Stem Cell Hair Treatmentin Gangnam, Seoul
Stem Cell Hair Treatment places stem-cell-based material in the scalp with the aim of supporting the environment around thinning hair. The same “stem cell” name covers materials from fat, blood, bone marrow and other sources, processed in different ways, so at QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea, we first explain the actual material and processing, examine the type of hair loss and then decide whether it suits you. It does not replace established hair-loss treatment.
Who it’s for
- You take hair-loss medication but thinning still concerns you
- Your hair has thinned but the follicles are still there
- You want to hear the evidence and limits of regenerative care before deciding
It has not been shown to create new follicles where the scalp has already become smooth and bare. Such areas may need a different approach.
How it works
Stem-cell materials used in hair-loss research vary in source and form: stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from fat, adipose stem cell conditioned medium, cells from hair follicles, bone marrow mononuclear cells and others. Some use the cells themselves, others only what cells release. The hypothesis is that signals such as growth factors may influence the follicle environment and hair thickness, but results differ by material and cannot be summed up as one effect.
THE MECHANISM, STEP BY STEP
01A different source is a different treatment
Fat, blood, bone marrow and follicles differ greatly in the type and number of cells they contain. Sharing the name “stem cell” does not let one borrow another’s evidence.
02Cells, or what cells release?
Injecting living cells differs from using only cell products such as conditioned medium or exosomes. Which one it is changes both the risks and the regulation.
03Culture and Korean regulation
In Korea, cells manipulated beyond simple separation, washing, freezing and thawing — for example by culturing — are regulated under the Advanced Regenerative Bio Act and the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act and cannot be used outside the set approval process. Ask whether cells are cultured and on what legal basis before treatment.
04Follicles need to be present
Most studies enrolled people with male or female pattern thinning. There is no established evidence that new hair grows where follicles have been lost.
Treatment areas
- Frontal hairline
- Thinned hairline where follicles remain
- Crown
- A crown that has lost density but still has hair
- Parting and top of the scalp
- Diffuse female pattern thinning
What the procedure is like
- 1Magnified scalp examination, history and medication review to diagnose the type of hair loss.
- 2The source, processing and route of the material and the reactions to expect are explained, and consent is obtained.
- 3After disinfection and pain control, the planned scalp area is treated.
- 4The treated area is checked, and aftercare and contact details are given before you leave.
- 5A schedule is set to review progress with photos under the same light and angle.
Visit length varies widely with how the material is prepared. At consultation, ask how long the treatment day will take.
Recovery & aftercare
- Redness, tenderness and small bruises at injection sites usually settle within a few days.
- On the day, avoid rubbing the scalp, saunas, alcohol and strenuous exercise.
- If material was collected from another site, follow the separate aftercare for that site.
What to expect over time
A general guide to how the days and months after treatment usually unfold. Results vary by individual.
Same day
Redness, tenderness or small bruises may appear at injection sites. If material is collected, that site is checked for pain too.
Weeks 1–2
Redness and bruising settle. Warmth, pus or worsening pain can signal infection — contact us straight away.
Months 3–6
Studies generally assessed changes in hair density after several months. Photos taken under the same conditions are compared.
After that
Some studies reported effects fading after about 3–9 months, so whether to maintain is discussed again based on progress.
Sessions & results
There is no set standard for the number of sessions or the interval. A 2024 systematic review of 12 randomised trials (514 patients) reported stem-cell-based treatments as generally safe with increases in hair density, but materials, doses and methods varied too much to pool, and some effects were temporary. Repeat treatment is decided from progress.
How it compares
All three are supportive treatments for the area around the follicle, but what goes in differs.
| Comparison | Stem Cell Hair Treatment | PRP Hair Treatment | Exosome Scalp Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Stem-cell-based material (source explained at consultation) | Platelet-rich plasma concentrated from your blood | Rose-callus exosome product (ASCE+ SRLV) |
| How it goes in | Injected into the scalp | Injected into the scalp | Applied after MTS opens channels |
| Living cells | Depends on the material | None (platelet and plasma components) | None (extracellular vesicles) |
| Evidence | Mostly small randomised trials; temporary effects reported | Several randomised trials with varied methods | A case report and small observational studies |
Neither is “better” — they work differently and suit different goals. The right choice is decided after we assess your skin.
Safety & considerations
Possible reactions
- Pain, redness, bruising or minor bleeding at injection sites
- Scalp dermatitis or itching (reported in some studies)
- Rarely, infection — possible at any stage of collecting, processing and injecting
When to take extra care
- Infection, inflammation or wounds on the treated scalp
- A bleeding disorder or anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication
- Current or past cancer treatment, or weakened immunity
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding or a recent scalp procedure
Stem Cell Hair Treatment does not cure hair loss or guarantee a result, and outcomes vary between people. Contact us straight away for warmth, pus or worsening pain, and do not stop prescribed hair-loss medication on your own.
Your care at QD Clinic
The material, explained first
Before treatment we explain the source and processing of the material, whether it is cultured and the route, and answer your questions.
An order that fits the diagnosis
For active male or female pattern hair loss, evidence-based medication comes first and this treatment is supportive.
Assuming it may be temporary
Some studies saw effects fade after a few months, so whether to continue is decided together from photo-based progress.
Frequently asked questions
Small studies in thinning hair have reported increases in density and thickness, but there is no evidence that it creates new follicles. A 2024 systematic review also noted small study sizes, varied methods and some temporary effects. We discuss realistic expectations at consultation.
In Korea, using cells manipulated beyond simple separation, washing, freezing and thawing — such as cultured cells — requires review and approval at a designated regenerative medicine institution under the Advanced Regenerative Bio Act. If you are told cultured cells will be injected without that process, check the legal basis first. Whether living cells are injected or only substances released by cells are used changes both the risks and the regulations, so the source and processing of the actual material are explained before treatment.
Scalp PRP concentrates the platelet component of your own blood and is not a stem cell treatment. Stem cell treatment is regenerative care using cells or their products, with a different preparation and kind of evidence. After examination we explain which suits you.
There is no fixed duration. Some studies reported effects fading after about 3–9 months, so the need for maintenance is decided from photo-based progress. Continuing prescribed hair-loss medication matters for keeping results.
Generally not. A transplant is surgery that moves follicles from the back of the head, while stem cell treatment aims to support the thin hair that remains. Large areas where hair is already gone may need a transplant consultation.
Active scalp inflammation or infection, ongoing cancer treatment or a bleeding problem mean postponing or considering another option. Pregnancy and breastfeeding, and hair loss with an immune cause such as alopecia areata, are also identified at examination first. For progressing male- or female-pattern hair loss, medication with established evidence is recommended first, and this treatment is considered as a supplement.
We first check whether assessment and any necessary follow-up fit your stay. Share your arrival, departure and important event dates before booking. For this treatment, the expected course is as follows. There is no set standard for the number of sessions or the interval. A 2024 systematic review of 12 randomised trials (514 patients) reported stem-cell-based treatments as generally safe with increases in hair density, but materials, doses and methods varied too much to pool, and some effects were temporary. Repeat treatment is decided from progress. On the day, avoid rubbing the scalp, saunas, alcohol and strenuous exercise. If material was collected from another site, follow the separate aftercare for that site. Examination may lead to postponement or additional visits. Confirm contact arrangements after returning home and when in-person medical care may be needed. What the doctor checks first for this treatment: “Where the stem-cell material comes from, how it is processed, Korean regulation and the hair-loss evidence”.
For international patients
Consultation in English / 中文 / 日本語 · WhatsApp · WeChat · KakaoTalk · a 4-minute walk from Sinnonhyeon / Nonhyeon Station (hours in KST).
How many days should I stay?
Surgery and course-based treatments need a check-up. We tell you before you book whether that means staying longer or coming back another time.
For International Patients