Stem cells are the multi-talented repairmen of our bodies, maintaining and restoring healthy functioning everywhere, fixing the body by dividing and replacing damaged tissues. For a number of years, stem cell research has held the promise of leveraging their power to promote healing and treat a wide range of ailments and issues. Now new stem cell efforts and techniques are showing that reintroducing an individual’s own stem cell back into hair follicles can create a nourishing environment which may foster regrowth and fight the battle against hair loss.
Multiple teams of researchers are currently working on stem cell hair loss therapies, and some techniques have advanced to the point such that they are being used effectively on patients suffering from hair loss, including stem cell therapy offered at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami.
Minimally invasive, stem cell therapy for hair loss involves isolating a few ounces of adult stem cells from fat deposits in the abdomen, flanks, or love handles and reintroducing those cells to the scalp. A physician removes those fat cells from the patient’s midsection using a “mini” liposuction procedure. Before this approximately 20-minute-long outpatient procedure, the doctor will administer a mild oral sedative and local anesthesia, minimizing pain or discomfort.
Following the liposuction, the physicians performing the procedure will isolate the stem cells while you rest. Once isolated, the hair loss physician will inject the stem cells into targeted areas of the scalp, where they will start their work stimulating hair growth.
The whole procedure should last approximately three hours. As an outpatient procedure, patients can go home shortly after that. However, since mild sedation is involved, patients should arrange for someone else to drive them home. While there may be some mild soreness after the procedure, patients should be able to go back to work the next day.
It may take a few months before noticing results. Since this is a relatively new procedure, it is not yet clear how long results will last. However, the team at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami is optimistic about the potential for long-term hair regrowth, particularly with ongoing treatment.
Research has found stem cell hair transplants can be an effective way of treating hair loss conditions such as:
- male androgenetic alopecia
- androgenetic alopecia
- cicatricial alopecia
Stem cell treatment can be used in conjunction with hair transplant surgery, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, topical treatments or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to increase your chances of a successful outcome.
To consult with Dr. Bernard Nusbaum and Dr. Paul Rose about whether Miami stem cell hair therapies may be a good option for your hair loss issues, please call our office at 305-925-0222 or contact us online to book your evaluation and consultation.