Changing The Future Of Hair Regrowth Is The Stem Cell Hair Transplant 

Overview

Similar to a traditional hair transplant is a stem cell hair transplant. A stem cell hair transplant removes a small skin sample from which hair follicles are harvested, rather than removing a large number of hairs to transplant to the area of hair loss. 

In the areas of hair loss, the follicles are then replicated in a lab and implanted back into the scalp. As well as where they are transplanted, this allows hair to grow where the follicles were taken from. 

At the moment, stem cell hair transplants exist only in theory. Research keeps moving forward. Sooner or later, it’s estimated that stem cell hair transplants may be available. 

Stem Cell Hair Transplant Procedure

What are stem cells 

To develop into different types of cells found in the body, stem cells are cells that have the potential. Unable to do specific things in the body, they are unspecialised cells. 

To either stay stem cells or become other types of cells, however, they can divide and renew themselves. By dividing and replacing damaged tissues, they help repair certain tissues in the body. 

The Procedure

Successfully performed by Italian researchers in 2017 was a stem cell hair transplant. 

To extract stem cells, from the person, the procedure begins with a punch biopsy. To remove a cylindrical sample of tissue, the punch biopsy is performed using an instrument with 

a circular blade that is rotated into the skin. 

In a special machine called a centrifuge, the stem cells are then separated from the tissue. In the areas of hair loss, it is then injected back into the scalp with the cell suspension it leaves. 

Working on stem cell hair loss treatments, there are several different research teams. They are all based on growing new hair follicles in a lab using a small skin sample from the patient while the procedures may vary slightly. 

Offering a version of stem cell hair transplants to the public, currently, there are some clinics. Not approved by the US FDA are these. Considered investigational are they. 

The FDA had earlier released a warning about stem cell therapies. Choosing those that are either approved by the FDA or being studied under an Investigational New Drug Application is what the warning advises anyone considering stem cell therapies. Authorising INDs is the FDA. 

On an outpatient basis, these procedures are performed in-office. Under local anaesthesia, they entail removing fat cells from the person’s abdomen or hip using a liposuction procedure. 

So that they can be injected into the scalp, a special process is used to remove the stem cells from the fat. Taking approximately 3 hours is this procedure. 

For the outcome of the procedure, the clinics currently offering this procedure can’t provide a guarantee. Varying from person to person are the results if any. To see results, it may require several treatments over many months. 

Including the following conditions, some research has found stem cell

hair transplants can be effective in treating: 

male androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness)

androgenetic alopecia (female pattern baldness)

cicatricial alopecia (hair follicles are destroyed and replaced with scar tissue)

Stem Cell Hair Transplant Recovery

It is expected to have some pain following the procedure. Within a week it should subside. 

Though excessive exercise should be avoided for a week, no recovery time is required. Where the fat has been removed, some scarring can be expected. 

Due to the effects of local anaesthesia, you won’t be able to drive yourself home following the procedure.  

Stem Cell Hair Transplant Side Effects 

About the possible side effects of stem cell hair transplants, there’s very little information available. There is always the risk of bleeding or infection at the site of the sample and the injection as with any medical procedure. Also possible is scarring. 

There’s a small risk of damage to the nerves or arteries beneath the site though complications from a punch biopsy are rare. Causing the same side effects and complications is liposuction. 

Stem Cell Hair Transplant Success Rate 

Very promising is the research available on the success rate of stem cell hair transplants. 23 weeks after the last treatment the results of the Italian study showed a 29 percent increase in hair density.  

Not making any guarantees regarding results or success rates, are the clinics that currently offer stem cell hair therapies not approved by the FDA.  

Stem Cell Hair Transplant Cost

Since they are still in the research stages, the cost of stem cell hair transplants hasn’t been determined. 

Ranging from approximately $ 3,000 to $10,000 are some of the investigational stem cell hair replacement therapies being offered by various clinics. Depending on the type and extent of the hair loss being treated is the final cost.  

The Takeaway 

Expected to be available to the public by 2020 are the stem cell hair transplant treatments being researched. Currently, available stem cell hair transplants offer options to people in case they aren’t candidates for the hair loss treatments. 

These are considered investigational and haven’t been approved by the FDA while some clinics are offering stem cell hair replacement therapies.