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Hair Sciences Center of Colorado - FAQs
Research and Future Treatments
- What are current areas of research regarding hair loss and hair transplantation?
- Many institutions worldwide are investigating the basic science behind the genetic and biochemical causes of hair loss. That is, they are working to find the genes and chemical messengers that cause hair to fall out. Eventually, the scientific knowledge will help us formulate better treatments. Unfortunately, these endeavors have not allowed us to develop a cure at this point in time.
Currently, research in hair transplantation involves the fine-tuning of present-day techniques. Studies involving methods of transplantation, survival of grafts, density outcomes and complication avoidance are currently in progress globally.
- Why is Hair Sciences Center of Colorado so committed to research in this field?
- Dr. Harris is committed to providing his patients with the very best medical and surgical solutions available in hair restoration. Dr. Harris actively participates at the forefront of research in the field, and has authored several medical publications. He is a faculty member of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where he teaches hair transplantation to resident and community physicians.
Recent and current involvements include:
- Dr. Harris has recently developed and patented the Harris SAFE System and Scribe. The SAFE System, which is an improvement on traditional FUE, is a minimally invasive hair replacement option that is the most advanced treatment available today.
- This past year, a research project evaluating the feasibility of transplanting hair from one individual to another was completed. As an aside, this technique probably will not play a major role in the future of hair transplantation.
- Studies are ongoing for a technique developed by Dr. Harris and known as Recombinant Follicular Unit Transplantation. This is a procedure to yield high-density results in selected patients in a single session. Initial results were presented at the 2001 meeting of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons. This technique is highlighted in the surgical textbook Hair Transplantation, edited by Dr. Walter Unger.
- Studies evaluating graft growth and hair growth patterns are in the planning phase at this time.
- What are possible future treatments for hair loss?
- Medications to block the action of the biochemical causes of hair loss are always possible as our understanding of the process broadens. Gene therapy may be a future option, but there are many technical reasons why this treatment may be a distant reality. Identifying the gene or genes that cause androgenetic alopecia is only one hurdle.
Of great promise is cell therapy or hair multiplication. That is the use of certain cells obtained from your follicles and planted in your scalp. The basic idea is that wherever a cell is implanted, a new follicle will grow. There is no theoretical limit to the number of hairs you may eventually have on your head. This technology could conceivably be available in less than 10 years.
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