What is ACell With PRP Therapy?

ACell is a regenerative medicine approach designed to promote tissue growth and healing. Originally used in wound management, ACell protein matrix can also be used in hair transplantation in conjunction with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a concentrated serum of the patient’s blood that promotes hair growth.

Composed of an extracellular matrix (ECM) that can stimulate the body’s own healing processes, ACell technology for hair transplants in particular is a promising solution to thinning hair in men, especially when it comes to Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplants.

FUE involves moving individual follicles from the donor area to another location where hair loss is a concern. It’s becoming an increasingly popular hair transplant method that involves carefully extracting hair follicles with a circular punch tool and then implanting them at the recipient site. Compared with the traditional FUT method, FUE is more comfortable and has minimal chance of scarring.

So where does ACell technology come into all of this? Read on for more.

A Look at ACell Technology For Hair Transplants

ACell MicroMatrix® is a fine powder derived from a porcine urinary bladder matrix (UBM). It’s an animal-derived stem cell originally designed to promote wound healing by offering a scaffold into which cells can migrate and promote tissue regeneration.

Note: Stem cells that are derived from the umbilical cord and are illegal in the U.S. to inject. ACell, on the other hand, comes from porcupines and is FDA approved.

The use of ACell alone is FDA-approved for effectiveness and safety in wound healing. However, no FDA studies have been done as of yet on the combination of ACell with PRP.

ACell is thought to render PRP more effective, and has been found to accentuate the thickness and texture of hair. Some preliminary research suggests it can speed up the process and grow hair more quickly – compared with PRP alone. It’s not known for certain at this time if it has any bearing on survivability rates of follicles.

The ACell powder is rubbed onto the area being harvested with the FUE hair transplant method. This may even minimize the appearance of hyper pigmentation (small white dots) caused by the use of the punch tool.

• A mixed treatment of ACell and PRP is thought to improve coverage from the native hair.
• ACell in donor extraction sites may improve the process of healing, reduce hypopigmentation, and induce follicle regeneration in the extraction sites.
• However, no quantifiable benefits have been recorded yet from the treatment of grafts with ACell prior to implantation.
• That said, it’s possible this may improve the survival rate among some of the grafts, but further evaluation is necessary.

PRP with ACell is Still an Experimental Approach Dependent on Additional Research

It’s important to note that this combination treatment is still considered experimental, with more research needed to confirm its efficacy. There is a substantial body of research that has been done on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for hair restoration, but limited peer-reviewed research specifically addressing the combination of PRP with ACell.

Clinical observations and expert insights have reported enhanced healing and graft survival, improved donor site healing, and improved patient outcomes. Essentially, PRP acts as a growth stimulant. On the other hand, ACell offers a supportive environment for hair follicles to augment the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

Despite these observations, the combination of ACell and PRP for hair restoration has not been extensively studied as part of controlled clinical trials. That’s why it’s so important to consult with a Board-certified hair restoration specialist if you’re considering this treatment, as they can provide personalized information based on your specific condition and the latest clinical practices.

Northeast Hair Restoration and PRP With ACell: What to Expect

We can use a combination approach of PRP and ACell to increase the chances of hair transplant success. When you opt for PRP, we will use the ACell powder alongside it for free in the first session. After that, it’s an add-on cost of $550 to continue use in further sessions.

It’s important to come in for a consultation first to explore if you are a good candidate for this approach. Once we take a full medical history, ask you some questions, and determine your specific type of hair loss, we will have a better understanding of whether PRP with ACell is right for you.

Book Your Consultation With Northeast Hair Restoration Today

The experts at Northeast Hair Restoration use the latest and most effective methods and tools to ensure the best results for your hair transplant. Rely on our decades of experience performing successful hair restoration procedures in Boston and Worcester. To learn more about ACell with PRP, book your consultation today.