Stem Cell Hair Therapy
Stem cell therapy is a cosmetic procedure that aims to re-stimulate the growth of the hair found on the scalp. In its most basic form, the innovative procedure has the potential to re-stimulate hair growth by utilizing your body’s own stem cells. If you are considering undergoing a stem cell hair transplant to assist with hair restoration, then we suggest you first read our comprehensive guide. Within it, we will explain everything you need to know prior to undergoing the procedure.
Stem cell restoration is a cosmetic process undertaken with the view of encouraging hair growth by using the patient’s own stem cells. For those unaware, the stem cells found within our body contain vital components linked to repairing and healing tissues. In fact, stem cells are highly fundamental, not least because they have the ability to transform in to other types of cells.
The process stands out from other, more traditional procedures such as a hair transplant, insofar that it encourages long-lasting results. The treatment is highly suitable for those that are at the early stages of hair loss.
A particular grade of stem cells – known as mesenchymal, can be found in the layer of fat below the skin. It is these very mesenchymal stem cells that are utilized to restore hair growth, via the regeneration of hair follicles. As such, the process has the potential of repairing hair follicles and thus, stimulate the growth of hair. Moreover, the procedure can also activate stem cells found on the scalp that were already in existence.
So now that we’ve covered the basics of what a stem cell therapy entails, in the next part of our guide we are going explore who the treatment is suitable for.
Who is suitable for a stem cell treatment?
First and foremost, stem cell restoration is suitable for both males and females. In most cases, if you are already completely bald, the procedure may not be suitable for you. On the contrary, the process is best suited for those that still have some hair on the scalp. If you are looking to add density in areas that are thinning, or add a natural-looking fullness to your hair, then stem cell therapy might be able to assist.
Furthermore, the treatment can also be utilized to assist with the development of both male and female pattern baldness. More importantly, if you are looking for a long-lasting solution to your hair loss concerns, then this is something that stem cell restoration aims to address.
Ultimately, your suitability for the treatment will need to be assessed by a hair restoration specialist. In order to do so, you will need to meet with the specialist in the form of a consultation. We’ll discuss this in more detail below.
Consultation for stem cell treatment
As is the case with most cosmetic procedures, prior to undergoing stem cell treatment, you will need to engage in a one-on-one consultation with the specialist. Initially, this will begin with a discussion on what you are looking to achieve from the treatment, alongside your overall expectations. Once this has been discussed, the specialist will then need to ask you some questions related to your medial history.
The key purpose of the consultation is not only to ensure that you are suitable for the underlying treatment, but to also ensure that you have a firm understanding of what to expect. It is important to you do not have unrealistic expectations prior to going ahead with the treatment.
The specialist will then proceed to assess the hair situation and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the treatment. If this is the case, then you will be given a firm breakdown of what the procedure entails, as well as what to do prior to arriving for your appointment. Furthermore, the specialist will also explain the associated risks of such a procedure, to ensure that you have a full overview on the potential risks.
Finally, you will also get ample opportunities to ask the specialist a range of questions. If you have any concerns, it is best that you relay this to the specialist, not least because it is crucial that you leave the consultation with a complete understanding of the entire end-to-end procedure.
How does the stem cell therapy procedure work?
In the vast majority of cases, the stem cell restoration process will be completed in two key stages. First and foremost, the specialist will need to extract some surplus fat from your body. This is most commonly taken from the thighs or abdomen. Before this occurs, the specialist will first need to administer some local anesthetic. This is to ensure that you do not feel any pain during the treatment.
Once this has been administered, the surplus fat will then be extracted by using special instruments. Next, the collected fat will then be placed in specific containers and sent to an authorized laboratory for them to extract the Stem Cells. . The skin incision is then closed using external sutures which would need to be removed after 14 days. This is the most complex stage of the whole treatment but should not last longer than 30 minutes. After around 3 weeks, the lab provides the doctor with 5 tubes containing the patient’s stem cells. These tubes are kept under specific freezing conditions for a maximum of 2 years. Regular appointments are done between the hair restoration specialist and the patient to have the stem cells injected in the scalp and also to review the progress being shown. The injection has minimal discomfort due to the use of very fine needles. In most of the cases, no anesthetic is required but the option for it to be used is there if required. The process of injecting the stem cells in the scalp should not last longer than 10 minutes.
So now that you have a better understanding of what to expect during the actual procedure, in the next section we are going to discuss the result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from potential candidates. If we have failed to answer a specific question or concern that you might have, please feel free to contact the practice.
When can I expect to start seeing results from a stem cell hair restoration?
It is important to recognize that result times can vary significantly between patients, and as such, the following averages should only be taken as a guide. Moreover, the specialist will be able to give you a far more accurate explanation during your consultation, which will be based on your individual needs.
However, in the majority of cases, patients will be able to see noticeable results within about 3-4 months from the first injection. As discussed earlier, regular appointments would be set up so the hair restoration specialist can assess the progress.
Are there any risks associated with stem cell therapy?
As is the case with all cosmetic procedures, there are will always be a range of risks associated with the treatment. In the case of a stem cell treatment, despite being considered to be very rare, there is a risk that the incision made to extract the fat can result in infection or bleeding. Moreover, once the skin has been excised, this will always leave a small scar. Precautions are always taken for this to be as small as possible and left in an inconspicuous place.
Ultimately, the hair restoration specialist will give you a full breakdown of the risks associated with a stem cell treatment during your consultation. This will allow you to make an informed decision as to whether you want to continue with the process.
How much does stem cell therapy cost?
There is no hard and fast rules as to how much the stem cell hair restoration procedure costs. The key reason for this is that it really depends on the patient’s individual needs. There may be instances where the patient needs additional treatment to the stem cell therapy, meaning that the costs can vary. This is why it is crucial that you first undergo a one-on-one consultation with the hair restoration specialist. In doing so, they will be able to assess your individual needs and thus, give you a full breakdown of the costs.
What makes stem cell hair restoration stand out from other treatments?
Although stem cell hair therapy is still a relatively new phenomenon, research suggests that the process has the capacity to provide longer-lasting results, in comparison to other treatments readily available. The key reason supporting this viewpoint is that stem cell therapy not only works on the base of the follicle but also works on the shaft of the hair when compared to other treatments.