For anyone suffering from hair loss, finding a solution that actually works can be life-changing. There is no shortage of different products and gimmicks out there that promise wonderful results, but the reality is usually quite different. Whether it’s some new medication or a magical cream that’s supposed to sprout new hair, it’s easy to get taken in by inferior products and services when it comes to hair loss.

At Houston Hair Transplant Center (HHTC), Dr. Jezic and his team offer a range of hair restoration procedures and solutions for both men and women that can restore your hair and improve your density.

One hair restoration procedure that’s an alternative to traditional methods and shows tremendous promise is stem cell hair transplants. Keep reading to learn more about this cutting-edge technique so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.

Schedule a consultation at HHTC by calling (713) 864-2300 or by filling out our online form.

What is a Stem Cell Hair Transplant?

A stem cell hair transplant refers to an innovative hair restoration technique that uses stem cells from your own body (autologous) or donors (allogeneic) to promote hair regrowth and support hair health.

A stem cell is a unique type of cell that’s found in your body and has the ability to regenerate into many different types of cells. These cells serve as your body’s raw materials for creating specialized cells with specific functions. These may include muscle cells, red blood cells, or even brain cells. Another interesting thing about stem cells is that they have the ability to divide and produce more stem cells, which can possibly replenish tissues or repair damage caused by injuries and other problems including hair loss.

The Stem Cell Hair Transplant Process

The stem cell hair transplant process begins when we harvest a small amount of tissue, in the form of follicular units, from the back or sides of the head. This is an area that is rich in stem cells which makes it a great choice for a stem cell hair transplant. Once the tissue is harvested, we will process it during your hair transplant procedure to isolate and concentrate the stem cells that will be injected into the thinning and balding areas of the scalp during your hair transplant. The processing is done using a European technology called Regenera Activa. These stem cells work by stimulating any dormant or weak hair follicles, which encourages new hair growth and improves the overall health of your existing hair follicles.

When your procedure is complete, the stem cells will be in your scalp, working to promote the regeneration of your hair follicles. Over time, you can expect new, natural hair in the areas that have been treated. In some cases, follow-up treatments or additional injections may be required to get the results you want.

Alternatively, our doctors/clinicians can also inject allogeneic stem cells that are derived from adipose (fat-derived) tissue of donors. These are procured from a registered laboratory that has processed and tested thousands of liters of fat tissue to extract viable and injectable stem cells following contamination, bacterial, and toxin testing.

A stem cell procedure can be performed with or without a hair transplant. However, it is far more effective when performed in tandem with a hair transplant.

Benefits of Stem Cell Hair Transplants

Since this is a relatively novel procedure, there are benefits that aren’t seen with most standard hair restoration processes. Here are some of the possible benefits of a stem cell hair transplant:

  • Minimally Invasive: This treatment consists of a few injections into your scalp, and you won’t have to worry about large incisions.
  • Natural Hair Growth: When our doctors/clinicians inject stem cells into your scalp, they’ll work with your body’s own natural regenerative process to stimulate new natural hair growth.
  • Minimal Downtime: One of the big benefits of this kind of treatment is that there is a fast recovery process with very few side effects, and you can usually get back to your normal routine very quickly.
  • Potential for Continuous Hair Growth: Stem cell hair restoration creates a scenario where the stem cells can regenerate over time, which leads to continual hair growth after the procedure is complete.
  • Other Health Benefits: When stem cells are injected, they can also get to work on other things including improving your scalp health or addressing underlying issues such as inflammation.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?

Since this process is minimally invasive and uses your own cells or tested allogeneic cells, the risks are generally lower than those of other hair restoration procedures. Some of the possible side effects may include:

  • Mild pain or discomfort at the injection site
  • Mild swelling or bruising
  • Temporary hair shedding that’s part of the normal regrowth process

It’s unlikely that you’ll suffer any serious complications, but you should always discuss any concerns you have with your doctor before you move forward with the procedure.

Potential Limitations and Challenges

Like any new type of medical procedure, stem cell hair transplants are still in the early stages and aren’t as widely available as other more established hair restoration treatments. It’s also important to note that there isn’t a lot of long-term data available to determine the full effectiveness of the procedure over time. Stem cell therapy of all types has regulatory restrictions in many countries including the U.S. 

Who is a Good Candidate for a Stem Cell Hair Transplant?

If you’re a man or woman experiencing hair loss and you’re generally in good health, you’re likely a suitable candidate for a stem cell hair transplant. Bear in mind that stem cells are derived from your own or allogeneic human tissue. People in the earlier stages of hair loss may get better results from a stem cell hair transplant because there is still activity with the hair follicles.

The most optimal candidates are those who are undergoing a hair transplant and wish to augment, enhance, and support their hair regrowth and restoration process.

Naturally, anyone looking for a non-invasive way to combat their hair loss is also a good candidate. The best way to find out if you’re a good stem cell hair transplant candidate is to schedule a consultation with our doctor/clinicians so we can assess your situation thoroughly.

How Much Does a Stem Cell Hair Transplant Cost?

The cost of a stem cell hair transplant can vary depending on several factors including the extent of your hair loss and whether or not it is being done in tandem with a hair transplant. It also depends upon whether our doctors/clinicians are using autologous or allogeneic donor tissue. Since this treatment is still relatively new, it’s not covered by insurance, so it’s important to discuss costs upfront before you give the green light. We’ll go over all the pricing options with you during your consultation. 0% financing is available, via patient finance companies, for those who qualify. We also accept credit cards, certified checks, wire transfers, ACH, debit, and cash.

Common Causes of Hair Loss

If you want to find the right treatment for your hair loss, it can be helpful to understand the underlying cause of the problem. The reasons can differ from person to person and can include causes such as:

  • Genetics (male or female pattern baldness)
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Fungal infections
  • Chronic illnesses like diabetes or lupus
  • High stress or anxiety
  • Certain medications and treatments
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Physical trauma to the hair
  • Exposure to pollution, UV rays, or toxins

When you schedule a complimentary consultation at the Houston Hair Transplant Center (HHTC), we will give you a comprehensive evaluation to determine the likely cause of your hair loss so that we can recommend the best possible procedure for you – stem cell or otherwise.

Once again, the most optimal approach to hair loss treatments and one’s hair restoration needs is to avail of hybrid hair restoration procedures that combine hair transplants with stem cell therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), PDO threads, Exosomes, laser hair therapy, topical compounds, and supplements.

Reach Out to Our Team Today

There’s no question that stem cell hair restoration and transplants show a lot of promise and are an exciting development in the field of hair restoration. As more and more clinical trials and case studies are performed, this may end up being the go-to choice for many people who wish to combat hair loss and regrow their hair naturally.

If you’d like to learn more about stem cell hair transplants or you have questions about any of our other hair restoration techniques, get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation with our doctor/clinician.

References:

  1. Stem Cell Hair Transplants vs Stem Cell Hair Treatments: What’s the Difference? – Harley Street HTC. Harley Street HTC. Published June 6, 2023. Accessed September 30, 2024. https://www.harleystreethairtransplant.co.uk/stem-cell-hair-transplants-vs-stem-cell-hair-treatments/ 
  2. Handal Plastic Surgery. Handalplasticsurgery.com. Published 2024. Accessed September 30, 2024. https://www.handalplasticsurgery.com/blog/5-things-you-didn-t-know-about-stem-cell-hair-replacement.html 
  3. Stem Cell Hair Transplant: What Is It and When Will It Be Available? Healthline. Published January 4, 2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/stem-cell-hair-transplant#side-effects 
  4. Stem Cell Hair Restoration | Stem Cell Hair Therapy. www.tampahairmd.com. https://www.tampahairmd.com/hair-restoration-tampa/stem-cell-hair-restoration-tampa.htm 
  5. Mayo Clinic. Hair loss – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926 
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