What Is Micrografting for Hair Loss? Science, Benefits & Limitations

Hair loss affects millions of men and women across the UK, with causes ranging from genetics and hormones to stress, nutritional imbalances, and even autoimmune disorders. While topical solutions and prescription medications remain first-line therapies, many people seek regenerative treatments that can improve hair density without surgery.

One such option gaining attention is Micrografting, also known as Autologous Micrografting Technology (AMT) and commonly marketed Regenera Activa/Rigenera. In this article, we explore how this innovative treatment works, break down some of the research behind it, and learn how it compares with other hair restoration options such as PRP and hair transplants.

What is Micrografting?

Micrografting, also known as Autologous Micrografting Technology (AMT), involves using your own scalp tissue to create a concentrated solution rich in regenerative cells and growth factors. Unlike micrografts used in traditional FUE transplants (which are follicular units containing 1–2 hairs), AMT micrografts are cellular suspensions, not follicle implants.

The process is performed under local anaesthetic and takes around 45 minutes:

1. Harvesting: Two or three 2–2.5 mm punch biopsies are taken from the retro-auricular or occipital scalp (the back of the head, where follicles are most resistant to androgenetic alopecia).
   
2. Processing: The tissue is mechanically disaggregated using a certified micro-filtering device. This separates a suspension containing progenitor cells, extracellular matrix fragments, and growth-signalling molecules.
   
3. Injection: The suspension is then injected into thinning or miniaturised areas of the scalp using fine needles, targeting follicles still capable of producing hair.
   

The goal is to reactivate and thicken existing follicles, not to create new ones.

How Does it Work?

The micrografted suspension contains autologous progenitor cells (derived from your own scalp), similar to those used in some cancer treatments, which release cytokines and extracellular vesicles that signal to dormant follicles to re-enter the growth (anagen) phase. These cells are embedded within small fragments of their native extracellular matrix, which provides structural and biochemical cues to enhance follicular regeneration.

Unlike laboratory-expanded stem-cell treatments, AMT does not involve cell culture or manipulation, which keeps it compliant with current UK and EU MHRA regulations for “minimally manipulated autologous tissue”.

The Benefits of Micrografting

The micrografting procedure takes only about 45 minutes and is practically pain free. The donor area heals very quickly as there are only two small biopsy locations where the skin is extracted and can easily be disguised with your existing hair. Additionally, there is practically no downtime with a micrograft hair transplant, meaning you can resume your regular activities almost immediately. 

There have been a few studies so far highlighting the effectiveness of micrografting showing positive results. The effects take about 6 months to become visible, but dermoscopic imaging and a trichoscopy can show the effects on a microscopic level. These analyses show a distinct increase in the average hair density, along with an increase in average hair shaft thickness and a decrease in thin hair count.

The Limitations of Micrografting

While there are a lot of benefits to this trendy technique, there are limitations as well. Micrografting will encourage the growth of your existing hair follicles to encourage sparse areas to grow thicker and fuller. Unfortunately, it will not create new hair on your scalp.

As it is a newer procedure, it is not as widely available as a traditional hair transplant. This means the cost is much higher. In the UK, AMT is offered by limited clinics and usually costs £2,000–£4,000 per session, depending on provider.

How Micrografting Compares

The right treatment for you will depend on a variety of factors, including cost, number of sessions, effectiveness, and type of hair loss. Before making any decisions, it is best to discuss your situation with your GP, as they will be able to advise you on a treatment plan.

Many patients might be dissuaded from seeking treatments due to a fear of needles. This is something we have encountered in the past, as is a large part of why we utilise the Sleep-Deep Method of anaesthesia in our hair transplant procedures. Any fears over injections can and should be discussed with your medical practitioners before beginning treatment.

Conclusion

Micrografting provides increased hair density to areas of your scalp that are thinning due to hair loss. It is a brief and minimally invasive procedure. However, it does not provide long term results. It also cannot create new growth in areas where the follicles have stopped producing hairs.

If you’re concerned about your hair loss and are looking for a one time permanent solution, why not consider a hair transplant with Elithair? With state-of-the-art techniques in the world’s largest hair loss clinic, you can enjoy a new life with a full head of hair.