Dr. Sara Wasserbauer has long been interested in the potential of “Follicle Rejuvenation,” a promising area of research that involves the use of dermal papilla (DP) cells multiplied from a patient’s own hair follicles.

Our practice has been recognized as the most experienced center in the United States offering hair follicle banking. This process allows hair follicles to be cryopreserved for possible future use in regenerative treatments.

What is the HAIRCLONE™ concept?

Approximately 30-50 grafts (about 100 individual hairs) are taken at our clinic under local anesthesia. This is a 30-90-minute procedure in which we extract follicular units using a tiny punch. The patient’s own hair comfortably covers the harvest sites and patients return to normal life almost immediately. These follicular units are cryopreserved and banked until needed.

Current Clinical Research

As of this month, HairClone has begun conducting clinical trials to assess the effects of dermal papilla cell injections on miniaturized follicles. The pilot study is currently being conducted at the Schambach Hair Clinic in Guatemala, where a state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure has been established to enable the research. Science progresses through careful study, observation, and validation, and this pilot project represents an important step in that process.

The purpose of this early clinical work is to carefully evaluate how cultured DP cells behave once reintroduced into the scalp and how they may influence hair follicle biology. While preliminary work in dermal papilla cell biology and regenerative medicine is promising, this stage of research is focused on gathering the data needed to establish evidence-based protocols.

Since Dr. Sara Wasserbauer is a key clinical partner in the HairClone program, these discussions include consideration of how her patients may be involved now that appropriate opportunities are potentially available.

Our staff is ready to help by answering your questions and coordinating your appointment slot on Monday, April 20th, in our Walnut Creek, CA office.