stem cells Archives - Miami Hair Institute

Articles Tagged with: stem cells

Researchers Succeed in Growing Hair From Embryonic Stem Cells

January 16, 2017

Can Stem Cells Treat Hair Loss?

Researchers Succeed in Growing Hair From Embryonic Stem Cells Thanks to stem cells, hair follicles are constantly regenerating. When they stop renewing, hair loss ensues. In the effort to target hair loss at the root, research shows that re-introducing a patient’s own stem cells to the follicle creates a nourishing environment to foster regrowth and fight the battle against hair loss.

In addition to hormonal changes associated with androgenetic alopecia, stem cells begin to shrink and deteriorate as we age. Per a recent Japanese study¹, stem cells that help promote hair renewal begin to wear and tear overtime, limiting the potential for follicle restoration. In addition, the follicles face miniaturization or shrinkage, making it difficult for new hair to grow. Aside from getting older, sun damage and chemical exposure can expedite stem cell damage.

Stem Cells for Hair Loss Treatment in Miami

The minimally invasive stem cell procedure involves a mild oral sedative and local anesthesia, making the process quick with little discomfort. Using a liposuction tool, we derive fat cells from the belly, flanks or love handles and extract the stem cells that will later foster hair growth. We then inject this concentrated stem cell sample onto the scalp.

Although stem cell treatment for hair growth is a relatively new procedure, the team at the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami is optimistic of long-term hair regrowth potential, particularly with ongoing treatment. 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 odds of success.

To consult with Dr. Bernard Nusbaum and Dr. Paul Rose for Miami stem cell treatment, call our office at 305-925-0222 or book your appointment using our online form. For non-Miami residents, we partner with area hotels to minimize lodging costs for our patients. To receive an exclusive Miami hotel discount, contact us after scheduling your procedure for a corporate rate code.

¹ http://science.sciencemag.org/content/351/6273/aad4395

July 25, 2016

A Closer Look at Stem Cell Therapy for Hair Loss

Stem Cells and Hair Loss Dr. Paul Rose and Dr. Bernard Nusbaum are proud to offer a fresh, innovative and effective approach to hair loss – stem cell hair growth. While a fairly new procedure, stem cell therapy for hair loss is safe and successful. Plus, you can use this treatment in conjunction with transplant surgery, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, topical treatments such as Rogaine and low level laser therapy (LLLT) treatments.

What are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are the building blocks of the body; they provide instruction on how to construct new cells. The fatty tissue on the body contains a high number of stem cells applicable to hair loss treatment.

The stem cell hair loss treatment is a simple outpatient procedure with local anesthesia and a mild oral sedative. Our physicians perform a small liposuction procedure on the patient, typically on the belly or love handles for optimal results. From there, the fat is processed to isolate and concentrate stem cells. Then, our physicians inject the stem cells directly into the scalp.

The total time for the procedure depends on the individual, but extraction takes about 20 minutes total. While doctors extract stem cells from the fat, patients can wait comfortably in private rooms.

After the procedure, patients must have a family member or friend give them a ride home since driving on the sedative is illegal. You can expect to return to your normal routine the following day.

Can Stem Cells Spur Hair Growth?

In short, stem cells have been shown to assist hair growth, but clinical research is still being conducted. Because the procedure is so new, researchers are unsure of whether the hair will continue to grow or if re-treatment is necessary.

For more information on Stem Cell Hair Treatment in Miami, contact the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami at 877-443-9070. Dr. Rose and Dr. Nusbaum provide the latest in hair restoration and loss treatments, not limited to stem cell related procedures.

May 24, 2016

Hair Loss: New Treatment Options

Hair Loss: New Treatment Options In the world of hair loss, new treatment options are one of the most widely publicized topics. Often discussed hand in hand with ground breaking research, new hair loss treatments are continuously developed and researched in a tireless effort to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Hair Loss: New Treatment in 2016

So, what are the newest hair loss treatment options to watch for in 2016? Browse the treatments below for expert insight on the year’s biggest trends in hair restoration.

Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP). Although this treatment has been around for few years, physicians are now using PRP in conjunction with other hair loss treatments to improve overall outcomes. At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, PRP is often used to improve surgical hair restoration procedures, like Mosaic® Hair Restoration.

Mosaic® Hair Restoration. ISHRS Golden Follicle award winning surgeons, Drs. Nusbaum and Rose, have developed a patented method of hair restoration that ensures the best possible transplant result by identifying and recreating each patient’s unique follicular pattern in the restoration area. To learn more about Mosaic® Hair Restoration, visit this page on hair restoration techniques.

Laser Therapy. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a new approach to non-surgical hair restoration that utilizes safe, medical-grade laser light to increase blood flow across the entire scalp. By increasing blood flow, LLLT can improve oxygen availability within the hair follicle. Our clinic is pleased to offer laser therapy with Capillus272™ Pro, a FDA cleared laser therapy cap that can be used at home and while on-the-go.

Stem Cell Treatment. Stem cell treatments are done as an outpatient with local anesthesia and a mild oral sedative. A small liposuction procedure is performed on the belly, flanks or “love handles” to obtain the patient’s own fat. A special process is used to isolate and concentrate the stem cells from the fat and these are then injected into the scalp.

Fight Hair Loss with New Treatments at Miami Hair

At Miami Hair, our team is comprised of South Florida’s top hair transplant surgeons, nurses, microscopists, and technicians. We understand the challenges that hair loss presents to personal, social, and professional life. We are here to help make a difference.

Learn more about hair loss evaluations online, or call our Institute directly at 1-877-443-9070.

April 29, 2016

Treating Hair Loss with Stem Cells

Fatty tissue is known to be a rich reservoir of stem cells. Physicians have been taking advantage of this fact and are using stem cells to treat orthopedic injuries, neurodegenerative and chronic diseases and now, hair loss.

Stem Cells Derived from the Patient’s own Fat Stimulate Hair Growth

Before Photo: Treating Hair Loss with Stem Cells

After Photo: Treating Hair Loss with Stem Cells

The procedure is done as an outpatient with local anesthesia and a mild oral sedative. A small liposuction procedure is performed on the belly, flanks or “love handles” to obtain the patient’s own fat. A special process is used to isolate and concentrate the stem cells from the fat and these are then injected into the scalp. As you can see from these photos, results are very positive. While we do not know for how long the hair will continue to grow, we believe that occasional re-treatment will keep the process going.

Learn More About Stem Cell Treatment for Hair Loss in Miami

At Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, we are always searching for ways to safely improve our patients’ experience with new technologies, advanced procedures, and exceptional results. We invite readers to contact us online or call our clinic directly at 877-443-9070 to learn more about treating hair loss with a stem cell procedure.

January 29, 2015

Researchers Grow Hair Using Stem Cells, Publish Findings

It’s estimated that hair loss affects nearly 80 million men and women across the United States. It’s a serious medical condition that often leads to low self esteem, tattered self confidence, and sometimes even depression among both males and females. Moreover, hair loss can be a sign that other serious illnesses are lurking elsewhere in the body. In recent years, studies have shown that individuals who exhibit signs of hair loss are more likely to suffer with heart and prostate conditions later in life.

For these reasons and more, men and women are urged to consult with a physician immediately upon noticing signs of hair loss. Today, hair restoration may include several different techniques designed to reverse the signs of thinning, shedding, and balding.

Hair transplants are among the most sought-after hair loss treatments. In recent years, celebrities and professional athletes have publicly endorsed hair transplant surgery on both television and Twitter, showing fans and followers impeccable before and after photos that clearly show natural results. In the United States, NFL player Wes Welker became one of the first to endorse his hair transplant surgeon. In the UK, footballer Wayne Rooney took to Twitter to share his transplant experience with fans. And in the past year, hair transplant procedures of increased a reported 85% worldwide.

Stem Cell Treatment for Baldness

Though more studies are needed before a “stem cell cure for baldness” is ready for humans, researchers are reporting success in using such treatments on laboratory mice. In a study published in PLOS ONE, a team lead by Dr. Alexey Terskikh, PhD, found that human pluripotent stem cells (HPSCs) could be effectively programmed to form into derma papilla cells, special structures that are known to induce control over the growth cycle of the hair follicle. Following transplant to laboratory mice, the HSPCs grew new hair, giving researchers hope that the same process could one day be replicated with humans.

Specifically, this new discovery might aid hair transplant patients who perhaps lack available donor hair. “Our stem cell method provides an unlimited source of cells for the patient for transplantation,” says Dr. Terskikh. “And isn’t limited by the availability of existing hair follicles [donor hair].”

Hair Transplant in Miami

To learn more about hair transplant procedures in Miami, call the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami at 305-925-0222.

Source:

(i) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150127095919.htm

January 6, 2015

Natural Substance from Beehives Shows Potential for Growing Hair

How serious is hair loss? According to a recent study, about 1 in 3 individuals who suffer with hair loss say they would give up sex for life, just for a new head of hair (i). And according to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), just about 50% of respondents to the 2010 Hair Transplant Challenge Survey indicate they would choose a handsome head of hair over more money or new friends (ii).

Given the statistics above, it’s not surprising that hair transplant surgeons are so invested in researching hair loss cures. Hair plays a big role in shaping one’s appearance; without it, one can feel different, insecure, and less confident in everyday situations. According to additional statistics gathered by the ISHRS, just over half of men and women who experience hair loss say that nothing makes them feel more self conscious than the thought of “noticeable hair loss” (iii).

Over the past few years, several studies have emerged that indicate a natural hair loss remedy might be in the near future. Most recently, researchers at the University of Calgary made a discovery that might soon lead to a stem cell treatment for hair loss. And for those who don’t feel comfortable with the idea of stem cell therapy, another new study might seem a little easier, and sweeter.

Propolis: The Beehive Hair Loss Cure?

In Japan, a group of researchers uncovered an unlikely new substance for helping hair to grow again. It’s called propolis, and it is naturally found within beehives. Inside the hive, propolis is a resin-like substance that provides natural insulation. Outside the hive, propolis has demonstrated the ability to function as an anti-inflammatory, a key characteristic that researchers believe makes it a good chemical for assisting with new hair growth.

Commenting on the study, Ken Kobayashi explains, “I expect that propolis improves hair loss due to inflammation through the anti-inflammatory properties and the keratinocyte-proliferative effect,” (v).

Inflammation and Hair Loss

Sometimes, inflamed cells can be the reason why hair follicles become unable to sustain a healthy hair growth cycle. Explains Kobayashi, “normal hair growth needs active proliferation[…] without excessive inflammation.” Based on this premise, Kobayashi’s team of researchers at the Hokkaido University in Japan conducted a study to see if the proactive application of an anti-inflammatory, like propolis, would make for speedy hair growth.

To test this hypothesis, the research team divided laboratory mice into two groups. Both groups were shaved, and one group was given propolis while the other group was not. As predicted by the research team, propolis encouraged a significantly higher rate of natural hair growth for mice in the test group.

Hold Off on the Honey

If you suffer with hair loss, it might be too soon to rush out for the newest propolis extraction or hair loss gimmick. Additional testing must be performed. Moreover, the mice in the experiment were merely shaved and examined for natural hair regrowth; no mice exhibited signs of hair loss or pattern baldness prior to the experiment. In this light, it is clear that propolis must be tested on subjects that exhibit symptoms of hair loss, like androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), before researchers can say with reasonable certainty that propolis can, in fact, act as a true hair loss cure.

Sources:

(i) http://www.statisticbrain.com/hair-loss-statistics/

(ii) “2010 Hair Transplant Challenge Survey.” International Society for Hair Restoration Surgery. Accessed 17 June 2013.

(iii) See above.

(iv) Miyata S, Oda Y, Matsuo C, et al. Stimulatory Effect of Brazilian Propolis on Hair Growth through Proliferation of Keratinocytes in Mice. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2014.

(v) http://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/beehive-resin-could-be-a-cure-for-hair-loss

December 31, 2014

Researchers Use Immune System to Trigger New Hair Growth in Mice

As the year comes to an end, yet another hair loss study has rocked the Internet with fascinating results! Just a couple weeks ago, researchers from the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre released findings that demonstrate how the immune system can be used to induce changes in the regenerative skin stem cells of laboratory mice. The study was published in PLOS Biology, and while follow up studies are needed, the hair loss community embraces these findings as much-welcomed insight on the potential for a “stem cell” hair loss cure.

Commenting on the study, author Mirna Perez-Moreno explains, “We have discovered that macrophages[…] are also involved in the activation of hair follicle stem cells,” (i).

Macrophages are special immune system cells that play an important role in a process called phagocytosis. To protect the body, macrophages consume inbound pathogens while assisting in cellular repair (e.g. healing wounds). In the study conducted by the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, the macrophages had an additional and shocking effect on the hair follicles of lab mice.

The discovery began, at first, as a simple observation. While administering anti-inflammatory drugs, Perez-Moreno noticed that some mice experienced hair growth shortly after receiving the medication. This led her to hypothesize that the cells of the immune system might play a vital role in communicating with the hair follicle stem cells. To evaluate the hypothesis, the team tested several individual immune system cells to see if they had an effect on hair growth.

As researchers took note, one specific type of immune system cell did appear to play a causal role in activating stem cells within the hair follicle: The macrophages.

Summarizing the findings of the study, authors explain, “Our study underlines the importance of macrophages as modulators in skin regenerative processes, going beyond their primary function.”

Eventually, researchers hope to use findings like this to develop treatments in which stem cells can be “activated” to promote cellular regeneration. Such treatments could provide far-reaching benefits in the fight against terminal illnesses and other serious health conditions. For men and women who suffer with hair loss, stem cell therapy promises to one day “reactivate” hair follicles to reverse pattern baldness without foams, prescription medications, or hair transplant surgery.

Sources

(i) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287367.php

December 24, 2014

Miami Hair Blog Best of 2014

Hair Transplant Popularity Rises, LLLT Proves Successful, and New Studies Published by Drs. Nusbaum & Rose

As 2014 comes to an end, our Institute cannot help but reflect on the prior year with a strong sense of accomplishment. We are grateful to have served so many new patients from around the world. Miami is truly the Gateway to the Americas, and we are happy to have developed relationships with so many different types of people from the South Florida area, across the United States, and throughout South America. As awareness continues to spread for the safety and effectiveness of hair restoration, it is our goal to help even more men and women realize a renewed sense of happiness and confidence with their hair in 2015!

If this is your first time visiting our website and blog, we extend a warm welcome and invite you to browse our articles, studies, and Infographics. Looking back, it is our pleasure to present our most-read articles from 2014. From breaking research to new studies published by our Institute’s lead surgeons, this “best of” list provides an overview of what our Institute has been up to, and where we’re heading in 2015. Enjoy!

Discovery of New Stem Cells May Hold Future Hair Loss Cure

Researchers have long pursued the discovery of stem cell that could quickly and easily reverse the signs of hair loss. Such a cell would function as a proverbial “on/off switch,” giving hair loss physicians the ability to induce new hair growth across areas of bald skin. Men and women who suffer with androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) would not be the only benefactors; individuals who suffer hair loss following severe injuries, burns, or illnesses could also benefit from a quick and easy hair loss treatment protocol directed through a specific stem cell.

This December, a discovery at the University of Calgary indicates that researchers might be closer to this dream. Dr. Jeff Biernaskie, a Veterinary Medicine professor, published research findings in the December 2014 issue of the Developmental Cell journal that identify certain self-renewing cells located in the dermal sheath that play an integral role in managing hair growth. One day, hair loss professionals may be able to target these cells with specially formulated drugs to induce new hair growth in a precise and controlled fashion. Says Dr. Biernaskie, “We hope that we can ultimately stimulate these cells with drugs to replenish or rejuvenate the cells that are responsible for inducing hair growth,” (i). To understand how these self-renewing cells might someday cure hair loss, it’s helpful to first understand the role dermal papilla plays in overseeing normal hair growth.

The dermal papilla is a cluster of cells located at the base of the hair follicle. Dermatologists have long understood that this cluster of cells stimulates new hair growth via epidermal cells and the hair follicle. Exactly how the dermal papilla oversees this process, however, has largely remained a mystery until recently. Moreover, research indicates that dysfunctional dermal papilla are common among individuals with pattern baldness.

“When you lose your hair, particularly in male pattern baldness, we know the reason you go bald is because of dysfunction of[…] dermal papilla,” explains Dr. Biernaskie.

But what if certain neighboring cells could be used to resuscitate dormant dermal papilla? This question became the inspiration for the central hypothesis tested by Dr. Biernaskie and his research team. To identify these potential cells, the team used genetic markers to label individual cells within the dermal sheath. While monitoring the cells, the team made an exciting discovery: A small number of cells within the dermal sheath exhibited the ability to self-renew, creating new cells in each hair follicle. Those new cells included new dermal papilla, which ultimately have the power to facilitate new hair growth.

Commenting on the discovery, Dr. Biernaskie says, “We know that there is a small group of dermal stem cells in each follicle, we know where they reside[…] down the road, we might be able to look at different drugs that activate these cells[…] in order to stimulate new hair growth.”

Sources

(i) http://www.ucalgary.ca/utoday/issue/2014-12-10/stem-cell-discovery-sheds-new-light-hair-growth

March 14, 2014

New Method of Producing Stem Cells Falls Short

Earlier this year, a team of Japanese scientists released studies that amazed the scientific community with a new method of producing stem cells. The new method claimed to have transformed ordinary cells into adult stem cells— cells capable of undergoing further transformation into any cell in the body. Researchers remained skeptical, however, as the new process involving a straight forward acid bath seemed overly simplistic and inherently flawed.

The study was originally published by a team of researchers from Boston and Japan in the scientific journal Nature. Following publication, however, leaders in the scientific community took issue with the images used as evidence in the study. Soon thereafter, specific elements of the Methods section of the papers received intense scrutiny, with many critics alleging issues of plagiarism.

Too Good to Be True: Scientists Withdraw Recent Stem Cell Findings

In a statement issued during a press conference with The Japan News, researcher Teruhiko Wakayama said, “I’m no longer sure that the articles are correct.” Mr. Wakayama is one of the first researchers to ever clone a mouse, making his endorsement-turned-retraction a shock to many. Elaborating on the study, Mr. Wakayama explained to news agency NHK World that he felt the experiments were correct, however the credibility of the data used as preconditions for the experiment had come into question.

Moreover, it’s important to note that the original studies involved cells from animal subjects, specifically mice. Even if successful, scientists face significant challenges when using the same methodology to achieve the same results in humans.

Proven Hair Loss Treatments

In the wake of these now compromised study results, it appears science is not any closer to a stem cell hair loss treatment. Fortunately, there are a number of hair loss treatment protocols that have been proven effective for men and women.

Non-surgical Hair Restoration

Non-surgical methods of hair restoration with a proven track record of success include:

Minoxidil topical foam, available by brand name Rogaine
Finasteride prescription medication, available by brand name Propecia
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) for hair. New studies have recently proven LLLT successful in stimulating new hair growth.

Surgical Hair Restoration

Strip harvest transplant
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Robotic FUE with the ARTAS

Learn More About Hair Restoration in Miami

To learn more about the surgical and non-surgical methods of hair restoration available in Miami, contact the Hair Transplant Institute at (305) 925-0222.