Stem Cell Treatment for Hair Regrowth
Mesenchymal stem cells, isolated from umbilical cords donated by mothers after term cesarean sections (NOT fetal or embryonic), possess remarkable properties that stimulate tissue health, promote growth, and decrease inflammation. These properties can be harnessed to thicken hair with simple scalp injections. We treat patients routinely with consistent success in Antigua, where we've maintained our stem cell center for many years, and in Athens, Greece, where we offer hair-thickening injections at the clinic of a renowned plastic surgeon. The procedure is effective in men and women with thinning hair, but not in those who are bald.
Protocol:
The procedure involves simple scalp injections of mesenchymal stem cells. The cells are obtained from Vitro Biopharma in Golden, Colorado, the finest producer of stem cells in the world in Dr. Prodromos' opinion. These cells have numerous international certifications and are also authorized by the FDA for use in humans: although we must travel offshore to inject them. Every patient treated is followed up and there have been no serious adverse events in any patient with their use. The cells are transported in liquid nitrogen, continuously temperature monitored in flight, and then thawed immediately before use.
In addition to the scalp injections, we administer an intravenous infusion of stem cells; these IV cells are then drawn to the scalp at the site of injections thus enhancing the effect of the scalp injections. In Antigua, the injections are performed by Kenneth Candido MD, an internationally renowned pain specialist, and former chairman of a major anesthesia department in Chicago with abundant experience injecting PRP for hair thinning. The stem cell procedure is similar to scalp injections using platelet-rich plasma except for substituting stem cells for PRP. However, stem cells produce a more robust and long-lasting effect. Sedation can be provided by Dr. Candido for patients if they elect it, though anesthesia is not required.
Safety and Results:
The procedure is completely safe, with no side effects or serious adverse events ever reported. All patients are followed up for FDA reporting. Results from the treatment are typically evident several months after treatment and sometimes as early as a few weeks. Men generally need the procedure to be repeated at intervals to counteract the effects of male hormones, while women often experience more long-lasting results.
Other Hair-Thinning Strategies:
Other hair-thinning strategies use medicines with female hormonal properties which can also produce side effects. Stem cells have no side effects, and as with the PCOS patient, can also have tremendous other benefits. Many patients elect to have skin facial rejuvenation with stem cells after facial microneedling, in addition to scalp injections.
Post-Procedure Care:
Shampooing can be done the day after the injections, and coloring in one week. There is some soreness on the day of the procedure which mostly dissipates overnight. Patients may fly back the day after the injections if they like.
Anti-Aging Benefits and Future Application:
For most patients, stem cell scalp injections are a part of a broader anti-aging program. The cosmetic improvements complement the generally increased energy and mental acuity after stem cell treatment. Unlike many other cosmetic treatments, stem cells are completely safe and natural and without risk or side effects. There are no chemical side effects to worry about. Stem cells are nature’s tool for healing us, honed over millions of years of evolution. These injections just harness and concentrate their effect in a site where they are needed. While this treatment is for cosmetic purposes with moderate hair thinking, there is also a role for stem cell treatment for autoimmune alopecia for which we are just beginning a clinical trial.