Autologous Micrograft Hair Restoration: An In-Depth Review
What Is Autologous Micrograft Hair Restoration and How Does It Work?
Autologous micrograft hair restoration is a minimally invasive hair restoration treatment that treats early to moderate hair loss, primarily androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern or female-pattern baldness). It employs autologous micrografting techniques, extracting a small sample of scalp tissue from the patient, usually from an area with healthy hair growth, and processing it to isolate regenerative cells. These cells are then injected into areas with thinning hair to stimulate follicles and promote new hair growth.
What Sets Autologous micrograft hair restoration Apart?
Reduced Risk of Rejection: By using the patient’s own cells to activate existing follicles, Autologous micrograft hair restoration minimises the risk of immune rejection or complications seen in treatments involving transplanted hair follicles.
Single-Session Treatment: Autologous micrograft hair restoration is typically a one-time treatment, unlike other hair restoration methods such as PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy, which often requires multiple sessions for optimal results. Autologous micrograft hair restoration generally does not necessitate repeat treatments immediately after the initial session.
Minimally Invasive with Little Downtime: Recovery is quick, with only mild redness or swelling that typically resolves within 24 hours. Patients can resume daily activities within a day.
How Long Do Results Last?
Patients may start to notice some improvements in hair growth as early as 1 month after the treatment. More significant improvements typically appear within 3 to 6 months as hair follicles enter the anagen (growth) phase.
Patients can experience sustained improvements in hair density and thickness over a period of up to 12 months following treatment. Results may vary based on individual factors like the severity of hair loss, age, and overall scalp health. Most patients experience benefits lasting up to 2 years, though some patients may opt for maintenance after 15-24 months.
The Procedure
The Autologous micrograft hair restoration procedure is performed under local anaesthesia to minimise discomfort and typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. The process consists of three main steps:
Harvesting: A small tissue sample, typically from the back of the scalp, is collected using a punch biopsy tool. This sample contains healthy follicles and adipose tissue, which are rich in regenerative cells and growth factors.
Processing: The collected tissue is placed in a specialised device that separates and concentrates the regenerative cells and growth factors needed to stimulate hair growth.
Injecting: The processed solution is injected into thinning areas of the scalp using a fine needle to reactivate dormant or weakened follicles, encouraging natural hair regrowth.
Combining Autologous micrograft hair restoration with Other Treatments
Integrating complementary treatments and products with Autologous micrograft hair restoration can enhance hair restoration outcomes.
Maintenance Programmes
Microneedling with Radiofrequency and Exosome Therapy
Microneedling with dual-wave radiofrequency stimulates hair follicles and encourages hair growth. When combined with exosome therapy, which applies particles rich in growth factors and proteins derived from stem cells to the scalp, it improves scalp health and supports ongoing hair restoration.
Laser-Assisted Scalp Therapy with Exosome Therapy
This laser-based treatment, paired with exosome therapy, can improve scalp conditions and encourage hair regrowth. This synergy aids in maintaining the results achieved with autologous micrograft hair restoration.
Nutritional Supplements
Professional Hair Growth Nutrition Supplement
Formulated with nutrients such as tocotrienol, tripeptide collagen, saw palmetto berries, keratin, biotin, ashwagandha extract, and curcumin, this supplement supports the natural hair growth cycle, reduces stress-related hair loss, and promotes healthier, fuller hair.
Advanced Hair Growth Support Supplement
Enriched with essential nutrients, this supplement supports healthy hair growth, improves overall hair quality, and helps normalise the hair growth cycle to reduce thinning and promote stronger hair.
Home Care Products
Shampoos
Scalp Purifying Liquid Shampoo
This shampoo is formulated to cleanse and purify the scalp, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth.
Hydrating Scalp Shampoo
This hydrating shampoo maintains scalp moisture balance, essential for supporting healthy hair.
Daily Refreshing Scalp Shampoo
A gentle shampoo designed for daily use to keep the scalp clean, balanced, and invigorated.
Essences
Hair and Scalp Revitalising Essence
This clinically tested formula, containing a blend of botanical extracts, helps reduce hair shedding, increase hair thickness, and improve overall scalp and hair health.
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Is Autologous Micrograft Hair Restoration Right for You?
Ideal Candidates for Autologous Micrograft Hair Restoration
Early to Moderate Hair Loss: This treatment is most effective for individuals experiencing early to moderate hair loss. This includes men and women with androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern or female-pattern baldness) and those noticing gradual hair thinning but still retaining active follicles.
Good Scalp Health: Candidates should have a healthy scalp, free from infections, severe dermatitis, or other active conditions that could impair healing or affect outcomes.
Sufficient Donor Tissue: Adequate donor tissue from the scalp is necessary for obtaining the micrografts needed to stimulate hair follicles and support healing.
Who Should Avoid Autologous Micrograft Hair Restoration?
Advanced Hair Loss: Individuals with significant hair loss or bald areas where follicles are no longer active may not benefit from this treatment. Alternative treatments like micrografting or RF microneedling can address larger thinning areas more effectively.
Underlying Health Issues: Individuals with certain health issues, such as autoimmune disorders or endocrine problems, may experience limited effectiveness. It is advisable to address these underlying conditions before proceeding with hair restoration treatments to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their healthcare providers about hair restoration options due to limited research on its safety in these circumstances.
Common Side Effects and Considerations
Autologous micrograft hair restoration is generally safe, but patients may experience mild side effects, including redness, swelling, tenderness, or discomfort at the injection site, which usually resolves within a few days. Temporary bruising or minor scalp irritation may also occur but typically requires no specific treatment and subsides quickly.
Conclusion
Autologous micrograft hair restoration is an effective, non-surgical treatment for early to moderate hair loss that utilises the body’s natural regenerative capabilities. The treatment is convenient and requires little downtime, making it a viable option for many patients. Adherence to post-procedure care helps to reduce risks and maximise outcomes.
If you’re considering autologous micrograft hair restoration for hair restoration, reach out to Dr Cindy’s Medical Aesthetics for a personalised consultation to determine if this treatment fits your needs.