Dy Dermatology Center introduces exosomes as a brand new, cutting edge technology for hair restoration showing promising results. Exosomes is the newest generation of naturally bioactive molecules for regenerative therapies.

There are many standard therapies including oral and topical medicines as well as surgical management available to overcome hair loss. Although a lot of these therapies provide improvement, it can be short lived and upon discontinuation of therapy, may in fact lead to rapid hair loss. Finding an alternative that offers long lasting results has been the goal of many scientists and clinicians worldwide. Hair loss is very common, affecting both men and women, and has a negative psychological impact. There are many potential causative factors, i.e., genetics, stress, nutritional deficiencies, medications, surgery and hormonal changes including menopause and childbirth.

What Are Exosomes?

Exosomes are not cells, but are tiny vesicles that are secreted from a cell. They are about 1/1000th the size of a normal cell, and are involved in normal intercellular communication. These exosomes are derived from mesenchymal stem cells that play a major role in regenerative medicine. The unique benefit of these exosomes is that they are stem cell derived and contain mRNA, microRNA and molecules including hundreds of growth factors that stimulate the body’s own natural regenerative potential. When applied to the scalp, the exosome may affect the hair follicle cycle by transforming the hair follicle from telogen to anagen/growing phase which results in thicker, healthier hair. The exosomes contain 200+ growth factors that are known to promote healing, regenerate normal tissue, and for our purposes, to thicken hair.

How Do Exosomes Affect Hair Growth?

It is believed that exosomes reset the hair growth cycle. The hair follicle life cycle begins with the anagen phase, which is the growing stage. This is followed by the catagen stage, where the hair follicle naturally involutes. The next stage, telogen, is the inactive or resting stage between the active phases. Anagen hairs typically have a life span of 2 to 6 years and telogen hair has approximately three months. The life span of the hair follicles shortens with hair loss.

Exosome therapy directly affects the hair follicle cycle by transforming the hair follicle from the telogen stage back to anagen, restarting the growth. It ultimately directs the matrix cells found in the hair bulb to make a hair strand/fiber, resulting in more hair. Exosomes may also reset the biological clock of the hair follicles by prolonging the anagen/growing stage. Through this hair loss treatment, the exosomes deliver “wake up” signals to your dormant follicles and stimulate the production of new hair fibers and strands.

How Are Exosomes Used Differently From Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy:

There is no blood draw involved in the application of exosomes. It is performed by initially numbing the scalp skin by using the tiniest needle.

Unlike PRP which can contain molecules that cause inflammation, the exosome does not, and contains far more signaling proteins that may serve to stimulate hair growth. So, exosomes are one step beyond PRP.

Like PRP, the initial results may become apparent in 3-6 months. Based on my experience and review of the medical literature, the success of PRP treatment depends on the patient, their genetics and whether they were on other hair loss medications (e.g. finasteride, minoxidil, etc). A patient with strong hair loss genetics, and not taking medications, would require more frequent PRP treatments compared to a patient with mild genetics who was taking medications. Results may vary from patient to patient, as will the duration of benefit. 

The Ideal Candidate:

  • Anyone who is experiencing hair loss either caused by genetics, hormones or medications such as chemo
  • Anyone with Telogen Effluvium
  • Postpartum Hair Loss
  • Peri-menopausal or post-menopausal hair loss
  • Anyone who is not ready to commit to hair transplantation or is not a candidate for hair transplantation
  • Anyone who has Traction Alopecia
  • Anyone who failed other hair growth therapies including PRP

When Do You Expect Hair Regrowth?

The initial results from PRP, or other advanced treatments, become apparent 3-6 months after therapy, however results can vary from patient to patient depending on the individual situation. Although preliminary clinical experience shows that you see visible results more quickly than conventional treatments, there are no clinical trials to show it.

Is the Treatment Safe?

The exosomes in our treatment come from an FDA inspected and audited manufacturing facility located in the US. The human mesenchymal stem cells are derived from a single tissue source which are purified in the laboratory. The tissue donors are tracked and screened for all infectious agents similar to the screening process performed by tissue banks. Donors are tested for HIV, HTLV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis and CMV. The FDA issues guidelines for cellular and tissue products and updates those guidelines periodically. In December, 2019, the FDA issued a warning of serious adverse events experienced by patients in Nebraska who were treated with unapproved products marketed as containing exosomes.

Whatever your reason for exploring hair regrowth treatment options, Dr. Dy can help you reclaim a natural, fuller head of hair with the amazing results offered by this novel therapy. Reach out to the professionals here at Dy Dermatology Center to learn more and schedule your consultation today!