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Piloactive is a topical medication developed at Cuba's Placental Histotherapy Center, derived from human placental extract. It contains growth factors, amino acids, and bioactive molecules that stimulate hair follicle activity and support the hair growth cycle. It is applied directly to the scalp as an outpatient treatment.

Does Piloactive work for all types of hair loss?

Piloactive is most effective for non-scarring alopecia including androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium. Scarring (cicatricial) alopecia, where hair follicles have been permanently destroyed, may not respond. The dermatology team evaluates your specific type during the initial assessment.

How long until I see hair regrowth?

Hair growth is a slow biological process. Initial reduction in shedding may be noticed within 4-8 weeks, with visible regrowth typically appearing after 3-6 months of consistent treatment. Full results depend on the type and duration of alopecia and individual response.

Is the treatment outpatient?

Yes. Piloactive is administered on an outpatient basis at Cuban dermatological facilities. Patients receive in-clinic treatment and training during a 2-4 week stay in Havana, then continue the protocol at home with take-home medication for several months.

Piloactive is a topical medication developed at Cuba's Placental Histotherapy Center, derived from human placental extract. It contains growth factors, amino acids, and bioactive molecules that stimulate hair follicle activity and support the hair growth cycle. It is applied directly to the scalp as an outpatient treatment.

Does Piloactive work for all types of hair loss?

Piloactive is most effective for non-scarring alopecia including androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium. Scarring (cicatricial) alopecia, where hair follicles have been permanently destroyed, may not respond. The dermatology team evaluates your specific type during the initial assessment.

How long until I see hair regrowth?

Hair growth is a slow biological process. Initial reduction in shedding may be noticed within 4-8 weeks, with visible regrowth typically appearing after 3-6 months of consistent treatment. Full results depend on the type and duration of alopecia and individual response.

Is the treatment outpatient?

Yes. Piloactive is administered on an outpatient basis at Cuban dermatological facilities. Patients receive in-clinic treatment and training during a 2-4 week stay in Havana, then continue the protocol at home with take-home medication for several months.

Dermatology

Alopecia Treatment (Piloactive)

Cuba's placental-extract therapy for hair loss and scalp restoration

Cuba's Placental Histotherapy Center in Havana has developed Piloactive, a topical medication derived from human placental extract designed to stimulate hair follicle activity and promote hair regrowth. Building on the same regenerative biotechnology platform as Melagenin Plus (vitiligo) and Coriodermina (psoriasis), Piloactive offers a biological approach to hair loss that aims to reactivate dormant follicles, improve scalp circulation, and support the hair growth cycle — rather than simply masking symptoms. Hair loss (alopecia) affects millions of people worldwide and can have profound psychological impact. While many conventional treatments focus on hormonal manipulation (finasteride) or vasodilation (minoxidil), Cuba's approach leverages the growth factors, proteins, and bioactive molecules naturally present in placental extract to nourish and stimulate the hair follicle environment. Treatment is delivered on an outpatient basis at Cuban dermatological facilities, coordinated for international patients with full assessment, in-clinic initiation, and a take-home continuation protocol.

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Medically ReviewedSMC Salud Medical Editorial Team

Last updated: July 15, 2026

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Expected Duration

2–4 weeks in Cuba, with several months of home treatment.

1
Dermatological & trichoscopy assessment
Timeframe: 2–3 days
Scalp examination, trichoscopy, blood panel (thyroid, iron, hormones, autoimmune markers), and baseline photography to determine alopecia type and plan the protocol.
2
In-clinic treatment initiation
Timeframe: 2–4 weeks
Daily Piloactive application with dermatological monitoring, possible ozone therapy, constitutional therapy, and self-application training.
3
Home continuation
Timeframe: 3–6 months
Continue the take-home Piloactive protocol with periodic photographic review and telemedicine follow-up to track regrowth.

Preparation

Complete dermatological evaluation

Have your hair loss assessed for type (androgenetic, areata, telogen effluvium) and duration; bring any prior trichoscopy or biopsy results.

Gather blood test results

Bring recent thyroid function, iron/ferritin, vitamin D, and hormonal panel results so the team can identify underlying causes.

Document hair loss progression

Take dated photographs of your scalp from multiple angles and note when the hair loss began and how it has progressed.

List current treatments

Note any minoxidil, finasteride, supplements, or other hair loss treatments you currently use so the dermatologist can plan a complementary regimen.

Recovery

Apply Piloactive consistently

Follow the daily application schedule exactly as taught in the clinic — consistency is the strongest predictor of results.

Track progress with monthly photos

Take photographs in the same lighting and angle each month to monitor regrowth and share with your care team.

Address underlying deficiencies

Correct any iron, vitamin D, or thyroid deficiencies identified during assessment, as these affect hair growth.

Avoid harsh scalp treatments

Minimize heat styling, chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles that can stress hair follicles during recovery.

Attend follow-up reviews

Schedule periodic telemedicine or in-person reassessment to evaluate response and adjust the protocol as needed.

Why International Patients Choose Our Facilities

World-class Cuban institutions, pioneering biotechnology, and complete concierge care — the reasons patients from 40+ countries trust SMC Salud with their treatment.

The SMC Salud Advantage

Multilingual Patient Coordinators

Native-language coordinators in Arabic, Turkish, French, German, English, and more guide you through every step of your medical journey.

24/7 Concierge Support

Visa processing, airport reception, accommodation, interpreters, and round-the-clock coordination — every detail handled from inquiry to return home.

Pioneering Cuban Biotechnology

Access unique therapies developed by Cuba's leading research institutions — CIMAvax-EGF, Heberprot-P, Melagenin Plus — available only through Cuba's medical system.

Proven International Track Record

Decades of medical excellence with patients treated from over 40 countries, backed by WHO-recognized research institutions and experienced specialists.

Integrated Treatment & Recovery

Surgery, therapy, and rehabilitation delivered in one coordinated program by a single medical team — the Cuban model that achieves strong functional outcomes.

Cultural & Dietary Accommodation

Prayer rooms, halal and special-diet meals, and culturally aware care that honors your faith, customs, and family throughout your stay in Cuba.

Eligibility Assessment

Review the requirements below to understand what's needed for your treatment in Cuba. Check off each item as you prepare.

Treatment-specific eligibility

Piloactive treatment is indicated for patients with androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss), alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and other non-scarring forms of hair loss. Suitability is determined through dermatological evaluation including trichoscopy, blood work, and assessment of the alopecia type, duration, and underlying causes. Scarring (cicatricial) alopecia, where follicles have been permanently destroyed, may not benefit from follicle-stimulating therapy. Each case is evaluated individually by Cuba's dermatology team to confirm suitability and set realistic expectations.

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Medical Documentation

Health Requirements

Travel & Logistics

Check off items as you prepare — a CTA will appear when all are reviewed.

Patient Experiences

Real Stories from Our Patients

Read firsthand accounts from international patients who completed their medical journeys with us.

“The neurological restoration program at CIREN gave me hope when doctors in three other countries said nothing more could be done. After six weeks in Havana, my mobility improved significantly.”

Ahmed K.

United Arab Emirates

Neurological Restoration

“From the airport reception to my final consultation, every detail was arranged with precision and genuine warmth. The CIMAvax treatment opened a new chapter in my fight against lung cancer.”

Marie-Claire D.

France

CIMAvax-EGF Immunotherapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Direct answers to the questions international patients ask most about this treatment in Cuba.

Does Cuba use corticosteroid injections for alopecia areata?

Yes. For active, localized patches, intralesional corticosteroid injections (triamcinolone) are used alongside Piloactive to suppress the local immune attack on follicles. This combination is often more effective than either treatment alone. The dermatologist determines the appropriate combination based on disease activity.

How much does Piloactive treatment cost in Cuba?

Costs vary based on the type and extent of alopecia, treatment duration, and take-home medication needed. SMC Salud provides a detailed cost breakdown as part of the personalized treatment proposal following the dermatological evaluation. Submit a consultation request with photographs and medical records to receive an estimate.

What currency can I pay in?

International bank transfers should be in Euros, British Pounds, or Canadian Dollars. USD transfers are not accepted. The online payment gateway accepts Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and American Express. Cash is not accepted.

Is Piloactive a cure for alopecia?

Piloactive is not a cure for alopecia. It is a treatment that aims to stimulate hair follicle activity, prolong the growth phase, and promote regrowth. Results are gradual and vary by individual. Some patients achieve meaningful regrowth, while others see reduced shedding and stabilization. The type and duration of alopecia significantly affect outcomes.

How is Piloactive applied?

Piloactive is a topical lotion applied directly to the scalp. It is applied daily during the in-clinic phase (2-4 weeks in Cuba) under dermatological supervision, then continued at home with take-home medication for 3-6 months. Patients receive thorough training in self-application technique.

Is Piloactive available outside Cuba?

Piloactive is a Cuban-developed product available through SMC Salud's international patient services. Patients travel to Cuba to begin treatment under dermatological supervision, then continue with a take-home protocol. It may not be widely available in other countries.

Explore in-depth guides on this treatment:

Alopecia Areata Treatment in Cuba: Autoimmune Hair Loss Care

More Dermatology Treatments in Cuba

Explore related Cuban medical programs in the same specialty area.

Vitiligo Treatment (Melagenin Plus)

Dermatology

Psoriasis Treatment (Coriodermina)

Dermatology

Specialists & Medical Centers

The physicians and Cuban medical institutions behind this specialty.

Specialists

Dr. Jorge Hernández Díaz

Dermatology & Vitiligo

MD, PhD — Placental Histotherapy Center

Medical Centers

Placental Histotherapy Center

Dermatology & Vitiligo

Havana

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Alopecia Treatment in Cuba (Piloactive) — Explore Further

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Cuban Biotechnology

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Coordination & Processing Center

The team that receives your request

You access our services through the Coordination and Processing Center, where a specialist immediately responds to your request and assesses whether you require the service — and you can also access an online consultation prior to your trip.

Iliana Reyes Álvarez

Head of the Coordination and Processing Center

Doctor in Medicine, First Degree Specialist in Comprehensive General Medicine. Master in Primary Health Care. Certified in Foreign Trade.