💉 Anesthesia: Local Anesthesia | ⏰ When to see the best results: After a month |
| ⏳ Time of the session: An hour | 🗓️ Results’ Duration: Seven Years+ |
💟 Recovery: After the procedure | 💲 Cost: $3,000 – $10,000 |
Stem cell treatment for hair loss is a hair restoration procedure. It is a non-invasive stem cell therapy. It can be applied with stem cells taken from the patient’s own body. 5 cc of homogeneous suspension is injected into the area of need at intervals. This process is done with fine-tipped needles.
Here’s the recap of the article.
- STEM CELLS CAN BE EFFECTIVE IN HAIR LOSS TREATMENT
- ALLOBLAST IS APPROVED BY THE FDA AND EUROPEAN MEDICINES AGENCY
- IT IS A PROCEDURE CARRIED OUT BY INJECTING STEM CELLS TO THE AREA OF NEED
- ONE SESSION IS ENOUGH
- IT IS NOT PERMANENT
- RESULTS WILL BE SEEN AFTER 4 WEEK
- IN SOME CASES, STEM CELLS AND ANOTHER HAIR LOSS TREATMENT MAY BE COMBINED
What Is Stem Cell Treatment for Hair?
Stem cell treatment for hair is a non-invasive treatment method to prevent hair loss with stem cells taken from different parts of the patient’s own body. It is a procedure that involves taking a tissue sample from the patient’s hairy area, producing it specifically for the patient’s needs, and injecting it into the balding skin.
This kind of treatment also includes Alloblast treatment. In Alloblast treatment, the circumcised residual skin of newborn babies. Another way is that it can also be obtained from the umbilical cord.
What are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are the basic cells present in the human body and form all tissues and organs. Stem cells are divided into names such as connective tissue, cartilage tissue, and bone tissue, and their location in the body determines this. It is the connective tissue that is beneficial to the hair.
The treatment that relates it to stem cells is alloblast.
It increases the production of collagen and elastin, which are necessary for hair. Stem cell treatment for hair growth is possible.
Is Stem Cell Good for Hair Loss Treatment?
Yes, stem cell hair treatment can be said an effective treatment. It has been observed that stem cells for hair treatment work in 60–70% of the research and experiments that are still ongoing today.
However, there are better and more effective treatments available instead of stem cell treatment. Alternative treatments, such as mesotherapy, have been observed to have their effects in 90% of cases.
Can Stem Cells Thicken Hair?
Yes, stem cells can thicken your hair. Stem cell treatment for thinning hair can strengthen your hair follicles.
Can Stem Cells Stop Balding?
No, stem cells cannot stop balding. It has been found that stem cells for baldness are not very effective in a completely bald scalp. They may work in hairless areas that occur in certain areas.
Is It Approved by the FDA?
Yes, it is approved by the FDA. But, stem cell treatment is FDA-approved for diseases such as cancer; it is not approved for hair restoration.
The Procedure Explained in 8 Steps
Now, let’s see what happens during stem cell hair restoration.
Before the application:
- Cell extraction: Alloblasts are isolated from a small skin biopsy (foreskin) taken from the donor.
- Cell culture: To increase the amount of these alloblasts, they are then multiplied in a controlled special laboratory environment.
During the procedure: - A consultation is arranged, and your needs are determined.
- There can be personalized cell production, and it is determined individually.
- The cells are delivered to the clinic in a cold chain for 24 hours.
- Alloblast is applied as a 5-cc homogenous suspension.
- During the treatment, fine-tipped needles are used and injected into the skin.
- The procedure takes 15–20 minutes.
Where Are the Stem Cells Coming From?
Alloblast cells obtained from the newborn foreskin are injected into the needed area. However, before being injected, these cells are grown in a state-of-the-art laboratory environment.
Other stem cells can come from different parts of the body because they are found in the tissues and organs of our body. It can be obtained from bone marrow, embryonic tissues, and fat tissues.
Is The Procedure Painful?
Since stem cell injection for hair loss uses ready-made tissue samples, no tissue sample is taken from the patient in alloblast. In addition to its ease, it is a procedure where you do not feel anything since local anesthesia is applied to the area to be treated 30 minutes before.
Can You Take Painkillers After The Stem Cell Procedure?
It is not recommended to take any anti-inflammatory drugs for one month after the injection. Other over-the-counter pain medications may be acceptable after consulting a doctor.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Stem Cell Treatment
Alloblast may be a solution to strengthen your hair without requiring surgery, but it has pros and cons. Let’s take a look at these.
Advantages of Stem Cell Treatment
✅ No surgical scars
✅ Restore hair follicles
✅ Rejuvenate hair follicles
✅ Natural trigger for hair growth
✅ No allergic reactions
Disadvantages of Stem Cell Treatment
✅ Uncontrolled cell proliferation may lead to tumor risk
✅ Using stem cells from donors may cause risk of infection and adverse immune reactions
✅ There are still ongoing studies today, there is no clear information about its permanence
How Long Does The Recovery Last?
The slight redness and visible, tiny swelling that will occur after the session is due to microinjection, which is a process performed on a microscopic scale. This sensitivity will disappear within 24 hours.
How Long Does It Take to See The Results?
It may take up to 4-5 weeks for injected cells to reach their maximum effectiveness. Therefore, you will start to see the results clearly after just one month.
Don't Do These After The Treatment For A Better Healing
Since it is a non-invasive procedure, it takes a short time, and the recovery period is not very long. So, it does not have much warning.
- Make sure that water does not touch the area where the procedure is performed for 24-48 hours.
- You cannot swim for 48 hours.
- Be careful not to lift heavy weights for 24–48 hours.
How to Prep For The Session
Of course, there are some requirements for the session. But, as mentioned above, it is an easy procedure. So, preparation is also not that important.
- If you have any illnesses, you should let your doctor know.
- You should not take anti-inflammatory medications a week before the procedure.
- You should drink 2 liters of water for two days before the procedure.
- Anesthesia is applied to the area where the procedure will be performed, and you are kept on hold for 30 minutes.
How Much Does Stem Cell Treatment Cost For Hair Regrowth?
The average cost of stem cell treatment is $17K. The cost of stem cell treatment for hair loss varies from country to country.
The United States is the most expensive of all of the countries. The other most expensive one is Germany in Europe, but Turkey is considered the most affordable of all Western countries, and South Korea is the most expensive one in Asian countries.
| Min cost | Max cost | |
| United States | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| Germany | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| India | $4,000 | $15,000 |
| Turkey | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| South Korea | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Thailand | $3,000 | $13,000 |
Prices vary depending on clinic location, doctor expertise, and intensity of the condition. Prices are usually all-inclusive.
Who Can Get Stem Cell Treatment?
Women and men who have hair loss problems can undergo this procedure, but it is expected that there will be no active infection or cancer treatment.
If your only purpose is growing your hair, you can get stem cell treatment.
Another key is that it would be more beneficial to apply for a stem cell transplant for hair loss before the hair loss problem becomes permanent. As mentioned above, no positive effect of the treatment was observed in patients whose baldness has become permanent.
Can People Who Suffer From Alopecia Get It?
Yes, people with alopecia disorders can undergo this procedure. The correct injection site must be found, the cell types must be suitable, and the session must be managed in the most correct way.
Where Can I Get Stem Cell Treatment for Hair Loss?
You should consult a hair restoration clinic. The source of your hair loss problem will be found, and stem cell treatment will be applied according to your needs.
Alloblasts will be obtained through bioengineering techniques in stem cells, biobanks, and tissue engineering centers that have high technology.
Do You Need to Get Stem Cell Treatment More Than One Time?
No. Generally, Alloblast treatment requires a single session. Yet, it can differ according to specific needs and requests.
How are PRP and Stem Cell Injections Different?
Although both are non-surgical procedures, they have their differences.
Stem cell hair transplantation is considered a more advanced technology. The reason is that initiating hair repair also improves stem cell activity.
PRP simply uses the platelet-rich plasma in the blood to stimulate hair growth, while stem cell therapy uses stem cells.
Can I Combine Stem Cell Treatment With Other Hair Loss Treatments?
Yes, stem cell treatment can be combined with other hair loss treatments. But, of course, consulting your doctor is the most crucial step to take.
Your doctor will determine how the two treatments will affect you and act accordingly. Otherwise, undesirable complications may occur.
Are There Any Alternatives to Stem Cell Treatment?
Yes, there are alternatives to stem cell treatment. And they are a better preference than stem cell treatment. Let’s see all of them.
PRP: Platelet-rich plasma is obtained from the patient’s blood. This plasma is injected into the hair, and growth starts.
MESOTHERAPY: It is the preparation of a cocktail containing various vitamins, minerals, and acids. It is injected into the scalp.
LASER THERAPY: Low-level laser therapy rays target the scalp. It stimulates hair follicles and accelerates blood circulation.
Keep in mind that you can perform low-level laser therapy by yourself with specific home devices or receive in-office sessions.
References:
1- Zari S. Short-Term Efficacy of Autologous Cellular Micrografts in Male and Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021 Nov 19;14:1725-1736. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S334807. PMID: 34824538; PMCID: PMC8610382.
2- Talebzadeh AT, Talebzadeh N. Stem Cell Applications in Human Hair Growth: A Literature Review. Cureus. 2023 Apr 11;15(4):e37439. doi: 10.7759/cureus.37439. PMID: 37181955; PMCID: PMC10174680.
3- Deng, Weiyue. “Hair follicle-derived mesenchymal stem cells decrease alopecia areata mouse hair loss and reduce inflammation around the hair follicle – Stem Cell Research & Therapy.” Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 21 October 2021.
4- Kara, Y., Kandi, B. Stem Cell Treatment in Hair Diseases January 2018Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Dermatology 28(1) DOI:10.5336/dermato.2018-59948
5- Reddy, Roopa, and Dohan Ehrenfest. “Stem-cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma in regenerative medicines: A review on pros and cons of the technologies.” NCBI, PMC6306612/.
6- “Stem Cell Basics | STEM Cell Information.” NIH Stem Cell Information.
7- Suga, Hirotaka. “Hair Regeneration Treatment Using Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Conditioned Medium: Follow-up With Trichograms.” NCBI, 26 March 2015, PMC4379938/.
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