Not all stem cells are the same. Where they come from, how young they are, and how much regenerative activity they carry matters enormously. That is why, at Haven Medspa, Dr. Virpal Thiara works primarily with Wharton’s Jelly-derived stem cells, one of the most potent and well-researched allogeneic stem cell sources available.

If you are exploring stem cell therapy, understanding where your cells come from is one of the most important questions you can ask.

what is whartons jelly
Introduction

What is Wharton’s Jelly?

Wharton’s Jelly is the soft, gelatinous connective tissue that surrounds the blood vessels inside the umbilical cord. It is named after Thomas Wharton, the 17th-century anatomist who first described it, and it serves as the umbilical cord’s protective cushioning during pregnancy.

What makes Wharton’s Jelly remarkable from a regenerative medicine standpoint is what it contains. It is extraordinarily rich in mesenchymal stem cells, the type of stem cell most relevant to tissue repair, inflammation reduction, and immune system modulation. It also contains growth factors, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and a range of other bioactive compounds that support regeneration.

These cells come from a young, healthy source. The umbilical cord is collected after healthy, full-term births from consenting donors. The tissue is then processed, tested, and stored under strict quality control standards. By the time it reaches our clinic, it has passed through a rigorous vetting process that Dr. Thiara reviews before any patient receives treatment.

Wharton’s Jelly stem cells are allogeneic.

Why Wharton’s Jelly Stem Cells Are Different

There are several ways stem cells can be sourced. Autologous stem cells come from your own body, typically harvested from bone marrow or adipose tissue. Allogeneic stem cells come from an external donor source.

First, youth.

Stem cells from umbilical cord tissue are among the youngest available. Younger cells carry more regenerative activity. They divide more readily, carry less accumulated cellular damage, and communicate more effectively with surrounding tissue than cells harvested from an adult patient.

Second, volume.

Umbilical cord tissue yields a significantly higher concentration of mesenchymal stem cells than what can typically be harvested from an adult’s own bone marrow or fat tissue. More cells, and more active cells, means more regenerative potential delivered to your body.

Third, compatibility.

Despite coming from a donor source, Wharton’s Jelly stem cells carry a low expression of the surface markers that trigger immune rejection. In practice, this means minimal risk of adverse reaction, even without matching the donor and recipient the way you would for an organ transplant.

which stem cell is best

Cord Blood Stem Cells

Alongside Wharton’s Jelly, Dr. Thiara also works with cord blood stem cells, another powerful source of regenerative biologics derived from umbilical cord collection after birth.

Cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells; the type responsible for producing blood cells and supporting immune function. These cells have been used in clinical medicine for decades, with an extensive safety record and a growing body of research supporting their regenerative applications.

Depending on your condition and goals, Dr. Thiara may recommend Wharton’s Jelly stem cells, cord blood stem cells, or a combination of both. The decision is always based on what is most appropriate for your individual situation.

What Wharton’s Jelly Therapy May Help Improve

Wharton’s Jelly stem cells are particularly effective for conditions involving inflammation, tissue damage, and immune system dysregulation.

If your condition is not listed, that does not mean Wharton’s Jelly therapy cannot help. A consultation with Dr. Thiara is the best way to find out.

Dr. Thiara uses them to support improvement in:

Orthopedic and Joint

Knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow arthritis. Rotator cuff injuries. Sacroiliac joint pain. Plantar fasciitis. Carpal tunnel syndrome.

Autoimmune and Inflammatory

Rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune conditions.

Neurological

Peripheral neuropathy. Multiple sclerosis. Parkinson’s disease. Stroke recovery.

Anti-Aging and Aesthetic

Cellular anti-aging. Skin rejuvenation. Hair restoration.

is whartons jelly fda approved

Is it FDA Approved?

Wharton’s Jelly stem cell therapy is FDA regulated, not FDA approved for most conditions. Haven Medspa uses only biologics that meet FDA regulatory requirements, are sourced from accredited tissue banks, and have passed independent quality and safety testing.

The regulatory landscape for regenerative medicine is evolving. Dr. Thiara stays current with those changes and will walk you through what they mean for your treatment during your consultation. She will never recommend a product or protocol that does not meet rigorous safety standards.

What to Expect

Treatment begins with a full consultation. Dr. Thiara reviews your health history, current symptoms, and goals to determine whether Wharton’s Jelly stem cell therapy is appropriate for your situation. If you are a good candidate, she will outline the protocol, including the source, dosing, delivery method, and follow-up plan.

The treatment itself is typically administered via injection, targeted to the site of concern. It is well tolerated by most patients. There is no hospital stay, no general anesthesia, and most people return to their normal routine quickly.

Results vary. Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks. For others, the regenerative process unfolds gradually over several months. Dr. Thiara monitors your progress and adjusts the approach as needed.

Serving Yuba City, Rocklin, Lincoln, and the Sacramento Region

Wharton’s Jelly stem cell therapy is available at Haven Medspa’s Yuba City, Rocklin, and Lincoln locations. We serve patients from Roseville, Folsom, Auburn, Granite Bay, and the surrounding Sacramento region.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've got answers!

What is Wharton's Jelly and why is it used in stem cell therapy?

Wharton’s Jelly is the connective tissue inside the umbilical cord. It is exceptionally rich in mesenchymal stem cells, growth factors, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Because it comes from young umbilical cord tissue collected after healthy births, Wharton’s Jelly stem cells are more active and carry more regenerative potential than cells harvested from an adult patient’s own body.

What is the difference between Wharton's Jelly stem cells and PRP?

PRP is derived from your own blood and contains concentrated growth factors and platelets. It is autologous, meaning it comes from your own body. Wharton’s Jelly stem cells are allogeneic, sourced from umbilical cord tissue. They are living cells with the ability to reduce inflammation, signal tissue repair, and modulate the immune system in ways that go beyond what PRP alone can achieve. Many patients benefit from both in combination.

Is Wharton's Jelly stem cell therapy safe?

The products Dr. Thiara uses come from accredited tissue banks, pass rigorous quality and safety testing, and comply with FDA regulations. Wharton’s Jelly stem cells carry minimal risk of rejection because of their low immune marker expression. As with any medical procedure, Dr. Thiara will discuss individual risks and contraindications during your consultation.

How is the treatment administered?

For most conditions, Wharton’s Jelly stem cells are delivered via injection targeted to the area of concern; a joint, a specific tissue site, or intravenously for systemic applications. The procedure is performed in our clinic and typically takes under an hour.

Can Wharton's Jelly stem cell therapy improve neurological conditions?

Yes. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wharton’s Jelly have demonstrated the ability to modulate neuroinflammation and support nerve tissue repair in research settings. Dr. Thiara uses stem cell protocols to support patients dealing with peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke recovery, and related neurological conditions. Results vary by condition and individual; the consultation is where Dr. Thiara will assess whether stem cell therapy is a realistic option for your specific neurological concern.

Why are Wharton's Jelly stem cells considered better than using my own stem cells?

Autologous stem cells, harvested from your own bone marrow or fat tissue, are older cells with accumulated damage and lower regenerative activity. Wharton’s Jelly stem cells come from umbilical cord tissue collected at birth, making them among the youngest and most biologically active cells available. They divide more readily, carry more regenerative signaling, and produce a higher volume of mesenchymal stem cells than adult tissue typically yields. Dr. Thiara uses allogeneic Wharton’s Jelly cells specifically because the quality and quantity of regenerative activity is consistently higher.

Still have questions?

Feel free to give us a ring with our information below or leave us an online message, we will gladly answer further questions.

Contact Us

Stem cell therapy is considered experimental and is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it is not FDA-approved. Haven Medspa does not offer stem cell therapy as a cure for any medical condition. No statements made on this site have been evaluated or approved by the FDA. This site does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided by Haven Medspa, its employees, others appearing on this website at the invitation of Haven Medspa, or other visitors to the website is solely at your own risk. Haven Medspa does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on this website. Have Medspa is not responsible for the outcome of your procedure.

image
Virtual Consultation

Get Started 24/7

Book a virtual consultation and connect with our expert team from the comfort of home. Personalized advice, real results—just a few clicks away.

START MY VIRTUAL CONSULTATION

Rather directly call us?

Testimonials

Listen to What Everyone is Saying

4.9 Stars | With 3 Locations

Dr. Thiara is knowledgeable and very accommodating to her clients.

What a nice environment combined with an excellent quality appointment. The staff and Dr. go above and beyond to meet your goal. I will visit again.

I’m so glad to have found a LOCAL Med Spa that carries top notch products I normally have to order online and delivers on superb service. Highly recommend!

Dr. Thiara is one of the most sweetest and understanding doctors I know! I went to her in 2022 after my sister recommended her to me and safe to say it was the best decision I ever made. The doctor is very attentive and willing to listen to all your concerns. I was dealing with painful hormonal acne and was prescribed hormonal medications, retinol, and skin care products catered to my skin type all in one visit.

Loved my experience – Dr. Thiara is wonderful! She listens to what you want and does not push anything extra or tries to sell you on “more” which I really appreciated. I wanted a very minimal natural look and it’s exactly what I feel like I got. She is also VERY responsive and called me herself for reassurance on something I was not sure about. Would recommend 100 percent.

“Haven Med Spa is an awesome facility offering a wide variety of services. Staff and Dr. are very personable and knowledgeable providing a high level of comfort. I have been coming to Haven for various services for approximately 8 months and would without a doubt recommend. Very satisfied.”

Very nice staff and Doctor, clean office, overall great experience. She takes her time and listens to what you want and also explains what will work best for you and makes sure you are numb. Little to no pain.

Dr. Thiara is knowledgeable and very accommodating to her clients.

What a nice environment combined with an excellent quality appointment. The staff and Dr. go above and beyond to meet your goal. I will visit again.

I’m so glad to have found a LOCAL Med Spa that carries top notch products I normally have to order online and delivers on superb service. Highly recommend!

Dr. Thiara is one of the most sweetest and understanding doctors I know! I went to her in 2022 after my sister recommended her to me and safe to say it was the best decision I ever made. The doctor is very attentive and willing to listen to all your concerns. I was dealing with painful hormonal acne and was prescribed hormonal medications, retinol, and skin care products catered to my skin type all in one visit.

Loved my experience – Dr. Thiara is wonderful! She listens to what you want and does not push anything extra or tries to sell you on “more” which I really appreciated. I wanted a very minimal natural look and it’s exactly what I feel like I got. She is also VERY responsive and called me herself for reassurance on something I was not sure about. Would recommend 100 percent.

“Haven Med Spa is an awesome facility offering a wide variety of services. Staff and Dr. are very personable and knowledgeable providing a high level of comfort. I have been coming to Haven for various services for approximately 8 months and would without a doubt recommend. Very satisfied.”

Very nice staff and Doctor, clean office, overall great experience. She takes her time and listens to what you want and also explains what will work best for you and makes sure you are numb. Little to no pain.

image

Three Locations, One Commitment: Your Care

Yuba City

470 Del Norte Ave
Yuba City, CA 95991

Call:

530-441-6651

Hours of Operation

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Lincoln

2295 Fieldstone Dr. Ste. 130
Lincoln, CA 95648

Call:

916-409-5988

Hours of Operation

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Rocklin

2630 Sierra Meadows Dr.
Rocklin, CA 95677

Call:

916-409-5988

Hours of Operation

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Book Your Consultation Today

By clicking submit you consent for us to contact you by phone, text or email using to the data provided, even if the contact info is on a state or national DNC list. You also consent to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.