A trailblazing health center in Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of revolutionary technology with a mission to combat hair loss, revolutionizing the way we approach baldness.
Physicians at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre have embarked on a transformative journey at the beginning of this year, yielding promising outcomes for numerous individuals grappling with hair loss. This advanced medical facility has been instrumental in driving innovative healthcare solutions for a spectrum of life-altering conditions, ranging from cancer to multiple sclerosis, since its inauguration in December 2019.
In a groundbreaking step, stem cell therapy is now harnessed to arrest hair loss, catering to both men and women and even fostering the growth of new hair follicles. Dr. Antonio Bencomo-Hernandez, Head of Laboratory and Advanced Technology at the center, reported that outcomes are more favorable for patients who have recently begun experiencing hair loss.
“Every single day we have about 10 to 15 patients come in for stem cell hair therapy, so we have treated hundreds so far, given that we started this service at the beginning of this year. It is important for patients to not wait long after they have started losing their hair.”
Dr. Maysoon Al Karam, Chief Medical Officer at the center, highlighted that the most significant benefits are observed in healthy individuals who are in the initial stages of hair loss.
“It is an effective treatment, but it needs to be done in the right clinical setting and protocol,” she emphasized, urging people to exercise caution when encountering products that promise miraculous cures.
“Stem cells will not come in a bottle sold at the supermarket,” she firmly stated. “I don’t know what these are but they definitely are not stem cells and it is important for people to not fall for it.”
Exploring the Process
The treatment process involves extracting a small number of hairs, typically no more than 10, from the scalp. These hairs are then sent to a laboratory, where stem cells are meticulously extracted from the follicles. After processing, these stem cells are reinjected into the areas experiencing hair loss. Within three months, patients can witness the emergence of new hair in the treated regions.
It’s imperative that patients do not have underlying health issues contributing to hair loss or any nutritional deficiencies. Addressing these factors may be essential before undergoing stem cell treatment.
Success Rate and Differentiation from Traditional Hair Transplants
Although the treatment is in its nascent stages, doctors express optimism, noting that newly grown hair has yet to fall out. Unlike traditional hair transplants, which involve grafts from healthy hair areas to the balding regions, stem cell treatments focus on implanting processed stem cells directly into hair follicles, stimulating new hair growth.
Moreover, stem cell treatment presents a distinct advantage over traditional transplants. There is no recovery period, enabling patients to resume their daily activities immediately. Each session, lasting about 20 minutes, is relatively painless.
Affordability and Advancements in Stem Cell Therapy
While the center did not disclose individual therapy costs, they aim to make the treatment accessible to the general public. With the UAE’s significant strides in stem cell therapy, including successful bone marrow transplants and the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre as a regional hub for advanced treatments, the landscape of healthcare is rapidly evolving. Scientists are diligently working towards utilizing stem cells to regenerate and repair organs, offering hope for enhanced healthcare and longevity.
