Quick overview of Cutting-edge Stem Cell Hair Restoration
The stem cell hair restoration procedure is a quick, minimally invasive treatment lasting approximately 60 minutes. During the process, your blood (PRP) is combined with stem cells and then injected into areas experiencing thinning hair. To ensure your comfort, a numbing agent and laughing gas are administered. Typically, only one session is required, with results beginning to emerge within 3 to 4 months. These results generally last between 1 to 1½ years.
Key Points
- Quick 60 minute procedure
- Numbing & laughing gas used for comfort
- One session needed
- Results seen in 3-4 months
- Results typically last 1 to 1½ years
- $5500 per session
- Ideal treatment area is size of your palm
- Financing available through Carecredit (We pay the interest for 6% on your behalf)
What are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are sourced from umbilical cord blood, which is rich in these unique cells. The placenta, which provides essential nutrients to the baby through the umbilical cord, is typically donated by healthy mothers, allowing for the extraction of stem cells for various medical uses.
How do Stem Cells work for hair loss?
Umbilical cord blood is a rich source of growth factors and signaling molecules that enhance the body’s natural ability to support tissue function. When injected into the scalp, these stem cells deliver essential nutrients to miniaturized hair follicles, promoting improved hair growth. This process can be likened to a supercharged version of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), amplifying its beneficial effects.
How many sessions do I need?
Typically one session.
What is the success rate?
It all depends on the person. According to Dr. Behnam’s clinical experience of doing this for many years, “if you are the right candidate for the procedure, the success rate can be up to 80 to 90%.” Results may vary per patient.
How long does it last?
Typically the results last about 1 – 1 ½ years. Dr. Behnam has some patients whose results have lasted up to 2 years or longer. Results do vary by patient.
What makes me a good candidate for Stem Cells?
Patients with thinning hair but not completely bald. You need a consultation to make sure you are a good candidate.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects include bruising, pain at injection sites, bleeding, and swelling.
Does the hair need to be shaved or cut for the procedure?
No. No prep is required for the Stem cell or PRP procedure.
What is the downtime?
If the crown is performed, the downtime is minimal. The area may be red or swollen for a few days. You may wear a hat.
If the frontal hair line is performed, you MAY swell up for a few days. We will put a tape on that you may need to wear for 2 to 3 days. It is best to do the procedure on a Thursday or Friday so that you have the weekend to recover. Good news is that 95% of patients do NOT swell up at all!
How much is the cost of the Stem Cell + PRP procedure?
One vial of 30 million stem cells with PRP is $5,500. One vial typically covers one area of the scalp, usually the size of your palm.
What is the difference between stem cells and exosomes?
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with the ability to develop into various specialized cell types, essentially acting as the body’s building blocks for repair and regeneration, while exosomes are tiny vesicles released by cells carrying important molecules like proteins and nucleic acids.
Clinically, stem cells are more potent in promoting hair growth than exosomes. Exosomes accelerate hair growth, especially when combined with PRP. THe results of stem cells supersede results of exosomes. Exosomes are more affordable but need to be done more often.
What other minimally invasive procedures are available for treating hair loss?
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) PRP + Exosomes
PRP + Stem Cells Lasers for hair growth
How much do these minimally invasive procedures cost?
PRP + Stem Cells — $5,500 (Typically need 1 session, may last 1 to 1½ years)
PRP + Exosomes — $2,000 (Typically 2 sessions are needed initially, and then once every 6 to 9 months)
PRP — $1,500 (Typically 2 sessions are needed initially, and then once every 6 to 9 months) Laser for hair growth — $1,000 (Typically 3 to 4 sessions are needed initially, and then maintenance are also required every 6 months)
How effective is the Stem Cell + PRP treatment?
According to Dr. Ben Behnam, “In my opinion, Stem Cell + PRP can be significantly more effective than standard PRP for hair loss, with success rates as high as 80 to 90% in the right
candidates. This combination produces stronger hair growth that is not typically achieved with PRP alone.” However, results can vary from patient to patient, and not everyone qualifies for the treatment. Being the right candidate is crucial for ensuring success with this procedure. Submit a consultation to see if you are the right candidate for the laser.
Is Stem Cell + PRP a minimally invasive procedure?
Yes. We draw your blood, spin it in a centrifuge (PRP), mix with stem cells, numb the thinning areas of the scalp and then inject into the scalp. You are fully awake and comfortable during the entire procedure.
Are there any cutting, stitches or staples involved?
No. Your blood is mixed with stem cells and then injected into your scalp.
Is this an outpatient procedure?
Yes. This is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. There is no general anesthesia. We locally numb the area of the scalp, and then inject the Stem cell + PRP into thinning areas.
How long does the procedure take?
The actual injection portion takes about 20 minutes but the overall procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The reason is because blood has to be drawn first for the PRP portion and spun for 45 to 60 minutes.
Do I get numbed up prior to the procedure?
Yes. Comfort is the key to our procedures. You will use laughing gas and ice as we numb the area to reduce the discomfort of the numbing process. Once numb, you won’t feel anymore pain.
Are there any before and after photos? Yes. Dr Behnam has the most comprehensive list of before and after photos of stem cells. Please click on this link. https://santamonicaskin.com/medical/stem-cell-therapy-in-los-angeles/stem-cell-before-and-after-photos/ r-photos/
Does it work for African Americans?
Yes. See photos below.
Can I fly immediately after the procedure?
Yes. Many patients fly in and fly out the same day as the procedure.
Can I wear a hat after the procedure?
Yes.
Can I take a shower after the procedure?
Yes. Wash scalp normal.
What are the restrictions after the procedure?
Only restriction is no Aspirin or NSAIDS (Aleve, ibuprofen) for 3 weeks after the procedure.
Can I exercise the same day?
No. We recommend exercising the following day.
Can I use a dermaroller, or topical minoxidil immediately after the procedure?
No. We typically recommend waiting 5 days.
Can I go to the pool or ocean after the procedure?
No. We typically recommend waiting 5 days to prevent infections.
Is the procedure painful?
Not really. Patients are always numbed first prior to the procedure. There might be some discomfort with the numbing process but we use laughing gas and ice to reduce the discomfort.
Do you offer laughing gas for comfort?
Yes.
Do I have to shave my head for this procedure?
No.
If I have failed PRP, is this a good treatment option?
Yes. Stem cell plus PRP is more robust than traditional PRP and more effective.
If I am bald, can I still benefit from the stem cell procedure?
No.
What factors prevent me from being a good candidate for this procedure?
If you have thinned out a lot and are balding, then you may not be the best candidate. You must have a consultation first to see if you are a good candidate or not.
If I have failed oral or topical treatments, is the stem cell a good option?
Yes.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, we use CareCredit.
How much of an area does one stem cell treatment cover?
Typically, for stem cells to be effective, we recommend doing an area the size of your palm.
Does it work on females as well?
Yes. Stem cells work well for both males and females.
Does it work on patients of ethnic color or Asians or Middle Easterns?
Yes.
What is the exact stem cell hair restoration process? We draw your blood to perform PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Double spin your blood for an hour
Extract out the good part of blood Take out stem cell from freezer (-81C) Thaw the stem cells
Mix stem cells with your centrifuged blood (PRP) Numb the scalp (Yes, we use laughing gas for comfort) Inject stem cell + PRP into the area of low hair density
Are there ways to increase the longevity of the stem cell procedure?
Yes. Combination therapy will increase the effectiveness and longevity of the procedure. This means using topical treatments and/or oral hair loss medications will help increase the duration of the results.
Compared to traditional PRP, how do the sessions compare?
Traditional PRP requires one session monthly for 6 months and then one session every 3 months for maintenance. This equates to 8 sessions in the first one year. With stem cells, you only do one session in the first year.
Where do the umbilical cord stem cells come from and are they tested?
We purchase our umbilical cord stem cells from an FDA approved lab in the U.S. All batches of stem cells are tested and are accompanied by paperwork provided by the laboratory and available upon request.
If I do a stem cell procedure, can I do a PRP procedure the following year to increase longevity of the procedure?
Yes.
Is it possible that the stem cell may not work at all for some patients?
Yes. However, this is why we carefully evaluate our patients prior to the procedure to make sure that they are appropriate candidates. Choosing the right candidates will reduce the chance of the stem cell procedure not working.
Have you done patients of ethnic color and does it still work?
Yes. We do many patients of ethnic color and the procedure is as effective as other ethnicities. What makes a patient a good candidate is not the ethnicity, however is the density of the hair loss.
Do stem cells have to be mixed with my own blood to be injected?
Typically we mix umbilical cord stem cells with your blood (PRP) and then inject it into thinning areas of the scalp. However there are some patients that prefer not to have their blood drawn, and in those cases we mix with Lactated Ringer and then inject it.
Can I have stem cells injected into my eyebrows?
Yes.
If I am old, does it still work?
Yes. The limitation is the density of the hair. If you have lost a lot of hair density, regardless of your age, the procedure won’t work as well.
How many years have Dr Behnam been doing stem cells?
Dr. Ben Behnam has been doing stem cells since 2016. He was one of the pioneers of stem cell hair restoration in the US and one of the early dermatologists to inject stem cells for hair loss. In fact, he has one of the oldest videos on Youtube.
What makes me a good candidate for the procedure?
Patients that are thinning but are not bald are the best candidates. Clinically, this means that you can see the scalp through the hair but still have hair. If you are bald or balding, you are not
a candidate. This is why it’s so important to be proactive because if the hair thins out too much, then you are less of an ideal candidate for the stem cell procedure.
Can you inject the stem cell all over the scalp?
Yes but it reduces the potency and efficacy of the stem cell. We only do this if the patient has diffuse shedding. Otherwise, to achieve the maximum efficacy, we typically recommend focusing on an area size of a palm.
What differentiates Dr. Behnam from other doctors doing stem cells?
-One of the 1st pioneers of stem cell hair restoration in the US
-Started doing stem cell hair loss treatment since 2016
-Years of experience and thousands of patients treated worldwide
-Uses the most expensive Umbilical Cord Stem Cell in the US
-Uses strongest concentration of stem cells (30 to 60 million stem cell concentrations)
-Uses the largest amount of blood for PRP (80ml PRP)
-Numbs the area for patient comfort
-Uses special injection technique for ultimate hair stimulation (Depth of injection, angle of injection, size of needle all matter)
-Teaches other physicians to do stem cell hair injections
What mistakes do other injectors make?
-Use poor quality, cheap stem cell to save money
-Use low concentration of stem cells
-Poor quality PRP
-Use low volume of blood for their PRP
-Poor injection technique
-Usually inject all over the scalp, which contradicts Dr. Behnam’s rule of a palm size area for maximum effectiveness.
If I want to do my front and crown area, how many vials of stem cells do I need? Typically one vial of stem cell covers about the size of a palm. So to effectively do the front and the crown, you need two vials.
Can I shed after the procedure?
Possible but less likely. Most people do not have shedding after the procedure. Shedding after PRP is rare but it may happen. Shedding can be associated with ANY procedure or medication that may reset your hair cycle, such as PRP, topical minoxidil, oral minoxidil and even finasteride.
Are infections common?
No.
Are stem cells for hair loss FDA approved?
No, but they are made in FDA approved facilities in the US.
Can I see some before and after photos?
Yes. Click here.
Can I see some testimonial videos?
Yes. Click here.
Are stem cells safe?
All umbilical cord blood is sourced from healthy mothers, and rigorous testing is conducted to screen for transmissible diseases. The extraction and preparation of stem cells occur in facilities that are approved by the FDA, ensuring high standards of safety and quality.
Does the injection technique really matter in achieving good results?
Yes. There are many important factors essential for achieving great outcomes.
-Patient selection (many doctors choose the wrong patient)
-Hair density
-Pattern of hair loss
-Technique of injection (depth of injection, angle of injection and size of needle)
-Size of the area treated
-Quality of Stem cells (not all stem cells are the same)
-Concentration of stem cells
Over the many years, Dr. Behnam has formulated and perfected the unique art and technique of injecting umbilical cord stem cell to achieve the best hair growth outcome
How many Stem cell treatments are needed compared to traditional PRP?
With traditional PRP, anywhere between 3 to 6 sessions are needed in the first one year. However, with stem cell hair restoration, only one session is needed. The results typically last about a year, but many can have their results last longer. Dr. Behnam has patients whose results have lasted 2 to 3 years. Results do vary among patients.
Can I do the stem cell hair restoration every year?
Yes.
When can I dye my hair?
You can dye your hair either 1 week before or 1 week after the stem cell procedure.
Do I need to put down a deposit?
Yes. Deposit is $500.
How many days before my appointment can I cancel without a cancellation fee?
You have to cancel your appointment at least 4 BUSINESS days (not including weekends) prior to your appointment. Please note that these are business days and not calendar days.
Is there a cancellation fee?
If you cancel within 4 BUSINESS days (not including weekends), there is a $150 cancellation fee.
Is my deposit refundable?
Yes. If you cancel within 4 business days, you will be charged a $150 cancellation fee.
Why choose Dr. Behnam?
Dr. Ben Behnam is a Board Certified Dermatologist with a special focus on hair loss. He has devoted his career to hair loss and contributing greatly to the hair field ever since 2008. He was one of the original pioneers of using stem cells for hair loss in the US and has performed thousands of cases since 2016. Patients across the US and other countries fly to see him for stem cell injection. It is just not about injecting stem cells into the scalp. He has formulated and perfected the unique art and technique of injecting the stem cell in such a way that gives patients a successful outcome.