By Victoria Allen, Science Editor For The Daily Mail
14:15 29 Nov 2023, updated 15:10 29 Nov 2023
Injecting fat into the scalp could prevent balding and make hair thicker, according to a scientific review.
The review concludes that injecting fatty tissue removed from the body can help regenerate hair, particularly for scarring alopecia, an autoimmune condition.
As per the review, the fat injections hold promise for male pattern baldness, which affects about half of men before the age of 50.
Research on ten cases showed that injecting fatty tissue into the scalp led to a significant increase in hair thickness, as measured by hair density and individual hair diameter 6 months post-treatment.
Overall, the review looked at 10 case reports and studies on the use of fat injections for various types of hair loss.
Adipose tissue transfer, the scientists’ term for fat injections, is considered to “induce hair regrowth” and acts as a “rich source of stem cells,” according to the review authors from Iran University of Medical Sciences.
The study, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, describes existing baldness treatments and emphasizes the need for new approaches to help patients suffering from this debilitating condition.
Fatty tissue produces growth factors that can aid in hair regeneration and fight inflammation, with minimal side effects reported.
