March 2021
Volume 5 Number 3
IN THIS ISSUE:
  • Hot Topic - Hair Loss
  • Featured Procedure - PRP for Hair Loss
  • Featured Product - SkinCenter Calming Antioxidant Serum
  • Ask Dr. G - How to detect water leak before major damage.
  • SAVINGS - Juvederm, PRP for Hairloss, CoolSculpting, CoolTone, and SkinCenter Calming Antioxidant Serum
HOT TOPIC
Hair Loss
Hair loss, or alopecia, is very common. The typical amount of hair loss is around 100-250 hairs daily. Excessive hair loss can be due to a number of causes including but not limited to medications, illness, stress, childbirth, genes and autoimmune disease.
 
Each hair follicle has its own life cycle which is composed of three phases:
  • Anagen – active hair growth that typically lasts 2-8 years
  • Catagen - transitional phase lasts for 2-3 weeks during this time the hair growth stops
  • Telogen - resting phase is when the follicle remains dormant for 1-4 months until the hairs are shed, this affects 10% of hair at a given time.
 
There are several different types of hair loss the most common being:
  • Involutional alopecia is a natural condition in which the hair gradually thins with age. More hair follicles go into the resting phase, and the remaining hairs become shorter and fewer in number.
  • Androgenetic alopecia also known as male or female pattern hair loss. This hair loss is due to a combination of hormones (androgens) and genetic predisposition. Male pattern hair loss is characterized by a receding hairline and hair loss at the front and top of the head. Female pattern hair loss presents most commonly as hair loss at the mid frontal scalp and widening of the hair part.
  • Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair loss caused by a large number of hairs being in the resting phase at the same time, causing hair shedding followed by thinning. When the body goes through a stress the shock sends more of the hair into the resting phase which then causes hair shedding. The stressor usually occurs months prior to the hair loss. Some of the most common precipitants are illness, COVID-19, surgery, childbirth, accident, weight loss, certain medications, and personal stress. The hair will come back but it may take 6-9 months.
  • Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own hair follicles causing sudden round patches of hair loss on the scalp or body.

If you are experiencing excessive hair loss it is important that you schedule an appointment with one of our board certified dermatologists to determine what is causing your hair loss.
FEATURED PROCEDURE
PRP for Hair Loss
What is it?
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy for hair loss involves a 3 to 4-step medical procedure that uses an individual's own growth factors to stimulate hair growth.
 
Blood is composed of two main components; red blood cells and plasma. The plasma contains white blood cells and platelets, which are high in growth factors. Growth factors help heal and grow new cells by signaling cells to function.

How is it done?
  1. A small sample of blood is taken from the individuals arm.
  2. The blood is placed in a centrifuge where the blood is spun to separate the PRP from the blood.
  3. A microneedling device is used over the affected portion of the scalp to create tiny wounds. A portion of the PRP is then applied directly to that area to allow good penetration (this is an optional enhancement in the treatment process).
  4. The remainder of PRP is injected directly into the scalp.

This procedure is recommended once monthly for a series of at least three treatments.
ASK DR G
Detect Water Leak Before Damage
Numerous patients have told me of their horror of returning from vacation to find a flood in their home. A leak can even occur when you are in town, but out for the day.  We have all heard of condo residents who were flooded out by their upstairs neighbor. After doing some research, which I love to do, I found a simple battery operated device that notifies you as a leak is happening, saving you many headaches and potentially thousands of dollars. 

The system is a water leak sensor that can be placed under each toilet, sink, water heater, and/or washing machine. The sensors cost less than $8 each and run on batteries (included) that should last a year. 10 sensors can be connected wirelessly to a gateway, for around $20. The gateways are connected to WiFi, and will instantly send emails, in App notifications, & alerts to your phone, or someone else you have identified, when water leakage is detected. 

This is an amazing use of technology that will not only reduce stress and damage it may save you money. 

The link to the items on Amazon are:

 
Until next time,  
Dr G
We offer FREE curbside pick-up!
954-500-SKIN-7546