A regenerative procedure called stem cell therapy employs stem cells to replace and restore the body’s damaged tissues and cells. Because of its ability to promote healing and reduce inflammation, it has acquired popularity in a number of medical specialities, including neurology, dermatology, and orthopaedics.
In the field of hair Loss, stem cell therapy has become a well-liked therapeutic alternative for treating hair loss and encouraging the creation of new hair. A summary of stem cell therapy in general and its application to hair treatment in particular is provided below:
Overview of Stem Cell Therapy
- Stem cell types include: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) obtained from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or umbilical cords, as well as laboratory-created induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are often utilised stem cells in therapy. Every kind possesses distinct qualities and uses.
- Mechanism: Growth factors and cytokines released by stem cells stimulate tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and aid in the regeneration of injured cells.
- Applications: Due to its anti-inflammatory and tissue-repair properties, stem cell therapy is used to treat a variety of ailments, including autoimmune disorders, arthritis, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Hair Loss Treatment with Stem Cell Therapy (Stem Cell Hair Treatment)
A minimally invasive method called stem cell hair therapy is intended to stimulate hair follicles, increase hair density, and treat baldness or hair thinning, particularly in cases of androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness).
- How It Works:
- In areas of the scalp where hair loss is evident, stem cells are injected. The cells may be able to reverse the process of hair loss by releasing proteins and growth factors that stimulate hair follicles.
- These growth factors promote blood circulation, which nourishes the hair roots, and encourage the hair follicles to enter the anagen (growth) phase.
- Different Stem Cell Types for Hair Treatment:
- Adipose-derived stem cells, which are frequently extracted from adipose tissue, are abundant in growth factors that promote the health of follicles.
- Growth factors from the patient’s blood are present in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which can be used in conjunction with stem cells to boost the effects of the latter and encourage hair growth.
- Exosome Treatment: Exosomes are extracellular vesicles made by stem cells that contain cytokines and growth hormones. To promote follicle growth, exosomes can be injected into the scalp.
- Method:
- To separate stem cells or growth factors, a sample of tissue or blood is obtained, usually from bone marrow or fat, and processed.
- Target areas of the scalp are injected with the extracted solution. For best outcomes, it can be advised to attend many sessions.
- Anticipated Outcomes:
- Patients may have some new hair growth, decreased hair loss, and increased hair density and thickness. Individual factors, like the degree of hair loss and the number of treatments, affect the results.
- Safety and Effectiveness:
- Stem cell hair therapy is generally non-invasive and safe. Temporary redness or swelling at injection sites are possible side effects, which are often minor. Although encouraging, stem cell hair therapy is still an experimental procedure, and outcomes may differ.
Advantages and Drawbacks of Stem Cell Hair Therapy Advantages:
- Minimally Invasive: Recovery is accelerated because no surgery is needed.
- Natural Growth: Promotes the production of hair by the body’s own cells.
- Long-Term Effects: Although they might not be permanent, results might persist longer than those of topical therapies or prescription drugs.
Limits:
- Variability in Results: Research on the efficacy of stem cell therapy for hair loss is ongoing, and individual responses may result in different outcomes.
- Cost: Since insurance frequently does not cover stem cell hair treatment, it can be expensive.
- Restricted Availability: Because it is a new treatment, not all clinics or areas may have it available.