Lipotransfer in hair regeneration

Where the idea of using fat for hair came from

Besides fat cells, fat tissue contains the stromal vascular fraction and growth factors. After processing and injection into the scalp, this fraction is meant to deliver nutritional and vascular signals to the hair follicles^{2, 4}.

Systematic reviews from 2021 to 2024 gathered a dozen or so studies in people with androgenetic alopecia: most reported an increase in hair density and no serious adverse effects, but the groups were small, protocols varied, and randomised trials were few^{1, 2, 3}. This means the method is promising, but its efficacy is not yet confirmed to the same extent as pharmacological treatment.

Who it is for

We consider it for women and men with early or moderate thinning in androgenetic alopecia, after a doctor has established the cause of hair loss. It does not help where the follicles are already gone, that is in scarring alopecia, or with active scalp skin conditions. A harvesting site with a modest reserve of tissue is needed, most often the abdomen or thighs.

How the treatment is performed

We start with a doctor's consultation and a discussion of any treatment the patient is already following. On the day of the treatment, the doctor gives local anaesthesia at the harvesting site and withdraws a small amount of fat with a thin cannula. The tissue is processed mechanically, passed through filters, without enzymes. It is then injected with a thin needle into the scalp at the thinning sites. The whole procedure takes 60 to 180 minutes depending on the scope.

After the treatment, swelling and bruising at the harvesting site persist for a few days, and the scalp can be tender for a day or two. Most people return to their usual activities the next day; we put off exercise and the sauna for a week.

What to expect

Hair grows in a cycle, so we assess the result at 3 to 6 months, comparing photographs taken under the same conditions. The effect is individual; in some people there will be no improvement. Studies reported better results when combined with treatment led by a dermatologist^{1, 3}, so we plan the treatment as part of a broader plan, alongside scalp mesotherapy, platelet-rich plasma, and laser hair growth stimulation.

Contraindications and risk

Pregnancy and breastfeeding, clotting disorders and anticoagulant medicines, active infection, unregulated chronic conditions, scarring alopecia. Possible adverse effects: haematoma, infection, temporary irregularities at the harvesting site, no effect. The doctor discusses the full list at the consultation.

Other hair loss methods at NL Clinic

Scalp mesotherapy, platelet-rich plasma and laser hair growth stimulation have separate pages; which method to choose and in what order is decided by the doctor after assessing the scalp.

The questions we are asked most often

Sources

Bibliographic data checked in the PubMed database on 26 September 2026.

The content is for information. It does not replace a consultation, an examination or an individual medical assessment.