All Natural Hair Loss Treatment

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We are pleased to offer PRP Injections for Hair Loss.  PRP is a perfect, all natural procedure for anyone looking for thicker, healthier hair.

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PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma.  Platelets are the cells that help you stop bleeding when you scrape or cut yourself, but they are also rich in many growth factors, including: platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor.

Since platelets release many important factors, they have been used to treat joint problems, and now hair loss as well.  PRP has been shown to benefit patients with a variety of hair loss sub-types, including androgenic alopecia (also known as “male” or “female” pattern hair loss).

The best part about PRP is that it is all-natural, as it comes from your own blood.

PRP promotes hair growth via 2 pathways:

  1. encouraging new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
  2. encouraging hair follicles to enter and extend the duration of the anagen phase (the growth phase)

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Studies show that PRP injections may even be as effective, if not more effective, than Rogaine (minoxidil 5%) at stimulating hair regrowth, in certain types of hair loss (El Taieb et al, 2016).

After we draw blood into a tube, it is spun in a centrifuge machine, and the platelets can be removed.

after drawing your blood, the sample is spun in a centrifuge machine, causing the platelets to collect at the top (yellow) and rest of blood to sink to the bottom (red)

after drawing your blood, the sample if spun in a centrifuge machine, causing the platelets to collect at the top (yellow) and rest of blood to sink to the bottom (red)

In our office we follow a protocol that consists of 4 monthly visits, and then maintenance.

Because it is all natural, there are no concerns about side effects with PRP.  Just make sure to stop any vitamins, fish oil, or pain relievers 1 week before, as they can cause bruising.

To schedule your PRP treatment, call (212) 249-8118.

What you don’t already know about miraDry

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miraDry is one of the few permanent solutions for underarm sweating, also known as Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis.  Unlike medications (which have side effects) or Botox injections (which wear off), miraDry leads to permanent reduction in sweat.

miraDry is FDA approved and takes approximately 90 minutes in the office.  At our office, the entire procedure from start-to-finish is performed by the doctor.  During the consultation the doctor will inquire about your medical history and perform a special test called the Starch Iodine Test, to see where you are actually sweating.  Next, the underarm skin is numbed with local anesthesia; this is actually the most important step in the entire treatment since your comfort is our #1 priority.  Finally, you are ready to start the treatment.  Each armpit requires approximately 20-30 minutes treatment time, and you are able to lie on your back throughout.

Starch iodine test (purple=sweat)

Starch iodine test (purple=sweat)

Downtime varies but the average patient reports 3-5 days of mild soreness and swelling.  These are normal and temporary side effects, and are relieved with over-the-counter pain medication and frequent icing of the area.  Results are noticeable within 24-48 hours.  There are no hard restrictions after the treatment however we recommend that you rest for 12-24 hours.  It may be difficult to do upper body exercise for the week after the treatment, so if you’re an avid tennis player, for example, just make sure to schedule your treatment appropriately.

miraDry procedure uses a light handheld device that is placed directly on the skin and moved across the entire area, one pulse at a time

miraDry procedure uses a light handheld device that is placed directly on the skin and moved across the entire area, one pulse at a time

Hyperhidrosis is a diagnosable medical condition, and getting relief is possible with miraDry.  In our experience, both men and women respond well; men in particular are excited about the “cosmetic” aspect of doing something that feels good for themselves, yet still treating a medical condition.  By treating hyperhidrosis and all the stress, anxiety and embarassment that it can cause, miraDry addresses both medical and cosmetic concerns at once.

Runners and other athletes who feel that underarm sweating is a problem are also great candidates.  Dr. Williams, creator of The Runner Lift, has found that runners have distinct dermatologic needs, from medical to cosmetic.  Runners with hyperhidrosis do very well with miraDry and self-report significant improvements in their training and performance.

Finally, long-term data on miraDry shows that it also mildly reduces underarm hair.  Women with blonde or very light brown hairs who previously failed laser hair removal or who want to reduce underarm sweat are particularly great candidates, and the treatment can be tailored for them.

For more information, or to read actual patient reviews and testimonials about miraDry, check out the miraDry page on RealSelf.

Stop Sweating, part II

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In my previous entry, we talked about the condition Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis, or basically, excessive sweating.  The 2 major misconceptions about this condition is that, first, it isn’t a real medical problem (fact: even insurance companies recognize this as a real disease), and, second, most people don’t realize just how many great treatments exist.  Here I discuss the major treatments for Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis, or excessive underarm sweating:

1) Anti-perspirants: with an active ingredient of aluminum salt, these topical deodorants are considered “first line” up front therapy, meaning you should try them first; there are both over-the-counter and also prescription deodorants and both are affordable

How deodorant works

How deodorant works

2) Oral medication: the main class of medication for treating hyperhidrosis are the “anti-cholinergics” and include glycopyrrolate, oxybutynin, and others.  These drugs block acetylcholine from reaching receptors on the sweat glands, which normally directs the glands to sweat.  Because acetylcholine receptors are located in other areas on the body, there can be a range of side effects.  Therefore, these drugs are generally reserved for young, healthy patients with either generalized sweating in many areas of the body, or patients who already tried other therapies and failed.

Several new topical anti-cholinergics are in development, and thus far show great promise.  Notable among them is DRM04 (Dermira, Inc., Menlo Park, Calif.).

3) Botox: injections into the armpit or hands is performed every 3-6 months, depending on the patient and very well tolerated.  Downside is that the injections may be a bit painful, however this is really very temporary, and the results, while great, eventually wear off.  Prior to injections, we do a Starch Iodine Test, which tells us where the sweating is!

Starch iodine test (purple=sweat)

Starch iodine test (purple=sweat)

4) miraDry: a 90 minute office procedure that uses microwave energy to permanently shut down the sweat glands.  Overall one can expect 65-80% reduction in sweat, and approximately 20% reduction in odor (from experience).  Results are obvious after even 1 single session.  The device is FDA approved in adults age 18 and up, however there is good precedent for treating certain teenagers “off label” in my opinion.  More about miraDry in my next post!

****Other cool stuff: for more information on specialty garments, bedding, and even shoes for people who sweat a lot, see the Fan Faves section on the International Hyperhidrosis Society website

“Stop Wearing Black”

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The new “Stop Wearing Black” campaign by the International Hyperhidrosis Society is really catchy and so very true.  How do we enable patients embarassed by excessive sweating to continue to live life as normal, when they are constantly physically reminded of their condition, especially during the summer?  The first step towards in treating any problem is know, first, that there are really effective treatment options.  Many people, doctors included, lack awareness that hyperhidrosis is a distinct medical condition, fortunately with many great treatments to boot.

Having trouble staying dry?

Having trouble staying dry?

Sweating is the body’s way of adapting to an increase in temperature, thus cooling off.  We don’t know why some people have an over-active sweat system (estimated at 3% of the population), but, in a nutshell, this is one of those cases where too much of a good thing, isn’t good anymore.  In 90% of the cases, the diagnosis of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis is made (in the remaining 10%, sweating is considered a secondary problem due to another medical condition such as thyroid disease, for example).  Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis is a real condition, not a “cosmetic” one, with its own insurance code.

The following are the diagnostic criteria for Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis.  If you meet 2 or more criteria, then you probably have Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis:

  • Sweating occurs on both sides of the body almost equally
  • Excess sweat impairs your daily life
  • You experience at least one episode of excessive sweating weekly
  • The problem started before you turned 25
  • Some of your family members suffer from excessive sweating
  • You stop sweating when you’re asleep

For more on treatments, see my next entry!

 

European sunscreen that corrects DNA damage

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Eryfotona Actinica is now available in our office for existing patients

Eryfotona Actinica is now available in our office for existing patients

We’re excited to carry this new sunscreen lotion that has not only sunscreen, but also enzymes that correct the DNA damage wrought by the sun, and even vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.

Photolyase is a naturally occurring enzyme designed to reverse the specific DNA mutations caused by UV exposure.   This enzyme is found mainly in plants and algae, and they rely on it to correct DNA damage from the sun.  Human beings do not normally have this enzyme.

What You Need to Know to Manage Rosacea

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Rosacea is a chronic condition affecting approximately 16 million Americans.  It is most common in women during their 30s, 40, and 50s, however both male and female patients of all ages can be affected.  Although it is a chronic condition with no permanent cure, the truth is that there are many lifestyle modifications that can majorly help rosacea get better.  In fact, the National Rosacea Society compiled a list of important dietary and lifestyle changes which we are posting here and hope you’ll find useful.  You probably already knew that alcohol and spicy foods are culprits in some patients, but did you know that fermented foods, cheese, vanilla and chocolate are also potential culprits?  Read on…

Did you know that there are lifestyle and dietary changes that can help your rosacea?

Did you know that there are lifestyle and dietary changes that can help your rosacea?