Imagine a solution to shift that excess tummy weight and resolve thinning hair on your crown; a new 2017 research trial carried out in the UK aims to do just that. The hair loss treatment involves transferring fat cells from the stomach area to the head in order to potentially treat male pattern baldness.
The study has so far shown promising results from its interesting method of injecting stomach fat into the scalp. The method is called ‘Stromal Vascular Fraction Enhanced Adipose Transplantation’ and it is thought that by depositing fat cells into the scalp, underlying hair follicles will become stimulated.
Research findings
Results currently appear promising demonstrating a ninety three percent increase in hair growth within just six months. One of the leading researchers and authors of the study claimed that while the study group only consisted of just six participants, it is possible that the results could offer a genuine hope and solution for both men and women who are suffering the mental and emotional stress associated with unwanted baldness. The patients were injected with a round 1.0mL of fat per square centimetre on the scalp, results appear encouraging as the process can not only improve hair growth, it can even thicken existing hair which is so thin it is almost invisible.
Currently one of the permanent hair loss solutions available involve a hair transplant surgery, however this option is not suitable for every patient. Hair transplants cannot be carried out when hair loss is in its infancy, patients present with diffuse thinning or have poor donor hair availability. Realising there is a gap to fill between the medicinal options and hair transplant surgeries, the option of a fat transfer may appeal and be a suitable solution for many patients.
Future implications of the Study
In the UK alone, it is thought that more than half of the male population suffer from hair loss, and almost forty-five percent of women do also. Therefore with just six participants, this study is too small to accurately represent the overall population and too recent for us to know any long term implications or whether the results are long-lasting. However these findings and research are definitely worth keeping an eye on in the future.
