💉Procedure: Non-surgical | 💟Recovery: Same day | 💲Cost: 3,000$ – 15,000$ | 📅Sessions: 3-5 |
⏰Time: ≤30 minutes | 💤Anesthetic: Local | ⏳ Lifespan: May be permanent | ⭐Results: In 1-2 weeks |
Exosome therapy is currently being used in certain skin injuries and is being tested for hair loss. It is very similar to PRP hair treatment. Via a microneedle, exosomes (tiny cell parts that have regenerative properties) derived from donors are being injected into the treatment area.
This new method can be a breaking point for the hair care industry as research so far shows that it inhibits great potential. But of course, sufficient research needs to be done before we can say that for 100% sure.
This article will discuss these key points of exosome therapy:
- EXOSOME THERAPY IS STILL EXPERIMENTAL
- EXOSOMES HAVE REGENERATIVE PROPERTIES, MEANING CELL AGING CAN BE REVERSED
- IT HASN’T BEEN APPROVED BY THE FDA FOR HAIR RESTORATION
- INSURANCE COMPANIES DO NOT COVER EXOSOME THERAPY
- IT COSTS APPROXIMATELY 9,000$
- ALTHOUGH STUDIES SHOW THAT IT MAY BE BETTER THAN PRP FOR HAIR LOSS, TOGETHER THEY CAN WORK EVEN BETTER
Let’s begin.
What Is Exosome Therapy for Hair?
Exosome therapy for hair is a new and blasting non-surgical treatment that is still in the works. This treatment aims to regenerate the cells they’ve been applied to. Meaning, this therapy can regenerate hair follicles after they have been pronounced dead, or, inactive.
Studies so far have shown that exosomes help with hair loss by regenerating the hair follicles and regrowing hair. It has not been standardized yet, but its effectiveness is shaking the hair restoration world by the core. It is one of the most promising, non-surgical hair treatments that is on its way.
How Does Exosome Therapy Work?
Exosomes help regenerate hair follicles that are weakened or disfunctional. Exosomes contain growth factors, cytokines, and other molecules that actually rejuvenate hair follicles by activating stem cells and help promote signal exchange between cells and the scalp. This way, exosomes promote hair regrowth.
Some studies also claim that exosomes might have anti-inflammatory effects. Although more research is required on the matter, exosomes can be quite beneficial for inflammatory-based conditions that cause hair loss.
Does Exosome Help with Alopecias?
Yes, in some cases, exosome seems to work with alopecia diseases. However, it is still being tested and is yet to be considered an effective method for alopecia conditions.
Is It Possible to Grow Hair from Dead Hair Follicles?
Dead hair follicles cannot be resurrected naturally. However, trials showed that exosomes do have the potential to regenerate dead hair follicles. It can be an effective way to regenerate dead hair follicles one day when it is standardized and, in a sense, perfected.
It is also possible to rejuvenate aging scalp and aging hair follicles with exosome therapy.
Is Exosome Therapy Safe?
Exosome is considered to be safe in the hands of an experienced doctor. It does have its adverse effects, but with proper precautions, every possible downside can be avoided.
Is Exosome Therapy FDA Approved?
No, exosome therapy is not FDA-approved. It is a very new method for hair loss treatment. It is still being studied, therefore it hasn’t been approved by the FDA.
What Is the Donor Source of Exosomes from Human Tissue?
Exosomes for hair therapy are usually derived from:
- ADIPOSE-DERIVED STROMAL CELLS (ADSC)
- DERMAL PAPILLA CELLS
- MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS (MSC)
- PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP)
- UMBILICAL CORD-DERIVED CELLS
Is Exosome for Hair Permanent?
After the therapy session, exosomes injected on your scalp can stay there for about 6 to 8 months. The results of its effects can be permanent. However, it is too early to say anything without solid research being done.
How Many Sessions Are Needed for Exosome?
Exosome therapy requires around 3 or 5 sessions.
After the first and second treatments, patients can start seeing amazing results. However it may not be the same for everyone, so it is important to keep your expectations realistic.
How Long Does Exosome Therapy Last?
Each session lasts about 30 minutes or less, and they are usually done 1 or 2 weeks apart. So it takes about a month or a month and a half to finish an exosome therapy for hair completely.
Does Exosome Therapy Hurt?
No, exosome hair therapy does not hurt. However, patients can feel some pressure on their scalp as it is being injected. Since exosome is applied via microneedling, it is possible that it might have a pain level of 3 out of 10.
Before the procedure, local anesthetics may be applied to minimize the sensation.
How Much Does Exosome Therapy for Hair Cost?
Exosome hair therapy costs range between 2,000$ – 15,000$. These prices include all of the sessions combined. They may vary due to the number of sessions you require and, of course, where you get the treatment.
The exosome hair restoration treatment is fairly new, so the price range is quite large when we look at the global estimate. The price depends on the location of the clinic mostly, along with donor availability and also number of demands.
| EXOSOME THERAPY COSTS IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES | |
| The US | 2,000$ – 15,000$ |
| The UK | 2,000$ – 15,000$ |
| Turkey | 1,000$ – 3,000$ |
| Mexico | 2,000$ – 3,000$ |
These prices are estimated for the full treatment, including all sessions. Please contact a service provider for a more definitive quote.
Do Insurance Companies Cover Exosome Therapy?
No, insurance companies do not cover exosome therapy. It is considered to be cosmetic, and most importantly, it hasn’t been cleared by the FDA yet.
Measuring Pros And Cons of Exosome Therapy
It is very important to consider the pros and cons of exosome therapy before going through with it.
Let’s review and contrast.
Pros of Exosome Therapy
- REDUCED INFLAMMATION
- HELPS WITH TISSUE REGENERATION
- NO DOWNTIME
Cons of Exosome Therapy
- IT CAN BE EXPENSIVE
- YOU MIGHT NEED TOUCH-UP SESSIONS
- IT IS STILL AN EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH
- POSSIBILITY OF CONTAMINATED OR RECYCLED EXOSOMES
- FDA HASN’T APPROVED THE EXOSOME THERAPY FOR HAIR
Who Can Be Good Candidates for Exosome Hair Therapy?
Good candidates for exosome therapy can be the following:
- PEOPLE WITH EARLY HAIR LOSS
- PEOPLE WITH ALOPECIA CONDITIONS
- PEOPLE WITH ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA
- PEOPLE WHO ARE TOO YOUNG FOR HAIR TRANSPLANT
However, there are also some contraindications to getting the treatment. You may not be a good candidate if:
- YOU ARE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING
- YOU HAVE INFECTION ON YOUR SCALP
- YOU HAVE SHOWN ALLERGIC REACTION TO EXOSOMES BEFORE
- YOU ARE UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY OR RADIATION THERAPY
How to Prep to Exosome
Getting ready for your exosome therapy for hair loss is pretty simple. Simply, just bring a hat, and that’s it. No need to wash your hair or do anything extra and you will be all ready to go!
Of course, if you are using certain medications such as anticoagulants, it is best to inform your service provider beforehand. You might need to pause using said medicine for a while as anticoagulants may make your scalp bleed during your exosome therapy.
Using Finasteride/Minoxidil After Exosome
After your exosome sessions, you can continue to use finasteride or minoxidil. For now, it is hard to say when to start as it is still being researched.
But for your best outcome, it could be best to wait around 2-3 weeks after your sessions to use finasteride and minoxidil.
Why You Shouldn't Wash Your Hair Before the Session?
Your hair should be as free of hair products as possible. Also, your hair will be cleaned with rubbing alcohol before injection. So, washing your hair before your session is unnecessary and not advised.
Which Is Better PRP or Exosome?
When it comes to regenerating and growing hair faster, studies so far show that exosomes might be better than PRP.
Let’s review the table below for a better understanding.
|
Exosome |
PRP |
|
No blood draw |
Blood draw |
|
Donor cells are used |
The patient’s own blood is used |
|
No centrifuge |
Centrifuge is used |
|
Results can be seen in 1-2 sessions |
Results can be seen in 3-6 sessions |
|
Has anti-inflammatory properties |
Does not have anti-inflammatory properties |
Is Exosome Better with PRP?
Yes, exosome therapy can be better with PRP for hair. They are both using different hair regrowth methods. While PRP feeds the hair follicles, the exosome regenerates them. So together, they can work even better for certain hair loss conditions.
References:
Kost, Y., Muskat, A., Mhaimeed, N., Nazarian, R. S., & Kobets, K. (2022). Exosome therapy in hair regeneration: A literature review of the evidence, challenges, and future opportunities. Journal of cosmetic dermatology
Gupta, A. K., Renaud, H. J., Halaas, Y., & Rapaport, J. A. (2020). Exosomes: A New Effective Non-Surgical Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia?. Skinmed
Zhou, Y., Seo, J., Tu, S., Nanmo, A., Kageyama, T., & Fukuda, J. (2024). Exosomes for hair growth and regeneration. Journal of bioscience and bioengineering
Wang, G., Wang, Z., Zhang, J., Shen, Y., Hou, X., Su, L., Chen, W., Chen, J., Guo, X., & Song, H. (2023). Treatment of androgenetic alopecia by exosomes secreted from hair papilla cells and the intervention effect of LTF. Journal of cosmetic dermatology
Hu, S., Zhang, J., Ji, Q., Xie, S., Jiang, J., Ni, H., He, X., Yang, Y., & Wu, M. (2023). Exosomes derived from uMSCs promote hair regrowth in alopecia areata through accelerating human hair follicular keratinocyte proliferation and migration. Cell biology international
