Hair Multiplication for Hair Loss
Hair multiplication basically involves the regeneration of hair cells before
placing them back into the scalp. It is slightly different from hair
transplantation because it is minimally invasive and involves hair growth at
a cellular level. It will help individuals with hair loss and although it is
available now, it is still at an experimental level.
How it Works
Donor hair cells are extracted from existing hair follicles and cultured
outside of the body. Once there is a sufficient number of hair cells for the
implantation process, the cells are injected into the scalp of the
recipient. The hair follicles that are plucked out must contain germinative
cells that are capable or reproducing new hair. All of these happen at the
cellular level, meaning that the cellular nutrition that is given to hair
cells must be matched to the levels occurring in the recipient’s body.
Doctors will then be able to microscopically identify which of the cells
gathered can be injected to produce new hair. However, there is no specific
number of hair follicles that can be harvested and they cannot be reproduced
at any given time, since cell reproduction is based on several factors.
Another great feature of this new innovation is that the donor hair
follicles may actually come from another person, although if available,
existing hair cells from the patient’s own scalp would be best for
harvesting. The body does not
reject the newly cultured cells that are injected into the scalp unlike in
the case of hair transplants. If successful, the new hair may actually look
like the hair on the recipient’s scalp. In
terms of volume, it actually depends on the growth of the cells and the
production of new hair shafts, but it may possibly mimic those of the
recipient’s scalp. After the procedure, there are no other eminent special
precautions except to be careful in using hair products that may hinder the
regeneration of hair in the scalp, which can block nutrients from being
delivered to the hair follicles.
The Downside of the Treatment
As great as this innovation may sound, researchers have not yet confirmed
that hair multiplication is an absolute solution to the problem of hair
loss. This is due to lack of evidence that once the hair cells have
reproduced they will automatically grow back after falling out. It is
possible that hair will only grow once and never come back. The procedure of
hair multiplication should be performed regularly in order to achieve
lasting and effective results. Unfortunately
this treatment is not yet readily available in hospitals or hair clinics,
because of a certain time frame to expect results, and there are no
guarantees that the scalp will always accept the donor cells and reproduce
them.
As of today, further studies and scientific experiments are being conducted
with those who are willing to get the experimental treatment. It would also
have to be approved legally in order for it to be available to all hair loss
patients since it may have adverse effects to the body, especially for those
who are sensitive to foreign organisms.
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