The Latest Hair Transplant Technology & Treatments
Some of the latest hair transplant technologies may seem attractive, but they require further research. Meanwhile, others are already improving the hair density of patients and offering permanent solutions to hair loss.
At Dr. Bonaros’ Hair Transplant Clinic, we stay up-to-date with the latest hair replacement technology to provide our patients with the best care and natural-looking results.
Read on to discover new hair transplant techniques and the latest technology in the field.
Reviewed by Dr Epameinondas Bonaros
Table of Contents
The Latest Hair Restoration Technology & Methods
What is the latest hair transplant technology? Learn more about the exciting new hair restoration technology and techniques.
Robotic Hair Transplantation
Robotic hair transplantation, powered by artificial intelligence, is an evolving new hair transplant technology that enhances the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) process. The ARTAS system is the most widely used platform, using imaging and AI to automate graft harvesting with greater speed and consistency.
While it reduces human error and fatigue, and improves efficiency with higher precision, robotic hair transplantation still falls short in key areas. Robots struggle with subtle variations in hair angle, curl, and density. These factors are critical for natural-looking results. Implantation, especially hairline design in the thinning areas, still relies heavily on the aesthetic judgment of a skilled surgeon.
Though robotic systems can reduce follicle damage and shorten procedure times, they come with high costs and limited implantation ability. Recovery time may also be longer, especially for patients opting for robotic systems. To aid recovery, laser therapy is often recommended to boost blood flow and promote faster healing after hair transplants.
Where we stand on this innovation: Artificial intelligence and robotics are powerful support tools, but not substitutes for human expertise.
Advancements in Stem Cell Research
Stem cell hair transplants are an emerging area in the field of hair restoration to treat androgenic alopecia. It combines traditional hair transplantation with regenerative medicine to enhance follicle regeneration and improve transplant outcomes.
Regenerative Stem Cell Hair Transplantation
This latest advancement involves collecting stem cells from your donor area during a hair transplant. These special cells are separated and injected into balding areas. The stem cells help improve the hair health and hair regrowth of transplanted follicles.
Biomedical Engineering Strategies
A review in Bioactive Materials highlights advancements in biomedical engineering for hair follicle regeneration, such as:
- Stem cell therapies: Utilising hair follicle stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to regenerate hair follicles.
- Hair follicle organoids: Lab-grown mini-follicles that replicate natural hair growth.
- Targeted delivery systems: Using microneedles and nanoparticles to deliver growth factors directly to hair follicles.
- Molecular therapies: Targeting specific pathways like Wnt/β-catenin to stimulate hair growth.
While stem cell hair transplant techniques show promise, they are still in the ongoing research phase. Challenges such as scalability, scalp health and safety as well as regulatory approval need to be addressed before these methods become widely and clinically available.
Hair Cloning
Hair cloning is a developing technology that could revolutionise the way we treat hair loss conditions. It aims to create a larger supply of a person’s hair for transplant. Although still in the early stages of research, ongoing studies are progressing toward real-world applications.
The process involves taking healthy hair follicle cells from the scalp, multiplying them in a lab, and re-implanting them in recipient sites to grow new hair. The implantation phase is crucial in ensuring that the cloned follicles are placed in the recipient area properly for successful hair growth. This could overcome the problem of limited donor supply in traditional transplants.
Despite this innovation, challenges remain. Cloned cells must grow full hair follicles that function normally. Early lab and animal trials have been promising, but the results aren’t always consistent. Keeping the cells active enough to trigger natural growth is especially difficult.
Where we stand on this innovation: At the Dr Bonaros Hair Transplant Clinic, we’re working with a leading hair cloning company to make the treatment available in the future. While this latest technology in hair transplant is not ready yet, we’re making sure our patients will be among the first to benefit.
JAK Inhibitor Treatments
Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors are showing real promise in treating alopecia areata, a medical condition that causes patchy hair loss. These medications block immune signals that attack hair follicles. The most commonly prescribed options are baricitinib and tofacitinib.
Clinical studies have found JAK inhibitors to be effective treatments in helping many patients regrow hair, particularly in more severe cases. JAK inhibitors are FDA-approved and have received approval in other countries based on strong clinical trials for the treatment of moderate to severe alopecia areata.
These inhibitors work by blocking immune signals, which may indirectly improve blood flow to the scalp and support the healing process. However, JAK inhibitors aren’t without risks. Potential side effects include infections, changes in blood work, and, in rare cases, blood clots. These treatments require careful medical supervision.
Where we stand on this innovation: At Dr Bonaros Hair Transplant Clinic, we don’t prescribe JAK inhibitors. These medications are best managed by a dermatologist who specialises in autoimmune-related hair loss. We support patients exploring this option and are happy to assist with additional restoration strategies.
A Breakthrough or a Buzzword?
In the field of hair transplant surgery, not every “innovation” is genuinely new. It’s common in medical marketing to rebrand well-established techniques with new names, creating the illusion of advancement without substantial changes. Two examples of this are Percutaneous Follicular Unit Extraction and Microscopically Dissected Elliptical Excision.
Despite their technical names, these are simply rebranded terms. Percutaneous FUE does not differ meaningfully from the standard FUE hair transplant, and Microscopically Dissected Elliptical Excision is another name for traditional Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT).
While slight variations in technique or tools may suit a surgeon’s style, they do not amount to a new or revolutionary approach. Rebranding standard methods as the latest hair transplant techniques in this manner can be misleading, particularly when used to justify higher prices or suggest better outcomes without providing evidence.
Honest Hair Restoration You Can Trust
At Dr Bonaros Hair Transplant Clinic, we believe in transparency and evidence-based care. Our approach to FUE is rooted in proven methods, refined through experience and supported by the new technology for hair transplants, not marketing gimmicks. We focus on real results, not inflated claims.
If you’re considering a hair transplant procedure, make sure you understand what’s being offered. A new name doesn’t always mean a new technique. Ask questions, do your research, and choose a clinic that values honesty and clinical excellence over hype.
Get insights into hair loss treatments, including topics such as new hair replacement technology, in our free resource library.
Dr Bonaros: Genuine Hair Transplant Surgery in the UK
Our dedication to exceptional hair restoration at Dr Bonaros Hair Transplant Clinic drives us to master traditional methods as well as new treatments. This expertise allows us to customise treatment plans that deliver remarkably natural results for every individual patient.
As Scotland’s only representative in the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), Dr. Bonaros has an exceptional professional standing as a hair transplant surgeon. He has full membership in the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery (BAHRS).
Most notably, Dr. Bonaros holds Diplomate status with the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS), the field’s only recognised certification body.
The experienced team includes hair transplant surgical assistants Aikaterini Alimperti and Rakshya Khadka, both full-time members of BAHS.
Various Options for a Natural Appearance
We offer a range of non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures to treat thinning hair caused by female and male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). In addition to FUE hair transplant surgery, we provide topical and oral medications to support hair growth and slow hair loss.
Our personalised approach ensures that each patient experiencing hair loss receives the most effective treatments tailored to their specific needs and hair loss patterns. We pride ourselves on empathetic care that gets you the results you want to regain your confidence.
See how the latest in hair transplant technology and techniques can work for you. Book a Zoom consultation with Dr Bonaros.