules regular check-ups to track progress.
Most patients observe their first improvements within 15 days. Their itching and burning decrease substantially. Symptoms usually resolve fully within four months. Many patients report normal vulvar anatomy and resume sexual activity.
The team continues long-term monitoring. Regencord's data shows that 95% of patients achieve positive results without serious side effects. Some patients with severe fibrosis or atrophy might require additional treatment sessions for optimal results.
Regencord's professional team provides constant support throughout this process. They adjust treatment protocols as needed to offer each patient tailored care during their healing journey.
Studies of patients like this show remarkable improvements in several areas:
Stem cell treatment recovery usually follows a clear pattern. Symptoms begin improving within 15 days, and the itching and burning sensations typically subside in the first month. Patients observe the most significant changes in both symptoms and the appearance of affected areas between 45 days and two months.
After four months, most patients report no pain and normal anatomical features. The benefits last 8-16 months before some patients require additional treatment.
One patient shared their experience: "I had three months where the stem cells were kicking in, 12 months of relief, and three months of it wearing off." This suggests that while not permanent, the treatment provides much longer symptom-free periods compared to conventional therapies.
Patients need proper financial planning and logistical arrangements before choosing stem cell treatment for lichen sclerosus. Here’s what you need to know about Regencord Pereira’s groundbreaking treatment approach.
Several factors determine stem cell therapy’s cost for lichen sclerosus, such as treatment protocols and patient needs. A complete treatment course costs between USD 2,000 and USD 10,000. However, LS treatments with fat transfer and PRP might cost more. Some specialized procedures range from USD 5,000 to USD 50,000 based on complexity.
You can pay at Regencord Pereira with credit cards, wire transfers, and cashier’s checks. Of course, you should request a detailed cost breakdown during your initial consultation.
Regencord's patient base includes over 70% from the United States. The clinic's team is experienced in supporting visitors from other countries. Their staff works diligently to make treatment smooth for both local and international patients.
You can reach Pereira, Colombia, through Matecaña International Airport. The clinic assists patients throughout their treatment and arranges local transportation.
Most insurance providers label stem cell treatments as "experimental" and don't cover them. Consequently, patients usually pay the full amount themselves.
Medical finance companies offer installment loans up to USD 65,000 to make treatment more accessible to more people. Some programs require no down payment and charge zero interest for 12 months, even for people with average credit scores.
Stem cell treatment has emerged as a game-changing solution for lichen sclerosus patients who don’t respond well to standard therapies. The clinical evidence shows remarkable results. About 95% of patients report positive outcomes and major symptom relief within four months. These benefits last longer than temporary fixes, with effects continuing for 8-16 months between treatments.
The treatment costs between USD 5,000 and USD 14,000. Many patients consider this a worthwhile investment because of Regencord Pereira’s comprehensive care and proven results. The facility’s 10-plus years of experience with over 5,000 patients demonstrate its expertise and established protocols. Patient testimonials consistently show dramatic improvements in quality of life, especially regarding pain relief and restored intimate relationships.
Medical science continues to advance, and patients with lichen sclerosus have more options than ever before. Regencord Pereira’s innovative stem cell therapies bring hope through regenerative medicine, supported by scientific evidence and real patient success stories. Traditional treatments might offer temporary relief, but stem cell therapy addresses both symptoms and underlying causes. This approach could transform the outlook for this challenging condition.
Stem cells are unique cells with the ability to develop into various cell types and repair damaged tissues. They are used in regenerative medicine, including treatments for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and injuries. Sources include bone marrow, cord blood, and embryos.
(888) 540-4101
Begin your journey with us today! Call us at (888) 540-4101 or complete the form to learn more.