Some of my clients misinterpret my views about stem cells after reading the articles posted in my blog. I definitely support this very exciting field of medicine. However, for cosmetic purposes, please weigh up the pros & cons as presented to you & as per your own research before trying it.
Jun 24, 2010
Stem cells reverse blindness
This image from an Italian study published online by the New England Journal of Medicine shows the eyes of three patients with alkali burns before and after successful stem cell transplants. -- PHOTO: AP
LOS ANGELES - DOZENS of people who were blinded or otherwise suffered severe eye damage when they were splashed with caustic chemicals had their sight restored with transplants of their own stem cells - a stunning success for the burgeoning cell-therapy field, Italian researchers reported Wednesday.
The treatment worked completely in 82 of 107 eyes and partially in 14 others, with benefits lasting up to a decade so far. One man whose eyes were severely damaged more than 60 years ago now has near-normal vision.
'This is a roaring success,' said ophthalmologist Dr. Ivan Schwab of the University of California, Davis, who had no role in the study - the longest and largest of its kind.
Stem cell transplants offer hope to the thousands of people worldwide every year who suffer chemical burns on their corneas from heavy-duty cleansers or other substances at work or at home.
The approach would not help people with damage to the optic nerve or macular degeneration, which involves the retina. Nor would it work in people who are completely blind in both eyes, because doctors need at least some healthy tissue that they can transplant.
In the study, published online by the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers took a small number of stem cells from a patient's healthy eye, multiplied them in the lab and placed them into the burned eye, where they were able to grow new corneal tissue to replace what had been damaged. Since the stem cells are from their own bodies, the patients do not need to take anti-rejection drugs. -- AP
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement therapy
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) treats hormonal imbalances with natural hormones rather than chemically manufactured or altered ones. Hormonal imbalance is most often caused by menopause, and at any given time, more than 40 million American women are experiencing some stage of menopause.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Facts
* Hormones are extracted from plants and vegetables rather than lab created.
* Balances hormones to relieve symptoms of menopause or other hormonal imbalance.
* Often prescribed as a cream rather than a pill.
How does BHRT work?
Bioidentical hormones are designed to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body. They are made from natural extracts, often coming from soy or yams. Conversely, synthetic hormones like Premarin and Provera are intentionally different. Pharmaceutical companies can't patent a bioidentical structure, so they invent synthetic hormones that can be patented. Often, bioidentical hormones are creams that are rubbed in the skin which many feel is a more natural method of delivering the hormones than swallowing a pill. Some physicians feel that synthetic hormones carry harsh side effects and can even increase a patient's risk for certain cancers which led to the development of bioidentical hormones.
A great benefit of bioidentical hormones is that because they are natural, your body can metabolize them as it was designed to do with little or no side effects. Many synthetic hormones are quite powerful and often produce difficult side effects.
Your physician will typically take some blood work or send you to a lab to have blood work done to determine your hormone levels and decide which hormones and at what strength are appropriate to help overcome the symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
What are the risks?
Although the benefits of HRT are well documented, uncertainty still remains regarding its risks. Only about 20 percent of postmenopausal women use HRT long-term. This is partly due to unresolved questions about HRT, its potential cause for breast cancer and intolerable side effects.
How much does BHRT cost?
The fees vary greatly. There is a charge for the lab to process your blood work which is taken to determine what hormones you need. Finally, there is the cost for the hormones themselves.
Classic symptoms of menopause include:
# Hot Flashes
# Night sweats
# Depression
# Anxiety
# Irritability
# Sleep disturbances
# Mood swings
# Headaches
# Memory problems
# Decreased libido
# Vaginal dryness
# Loss of bladder control.
Symptoms of menopause may begin to occur five to seven years before menopause, when the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones decreases.
Registered bioidentical hormones are now available in Malaysia.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Facts
* Hormones are extracted from plants and vegetables rather than lab created.
* Balances hormones to relieve symptoms of menopause or other hormonal imbalance.
* Often prescribed as a cream rather than a pill.
How does BHRT work?
Bioidentical hormones are designed to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body. They are made from natural extracts, often coming from soy or yams. Conversely, synthetic hormones like Premarin and Provera are intentionally different. Pharmaceutical companies can't patent a bioidentical structure, so they invent synthetic hormones that can be patented. Often, bioidentical hormones are creams that are rubbed in the skin which many feel is a more natural method of delivering the hormones than swallowing a pill. Some physicians feel that synthetic hormones carry harsh side effects and can even increase a patient's risk for certain cancers which led to the development of bioidentical hormones.
A great benefit of bioidentical hormones is that because they are natural, your body can metabolize them as it was designed to do with little or no side effects. Many synthetic hormones are quite powerful and often produce difficult side effects.
Your physician will typically take some blood work or send you to a lab to have blood work done to determine your hormone levels and decide which hormones and at what strength are appropriate to help overcome the symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
What are the risks?
Although the benefits of HRT are well documented, uncertainty still remains regarding its risks. Only about 20 percent of postmenopausal women use HRT long-term. This is partly due to unresolved questions about HRT, its potential cause for breast cancer and intolerable side effects.
How much does BHRT cost?
The fees vary greatly. There is a charge for the lab to process your blood work which is taken to determine what hormones you need. Finally, there is the cost for the hormones themselves.
Classic symptoms of menopause include:
# Hot Flashes
# Night sweats
# Depression
# Anxiety
# Irritability
# Sleep disturbances
# Mood swings
# Headaches
# Memory problems
# Decreased libido
# Vaginal dryness
# Loss of bladder control.
Symptoms of menopause may begin to occur five to seven years before menopause, when the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones decreases.
Registered bioidentical hormones are now available in Malaysia.
Debunking the myths about liposuction techniques
The article below is quoted from Plastic Surgery Practice:
Dr. William Hall acknowledges that there are many great liposuction products and technologies that assist in helping patients look their best, but many of the claims are exaggerated and inaccurate.
“To state that they are better because they provide a new technology that will avail superior skin-tightening or “painless” results is not necessarily true,” Hall said.
“I started and built my practice in 2001 as a tumescent liposuction pioneer, specialist and trainer in the industry,” Hall proclaimed. “Back then, tumescent liposuction was the least invasive, safest form of liposuction, because of the localized anesthesia, smaller incisions and instruments that allowed for more precision and limited downtime than traditional liposuction – and it is still one of the best techniques the industry has to offer,” Hall said.
Now, we have a new generation of hybrid lipo techniques that capitalize on people’s interest. Hall lists the names of many new procedures, such as: Smart Lipo® a trademark of Cynosure; Laser Liposuction; VASER® (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) Liposelection® owned by Sound Surgical Technologies; and Ultrasonic Liposuction or H2O℠ Body Jet Liposuction (manufactured by human med). Hall stats that they all solicit to reduce complications and to be better than the next, but in fact, they are machines that assist in the liposuction technique, and they are only as good as the surgeon performing the procedure.
"The truth is that all of these procedures are at least minimally invasive, and they all cause minor pain, swelling and bruising for a very short period of time.” "In addition, the jury is out on whether one trumps the other, because it is really about the surgeon's experience and technique - more than the equipment itself," Hall stated.
“I get patients all the time who come to me for corrective surgery, dissatisfied, because they believed in the hype and implication and went to an inexperienced surgeon who offered the latest technique,” Hall said. “This has an impact on the credibility of the procedure itself."
“As an innovative physician, I have learned to embrace next-generation technology and educate myself about new equipment and procedures, but not to abandon one procedure or technique over the other, merely because a manufacturer tells me their product is better,” Hall stated.
In addition to experience & skill of the surgeon, I believe safety of liposuction also depends on proper patient selection, availability of emergency backup i.e. proper hospital setup in case of complications. The recent death from liposuction in Singapore (a prominent CEO of a large property development company)had several factors screaming high risk. The patient died from at least 3 punctures into his guts. The surgeon was experienced having had at least 300 cases under his belt but to puncture his intestines means the patient wasn't fat to start with (The first contraindication to liposuction is NO FAT). Moreover, the surgery was done in a clinic setup on Orchard Road.
Dr. William Hall acknowledges that there are many great liposuction products and technologies that assist in helping patients look their best, but many of the claims are exaggerated and inaccurate.
“To state that they are better because they provide a new technology that will avail superior skin-tightening or “painless” results is not necessarily true,” Hall said.
“I started and built my practice in 2001 as a tumescent liposuction pioneer, specialist and trainer in the industry,” Hall proclaimed. “Back then, tumescent liposuction was the least invasive, safest form of liposuction, because of the localized anesthesia, smaller incisions and instruments that allowed for more precision and limited downtime than traditional liposuction – and it is still one of the best techniques the industry has to offer,” Hall said.
Now, we have a new generation of hybrid lipo techniques that capitalize on people’s interest. Hall lists the names of many new procedures, such as: Smart Lipo® a trademark of Cynosure; Laser Liposuction; VASER® (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) Liposelection® owned by Sound Surgical Technologies; and Ultrasonic Liposuction or H2O℠ Body Jet Liposuction (manufactured by human med). Hall stats that they all solicit to reduce complications and to be better than the next, but in fact, they are machines that assist in the liposuction technique, and they are only as good as the surgeon performing the procedure.
"The truth is that all of these procedures are at least minimally invasive, and they all cause minor pain, swelling and bruising for a very short period of time.” "In addition, the jury is out on whether one trumps the other, because it is really about the surgeon's experience and technique - more than the equipment itself," Hall stated.
“I get patients all the time who come to me for corrective surgery, dissatisfied, because they believed in the hype and implication and went to an inexperienced surgeon who offered the latest technique,” Hall said. “This has an impact on the credibility of the procedure itself."
“As an innovative physician, I have learned to embrace next-generation technology and educate myself about new equipment and procedures, but not to abandon one procedure or technique over the other, merely because a manufacturer tells me their product is better,” Hall stated.
In addition to experience & skill of the surgeon, I believe safety of liposuction also depends on proper patient selection, availability of emergency backup i.e. proper hospital setup in case of complications. The recent death from liposuction in Singapore (a prominent CEO of a large property development company)had several factors screaming high risk. The patient died from at least 3 punctures into his guts. The surgeon was experienced having had at least 300 cases under his belt but to puncture his intestines means the patient wasn't fat to start with (The first contraindication to liposuction is NO FAT). Moreover, the surgery was done in a clinic setup on Orchard Road.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
stem cell therapy - 2 years safety study
Curr Stem Cell Res Ther. 2010 Mar;5(1):81-93.
Safety and complications reporting on the re-implantation of culture-expanded mesenchymal stem cells using autologous platelet lysate technique.
Centeno CJ, Schultz JR, Cheever M, Robinson B, Freeman M, Marasco W.
Centeno-Schultz Clinic, Broomfield, Colorado, USA. centenooffice@centenoclinic.com.
ABSTRACT: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold great promise as therapeutic agents in regenerative medicine. Numerous animal studies have documented the multipotency of MSCs, showing their capabilities for differentiating into orthopedic tissues such as muscle, bone, cartilage, and tendon. However, the complication rate for autologous MSC therapy is only now beginning to be reported.
RESULTS: Mean follow-up from the time of the re-implant procedure was 10.6 +/- 7.3 months. Serial MRI's at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years failed to demonstrate any tumor formation at the re-implant sites.
CONCLUSIONS: Using both high field MRI tracking and general surveillance in 227 patients, no neoplastic complications were detected at any stem cell re-implantation site. These findings are consistent with other reports that also show no evidence of malignant transformation in vivo, following implantation of MSCs that were expanded in vitro for limited periods.
Safety and complications reporting on the re-implantation of culture-expanded mesenchymal stem cells using autologous platelet lysate technique.
Centeno CJ, Schultz JR, Cheever M, Robinson B, Freeman M, Marasco W.
Centeno-Schultz Clinic, Broomfield, Colorado, USA. centenooffice@centenoclinic.com.
ABSTRACT: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold great promise as therapeutic agents in regenerative medicine. Numerous animal studies have documented the multipotency of MSCs, showing their capabilities for differentiating into orthopedic tissues such as muscle, bone, cartilage, and tendon. However, the complication rate for autologous MSC therapy is only now beginning to be reported.
RESULTS: Mean follow-up from the time of the re-implant procedure was 10.6 +/- 7.3 months. Serial MRI's at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years failed to demonstrate any tumor formation at the re-implant sites.
CONCLUSIONS: Using both high field MRI tracking and general surveillance in 227 patients, no neoplastic complications were detected at any stem cell re-implantation site. These findings are consistent with other reports that also show no evidence of malignant transformation in vivo, following implantation of MSCs that were expanded in vitro for limited periods.
BBC news - stem cell therapy 'damage' seem in kidney disease
A new complication has been seen in a patient with kidney disease who received stem cell therapy, scientists have warned.
Stem cells were injected into the kidney, but the patient suffered tissue damage and died from an infection.
The patient in this case had been treated by a private clinic.
Dr Duangpen Thirabanjasak, from Chulalongkorn University, who led the research, said: "This type of lesion has never been described before in patients, and we believe that this is either formed directly by the stem cells that were injected or that the stem cells caused these masses to form."
The authors conclude that their findings should serve as a warning to clinical investigators that the development of blood vessel and bone marrow masses may be a possible complication of stem cell therapy.
Writing in the journal, Andras Nagy, of Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital, and Susan Quaggin, of the University of Toronto, said caution was needed over stem cell therapies - especially if they were being offered by unregulated private clinics.
They added: "Premature enthusiasm and protocols that are not fully vetted are dangerous and result in negative publicity for the field of stem cell research, and more importantly, may result in disastrous outcomes with no benefit to the patient.
"Although there is promise, a large gap still exists between scientific knowledge and clinical translation for safe and effective stem cell-based therapies.
Stem cells were injected into the kidney, but the patient suffered tissue damage and died from an infection.
The patient in this case had been treated by a private clinic.
Dr Duangpen Thirabanjasak, from Chulalongkorn University, who led the research, said: "This type of lesion has never been described before in patients, and we believe that this is either formed directly by the stem cells that were injected or that the stem cells caused these masses to form."
The authors conclude that their findings should serve as a warning to clinical investigators that the development of blood vessel and bone marrow masses may be a possible complication of stem cell therapy.
Writing in the journal, Andras Nagy, of Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital, and Susan Quaggin, of the University of Toronto, said caution was needed over stem cell therapies - especially if they were being offered by unregulated private clinics.
They added: "Premature enthusiasm and protocols that are not fully vetted are dangerous and result in negative publicity for the field of stem cell research, and more importantly, may result in disastrous outcomes with no benefit to the patient.
"Although there is promise, a large gap still exists between scientific knowledge and clinical translation for safe and effective stem cell-based therapies.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Lasers useful for promoting hair growth
Lasers useful for promoting hair growth
Publish date: Jun 1, 2010
By: Joely Kaufman, M.D., Bernard Nusbaum, M.D.
Source: Dermatology Times
* Most reports on lasers and hair growth originated from hair removal literature
* LLLT with red light stimulates terminal hair growth on hair count analysis, but results difficult to judge
* Several devices on market for at-home hair growth treatment
Joely Kaufman, M.D.
Most of the time, when lasers are discussed in the context of hair, it is regarding the removal of hair. It was not until fairly recently that these devices received significant attention for their role in stimulating hair growth.
Bernard Nusbaum, M.D.
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) affects more than 35 million men and 21 million women in the United States. Due to the relative lack of viable nonsurgical treatment options for AGA, the therapeutic focus has once again turned to lasers.
The idea of using light to stimulate hair growth was first published in the 1960s and involved mice studies (Mester E, Szende B, et al. Kiserl Orvostud. 1967;19:628-631). Despite this history, the mechanism of action of how lasers may function to prevent, stop or even promote growth in AGA is still unknown.
LLLT and hair growth
There is clear evidence that low-level lasers alter cell function in some manner, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for wound healing, pain, anti-aging and inflammation is a popular modality. In vitro studies with different wavelengths have shown modulation of cell activity, including increased mitochondrial activity as well as increased production of ATP.
This "stimulatory effect" of light therapy is what has driven scientists and physicians to explore low-level laser photobiomodulation for hair growth. Clinically, LLLT does seem to provide some effect, although in some treatments it is difficult to measure. When it comes to AGA, most of the focus has been on red and near-infrared light devices (600 nm to 950 nm).
Ironically, many of the reports on hair growth and lasers actually originated from laser hair removal literature. Stimulation of hair growth is an adverse event associated with hair removal with intense pulsed light (IPL), diode and alexandrite lasers. If we could predictably control this "adverse event" and elicit it in patients who actually desire more hair, a new therapeutic option could emerge.
Hair growth studies
Laser-induced hair growth in mice has been replicated using several different devices, including a helium-neon (He-Ne) laser (Shukla S, et al. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2010;23(2):79-85). In this study, mice treated with the He-Ne laser had a much higher percentage of hairs in anagen phase than those not treated.
There is one published double-blind, sham device-controlled, multicentered study on hair growth (Leavitt M, et al. Clin Drug Invest. 2009;29(5):283-295). A total of 123 patients with AGA were enrolled. Hair counts were completed, as were photographic assessments and patient self-assessment scores. The treatment group used a low-level laser comb 15 minutes a day, three days a week, for a total of 26 weeks. Hair counts at the end of six months showed a statistically significant (p<.0001) difference in hair density counts between the laser group and the sham group (+19.8 hairs/cm2 vs. -7.6 hairs/cm2 ). There was also a statistically significant difference in the subjects' self assessments.
While LLLT with red light does stimulate terminal growth on hair count analysis, the clinical improvement is more difficult to judge. The study did not evaluate for any textural changes in hair. Textural changes may make hair appear clinically fuller, and patients may be happy with "thicker" hair that doesn't necessarily exhibit a higher hair count. It may be that longer treatment sessions or duration of the treatment is needed. It may also be more helpful clinically when used in combination with other therapies, such as hair transplant, finasteride or minoxidil.
Optimum treatment frequency and duration have not yet been determined for hair-growth laser therapy, and it is theoretically possible that large overdoses could reverse the therapeutic effects. In other words, more power with LLLT does not necessarily translate into better results. Long-term follow-up of patients receiving LLLT for AGA is needed to determine if therapeutic benefits can be maintained with prolonged therapy.
In summary, LLLT is a safe, tolerable and easy-to-use treatment option for patients with AGA. Hair counts have been shown to increase in the only double-blinded study published. Proper parameters and treatment regimens must be better elucidated in order to make this treatment more universally accepted.
At this point, LLLT (red, 630 nm to 670 nm) for AGA seems to show some effects in some patients, yet future studies are needed to optimize results by better defining treatment power, dosing and frequency. With so few reliable noninvasive therapeutic choices for AGA, laser therapy is a welcome addition.
Joely Kaufman, M.D., is assistant professor of clinical dermatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and director of lasers for the University of Miami Cosmetic Group.
Bernard Nusbaum, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss and hair restoration. He is past president of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery and co-editor of Hair Transplant Forum International.
Comments from our Readers
Dr. Alan Bauman / Boca Raton, FL, UNITED STATES
Posted 2010-06-02 07:23:26.0
Drs. Nusbaum and Kaufman, I read with much excitement your article on LLLT and hair growth. Having successfully used Low Level Laser Therapy in my own hair restoration practice for nearly ten years, I can tell you it was not too long ago that many physicians were reluctant to even acknowledge that photomedicine and Laser Therapy were viable treatment options. Today, with the increase in numbers of devices FDA-cleared for wound healing, pain control, facial rejuvenation and hair growth more and more physicians are working with laser and LED light sources and understanding more about what they can and cannot do. One of the most important things I have learned from administering and prescribing thousands of laser therapy treatments for hair growth is that without the 'target organ' (the hair follicle!) the treatment will not succeed. LLLT seems to improve the functioning of the skin including the hair follicles that are present and this is what creates the satisfying results for patients over months. However, if there are areas where hair follicles are severely depleted, these areas are unlikely to respond. As we always say, therefore, early treatment is the best treatment! Sincerely, Alan J. Bauman, M.D. / Certified, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery
Publish date: Jun 1, 2010
By: Joely Kaufman, M.D., Bernard Nusbaum, M.D.
Source: Dermatology Times
* Most reports on lasers and hair growth originated from hair removal literature
* LLLT with red light stimulates terminal hair growth on hair count analysis, but results difficult to judge
* Several devices on market for at-home hair growth treatment
Joely Kaufman, M.D.
Most of the time, when lasers are discussed in the context of hair, it is regarding the removal of hair. It was not until fairly recently that these devices received significant attention for their role in stimulating hair growth.
Bernard Nusbaum, M.D.
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) affects more than 35 million men and 21 million women in the United States. Due to the relative lack of viable nonsurgical treatment options for AGA, the therapeutic focus has once again turned to lasers.
The idea of using light to stimulate hair growth was first published in the 1960s and involved mice studies (Mester E, Szende B, et al. Kiserl Orvostud. 1967;19:628-631). Despite this history, the mechanism of action of how lasers may function to prevent, stop or even promote growth in AGA is still unknown.
LLLT and hair growth
There is clear evidence that low-level lasers alter cell function in some manner, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for wound healing, pain, anti-aging and inflammation is a popular modality. In vitro studies with different wavelengths have shown modulation of cell activity, including increased mitochondrial activity as well as increased production of ATP.
This "stimulatory effect" of light therapy is what has driven scientists and physicians to explore low-level laser photobiomodulation for hair growth. Clinically, LLLT does seem to provide some effect, although in some treatments it is difficult to measure. When it comes to AGA, most of the focus has been on red and near-infrared light devices (600 nm to 950 nm).
Ironically, many of the reports on hair growth and lasers actually originated from laser hair removal literature. Stimulation of hair growth is an adverse event associated with hair removal with intense pulsed light (IPL), diode and alexandrite lasers. If we could predictably control this "adverse event" and elicit it in patients who actually desire more hair, a new therapeutic option could emerge.
Hair growth studies
Laser-induced hair growth in mice has been replicated using several different devices, including a helium-neon (He-Ne) laser (Shukla S, et al. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2010;23(2):79-85). In this study, mice treated with the He-Ne laser had a much higher percentage of hairs in anagen phase than those not treated.
There is one published double-blind, sham device-controlled, multicentered study on hair growth (Leavitt M, et al. Clin Drug Invest. 2009;29(5):283-295). A total of 123 patients with AGA were enrolled. Hair counts were completed, as were photographic assessments and patient self-assessment scores. The treatment group used a low-level laser comb 15 minutes a day, three days a week, for a total of 26 weeks. Hair counts at the end of six months showed a statistically significant (p<.0001) difference in hair density counts between the laser group and the sham group (+19.8 hairs/cm2 vs. -7.6 hairs/cm2 ). There was also a statistically significant difference in the subjects' self assessments.
While LLLT with red light does stimulate terminal growth on hair count analysis, the clinical improvement is more difficult to judge. The study did not evaluate for any textural changes in hair. Textural changes may make hair appear clinically fuller, and patients may be happy with "thicker" hair that doesn't necessarily exhibit a higher hair count. It may be that longer treatment sessions or duration of the treatment is needed. It may also be more helpful clinically when used in combination with other therapies, such as hair transplant, finasteride or minoxidil.
Optimum treatment frequency and duration have not yet been determined for hair-growth laser therapy, and it is theoretically possible that large overdoses could reverse the therapeutic effects. In other words, more power with LLLT does not necessarily translate into better results. Long-term follow-up of patients receiving LLLT for AGA is needed to determine if therapeutic benefits can be maintained with prolonged therapy.
In summary, LLLT is a safe, tolerable and easy-to-use treatment option for patients with AGA. Hair counts have been shown to increase in the only double-blinded study published. Proper parameters and treatment regimens must be better elucidated in order to make this treatment more universally accepted.
At this point, LLLT (red, 630 nm to 670 nm) for AGA seems to show some effects in some patients, yet future studies are needed to optimize results by better defining treatment power, dosing and frequency. With so few reliable noninvasive therapeutic choices for AGA, laser therapy is a welcome addition.
Joely Kaufman, M.D., is assistant professor of clinical dermatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and director of lasers for the University of Miami Cosmetic Group.
Bernard Nusbaum, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss and hair restoration. He is past president of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery and co-editor of Hair Transplant Forum International.
Comments from our Readers
Dr. Alan Bauman / Boca Raton, FL, UNITED STATES
Posted 2010-06-02 07:23:26.0
Drs. Nusbaum and Kaufman, I read with much excitement your article on LLLT and hair growth. Having successfully used Low Level Laser Therapy in my own hair restoration practice for nearly ten years, I can tell you it was not too long ago that many physicians were reluctant to even acknowledge that photomedicine and Laser Therapy were viable treatment options. Today, with the increase in numbers of devices FDA-cleared for wound healing, pain control, facial rejuvenation and hair growth more and more physicians are working with laser and LED light sources and understanding more about what they can and cannot do. One of the most important things I have learned from administering and prescribing thousands of laser therapy treatments for hair growth is that without the 'target organ' (the hair follicle!) the treatment will not succeed. LLLT seems to improve the functioning of the skin including the hair follicles that are present and this is what creates the satisfying results for patients over months. However, if there are areas where hair follicles are severely depleted, these areas are unlikely to respond. As we always say, therefore, early treatment is the best treatment! Sincerely, Alan J. Bauman, M.D. / Certified, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery
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