Frequently Asked Questions

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells found in multiple tissues throughout the body, including bone marrow, adipose (fat) tissue, and umbilical cord tissue. At Altiva, we use MSCs derived from ethically sourced umbilical cord tissue (Wharton's Jelly), which are considered among the most potent and well-tolerated sources of MSCs. These are allogeneic cells (meaning they come from a donor rather than from your own body) and are processed in certified laboratories to ensure quality, viability, and sterility. Umbilical cord MSCs have a lower risk of immune rejection than other cell sources and do not require the patient to undergo their own cell extraction procedure.

The primary mechanism of MSC therapy is not cell replacement. It works through paracrine signaling. When MSCs are administered into or near damaged or inflamed tissue, they release a complex array of growth factors, cytokines, and signaling molecules that communicate with the surrounding cells. These signals reduce inflammation, suppress overactive immune responses, stimulate local repair mechanisms, encourage the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), and support the survival and regeneration of existing cells. Think of MSCs less as replacement parts and more as biological signal generators that tell your body to start healing itself more effectively.

The MSC therapies offered at Altiva have a well-established safety profile in the peer-reviewed literature, with thousands of clinical applications documented. Serious adverse events are rare. The most common side effects are mild and temporary: injection-site soreness (for direct joint injections), mild flu-like symptoms in the 24–48 hours following IV infusion (a normal immune response), and occasional mild fever. As with any medical procedure, there are individual-specific risks that Dr. Gutiérrez evaluates during the pre-treatment assessment. Patients who are not appropriate candidates (due to active malignancy, certain autoimmune medications, or other contraindications) will not be approved for treatment regardless of interest. We will not proceed with a protocol we do not believe is safe for you.

MUSE stands for Multilineage differentiating Stress Enduring cells. They are a naturally occurring subpopulation found in small quantities within mesenchymal tissue and standard MSC preparations. They were first identified around 2010 by Professor Mari Dezawa's research group in Japan, and have since been the subject of clinical trials across neurological, stroke, and systemic disease applications.

Three properties distinguish MUSE cells in the research literature. They are SSEA-3 positive, a marker associated with broader differentiation capacity. They are studied for stress tolerance, meaning they may remain active in the harsh environment of damaged tissue. And they are studied for homing to sites of injury, with the intent to participate more directly in tissue repair rather than acting primarily through paracrine signaling.

Standard MSCs remain a clinically well-supported and widely used option. They work primarily through anti-inflammatory signaling and growth factor release, which is effective for a broad range of conditions. MUSE therapy is not universally superior. It is a distinct option that may be more appropriate in certain neurological or systemic cases where cell homing and direct tissue response are clinically relevant. The choice between MUSE and standard MSC is made during evaluation based on your specific condition and history.

This varies significantly by condition and individual. For joint and musculoskeletal treatments, many patients notice initial improvements in pain and mobility within 2–6 weeks, with continued improvement over 3–6 months as the regenerative process unfolds. For systemic conditions (autoimmune, neurological, longevity), initial changes may take 4–8 weeks and progress can continue for up to a year post-treatment. Duration of effect also varies. Some patients report sustained improvement for 18–24 months or longer after a single protocol, while others find that periodic maintenance treatments optimize their results. Dr. Gutiérrez will set realistic expectations for your specific condition during your evaluation.

Yes. In Mexico, physician-administered cellular therapies are legal and regulated as medical procedures under COFEPRIS (Mexico's Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks), provided they are performed by licensed physicians in certified clinical facilities. This is distinct from the United States, where most stem cell therapies are classified as Investigational New Drugs and are only accessible through approved clinical trials. Altiva operates in full compliance with Mexican federal health law. This legal framework is one of the reasons Mexico has become a leading destination for medical tourism in regenerative medicine.

Some medications may interact with or reduce the effectiveness of cellular therapy, particularly immunosuppressants, certain biologics used in autoimmune treatment, and high-dose corticosteroids. Dr. Gutiérrez reviews every patient's medication list as part of the evaluation process and will advise on any necessary adjustments before treatment. Importantly, no medication should be stopped or adjusted without medical guidance. Do not make any changes to your current regimen before consulting with your prescribing physician and getting clearance from Dr. Gutiérrez.

In many cases, yes. Regenerative therapy is often used as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, conventional medical care. For example, joint therapy patients often continue with physical therapy post-treatment for optimal outcomes. Autoimmune patients are typically kept on appropriate disease-modifying medications during treatment, with the goal of potentially reducing medication burden over time as immune function normalizes. Dr. Gutiérrez will advise on the optimal integration of regenerative therapy with your existing care plan based on your specific situation.

Most treatment protocols at Altiva are designed to be completed in 5 to 7 days on-site. This includes your initial assessment, the treatment itself, support therapies, and a final evaluation before departure. Some complex multi-protocol treatments may require up to 10 days. We recommend planning at least 7 to 8 days to allow for travel, a day of rest upon arrival, the treatment protocol, and a buffer before return travel. Your evaluation response will include a protocol-specific timeline based on your case.

Nuevo Vallarta is approximately 15 to 20 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) under normal conditions. PVR has direct flights from dozens of major North American cities including Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, Seattle, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. Flight times from most US West Coast cities are 2–3 hours; from the East Coast and Midwest, 3–5 hours. We are happy to assist with accommodation recommendations and can arrange airport transfer upon request. Our partner CityMedica helps facilitate patient logistics in the area.

Nuevo Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit region are among the safest tourist destinations in Mexico. The area is a premier international resort zone with world-class hotels, modern infrastructure, and a large North American expatriate and visitor population year-round. Puerto Vallarta has served as a major international medical tourism destination for decades with an established track record. Our team and partner CityMedica are available to provide guidance on logistics, accommodations, and local navigation to ensure your visit is smooth and worry-free from start to finish.

In most cases, no. US and Canadian health insurance plans do not currently cover stem cell therapies in Mexico, as they are not FDA/Health Canada approved treatments. Some patients with Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) may be able to apply pre-tax funds to certain medical expenses. We recommend checking with your plan administrator. Some supplemental health and medical travel insurance plans may provide partial coverage for the travel and accommodation components of your trip. We recommend consulting with your insurance provider before booking.

We ask that you bring: a complete list of current medications and supplements (with dosages), any recent lab work (within the past 6 months), relevant imaging (MRI, X-ray, CT scans on CD or digital file), specialist reports from neurologists, rheumatologists, or other relevant physicians, and a list of your health goals and questions. You do not need to bring medical records from your entire history. The most recent and relevant documents are sufficient. We will send you a detailed pre-arrival checklist after your evaluation is approved.

Absolutely. The free evaluation is exactly that: a medical evaluation with no obligation. Your submission is reviewed by our team with physician oversight to assess whether treatment is clinically appropriate, what the potential benefits and limitations are in your specific case, and what a reasonable protocol would look like. Some patients are told that they are not appropriate candidates at this time. Some are given a protocol recommendation with clear expectations. All evaluations are conducted honestly, and you are under no obligation to book or proceed with treatment. We do not engage in high-pressure follow-up sales practices.

Your evaluation is reviewed by our clinical team with physician oversight. Qualified cases (those where regenerative therapy is clinically appropriate and the patient is ready to move forward) are reviewed directly by Dr. Gutiérrez for protocol planning and treatment. Not every initial inquiry goes directly to the physician; our intake process is designed to ensure his involvement is focused on patients who are genuinely appropriate candidates. Dr. Gutiérrez is present for and involved in every treatment session at Altiva. He is the co-owner and lead clinician, and the standard of care at Altiva reflects that.

Follow-up care is a structured part of every Altiva protocol, not an afterthought. After you return home, you will have scheduled remote consultations with Dr. Gutiérrez or his clinical team at defined intervals, typically at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 3–6 months post-treatment. You will also receive a discharge plan that includes specific guidance on activity, supplements, dietary recommendations, and what to watch for. If you have questions or concerns between scheduled check-ins, you can reach our team by email or phone. Many patients also return for follow-up treatments on an annual or biannual basis for maintenance and continued optimization.