ACell® Hair Restoration

When PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is combined with the cellular regeneration product ACell, dormant hair follicles become healthier and larger, producing thicker, stronger hair and improving hair growth for both men and women.

What is ACell hair restoration?

ACell is an FDA-approved stimulant for stem cells that contains growth factors, peptides, elastin, and structural proteins. Typically used in surgery, ACell enhances wound healing, formulates new blood vessels, recruits stem cells, and helps to regenerate tissue. When injected into the scalp, ACell triggers the adult stem cells within the scalp tissue. This causes the hair follicles’ miniaturized hairs to become stronger and thicker.

Combining ACell with PRP

ACell is used in conjunction with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to assist in stimulating the growth factors and stem cells that are within the plasma. PRP encourages activity from hair follicles that are dormant or shrinking due to age. When injected, the growth factors within the PRP revives these follicles, helping them to grow more hair and to become thicker. The PRP/ACell combination essentially acts as a “fertilizer” on the scalp for hair re-growth.

Treatment details

We recommend that you stop taking any blood thinning medications or supplements for one week prior to your ACell/PRP procedure. Be sure to drink plenty of water and eat before your appointment. Your ACell/PRP treatment will consist of four parts: a blood draw, numbing the scalp, injection of ACell, and injection of PRP. Once your blood has been drawn, it will be spun inside a centrifuge to isolate the red blood cells from the platelet-rich plasma.

The PRP will then go into a syringe. Your scalp will be numbed, and then injections will begin. First the ACell injections will be administered, then the PRP injections. These will be delivered directly to targeted hair follicles within the scalp. While the area will be numb and the injections are superficial, you may feel some pressure. Patients report that the treatment is not painful. Treatment time will be different for everyone depending on their specific condition; however, in general treatment time is approximately an hour and a half.

Recovery

Recovery time with ACell/PRP is minimal. Although some patients experience scalp tenderness and/or mild to moderate swelling, it’s normal to return to regular activities immediately following treatment. There may also be itching or pinpoint bleeding at the injection sites, but this is normal and temporary. It’s important to sleep with your head elevated the first night. Allow 24 hours following treatment before showering in order to let the nutrients soak in and penetrate, and avoid hair dyes or blow drying for at least 48 hours.

Results

ACell with PRP treatments is an effective procedure, but a gradual one. Patients usually begin to see results in approximately four months, with final results visible in 6 to 12 months. These results typically last 12 to 16 months. We recommend 2 or 3 treatments a year for men, and one treatment per year for women. Maintenance treatments should be scheduled every 3 to 6 months.

Candidates for ACell/PRP hair restoration

Have very thin hair, vellus (short and stubby) hairs, or recently lost hair
Are not completely bald
Are in overall good health
Understand that achieving results will take time

Why choose Tseng Plastic Surgery?

As someone who genuinely understands the devastating impact of hair loss, Dr. Tseng researches all options extensively, refusing to offer procedures or products that he would not choose for himself. He always ensures his patients understand the procedure, recovery, and expected results — and respect, agreement, and integrity are the cornerstones of Dr. Tseng’s philosophy. Our focus is on providing the highest level of patient care and dedicated service to ensure you are happy with your results. The first step to learning more about ACell treatments is to meet with Dr. Tseng in a private consultation, so we welcome you to contact us today to set up your appointment.