Modern-day’s stressful, hectic lifestyles seem to be taking a toll on human hair. Factors like pollution, elevated stress, busy routines, unhealthy eating habits, or hormonal changes are the major causes of hair loss, especially amongst youngsters. As a result, there is a surge in people seeking safe, effective, and the most advanced hair restoration treatment options, which bear more natural-looking results.
One such promising treatment, slowly becoming popular, is Stem Cell Hair Transplant Therapy. This treatment option is relatively new and is projected to be a significant breakthrough in curing baldness and hair thinning among millions of patients.
Unlike traditional hair transplants wherein individual hair follicles or follicular units are removed and then transplanted, stem cell involves extracting a skin sample tissue from where the hair follicles are harvested. These follicles are then replicated in a lab before being implanted back into the areas on the scalp with hair loss.
What is the procedure of a stem cell hair transplant?
It is essential to know about stem cells to understand the stem hair transplant procedure. Stem cells can develop into various types of cells in the human body. These cells have the potential to repair and replace damaged tissues, playing an integral role in natural growth and healing. Evidence suggests that stem cells may also promote hair growth when reintroduced to the scalp.
This hair transplant process starts with a punch biopsy to extract stem cells from the patient. The biopsy is performed with the help of an instrument with a circular blade that is rotated into the skin to extract a sample tissue. The stems cells are then spun in a machine called a centrifuge, where they are isolated from the tissue. Then, the stem cells are processed in a laboratory, where they divide and multiply in folds.
In the next step, the surgeons will clean and disinfect the balding portion of the scalp and inject the extracted and harvested stem cells there. The best part of this treatment procedure is that it promotes hair growth where stem cells are transplanted and from the donor area.
Stem cell hair restoration therapy can treat the following:
- Female Pattern Baldness (androgenetic alopecia)
- Cicatricle Alopecia
- Male Pattern Baldness (male androgenetic alopecia)
What is the recovery process after a stem cell hair transplant procedure?
Although no recovery time is required for stem cell hair transplant treatment, the patient may experience some pain after the procedure. This pain should subside within a week post-treatment.
Extreme workout or physical activity must be avoided for at least a week following the hair transplant procedure. The patient can also expect slight scarring on the area from where the sample tissue was extracted. Patients may not be able to drive themselves home following the procedure due to the effects of the local anesthesia.
What are the side effects of a stem cell hair transplant procedure?
Since stem cell hair transplant is a relatively new procedure, there is not much research or information available on the potential side effects of this treatment. However, just like every other medical procedure, there is always a likelihood of infection or bleeding from where the tissue sample is extracted and where the injection is administered.
There is also a slight risk of artery or nerve damage beneath the sample tissue extraction area.
FDA has advised patients considering stem cell therapies to opt for treatments that are either FDA approved or being studied under an Investigational New Drug Application (IND). The FDA authorizes INDs. The clinics offering stem cell hair therapies not approved by the FDA cannot guarantee the success rates of the procedure.
What is the success rate of a stem cell hair transplant procedure?
The results and success rate of a stem cell hair transplant will vary from patient to patient, depending on factors like the quality of their hair, the amount of hair loss, their genes, etc.
Although stem cell hair transplant is still at a very nascent stage, the research available on it seems quite promising. Studies suggest a 29% increase in hair density, around 23 weeks of post-treatment.
This therapy is also known to be successful for patients suffering from alopecia induced by a thyroid hormone imbalance and medical side effects like chemotherapy. Additionally, this therapy is beneficial for patients whose hair loss is caused by other medical and non-medical conditions like stress, dermatitis, fungal infection, and such.
How much does a stem cell hair transplant procedure cost?
Since stem cell hair transplant is still in its research stage, the exact cost has not yet been determined. However, based on some of the investigational therapies being offered by several clinics worldwide, it is still possible to estimate the cost of this ground-breaking hair restoration procedure. The cost of these investigational stem cell hair transplant treatments offered by different clinics ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. However, just like other hair transplant methods, the final cost of stem cell hair transplant will vary from individual to individual, depending on factors like the type and the amount of hair loss being treated.
Are you looking for the best hair transplant in New Jersey? Get in touch with our experts at the New Jersey Hair Restoration Center for the most effective FUT and FUE transplant. Our team comprises of the best hair transplant doctors who will be able to guide you with an affordable treatment option that best suits your hair loss condition. Follow NHJRC on social media to stay updated with the latest hair transplant technology news.
