Dr Edmond I Griffin
Low Level Laser Therapy: How Light Therapy could be an Effective Hair Restoration Option
No doubt you’ve heard of Atlanta laser hair removal that uses varied wavelengths of laser light to damage hair follicles and impede future growth of unwanted body hair, but have you heard of laser light therapy as a hair growth option?
Several research groups have shown that the application of low intensity laser light is effective in encouraging healthy hair growth in hair loss patients with androgenetic alopecia (female pattern baldness or male pattern baldness) and non-patterned types of alopecia. Known as photobiomodulation of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) amongst hair restoration specialists, there are two schools of thought as to how this non-surgical hair restoration option really works. According to studies published in the 1997 edition of The Hair Transplant Forum, this treatment works by increasing circulation to the dermal papilla, or bulb-shaped layer of skin surrounding the base of the hair follicle, thereby promoting enhanced hair growth.
Conversely, there are those, such as stated in the September 2010 issue of Cosmetic Dermatology magazine, that believe that the low level laser therapy increases the metabolic activity within the skin cells of the scalp exposed to the light to maximize hair growth. Patients typically need 15-30 minutes of laser light exposure for 2-4 weeks followed by a series of equally long treatments 1-2 times per week over 6-12 months for maximum benefit. In addition, most laser light hair loss treatments should be performed as an ancillary technique along with more traditional methods known to be effective such as topical and/or oral finasteride (Propecia®) and minoxidil (Rogaine®) treatment.
Laser light hair loss treatment is currently available in two forms: 1) a hood type device (similar to commercial hair dryers) in your hair transplant surgeon or hair restoration physician’s office that emits low doses of laser light to the patient under the supervision of an experienced hair loss professional or 2.) a “helmet” type device known as Oaze that can be worn for concentrated light treatments for both male and female hair loss patients. The helmet shape has replaced the laser comb tool (also known as the laser hair brush) because of the head gear’s advantageous ability to maintain constant contact with treatment area whereas the older comb technology required constant brushing for extended amounts of time.
At The Griffin Center, LLLT treatment is currently used to help encourage successful growth of new follicular unit grafts in post-hair transplant surgery patients. Because hair transplant surgery results depend solely on the survival of the transplanted hair follicles in their new scalp location, LLLT is applied to increase circulation and metabolic activity amongst the hairs so that they can more easily acclimate to their new location; and trauma from the act of transplantation is minimized. Additionally, because medications like finasteride and minoxidil are traditionally seen as more of a hair preservation and hair loss prevention method, Dr. Edmond Griffin also thinks a non-surgical hair restoration method like LLLT could be useful in patients’ treatment regimes that’ve already experienced hair loss.
To learn more about the hair restoration options available at The Griffin Center, visit their website and continue to read our blog. For regular, up-to-date hair restoration treatment news, be sure to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.
Hair Transplant Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions and Special Summer Savings Program
Dr. Edmond Griffin of the Griffin Center of Hair Restoration and Research is extending a special offer for hair restoration patients. Right now you can save $500 on a small or greater size hair transplant surgery performed before August 31st, 2011. Below are a few of our most frequently asked questions about hair restoration surgery. Feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions or to schedule you consultation.
Q.) How do I know if I’m a good candidate for hair transplant surgery?
A.) Most men and women who have androgenetic alopecia, better known as male or female patterned baldness, are appropriate candidates for hair restoration surgery. A patient whose hair loss condition is a result of scarring caused by an accident or surgery may also be suitable candidates for hair restoration. The main requirement of hair loss candidates is having an adequate donor region from which Dr. Griffin can harvest hair grafts to restore balding areas. › Continue reading
Answers to Your Hair Care Questions: Can My Hair Have Sun Damage?
Here in Atlanta the often triple degree temperatures of June, July and August can be oppressive to say the least. More than temperature discomfort, these conditions can also be very harmful to your skin and hair. Here at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta we talk a lot about sun damage and the prevention of skin cancer, but what a lot of patients don’t understand is that your hair is also susceptible to photo damage.
Think about your wooden outdoor furniture: if left unprotected out in the elements, it dries, cracks, and becomes grey, splintery, and worn looking. Like wood, your hair is a protein-based material susceptible to damage of wind, water and sun. It’s especially important for patients with thinning hair or bald areas to be mindful of sun protection as the skin on the scalp is especially susceptible to sun burn. If you anticipate being outdoors this summer, consider wearing a hat or cap (this protects you face and eyes from the sun too) or misting a spray sunscreen product over your hair.
To learn more about the hair research and hair restoration options at DAA’s Griffin Center of Hair Restoration and Research continue to read our blog and visit our website.
Answers to Common Questions about Hair Loss Prevention
Q.) Is it possible to prevent hair loss?
A.) Yes, in fact, the most important step in slowing the progression of hair loss is prevention. One of the most frustrating aspects of hair loss is that there are so many treatments that promise to prevent and regrow lost hair, but a majority of these products have never been really carefully studied, much less proven. The two main, proven hair loss medications are oral Propecia® (finasteride) and topical Rogaine® (minoxidil). Finasteride can now be prescribed in a topical solution with the hopes of avoiding any side effects of the oral medication. While hair regrowth is possible with the products, results are highly variable. Most patients use the products to prevent further androgenetic hair loss. It is important that all patients receiving hair transplantations are on a preventative program. In our experience the combination of both of the above medications results in the halting of hair loss between 80-90% of all patients.
Q.) If I discontinue my hair loss prevention medication, will it make my hair begin to fall out more rapidly or will all that I have gained be lost in a short time?
A.) No, but your hair loss will start occurring at the same rate it was before you began your medication. This is a common misconception about hair loss prevention medication. We have had many patients postpone their preventative programs and their hair begins to fall out at the same rate as before. When they begin prevention again, they do not have to start back at square one.
Q.) When should I start a hair loss prevention routine?
A.) Every hair loss case is unique, so without a proper consultation this is a difficult question to answer. › Continue reading
Atlanta Magazine Features DAA’s Dr. Griffin, Dr. Karempelis, & Dr. Curtis!
Find DAA’s Dr. Edmond Griffin, Dr. Scott Karempelis, and Dr. Ashley Curtis featured in Atlanta Magazine’s physician profiles. Pick up a copy!
DAA offers multiple body contouring treatments to help you slim your shape.
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta offers a variety of body contouring and skin tightening treatments to meet all their patients needs. These cosmetic treatments include exilis, Coolsculpting™ by Zeltiq™, liposuction, laser liposuction, and/or fat transfers. Read more on each body contouring procedure in Atlanta’s Best Self Magazine.
MatriStem® MicroMatrix: Could Pixie Dust Regrow Hair?
Did you happen to hear the story about the man who regrew his finger (which he had accidentally chopped off) after sprinkling pixie dust on it? You may be confused as to why I, a dermatologist and hair restoration expert, am discussing “pixie dust” in my hair loss blog. The hope is that if this “pixie dust” can help regenerate soft tissues and skin cells, it should also (eventually) be able to regenerate hair growth.
Let’s take a walk back to high school science. Remember learning about animals that can regenerate body parts? Take lizards for example; if they lose a tail, their body with naturally repair the tendons and grow a new tail. Mammals (including humans) cannot do this. We do, however, regularly regenerate hair and skin cells, and the liver can regenerate itself to a point. Dr. Stephen Badylak of the University of Pittsburgh developed the pixie dust in an effort to help the bodies of wounded soldiers heal themselves and reduce the need for amputations. The “pixie dust” is derived from a pig’s bladder: concentrated with proteins and connective tissue. Scientists believe this mixture provides the right “matrix” or framework to stimulate regeneration. While this product is still very much in the testing phase, there are cases (like the aforementioned man’s finger) that show incredible promise.
Now, let’s discuss the part that I understand better, using pixie dust to regrow hair. There are quite a few ways to go › Continue reading
Play DAA’s Skin Games: Myth or Fact about Children’s Skin Care
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is giving away prizes and testing your knowledge about children’s skin care. Be one of the first 5 people to submit your myth or fact answers, to marketing@dermatlanta.com, and win $50 off any cosmetic skin treatment at DAA.
Many Uses of BOTOX®: New Research Shows Using BOTOX® Can Help Re-grow Hair
Generally used to treat wrinkles, muscle relaxing BOTOX® Cosmetic has a proven variety of other medical uses. Aside from removing wrinkles around the eyes, a couple of BOTOX® injections can also correct the appearance of cross-eyes and uncontrollable blinking. Some doctors also inject BOTOX® to reduce sweating for patients who suffer from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Others use it to treat patients with migraine headaches. In fact, back in 2006, dermatologist Eric Finzi studied treating depression with BOTOX®. His research showed that BOTOX® treatment helped his patients who suffered from depression come off their depression medication. However, the newest use for BOTOX®, and the one I find most interesting is using BOTOX® to stimulate hair growth.
A dermatologist from Beverly Hills, Dr. Simon Ourian, administered BOTOX® injections to help relieve his mother’s chemotherapy-related migraines, and was surprised to find her hair returned around the injection sites. Since then, more research has been conducted on the topic including a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons discussing BOTOX® use in the treatment of male pattern baldness.
The study consisted of fifty male subjects, ranging from 19 to 57 years of age, who were observed over a 60 week period. Each subject received two treatment cycles of 150 injections during the 60 week period. Researchers utilized various methods of determining hair loss rates, like measuring hair count within a fixed 2 cm area and collecting loose hairs from a pillow with a lint roller. None of the subjects experienced adverse effects. The results suggested that BOTOX® appears to reduce hair loss and stimulate hair growth in some men suffering from androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness).
Aside from the study’s results, I’ve found through use with my patients that injecting BOTOX® around donor regions during hair transplant procedures helps hair re-grow around the incision scars. Not only does it help hair grow around scars, I’ve noticed BOTOX® also lessens the redness and thickness of scars. It may not effectively treat all types of hair loss, as hair loss causes are different for different people, but it will be interesting to see if more studies confirm using BOTOX® to treat male patterned baldness.
Men, women and children all experience hair loss for different reasons, but my staff at the Griffin Center and I are here to help. If you are experiencing hair loss and are looking for a hair loss prevention or treatment method, contact us to schedule an appointment today. First, I will determine what’s causing your hair loss, and then, I can devise a treatment plan specific to your condition. For more information, visit my website and keep reading my blog. Also, find me on Facebook and let me know what you’d like to read.
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