Premature hair loss may cause a decrease in self-esteem and self-confidence. Consequently, there is a growing interest in innovative technology and science that helps not only prevent excessive hair loss but also regenerates healthy hair follicles and restore hair growth.
Traditionally the only options for hair loss prevention have been the use of topical products, such as Rogaine or Minoxidil and use a low-level laser light shown to stimulate hair follicles. One of the most exciting options in hair loss reduction and restoration is in the arena of regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine in Toledo is the new science of using the body’s natural products and potential to self-repair, restore and regenerate aging tissues, as well as tissue damage or chronic disease.
The Science Behind Regenerative Medicine
Growing evidence in clinical studies indicates that using fat grafts and platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, can help restore hair follicles, prevent hair loss and increase hair growth. In addition, extracting specific pluripotent cells from fat grafts called stem cells may significantly increase the regenerative potential along with PRP and fat grafting.
Stem cell therapy has expanded greatly over the past few years not only in treating many potential diseases but also to restore aging tissues. These cells are harvested from a patient’s subcutaneous fat and are rich in multiple and specific growth factors. Stem cell-enriched fat grafts and PRP have been shown to have regenerative potential when injected or applied to the area of concern in a patient.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP is another exciting possibility in the field of aesthetics. During PRP therapy, blood is drawn from the patient and placed in a specialized tube which spins in a centrifuge in order to isolate the section of rich growth factors in the non-cellular portion of the blood or the serum, as well as concentrate the platelets. Platelets produce powerful signaling products that can restore and regenerate. PRP has versatile use and used in many areas, including improving aging skin, the appearance of scars and correcting tissue atrophy in patients.
Recently, it has been shown that placement of PRP in the scalp below the skin and hair follicle can stimulate regrowth of hair from the follicle when combined with the additional growth factors in fat cells, and particularly stem cells. This is a very powerful regenerative combination, which in initial studies have provided very encouraging results for patients with hair loss.
Hair Loss Treatment in Toledo
The hair loss treatment with PRP and fat grafting is performed in the office under local anesthesia. There is no significant downtime for most patients. In some cases, if fat is harvested from underneath the skin in a patient there may be some temporary bruising and tenderness to the treatment area. This is tolerated well and has an excellent safety record when performed by a board-certified physician, experienced and trained in this procedure.
At evolv Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics, a proprietary topical treatment developed by Buderer Drug Company, one of the leading compounding pharmacists in the country, has the potential to enhance the treatment for patients. This combines four products that have shown to stimulate hair growth and also block the hormones that may lead to hair loss. It also improves blood supply to the scalp in a cost-effective and safe manner.
Scheduling a Consultation
evolv Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics is excited about the principles in regenerative medicine for hair loss treatment and hair restoration using the patient’s own natural growth factors and cells. It is important to keep in mind that the use of stem cell therapy is still in the early phases and should only be performed at an approved facility by a physician who is properly licensed, trained and experienced in these areas.
Compared to traditional hair loss non-surgical methods regenerative medicine and use of PRP, fat grafting and stem cells hold tremendous promise to help both men and women concerned about preventing future hair loss and in fact, actually restoring hair growth. We encourage you to contact either Dr. Frank Barone or one of our skin care professionals at evolv if you would like further information on this exciting area.