Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide, but the ultimate, zero-downside solution to baldness is yet to be found.
With research and development still ongoing, stem cell hair treatments have emerged as a new solution for hair restoration, offering a natural alternative with promising results.
What is a Stem Cell Hair Treatment?
Unlike conventional therapy, stem cell treatment targets the root cause of hair loss. Stem cells rejuvenate existing follicles rather than simply masking thinning hair.
In other words, stem cell hair restoration focuses on regenerating and strengthening the hair follicles and naturally regrowing new hair.
The procedure unfolds in 2 steps:
- Stem cells are extracted from the patient’s body —often from fat tissue or the scalp— and processed to isolate their regenerative components.
- Stem cells are then injected into areas of hair thinning, repairing damaged follicles, increasingblood circulation, and triggering natural hair regrowth.
What are Stem Cells?
Stem cells have the unique ability to transform into different types of cells and help repair damaged tissues. They act like the body’s natural healers, regenerating and renewing it.
They have showed surprising results in plenty medical areas, such as:
- Neurology: Studied for treating conditions like Parkinson’s and autism, spinal cord injuries, and stroke recovery.
- Aesthetic & Skin Regeneration: Applied in anti-aging treatments, wound healing, and scar reduction.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Used to help manage conditions like multiple sclerosis, lupus, and Crohn’s disease.
- Hair Restoration: Applied to stimulate hair growth, rejuvenate the scalp, and enhance skin healing.
7 Types of Stem Cell Hair Restoration
The 21st century might become the century of stem cells. We’re only at the beginning of this new era, but we already master 7 techniques for a successful stem cell hair treatment:
1. Fat-Derived Stem Cell Therapy (Autologous)
Autologous is the most common type of stem cell hair loss therapy. It uses liposuction to extract fat, which is then processed to isolate stem cells. Rich in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are then injected into the patient’s scalp.
2. Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cell Therapy
This method uses bone marrow aspirate stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells support blood vessel formation, improving oxygen and nutrient supply to the scalp, while mesenchymal stem cells aid in repairing and activating dormant hair follicles.
3. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) with Stem Cells
Combining PRP and Stem Cell Therapy is another effective way of maximizing hair regrowth in a single procedure. Both treatments are often performed adjunct to hair transplants.
4. Exosome Therapy
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles derived from stem cells. Leaving the medical jargon aside, think of them as micro-organism rich in growth factors, proteins and RNA. They are non-invasive, affordable and have proven hair growth results.
5. Stem Cell Hair Transplant
A traditional transplant can show up to 50% better results with stem cell injections. It is then known as stem cell hair transplant. It improves graft survival, accelerates healing, and grows entirely new hair out of thin air.
6. Regenera Activa (Cellular Micrografting)
Also known as ‘Scalp-Derived Cellular Micrografting’ or Progenitor Cell Therapy, this treatment involves taking a small biopsy from the patient’s scalp. The biopsy is then treated, and growth factors are isolated and injecting into balding areas to stimulate follicle repair and regrowth.
7. Umbilical Cord Stem Cells (Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells)
This is the most experimental treatment on our list, and the one that gathers the most hopes –– and controversy. It uses stem cells collected from the umbilical cord or amniotic fluid.
How Much Does a Stem Cell Hair Treatment Cost?
The cost of a stem cell hair treatment ranges from $700 to $12,000, depending on the clinic, country and treatment of your choice.
Exosome, for instance, can cost $700 in Turkey, and a total $2,650 combined with a hair transplant.
While prices are an important choice factor, it is always important to prioritize quality and professionalism when undergoing any medical procedure.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Stem Cell Hair Loss Therapy?
Depending on their case and medical conditions, patients can experience tremendous improvement with stem cells. However, not everyone is suitable for the procedure.
- Suitable Candidates: men and women with male pattern baldness, or patients who have lost hair from injury or burn.
- Unsuitable Candidates: they include patients without enough donor hair, or patients whose hair loss cause includes medication or alopecia areata.
Risks and Side Effects of Stem Cell Hair Treatment
While stem cell hair restoration is considered a safe and minimally invasive treatment, it still has potential risks and side effects:
Common Side Effects
- Mild Swelling & Redness
- Minor Pain or Discomfort
- Bruising
Potential Risks
- Infection
- Allergic Reactions
- Lack of Results
- Scarring (Rare)
Overall, when performed by experienced professionals, stem cell hair therapy is a low-risk procedure with a high safety profile.
The Future of Stem Cell Hair Restoration
Stem cell hair restoration is rapidly evolving, with exciting advancements to watch in the foreseeable future.
Key developments may include:
- More Efficient Harvesting: Scientists are exploring ways to extracthigher-quality stem cells with less invasive methods.
- Genetic & Cellular Enhancements: Advances inbiotechn and gene therapy could help boost the potency of stem cells.
- Lab-Grown Hair Follicles: Researchers are developinglab-cultured hair using stem cells. This could potentially lead to a limitless supply of transplantable hair.
The third development in particular shows that, in the near future, stem cell-based solutions may offer a permanent, non-invasive cure for hair loss.
In a Nutshell
We have covered the most important aspects of what a stem cell hair treatment involves, including:
- Types of Stem Cells Used: Adipose (fat)-derived stem cells are the most common, while bone marrow stem cells are more potent but involve an invasive extraction.
- Cost: Prices range from$700 to $12,000 per session (US vs. Turkey).
- Safety & Risks: Generally safe withminimal side effects.
- Future Prospects: Innovations likelab-grown hair follicles could revolutionize the field.
How to Choose the Right Clinic?
If you can’t rely on a personal recommendation or word-of-mouth, consider the following:
- Experience & Reputation: Look fora certified specialist with a strong track record of success.
- Technology & Techniques: Choose a clinic usingadvanced stem cell processing methods.
- Before & After Results: Ask forreal patient case studies and success rates.
- Safety & Hygiene: Ensure the clinic followsstrict sterilization and medical protocols.
- Transparent Pricing: A good clinic will offer aclear treatment plan with no hidden fees.
