Educational
Part 2 Causes of Hair-loss: Repeated Pulling Leading to Childrens Hair Loss
In our previous blog post detailing the causes of hair-loss we discussed the role of genetics and its contribution to the development of androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Often, for children who exhibit hair-loss, the causes might not be as simple as genetics. For a small percentage of children ages 6-12 (mostly tween-age) a behavioral condition known as trichotillomania may be to blame for areas of hair-loss.
Most commonly referred to as “hair-pulling disorder,” or sometimes “trich,” this ailment is driven by a compulsion that causes children and adolescents to pull strands of hair from their scalp and occasionally their eyebrows and even body. The condition often begins with children wanting to continually twist their hair and place it in their mouth. While the condition has been greatly dramatized for plot development on episodes of FX’s Nip Tuck and Showtime’s Nurse Jackie, if the neurosis continues, the child may begin to pluck the strands of hair and leave balding or stubbly areas of hair with differing thicknesses across the scalp. This is different from the perfectly rounded, completely bald circles caused by the genetically linked alopecia areata.
Physicians see a majority of trich patients recover fully from the condition and re-grow their missing hair completely, with no need for medicine or surgery, by ceasing the pulling behavior. However, Dr. Edmond Griffin of The Griffin Center of Hair Restoration and Research warns that patients, especially children, must be properly diagnosed before any hair restoration treatment is approached. It’s important to note that hair-restoration therapy to remedy the effects of this type of behavior are only viable options for patients who have completely stopped the repeated action of pulling for at least 1 year.
To learn more about stress related hair loss in men, women, or children and the non-surgical hair-restoration options contact our office, visit our website, or subscribe to our blog.
Original Herbal Compound Promising for Hair Re-growth In Women
Dr. Edmond Griffin, the founder of The Griffin Center of Hair Restoration and Research, devotes much of his time to researching non-surgical options for hair restoration treatments. Women’s hair-loss, like hair loss in men and hair loss in children, has numerous causes; women’s hair-loss is often the result of genetics (Androgenetic Alopecia), stress resulting from injury or illness, or hormonal imbalances. Recent case studies with his patients have led Dr. Griffin to develop a topical compound that has proven effective in re-growing the hair of women in which many other non-surgical treatments were unsuccessful.
As Dr.Griffin detailed in a previous blog on topical botanical Alopecia treatments, scientists are recognizing the powerful promise of several compounds in treating hair-loss. Among the effective ingredients in Griffin’s compound is melatonin: the hormone secreted by the brain’s pineal gland that is most widely known to control an individual’s sleeping cycles (circadian rhythms.) Not so well known is the fact that melatonin is also largely responsible for cycling reproductive hormones in females.
As previously noted, one of the causes of hair-loss in women is hormone fluctuation or imbalance. While melatonin consumption does not directly address the causes of hormonal problems, it (along with the oral compound’s other four ingredients) does seem to positively affect the hair-growth cycle in some females and re-grow some of their lost hair. It’s important to note however, that Dr. Griffin’s compound is produced exclusively by reputable compounding pharmacies. Even though the positive results and potential of hair-loss compounds are exciting, it takes qualified physicians working with qualified pharmacists to produce a safe, effective product.
If you are interested in learning more about the hair-loss treatments and hair restoration procedures Dr. Griffin provides, contact his office, visit his website, or subscribe to his blog. For up-to-the –minute news on hair restoration research and treatment you can also join Dr. Griffin on Facebook and Twitter.
Natural (Alopecia) Hair-loss Treatments
Board Certified Dermatologist and Hair Restoration Specialist Dr. Edmond Griffin has dedicated the bulk of his career to researching and advancing the field of hair replacement. As is detailed on his website, the causes of hair-loss in men, women, and even children are numerous and include: genetic predisposition, trauma , reaction to a medication, severe illness, stress, and reaction to hormone fluctuation. Alopecia (another name for hair-loss), regardless of its cause, can be stressful for patients.
In an effort to maintain his position at the forefront of hair-loss treatment, Dr. Griffin not only researches traditional surgical hair replacement methods such as follicular unit transplantation, but also less traditional means like botanical therapies. Popular for centuries in many Eastern hemisphere countries, herbal hair-loss applications are showing promise, and growing in popularity among Western hemisphere physicians and patients. In fact, a recently published study in the Journal of Drugs In Dermatology revealed several potential topical, plant-based treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia (Alopecia developed from genetic and environmental factors), Alopecia Areata (Hair-loss resulting from auto immune disorders), and chemotherapy-induced Alopecia.
Procyanidin B-2 (flavonoids found in the skins of young apples) proved a promising treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia patients while garlic and onion were among the study’s hopeful Alopecia Areata treatments. The extensive study also revealed that, with daily topical application, the caffeine and volatile oils in green tea helped regrow the hair of patients whose Alopecia was induced with the start of chemotherapy. While the described treatments showed a good bit of promise, the study’s coordinators were particular to note that each treatments long-term potential could not be adequately measured until larger, well-controlled scientific studies could be completed.
Recently, Dr. Griffin has developed a completely herbal topical treatment for patients with hair-loss. This combination formula, produced by reputable compounding pharmacies, has proven successful in trials of female patients who didn’t have any luck with other prescription treatments.
Dr. Griffin also stresses that these potential treatments are just that, potential, and individuals should first utilize the time-tested Propecia®-based therapies to aid in stabilizing hair-loss and promoting hair re-growth. If you are interested in pursuing a hair-replacement procedure, call Dr. Griffin’s office or visit his website today. You can also stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field of hair restoration by subscribing to his blog.
The Various Methods of Eyebrow Restoration
Many people tend to overlook the importance of the eyebrows to the aesthetics of the overall face. A simple shaping of the brows can open a person’s eyes, give them a more youthful arch, restore symmetry, and/or brighten up their face all together. While a person’s eyebrows may not be the first thing you notice about them, you would be hard pressed to ignore the area if a person’s eyebrows were no longer there.
As Dr. Edmond Griffin discusses in his previous blog post on eyebrow transplants, eyebrow loss can be caused by a variety of different factors such as burns, accident or trauma, various hair loss diseases, effects of chemotherapy, or a congenital inability to grow hair in the area. Another very common cause of eyebrow loss is one that is self-induced by excessive plucking. This can be for cosmetic reasons or the result of a person suffering from trichotillomania (obsessive plucking of hair) and can cause permanent damage to the hair follicles, preventing them from future growth.
Over the years, specialists in hair restoration, like Dr. Griffin of The Griffin Center of Hair Restoration and Research, have tweaked and refined traditional hair transplantation techniques to develop ways to successfully restore the eyebrows. Whether a person has insufficient eyebrow hair or is missing their entire eyebrow, various restoration techniques can successfully restore hair into the brows.
One such technique is transplantation using a graft. Here the surgeon removes an area of tissue and hair from the scalp, with properties similar to the eyebrows, and grafts the donor site into the eyebrow area. This is the most common type of eyebrow grafting and can result in natural looking brows with minimal scarring, if performed properly.
In very rare cases, some surgeons will employ a transplantation technique utilizing flaps from the temple area, just in front of the ear. In this method, a strip of hair-bearing skin and tissue is surgically removed from the temple area with a branch of the superficial temporal artery and vein still attached. This type of graft is called a pedicle flap because the blood supply is still intact and is able to nourish the grafted tissue until it develops its own bloody supply from its new location.
More commonly, as is the case with the Griffin center, micrografting is also used to create a natural brow contour. Here, donor hair that most closely matches the look and feel of the original eyebrow hair is taken from the scalp or other areas of the body. The micrografts (consisting of only one or two individual hairs) are then carefully transplanted by hand with an angular insertion into a prepared incision site. It is common that patients of this method require two or more procedures to achieve the best results.
Regardless of which method is used, transplanted hairs will most likely have to be regularly trimmed, gelled, waxed, or shaped in an attempt to “train” the hair to look and grow more like natural eyebrow hair.
For more information on eyebrow restoration or other forms of hair restoration, contact the office of Dr. Edmond Griffin in Atlanta and schedule a consultation.
Part 2 of Dr. Griffins Series on PRP Technology: Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Used in Skin Rejuvenation of the Face and Neck
Published in the May issue of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has proven itself effective in face and neck rejuvenation. As we discussed in our introduction to our blog series on Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, PRP utilizes the healing power of isolated platelets from a patient’s own blood (much like the autographs used in the effective treatment of male-pattern baldness) to aid in the rejuvenation of soft tissues and bone several body systems. Dr. Griffin is especially hopeful about the potential benefits PRP therapy may bring to hair restoration patients.
During the course of the three month study, 23 patients were given monthly injections of their own centrifuge-obtained platelets into areas of depression or small wrinkles on their faces and/or necks. The results of the PRP injections were chronicled through a series of photographs taken with a dermoscope camera: allowing study coordinators to highly magnify the treatment areas progress. The results of the study show exciting promise for future use of PRP therapy in skin rejuvenation procedures. The study’s participants (whose results were a mixture of ratings derived from self assessment and doctor observation) showed best results in the improvement in skin homogeneity and texture (a 33% increase) and reduction in priocular wrinkles (30% reduction of crow’s feet.)
The study’s results are not only of interest to Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Specialists like Dr. Griffin, but also point to potential refinement in the facial fillers (like Botox® and Dysport®) and dermal injectables (like Restylane® and Juevederm®) cosmetic surgeons use to relax wrinkles and fill-in areas that naturally lose volume with age. This emerging research field is changing daily so stay in the loop by reading Dr. Griffins blog or visiting his website regularly.
Part 1 of Dr. Griffins Series on PRP Technology: Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Explained
Deeply committed to education, Dr. Griffin of the Griffin Center of Hair Restoration and Research has been on the forefront of hair restoration research and technology since 1976; and the recent advancement in the study of platelet rich plasma (PRP) has been no exception. While PRP technology is most commonly hailed as an aid in healing, Dr. Griffin has been working to explore the ways in which PRP technology can aid in more effective hair restoration.
PRP technology is a subsection of Orthobiologics, which looks at various ways to help the body to help itself. In this case, platelet rich plasma is taken from the body by first drawing the blood that contains these platelets. Then using centrifuge, the platelets are isolated from the other matter and then re-injected into the body for various uses. The platelets isolated and utilized in PRP technology are special in their ability to release proteins called “growth factors” which help to accelerate tissue regeneration and heal the body.
For the skin care industry, PRP is promising in its ability to promote collagen growth in skin, helping to eliminate wrinkles and promote overall skin health. For orthopedic physicians, PRP technology is promising in its ability to accelerate healing of muscles, tendons, etc.
But for Dr. Griffin and other hair restoration specialists, the hope is that this new technology will improve follicular grafting, the hair-by-hair restoration technique. Because each strand of hair must be grafted and transplanted into the scalp one-by-one, physicians and scientists are hopeful that PRP technology will accelerate the healing of tissue for faster and more reliable acceptance of the new stands of hair.
While practical uses of PRP technology are still in the clinical trial phase, these advancements are very promising for the field of hair restoration. Dr. Griffin will keep you abreast of any updates with PRP technology that could affect you with a series of blog posts on the subject.
For more information about PRP technology or specific hair restoration techniques, we invite you to explore the Griffin Center website or contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation.
A Griffin Center Series: Myths and Truths about Hair Loss Part III: Do over-the-counter, topical hair loss products really work?
There is a huge market for over –the–counter topical medications that claim to be the miracle solution to hair re-growth. But do these hair restoration products really work? The best answer I can give to this question is that “other products work better.”
The majority of these hair tonics, shampoos, and lotions available in drug stores prove to be ineffective. In fact, the only proven effective topical drug on the market is Rogaine® (5% Minoxidil), which has actually worked in some cases to restore hair. However, these results were almost always seen in patients that are just starting to lose their hair, and work better to slow down hair loss instead of re-growing more hair. There are also other effective topical prescription compounds for hairloss such as Rogaine 5% mixed with Retin-A that may be prescribed by Dr. Griffin. It is important to note, that restoring hair, especially through topical medications, is a very gradual process – taking anywhere from 6 months to a year of daily application.
Non-topical medications, such as Propecia ® and Avodart®, can be a more effective medical solution for hair re-growth. The oral medication Propecia ® contains Finasteride, which is actually FDA approved for the treatment of male pattern baldness. Propecia ® and oral medications like it have shown better results however, in conjunction with topical products, like Rogaine®, that contain Minoxidil (namely the 5% Extra Strength formula). Avodart® is usually only prescribed for patients who have not had favorable results with Finasteride. Additionally, your doctor may choose to increase your Finestride dose from the typical 1mg to 2.5mg (for women who cannot become pregnant and men) if favorable results aren’t obtained in a timely manner.
While over-the-counter options continue to evolve, and may seem like the easy fix, it’s important to note that the best hair restoration results are obtained through a customized treatment plan along with a proper evaluation by a certified professional.
For more information about these medications, or other hair restoration options, contact The Griffin Center.
Researchers Make New Discovery About Graying Hair – Though Claim that Heredity is Still the Root Cause
A recent article in the NY Times detailed a new study about graying hair – linking the presence of gray hair to the natural build up of hydrogen peroxide in hair cells. Especially after the recent media speculation linking Obama’s new gray hairs with his stress level as president, many people still believe that gray hairs are directly linked with stress, when in fact this has not been proven. A new study however, may bring scientists closer to unlocking the real relationship between stress and more “salt and pepper’ color to people’s hair.
While studying the genetic defect vitiligo (a condition marked by patches of bleached skin that lack pigment), European scientists noticed that bleached skin was essentially caused by elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide in the skin that was negatively affecting and blocking the enzyme catalase. The scientists began to wonder if the same was true of graying hair. It was found that the natural build up of hydrogen peroxide in hair cells can similarly work to block pigment (melanin) in the hair – ultimately bleaching it and turning it gray or white.
Scientists are hopeful that this may help explain the link between gray hair and stress, but they are careful to note that heredity is still the number one influencing factor in graying. They are also careful to note that, while gray hair may make people look older, there is no link whatsoever to graying and premature aging.
For more information on hair, hair restoration, and/or hair loss contact Dr. Edmond Griffin of the Griffin Center of Hair Restoration & Research.
Is seasonal hair-loss normal? Dr. Griffin Provides the Answers
With warmer weather comes less clothing, and often a desire to have less body hair. But one place we don’t typically want to decrease the amount of hair is on our heads. While direct seasonal influences on normal amounts of hair loss are still being studied, it’s relatively common for individuals to report increased shedding starting in the spring and peaking in the fall.
While scientists have not been able to pin point direct environmental causes that lead to increased hair-loss beginning in the spring, many speculate that exposure to sunlight is directly related. As we know from research findings regarding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the amount of sunlight we’re exposed to during the day can directly affect hormone levels and emotions. Findings from experimental studies suggest that hair-loss might be controlled by limiting amounts of direct sun exposure, thus changing the melatonin secretion rate and its effects on the hormone receptors located in the scalp. Probably a wise decision as over-exposure to Ultraviolet light can have less than favorable dermatological effects.
One thing that is scientifically known is that shedding hair is a completely normal part of the hair growth cycle. The hair growth cycle is composed of three phases: anagan (growth phase), catagen (degradation phase), and telogen (resting phase.) Normally, individuals shed anywhere from 50-150 strands of hair on a daily basis. The rate of seasonal hair loss varies greatly from person to person, but like hair loss during any other part of the year can usually be minimized by maintaining a proper diet, not smoking, avoiding harsh chemical hair treatments, and seeking medical attention for any known hormonal imbalances.
If you have any questions about hair-loss or hair restoration, call our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Edmond Griffin, or visit our website.
Are Hair Loss and Wrinkling directly related?
There are several inevitable things in life, wrinkling is one of them. A natural part of the aging process, wrinkles are lines of varying depth that develop most commonly on the face, backs of hands, and the forearms of most mature adults.
Believe it or not hair loss affects wrinkling and aging in addition to a variety of other factors like exposure to Ultraviolet light and whether or not an individual is a smoker, as well as, genetic factors like skin pigmentation and family history of wrinkling.
It might be strange to think of wrinkling in terms of the amount of hair you have – but there is a definite connection. Just like protective clothing, hair can protect areas of the head and neck from sun damage. Those who often wear longer hair styles or styles with bangs tend to develop fewer wrinkles because these styles shield the wrinkle-susceptible skin on the back of the neck and on the forehead from direct exposure to the damaging Ultraviolet rays from the sun. Once the hair begins to thin, the development of skin cancers and precancers begin to rise in number.
Both skin and hair are elements of the human body’s integumentary system. Designed to protect the internal body systems from trauma, regulate temperature, and receive and send sensations to the nervous system – the integumentary system is the body’s first line of defense from outside damage. It makes sense then that the individual elements of the system would serve to protect each other. Thus, an individual experiencing hair loss will probably start to notice wrinkling sooner as the sensitive skin covering their head, face, and neck (normally shielded by hair) is more exposed. He/she should also become more vigilant about the early development of skin cancers.
Even though it provides some protection, it is important to note that hair cannot and should not serve as your only line of defense from sun; thus you should always practice safe sun exposure.
If you are concerned about your hair loss, you may consider hair restoration therapy to slow, prevent, and in some cases, even reverse the symptoms of the conditions. If you have questions about hair-loss or hair restoration, visit our website or call our office (404)256-4369 to set up a consultation.
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