Stem Cell Hair Transplant for Hair Loss with Regenera Activa®

Stem cell hair transplant is an innovative treatment that uses regenerative cells from your own body to treat hair loss. The procedure works by extracting adult stem cells from hair follicles, processing them into an injectable solution, and delivering them to areas experiencing hair loss. Using advanced technology like the Regenera Activa® system, the entire treatment takes just 30-40 minutes with minimal recovery time.

Studies show stem cell hair transplant can increase hair density by 27-33% within 23 weeks, with results typically lasting 1-3 years. Stem cell hair transplant treatment offers a safe and natural solution with minimal side effects. The treatment is particularly effective for moderate hair loss.

Here are the key points:

• Treatment uses your body’s own stem cells with no risk of rejection
• Single session takes 30-40 minutes with immediate return to daily activities
• Increases hair density by 29-33% within 23 weeks
• Result visible in 1-3 months, with full results at 6 months
• Results last 1-3 years before potential retreatment
• Cost ranges from $1,000 to $30,000 depending on location
• Best for early to moderate hair loss (Norwood 1-3 for men, Ludwig 1-2 for women)
• Can be combined with other treatments like hair transplant surgery

What is a stem cell?

A stem cell is a type of cell in the body that can replicate itself and transform into different cell types. Stem cells remain in an unspecialized state until they receive signals to develop into specific cell types needed by the body. 

Unlike regular cells, which can only produce more of the same type of cell, stem cells serve as the body’s natural repair and regeneration system. When stem cells divide, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function.

Stem cells fall into two fundamental categories based on their source: Adult Stem Cells and Perinatal Stem Cells. 

Adult Stem Cells are found in mature tissues throughout the body. The three main types of Adult Stem Cells are:

• Hair Follicle Stem Cells (found around the hair follicle)
• Adipose Tissue Stem Cells (found in fat tissue)
• Bone Marrow Stem Cells (found in bone marrow)

Adult stem cells can be further broken down into specific categories:

Perinatal Stem Cells come from tissues available only at birth, such as stem cells from umbilical cord blood, the Wharton’s jelly in the umbilical cord, amniotic fluid, and placental tissue.

What is stem cell hair transplant?

Stem cell hair transplant is a novel hair loss treatment that mainly uses Adult Stem Cells from the patient’s own body to treat Andogenic Genetic Alopecia.

During a stem cell hair transplant, a small amount of tissue is removed from the back of the head. This tissue is processed to extract the stem cells, which are then injected into the hair loss areas to activate dormant hair follicles. 

How does stem cell hair transplant work?

Stem cell hair transplantation works by using the regenerative properties of stem cells to revive and support hair growth. When injected into the scalp, these cells help restore regular activity in balding areas by:

• Promote blood vessel formation around hair follicles
• Release growth factors that stimulate existing hair follicles
• Extend the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle
• Support the survival and function of existing hair follicles

Where do stem cells come from in stem cell hair treatment?

Stem cells for stem cell hair treatment can be sourced from either Hair Follicle Stem Cells (HFSCs) or Adipose Tissue Stem Cells (ADSCs).

Hair Follicles Stem Cells are located in the “bulge” region of hair follicles and the dermal papilla and can be obtained from the scalp region. HFSCs are the preferred type of stem cells for hair growth as they are directly related to hair.

Adipose Tissue Stem Cells are found in the fat tissue and can be obtained through minimal liposuction or biopsying of the fat tissue. 

How do stem cells activate hair follicles?

Hair follicle stem cells are located in the bulge region, where they remain dormant until they receive signals from dermal papilla cells. Once activated, these stem cells either multiply to maintain their numbers or transform into cells that form new hair. These cells then rapidly divide to build the new hair strand until it reaches its full length.

In genetic hair loss, signals needed for hair growth are blocked from reaching the stem cells. While this disrupts normal hair growth, the stem cells remain intact. Stem cell hair transplant allows us to restore normal stem cell function by providing new stem cells and reactivating existing ones. 

What happens during stem cell hair transplant?

A stem cell hair transplant begins with injecting a local anesthetic into the donor area. 

Then, three tissue samples are extracted with 2.5mm punches from the fatty areas of the scalp, such as the back of the head and behind the ear. This provides samples with both Hair Follicle Stem Cells and Adipose Tissue Stem Cells. 

The collected tissue is then processed. At MedArt Hair, we use the Regenera Activa® system. The Regenera machine mechanically breaks down and filters the tissue to isolate the stem cells, which are then used as an injectable solution. This process takes about 2 minutes.

The solution is then injected into the areas where hair loss is prevalent. 

What technology is used in stem cell hair transplant?

For stem cell hair transplants, we use the Regenera Activa® system to process tissue into injectable stem cell solutions that contain hair Follicle Stem Cells and Adipose Tissue Stem Cells.

The main component is the Rigenera N4SA 2.0®, a Class I medical device that runs at 80 rpm to break down tissue samples. The machine uses two specialized attachments: Rigeneracons Derma® for only stem cell injections and Adipecons® for creating solutions to use during hair transplant surgery.

Many other procedures and systems can be used for stem cell treatment for hair loss, especially if the stem cells are obtained from another source. Usually,  in these procedures, the stem cell extraction is performed manually by lab technicians, which makes the procedure more costly. 

How long does stem cell hair transplant take?

The entire stem sell hair transplant procedure takes about 30 to 40 minutes. 

How many sessions of stem cell transplant are needed?

A single session of stem cell hair transplant is enough to see results. 

Can stem cell hair transplant be repeated if needed?

Yes, a stem cell hair transplant can be repeated in 1-3 years if the patient seeks further improvement. 

Why choose stem cell hair transplant?

Stem cell hair transplant offers a minimally invasive solution to hair loss that uses your body’s own regenerative cells. Stem cell hair transplant treatment stands out for its natural approach and minimal recovery time. 

Since it uses your own cells, there’s no risk of rejection, and the results can last several years. The procedure is versatile and can be combined with other treatments for enhanced results.

What is the success rate of stem cell hair transplant?

The success rate of stem cell hair transplant is a 29% to 33% increase in hair density at 23 weeks after treatment, according to a study by Pietro Gentile et al. 

On average, patients experienced increases of 41.56 hairs per cm2 in total hair count and 27.09 hairs per cm2 in hair density, according to research by Wang Chunmei et al. 

Long-term results indicate that improvements can be maintained, with 27-30% better hair density at 44-58 weeks post-treatment.

These results typically last 12-18 months, and some patients may need retreatment after 16-26 months.

Is stem cell hair transplant worth it?

Stem cell hair transplant is worth considering if you can afford the cost, as studies show significant improvements in hair density. The treatment works particularly well for older patients and those with moderate hair loss.

However, it’s a relatively new procedure that may require maintenance treatments after 12-16 months, so your specific circumstances and budget should guide your decision. 

How much does stem cell hair transplant hair transplant cost?

The cost of stem cell hair transplant treatment can range from $1,000 to $30,000, depending on the location.

Stem cell hair treatment costs are particularly expensive in the USA, Europe, and Asia, while they’re extremely affordable in Turkey. 

Why is stem cell hair transplant so expensive?

Stem cell hair transplants are expensive because they are a novel treatment that’s not widely available and labor intensive or expensive. 

The process of extracting stem cells requires either extensive lab work manually performed by doctors or a specialized machine. Clinics can also use a system like the Riginera to extract stem cells quickly; but the systems and the single-use parts are very expensive. 

Does insurance cover stem cell hair transplant?

No, insurance does not cover stem cell hair transplants as it’s a novel, elective procedure.

Which countries offer affordable stem cell hair transplant?

In Turkey, at MedArt, we offer affordable stem cell hair transplant treatment to patients from all around the world. Patients can have stem cell hair transplant as a stand alone procedure or as an addition to hair transplant surgery at an additional cost. 

At MedArt, we are able to offer stem cell hair transplants at an affordable price because we use the Riginera system, which reduces the amount of lab work and fees needed to extract stem cells manually.

What should you do before a stem cell hair transplant?

Before stem cell hair transplant, avoid alcohol, smoking, caffeine, and pain killers for at least 24 hours to prevent excessive bleeding and to reduce healing time. Drink enough water to encourage healing. 

How to find the best stem cell hair transplant clinic?

You can find the best stem cell hair transplant clinic by following these 6 steps: 

1. Look for a clinic with experienced hair restoration surgeons specializing in stem cell hair transplant
2. Check the clinic’s reviews, before-and-after photos, and patient testimonials
3. Ensure the clinic uses advanced techniques like Regenera to process stem cells
4. Verify the clinic follows proper protocols for harvesting and injecting stem cells
5. Ask about the source of their stem cells (ideally autologous from the scalp).
6. Schedule a consultation to assess their professionalism, personalized approach, and your comfort level with the surgeon and clinic.

Do you need to shave your hair for stem cell hair transplant?

Only the donor area where the tissue samples are being taken from needs to be shaved, around an inch square (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm).

What is the recovery process after stem cell?

Recovery after stem cell hair transplant is minimal, patients can go back to their daily lives immediately after the operaiton. 

How long does donor area take to heal after stem cell hair transplant?

The donor are takes about 7-10 days to close and fully heal after stem cell hair transplant. 

When can you wash your hair after stem cell hair transplant?

You can wash your hair 12-18 hours after getting stem cell hair transplant without shampoo. 

What should you avoid after stem cell hair transplant?

After a stem cell hair transplant, avoid swimming in the sea, pools, and sun exposure on your scalp for 1-2 weeks for the best results, and to reduce side effects. 

When can you style your hair after stem cell hair transplant?

You can cut/shave your hair after the donor area heals in 7-10 days, and you can color your hair 2 weeks after the operation.

When you exercise after stem cell hair transplant?

You can exercise 18-24 hours after stem cell hair transplant treatment.

Is stem cell hair transplant safe?

Yes, stem cell hair transplant is a safe treatment as it’s minimally invasive, with almost no risk of complications and mild side effects that resolve in a few days; it uses the body’s own stem cells, so there is no risk of an adverse immune reaction. 

What are stem cell hair transplant risks?

Stem cell hair transplant has no notable risks. It’s a minimally invasive procedure with mild side effects. 

What are the side effects of stem cell hair transplant?

The side effects of stem cell hair transplants are minimal and can include redness, bruising, swelling, and itching. The side effects often resolve on their own in a few days and don’t require intervention. 

How long does swelling last after stem cell hair transplant?

Swelling after stem cell hair transplant usually lasts 1-2 days and resolves on its own. 

Does stem cell hair transplant leave scars?

Stem cell hair transplant can leave minimal scars, but they are located behind the ear and invisible when the hair is grown. To obtain the tissue containing the stem cells, the tissue is extracted from behind the ear with 3 punches with a diameter of 2.5mm (0.098 inches). The 2.5mm scars are small, don’t require stitches, and will heal in 7-10 days. 

When will you see stem cell hair transplant results?

Stem cell hair transplant results can be seen in the first 1–3 months, and the full results will be evident in 6 months. 

How thick does stem cell transplanted hair grow?

After stem cell hair transplant, the individual hairs don’t get thicker, but thinner hairs appear thicker as they grow. Stem cell hair transplant can’t change your hair type if you genetically have fine hair. 

Can you get gray hair after stem cell hair transplant?

Yes, you can get gray hair after stem cell hair transplant if it is naturally losing color. Stem cell hair transplant does not accelerate or prevent graying. 

How to protect stem cell transplant results?

In order to protect stem cell hair transplant results, you can get the treatment every few years or come up with an individual treatment plan with your doctor that includes minoxidil, PRP therapy, laser therapy, and supplements. 

Is stem cell hair transplant permanent?

No, stem cell hair transplant results last for 1-3 years after treatment. 

Can stem cells prevent future hair loss?

Yes, stem cell hair transplant can strengthen your hair follicles to prevent future and further hair loss. 

Who is a good candidate for stem cell hair transplant?

You are a good candidate for stem cell hair transplant treatment if you:

• Are over 18
• Have recently started experiencing hair loss
• Are actively losing hair
• Are a male with  Norwood 1-3 hair loss or
• Are a female with Ludwig 1-2 hair loss
• Have no chronic health  conditions
• Are a non-smoker

When should you get stem cell hair transplant?

If you’re a male experiencing Norwood scale 1-3 hair loss or a female experiencing Ludwig scale 1-2 hair loss, you should get a stem cell hair transplant to prevent and reverse hair loss. Stem cell hair transplant beyond these points is not recommended. 

What is the best age for stem cell hair transplant?

The best age for a stem cell hair transplant is getting it as early as possible when you start experiencing hair loss, as the amount of stem cells in the body decreases with age. 

Can teenagers get stem cell hair transplant?

At MedArt, we don’t perform stem cell hair transplants on patients under 18. However, younger people experiencing genetic hair loss can technically have the procedure performed with parental consent.

Which hair loss types can stem cell hair transplant work for?

Stem cell hair transplants can only work for hair loss types that don’t damage the hair follicle but only miniaturize it. If the hair follicles are damaged beyond repair, it’s impossible to bring them back. 

Stem cell hair transplant can work for:

• Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)
• Male Pattern Hair Loss
• Female Pattern Hair Loss
• Telogen Effluvium

Stem cell hair transplant can’t work for:

• Alopecia Areata
• Traction Alopecia
• Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
• Lichen Planoplaris
• Scarring Alopecia

Can stem cell hair transplant regrow hairline?

Yes, stem cell hair transplant can help regrow the receding hairline due to pattern hair loss to an extent. 

Does stem cell hair transplant work for crown hair loss?

Yes, stem cell hair transplants work for crown hair loss caused by pattern hair loss. 

Does stem cell hair transplant help thin hair?

Inactive hair follicles can appear thinner than usual, and stem cell hair transplants support the growth of thinning hair, making it appear thicker once it reaches full diameter. 

Does stem cell hair transplant work for curly hair?

Yes, stem cell hair transplant works for all curly, coily, and kinky hair types. 

Does stem cell hair transplant work for women?

Yes, stem cell hair transplants work exceptionally well for women, especially those who can’t use other hair loss treatments or don’t want to get hair transplant surgery. 

Can diabetics get stem cell hair transplant?

Yes, diabetics can get stem cell hair transplant treatment if they’re in good condition. Diabetics can’t get hair transplant surgery if they’re on insulin, and stem cell hair transplant treatment is a low-risk alternative for diabetics who experience hair loss. 

What are the alternatives to stem cell hair transplant if it is not for you?

The alternatives to stem cell hair transplant are as follows:

• PRP (injection)
• Hair Mesotherapy (injection)
• Minoxidil (topical spray,foam)
• Finasteride (oral medication)
• Hair Transplant (surgery)

How doess stem cell hair transplant compare to other hair loss treatments?

Stem cell hair transplant is a better option compared to other hair loss treatments like PRP treatment, mesotherapy, finasteride, and minoxidil.

Stem cell treatments show a higher success rate, with studies demonstrating statistically significant increases in hair density that can last 12-18 months or longer from a single session. 

In contrast, other treatments have more modest efficacy, require ongoing maintenance, primarily work by blocking hair loss rather than regeneration, and may have more side effects.

Stem cell hair transplant therapy can also enhance the results of hair transplant surgery when used in combination. 

How does stem cell hair transplant compare to PRP treatment?

Compared to PRP treatment, stem cell hair transplant has a better success rate, longer-lasting results, and works on a completely different mechanism.  

Stem cell hair transplant treatment shows more substantial and longer-lasting results, achieving a 27-33% increase in hair density that lasts up to 44 weeks. PRP treatment yields varying outcomes based on its preparation, with non-activated PRP showing a 31% increase and activated PRP resulting in a 19% increase.

Stem cell hair transplant treatment introduces regenerative cells that support hair follicle growth, typically requiring only a single session, but PRP’s effects peak at 3 months and reduce to 7% above baseline after a year, necessitating more frequent maintenance sessions.

Unlike stem cell treatment, which provides new regenerative cells, PRP stimulates existing follicles with growth factors. This key difference likely explains why stem cell therapy provides longer-lasting results, though more research is still needed for a definitive comparison.

How does stem cell hair transplant compare to hair mesotherapy?

Stem cell hair transplants show more consistent efficacy than mesotherapy, use the body’s own regenerative cells instead of different agents, and have fewer side effects. 

Stem cell hair transplant treatment can significantly improve hair density by 27-33% while mesotherapy offers iconsistent results, with a range of 19-60% improvement in hair density.

Stem cell treatment typically requires only a single session, while mesotherapy needs 8-12 or more treatments given weekly or monthly, often requiring ongoing maintenance sessions. 

Unlike mesotherapy, which can contain therapeutic agents like dutasteride, minoxidil, growth factors, and vitamins to stimulate existing follicles, stem cell air treatment works by introducing actual human regenerative cells (approximately 9% of hair follicle stem cells) that can morph into hair follicle cells.

This fundamental difference in mechanism likely explains why stem cell therapy provides more durable results with a better safety profile compared to mesotherapy, which has more frequent side effects like injection site pain and swelling in up to 80% of patients, and even hair loss in the injection areas. 

How does stem cell hair transplant compare to finasteride?

While stem cell hair transplant shows a 27-33% increase in hair density in a single treatment session, finasteride shows varying efficacy rates of 31.6% to 88.9% depending on how naturally the patient is and requires continuous use to achieve results. 

The treatments work through fundamentally different mechanisms; stem cells actively regenerate and reactivate dormant hair follicles through cellular repair processes, while finasteride simply blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT to prevent further hair loss. 

Stem cell hair transplant and finasteride also differ significantly in their accessibility and safety profiles. While stem cell treatment is available and proven effective for both male and female pattern hair loss patients, finasteride is primarily limited to treating male pattern baldness and is not approved for use in women. 

Stem cell therapy has minimal side effects, mainly mild injection site reactions, while finasteride can cause significant hormonal side effects, especially affecting sexual function in men.

Stem cell therapy provides a sustainable solution for hair loss, with results lasting 12-18 months before a possible second treatment. In contrast to finasteride, which requires daily compliance and ongoing use, stem cell therapy is more convenient for patients who want to avoid lifelong medication.

How does stem cell hair transplant compare to minoxidil?

Stem cell treatment demonstrates superior results, with studies showing substantial increases of 41.56 hairs/cm2 in count and 27.09 hairs/cm2 in density. In comparison, minoxidil shows more modest results, with a 5% concentration achieving a 14.94 hairs/cm2 increase in men, 2% showing 8.11 hairs/cm2 in men, and 112.41 hairs/cm2 in women.

Stem cell therapy yields results within 6-12 months, lasting 1-2 years before possible retreatment, with significant improvements noted at 23 weeks post-treatment. In contrast, minoxidil requires ongoing twice-daily applications with indefinite maintenance, with results typically seen between 4-12 months of consistent use.

Stem cell treatment addresses the root cause of hair loss by replenishing hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla cells, restoring the natural hair growth cycle. In contrast, minoxidil serves as a vasodilator, enhancing blood flow to follicles without tackling the underlying issues of hair loss.

Stem cell therapy requires a single session, while minoxidil needs twice-daily applications indefinitely, demanding consistent long-term compliance.

Stem cell therapy usually has minimal side effects, primarily temporary discomfort, with no serious adverse effects reported. Minoxidil is generally well-tolerated but can cause scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth elsewhere.

How does stem cell hair transplant compare to hair transplant surgery?

Traditional hair transplant surgery involves relocating healthy hair follicles from donor areas to balding areas. Stem cell hair treatment utilizes regenerative medicine by extracting and processing stem cells from the patient’s scalp to regenerate hair follicles and enhance scalp health.

Combining hair transplant surgery with stem cell treatment often results in better graft survival rates and improved overall outcomes. The hair transplant surgery redistributes healthy follicles, while stem cells enhance the scalp environment by improving blood circulation, promoting healing, and potentially activating dormant follicles.

The healing properties of stem cells benefit the recovery process after hair transplant surgery by reducing inflammation, accelerating wound healing, and creating a more nurturing environment for the newly transplanted follicles to establish themselves. 

This approach meets the immediate need for hair restoration and addresses the biological reasons behind hair loss. By using multiple methods, patients often see better and longer-lasting results than using just one treatment.

Can you have stem cell hair transplant with hair transplant surgery?

Yes, you can have stem cell hair transplant with hair transplant surgery. Stem cell hair transplant works harmoniously with hair transplant surgery to enhance hair growth, increase retention rate, and accelerate healing time. 

Stem cell hair therapy can be performed before or during hair transplant surgery. At MedArt, we prefer to perform stem cell hair treatment two days before the surgery for the best results. 

What are the pros and cons of stem cell hair transplant?

Here are the pros and cons of stem cell hair transplant: