Stem Cell Hair
What Is It?
What most people know as stem cell hair treatment or a “hair injection” is called a micro graft in our field. We take small pieces of tissue from my patient’s own scalp, prepare a cell suspension from them and deliver it to the areas where the hair is thinning. Our aim is to support weakened, miniaturised follicles and to slow the shedding.
We take the tissue from the resistant area behind the ear. This is also the area used as the donor site in hair transplantation. The reason we choose it is genetic. The follicles there are less affected by the hormonal influence that drives hair loss.
How Is It Done?
First we look at the type of hair loss and examine the scalp. If needed, we request tests such as iron, thyroid and vitamin D. We record the distribution of thinning with photographs, because with this treatment we make the assessment months later, by comparison.
Under local anaesthesia we take 3-4 small pieces of tissue about 2.5 mm across from the resistant area behind the ear. We process these pieces in a dedicated device and turn the cells and growth factors inside them into a suspension. Using the mesotherapy technique, we deliver the prepared content into the thinning areas with micro-injections. The whole procedure takes about 30 minutes on average. We build the plan around a single session.
Who Is It For?
It suits patients whose hair is thinning, whose crown is opening, whose parting is widening or whose shedding has sped up. We divide hair loss into stages. In the early and middle stages, where the follicle has shrunk but not disappeared, we expect results from stem cells; in advanced stages we prefer hair transplantation. It also comes up for patients who are hesitant about a transplant or who can’t set aside time for the long series of sessions that PRP and mesotherapy need.
Where an area has opened completely and no follicles remain, it would be wrong to expect new hair; hair transplantation is a separate matter there. Eczema or active infection on the scalp, a bleeding disorder, blood thinner use, uncontrolled chronic illness, a tendency to keloid scarring, and pregnancy or breastfeeding change the plan. We discuss each of these separately at examination.
Process & Recovery
Assessment and tests
We examine the scalp and identify the type of hair loss, adding blood tests if needed. We record the starting point with photographs.
Tissue sampling
Under local anaesthesia we take 3-4 small pieces, 2.5 mm across, from the resistant area behind the ear. The sites are small and heal on their own.
Preparation and injection
We process the pieces in a dedicated device into a suspension and deliver it into the thinning areas by micro-injection. The whole procedure takes about 30 minutes on average.
First 48 hours
The scalp is tender and slightly swollen, and small crusts may appear. We leave washing until the next day. Pools, sauna and strenuous exercise wait a few days.
Month 6 assessment
According to the source data, the clearest result is obtained at six months. We compare the photographs and discuss at this point whether a repeat is needed.
Results & Duration
In the first months, the change that stands out is less shedding and stronger existing strands. The hair cycle works over months, so it takes time for a newly growing strand to add to density. The source data states that the clearest result is obtained at six months.
The reported duration of effect is 2 years. The type of hair loss, when treatment starts and the person’s own response change this. In genetic hair loss the process carries on, so the treatment does not stop it. We aim to slow it down and support the existing follicles. I would also ask you to watch your diet. Stress and poor nutrition play a large part in most hair problems.
What Is Not Promised
This treatment does not replace a hair transplant. We don’t move follicles, and we can’t grow hair where no follicle remains. It doesn’t design a hairline or fill in an area that has opened up.
It does not stop genetic hair loss. I can’t promise a particular density, a set number of sessions or a duration. The result doesn’t come quickly either; we measure the timeline in months. If iron deficiency, a thyroid problem or low vitamin D carries on, the response to treatment stays limited.
Key Benefits
- Stem cell power
- Less shedding
- Long-term support
“To be honest, PRP and mesotherapy worked too, but they needed long series of sessions, and after a while my patients got tired. With stem cells we do a single session and then leave it to time. The hard part is waiting, because the timeline for this treatment is the sixth month.”
— Dr. Sinan Akyürek
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is tissue taken from behind the ear?
The area behind the ear resists shedding. The follicles there are less affected by the hormonal influence that drives hair loss, and we use this area as the donor site in hair transplantation too. The pieces we take are small and heal on their own.
Is it the same as a hair injection?
Yes. The same procedure goes by different names. In the clinic we plan it as stem cell hair treatment.
How many sessions are needed?
We build the plan around a single session. Whether a repeat is needed is something we discuss at the six-month assessment.
When will I see the result?
In the first months we expect shedding to decrease. According to the source data the clearest result is obtained at six months; we assess it by comparing photographs.
How long does it last?
The reported duration is 2 years. It varies with the type of hair loss, when treatment starts and the person’s own response.
Does it replace a hair transplant?
No. With this treatment we support the follicles that are already there; moving follicles is the work of a hair transplant. For areas that have opened completely, we assess transplantation separately.
Is it painful?
Without anaesthesia it would hurt. That is why we numb the area the pieces are taken from with local anaesthetic. Tenderness and small crusts on the scalp may appear in the first days.
Can it be combined with PRP?
It can be part of the same plan. We set the order and timing at examination, according to the type of hair loss.