The regenerative potential of stem cells is known to all, a plastic surgeon helps us better understand the latest medical advancements to combat baldness.

“From the point of view of the regenerative potential, stem cells are very interesting since they are equipped with a capacity for dialogue with the cells of the organs,” says from HairClinic, a center specializing in regenerative therapies and hair transplantation.

How does the hair life cycle work?

We can imagine the functioning of hair as a plant that lives in a jar, which is the follicle: the cells below are the germ, the highest in the sebaceous glands and then there are other cells with different functions. The follicle is an “organelle”, with its rate of growth and development, which led to the creation, growth, and loss of hair. Having excellent hair follicles is a sign of good hair health.

What are stem cells and how are they used to regrow hair?

If the follicle is diseased and does not nourish the hair, it falls out and does not grow back. Stem cells can help the cells of the follicles to perform their functions better: like a football team with a potential reached by a great coach, capable of stimulating the players and helping them win. Stem cells can significantly help hairless follicles to stabilize growth cycles and to ensure that hair grows stronger, thus reversing the hair loss process.

Where are stem cells taken from?

Stem cells are extracted from the blood of the person undergoing treatment through a particular centrifugation process called the HCRP system, which allows CD34 + cells to be separated from the blood, which are specific cells capable of helping hair, but not they stimulate other tissues. In a patient, in general, it is possible to collect approximately 100 ml of blood in which there may be many millions of stem cells, relevant to a stimulus of the first regenerative level, the so-called “input level”, suitable for most of the patients.

If a greater regenerative stimulus is necessary because the scalp is fibrous, there are scars or there is very advanced baldness, a greater stem cell load is necessary using the stem cells of the patient’s adipose tissue, the mesenchymal cells. Thanks to sophisticated technology, a large number of mesenchymal stem cells and other cells called pericytes and preadipocytes can be removed, helping to create a working group that significantly increases regenerative potential:

CD34 + stem cells taken from blood
Mesenchymal cells of adipose tissue
Preadipocytes
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The cocktail made up of these four cell types creates extraordinary regenerative potential. Preadipocytes help the scalp to respond well to hormonal stimuli, while pericytes create new blood vessels that feed the hair follicles to regenerate and strengthen the hair.

Platelet-rich plasma and stem cells, are they the same?

Platelet-rich plasma and stem cells are cells in the blood. Platelet-rich plasma has potential only if they are rich in young platelets. Since platelets have a specific life cycle, their action gives the maximum potential at the moment in which they are injected, and from there, their potency tends to decrease. Stem cells, however, have a longer duration of action, further enhancing the effect of PRP. For this reason at HairClinic young platelets are associated with stem cells, along with other substances, to achieve optimal results.

Stem cells to combat hair loss, can they also be extracted from fruits or other organisms?

Every living organism has stem cells. Some cosmetic products on the market are based on plant stem cells: these products do not affect the hair because we do not share anything with these substances. Stem cells work only if they are autologous (from the individual who wants to undergo treatment ): they are stem cells – and therefore fundamental – that help other cells to reactivate.

How is the collection of autologous stem cells?

So that the mesenchymal stem cells can be extracted and used in the best way, and the three cell lines can be isolated most efficiently, a device is used that, thanks to its advanced technology, aspirates these cells in a very delicate way. without breaking them.

Are stem cells an alternative to transplantation?

Regenerative therapy is always necessary for all patients, because it cures the problem of hair loss, strengthens weak hair and fine hair, and strengthens the potential of the patient. If after this result the patient wants to enjoy the benefits of hair surgery, then it can be carried out more successfully, since the base was prepared optimally. As mentioned before, pericytes allow inserting follicles to take root more easily and hair to become more robust due to revascularization. This method is certainly preliminary until transplantation, which alone is not enough!

How long does it take for new hair to grow? Is the resulting natural?

In about 3 or 4 months a general strengthening is observed and later the hair regrowth is appreciated. The result is smooth and natural.

Is it necessary to repeat the procedure? After how long?

Achieving the optimal regenerative potential is our job. To maximize the result, patients suffering from baldness need to undergo periodic tests to better define how to stabilize the results. In addition, the passage of time and the change in eating habits, as well as the fact of smoking, are factors that can affect the result.