Medical Dermatology

PRP / Hair Restoration Q & A

What is platelet-rich plasma?

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, for hair loss is a treatment that uses a patient’s own blood to regenerate hair growth. This well-established therapy has been used to treat various orthopedic conditions and sports injuries for years. More recently, this technique has gained popularity in aesthetic medicine. You may have heard of PRP from its skin-rejuvenating role in the Vampire Facial Kim Kardashian made famous.

PRP comes from your own blood, which your provider at Luminous Dermatology collects in a simple blood draw. This small blood sample will be processed in a centrifuge isolating the PRP enriched cells.

Your provider will then injects the PRP into the affected areas of your scalp with tiny needles. Since PRP consists of essential proteins created by your own body, there’s little to no risk of adverse reactions or side effects, such as those you may experience from medications that treat hair loss.

How does PRP treat hair loss?

Platelet-rich Plasma injections contain your body’s own growth factors that have been shown to stimulate and enhance hair follicle production. Just as PRP rejuvenates your skin in a Vampire Facial, or promotes healing an injured joint, it restores natural hair growth function when injected into your scalp.

How effective is PRP at restoring lost hair?

Several clinical research studies conclude that PRP is a simple, safe, and cost-effective treatment for hair loss. The Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery published a study that found significant improvement in hair regrowth among many patients with various types of hair loss.

The patients in this study still showed positive results at a six-month follow-up, which suggests that PRP treatments are a smart investment for long-acting hair regrowth.

What can I expect from a PRP hair rejuvenation treatment?

First, the team at Luminous Dermatology evaluates your scalp and hair during an initial consultation. Then, they work with you to develop a customized hair restoration treatment plan. This varies depending on your unique needs, but most patients require several treatment sessions spaced four weeks apart.

To enhance your comfort, your provider may apply a topical anesthetic or recommend pain medications before they inject PRP into your scalp.

You may notice improvements shortly after your treatment, but optimal results typically occur after two or three treatments.

To discover how PRP can restore your thick, healthy head of hair, call or book an appointment online using the convenient scheduling tool today.

About Excessive Perspiration

What is it?

Perspiration is a temperature-regulating mechanism that allows your body to cool, but when it happens excessively and for no reason, it’s called hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by relentless perspiration, typically on the hands and feet as well as under your arms. If left untreated, excessive perspiration can cause painful skin irritation due to the chronic dampness of the skin.

What causes it?

The causes of hyperhidrosis are not fully clear, but it’s believed that genetics plays a role or that it occurs because of an underlying systemic issue. What is certain is that it’s not due to stress; in fact, the condition often causes stress, apprehension, and even anxiety about being in public situations.

Common treatments?

We know it’s not unusual to have excessive perspiration in a nerve-wracking social or professional situation. However, if you suffer from this condition all day every day even when there is no clear cause, it’s possible that you have hyperhidrosis. Our experts have the knowledge and experience to help you treat this condition, regardless of where it’s occurring in your body. Some of these treatments include prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis (a device that prevents sweat production), prescription oral medications, Botox (yes, Botox!), and miraDry (a treatment that hinders sweat production).

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Our practice has skilled dermatologic experts who have the experience and knowledge to provide effective solutions for your particular needs and goals. Our focus on you as a person is what makes us different from others, and we’ll be with you each step of the way with empathy, advice, and support. Healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you have excessive perspiration so that we can help you deal with this often embarrassing condition.

Lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) tumors composed of fat cells that grow slowly under the skin. They are the most common type of soft tissue tumor in adults and are generally harmless. Lipomas are typically soft to the touch, movable, and painless, and they can appear anywhere on the body where fat cells are present, such as the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs.

Characteristics of Lipomas

• Soft and Doughy: Lipomas are generally soft and have a doughy consistency when palpated.
• Movable: They are often easily movable under the skin when pressed.
• Painless: Most lipomas are painless unless they press on nerves or are located in an area where they cause discomfort.
• Size: They typically range in size from about 1 to 3 cm (0.4 to 1.2 inches) but can grow larger in some cases, sometimes exceeding 10 cm (4 inches).
• Shape: Lipomas are usually round or oval and have well-defined borders.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of lipomas is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to their development:

1. Genetics: A family history of lipomas can increase the likelihood of developing them. Some genetic conditions, such as familial multiple lipomatosis, lead to multiple lipomas on the body.
2. Age: Lipomas are more commonly found in middle-aged adults, typically between 40 and 60 years old, although they can occur at any age.
3. Injury or Trauma: Some lipomas may develop at the site of an injury or blunt trauma, although this connection is not well-established.
4. Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions such as Gardner syndrome, Madelung’s disease, and Dercum’s disease are associated with multiple lipomas.
5. Obesity and Metabolic Disorders: While there is no direct link, obesity and metabolic disorders might influence the development of lipomas.

Types of Lipomas

1. Conventional Lipoma: The most common type, composed mainly of mature fat cells.
2. Fibrolipoma: Contains both fat and fibrous tissue, making it firmer to the touch.
3. Angiolipoma: Contains fat cells and a large number of blood vessels. These can be more painful than other types.
4. Spindle Cell Lipoma: Made up of fat cells and spindle-shaped cells; more commonly found on the shoulders, neck, and back.
5. Pleomorphic Lipoma: Contains a variety of cell shapes and sizes; usually found in the upper body.
6. Hibernoma: A rare type composed of brown fat cells, which are different from the typical white fat cells seen in common lipomas.

Diagnosis of Lipomas

A lipoma is usually diagnosed through a physical examination. However, additional diagnostic tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions, particularly if the lipoma is large, growing rapidly, or causing discomfort:

1. Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will assess the size, shape, texture, and mobility of the lump.
2. Imaging Tests:
   • Ultrasound: Helps to determine if the lump is a lipoma or another type of soft tissue tumor.
   • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) Scans: Used for larger lipomas or those that are deep-seated to determine the extent and precise location.
3. Biopsy: In rare cases, a biopsy may be performed to rule out liposarcoma, a rare type of cancer that can mimic a lipoma. A sample of the tissue is examined under a microscope.

Treatment Options for Lipomas

Most lipomas do not require treatment unless they are painful, growing rapidly, restricting movement, or causing cosmetic concerns. When treatment is needed, options include:

1. Surgical Excision:
   • Complete Removal: The most common treatment for lipomas, where the entire lipoma is surgically removed. This is usually an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. It is effective and typically prevents recurrence.
2. Liposuction:
   • A minimally invasive procedure where a small incision is made, and a thin, hollow tube (cannula) is inserted to suction out the fatty tissue. It is less invasive than surgical excision but may not remove the lipoma completely, leading to potential recurrence.
3. Steroid Injections:
   • Corticosteroid injections can shrink a lipoma, but they rarely eliminate it completely. This may be an option for smaller lipomas or those in locations where surgery is not preferred.
4. Minimally Invasive Techniques:
   • Newer techniques, such as lipoma removal with a mini-incision, allow for the removal of lipomas with minimal scarring.

About Cysts

What is it?

What causes it?

• tumors
• genetic conditions
• a defect in the cells
• chronic inflammatory conditions
• blockages of ducts in the body that cause fluids to build up
• a parasite
• an injury that breaks a vessel

Common treatments?

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small, fluid-filled blisters that usually appear on or around the lips, but they can also develop on the nose, cheeks, or inside the mouth. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), primarily HSV-1. While HSV-1 is the most common cause, HSV-2, which is more often associated with genital herpes, can also cause cold sores.

Causes of Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or by sharing personal items like towels, lip balms, or utensils. The virus can remain dormant in the nerve cells and become reactivated due to certain triggers, leading to an outbreak.

Common Triggers for Cold Sore Outbreaks:

1. Stress: Emotional or physical stress can weaken the immune system, making it easier for the virus to reactivate.
2. Illness or Fever: Cold sores are sometimes referred to as “fever blisters” because they can occur when the body is fighting off an infection or illness.
3. Sun Exposure: UV rays can trigger outbreaks, especially on the lips, where the skin is more sensitive.
4. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger outbreaks.
5. Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems (due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplants) are more prone to outbreaks.
6. Injury or Trauma to the Skin: Cuts, chapped lips, or other skin injuries can trigger an outbreak.
7. Fatigue: Lack of sleep and exhaustion can lower the immune response, triggering a cold sore outbreak.

Symptoms of Cold Sores

Cold sores typically progress through several stages:

1. Tingling or Itching (Prodrome Stage): The first sign is often a tingling, itching, or burning sensation around the lips or mouth area, which may occur a few hours or days before the sore appears.
2. Blisters: Small, fluid-filled blisters usually appear on the border of the lips, but they can also develop around the nose or inside the mouth. The blisters are often grouped together in patches.
3. Oozing and Crusting: The blisters may burst, leaving shallow open sores that ooze fluid. A yellow or brown crust forms over the sores as they begin to heal.
4. Healing: The sores gradually dry out and heal without leaving scars. This process typically takes 1-2 weeks.

About Chemical Peel

What is it?

A chemical peel is a procedure in which a solution is applied to the top layer of your skin to remove dead, flaky skin cells. This allows the fresh, new layer of skin underneath to develop and grow, leaving you with a radiant and brightened complexion. There are three types of peels, each characterized by how deep they penetrate, which depends on the type and strength of the solution. These include superficial peels, which penetrate only as far as the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis), medium peels, which treat the top layer of the dermis (not to be confused with the epidermis), and deep peels, which treat the bottom layer of the dermis. Chemical peels offer numerous benefits, some of which include the following: erasure of fine lines and wrinkles, reduction of age/sun spots, smoothing of rough skin texture, faded shallow scars (including those from acne), improved skin tone, and balanced pigmentation.

What to expect

Chemical peels are safe for a variety of skin colors, although the lighter the skin, the more effective the treatment will be. To get the results you want, talk to the specialists at our dermatology center, as we’ll help you decide which type of peel is best and tailor the treatment to fit your specific needs.

After the procedure

Downtime and side effects will vary depending on the type of peel you undergo. For example, a superficial peel has no downtime, with only redness and minimal peeling for side effects. A medium peel typically requires 2-3 days of recovery, and common side effects include swelling, redness, and peeling for 4-7 days after the procedure. Finally, a deep peel can entail 1-2 weeks of downtime, more pronounced redness, and swelling for 7-10 days–perhaps longer. Regardless of which type of peel you undergo, you can expect smoother, fresher-looking, and radiant skin once the results are finalized.

Providers

Our approach & expertise

Broken blood vessels, also known as telangiectasias, are small, dilated blood vessels that appear near the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. They are often visible as red, purple, or blue lines and can occur anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the face (particularly around the nose, cheeks, and chin) and legs. While they are generally harmless, they can be cosmetically concerning for some individuals.

Causes of Broken Blood Vessels (Telangiectasias)

1. Genetics: A family history of telangiectasias can increase the likelihood of developing them. Conditions like rosacea also have a genetic component that can cause broken blood vessels.
2. Sun Exposure: UV radiation from the sun can damage the skin and weaken blood vessel walls, making them more likely to dilate and become visible.
3. Aging: As skin ages, it becomes thinner and loses collagen, making blood vessels more visible and more prone to breakage.
4. Skin Conditions: Conditions like rosacea, which causes facial redness and flushing, can lead to the formation of broken blood vessels.
5. Trauma or Injury: Physical trauma to the skin, such as squeezing a pimple too hard, or injuries can cause small blood vessels to break.
6. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly those related to pregnancy, menopause, or birth control pills, can cause broken blood vessels.
7. Weather Extremes: Sudden changes in temperature, such as moving from a cold environment to a warm one, can cause blood vessels to dilate quickly and break.
8. Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can dilate blood vessels, leading to telangiectasias, especially in individuals with chronic alcohol use.
9. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), scleroderma, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can cause telangiectasias as a symptom.
10. Medications: Long-term use of topical corticosteroids or certain medications, such as those used to treat acne (e.g., retinoids), can make the skin more susceptible to broken blood vessels.

Types of Telangiectasias

1. Spider Veins: These are small, web-like clusters of red, blue, or purple veins commonly found on the legs and face.
2. Linear Telangiectasias: Appear as fine, linear red or purple lines, often seen on the face, particularly around the nose and cheeks.
3. Matting: A dense collection of small, fine blood vessels, often seen after the treatment of varicose veins or spider veins.

Treatment Options for Broken Blood Vessels

1. Laser Therapy:
   • Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): These are the most common and effective treatments for broken blood vessels. The laser targets and heats the blood vessels, causing them to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. Multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results.
   • NdLaser: Effective for treating deeper and larger blood vessels, especially on the legs.
2. Sclerotherapy:
   • This procedure involves injecting a sclerosant (a solution) directly into the affected blood vessels, causing them to collapse and fade away over time. It is more commonly used for treating spider veins on the legs.
3. Electrocautery:
   • A procedure that uses a small electric current to destroy the blood vessels. It is effective for smaller, superficial vessels but may cause some temporary redness and swelling.
4. Topical Treatments:
   • While not as effective as laser or sclerotherapy, some topical products containing ingredients like vitamin K, retinoids, or niacinamide may help reduce the appearance of broken blood vessels over time by improving skin texture and reducing redness.
5. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy:
   • IPL uses broad-spectrum light to target and reduce redness associated with broken blood vessels. It is effective for treating facial redness, such as that seen with rosacea.
6. Vascular Laser Therapy:
   • Vascular lasers, like the KTP laser, are specifically designed to target hemoglobin in the blood, making them effective for treating smaller broken vessels on the face.

Prevention and Management

1. Sun Protection: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect the skin from UV damage that can cause or worsen broken blood vessels.
2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Protect the skin from sudden temperature changes and avoid hot water when washing your face.
3. Gentle Skincare: Use mild, non-abrasive cleansers and avoid harsh exfoliants that can irritate the skin.
4. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Reducing alcohol intake can help prevent the dilation of blood vessels that lead to telangiectasias.
5. Manage Underlying Conditions: Proper management of conditions like rosacea can help reduce the appearance of broken blood vessels.
6. Moisturize Regularly: Keeping the skin well-moisturized helps maintain its elasticity and reduce the likelihood of broken vessels.

Botulinum toxin, commonly known by brand names such as Botox and Dysport, is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is widely used in cosmetic dermatology to temporarily reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines. The procedure involves injecting small amounts of the toxin into targeted muscles, causing them to relax, which smoothens out the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

How Botulinum Toxin Works

Botulinum toxin works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscle contraction. When injected into specific facial muscles, the toxin temporarily paralyzes these muscles, reducing their activity. This leads to a smoother, more relaxed appearance in the overlying skin, as dynamic wrinkles (those formed by facial expressions) are softened or eliminated.

Common Uses for Botulinum Toxin (Botox/Dysport) in Cosmetic Dermatology

1. Forehead Lines: Horizontal lines across the forehead caused by raising the eyebrows.
2. Glabellar Lines (Frown Lines): Vertical lines between the eyebrows, often called “11 lines,” formed when frowning.
3. Crow’s Feet: Fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes, formed by smiling or squinting.
4. Bunny Lines: Lines on the sides of the nose that appear when scrunching the nose.
5. Lip Lines: Vertical lines around the lips, often referred to as “smoker’s lines.”
6. Chin Dimpling: Pebbled or “orange peel” appearance of the chin, caused by overactivity of the mentalis muscle.
7. Neck Bands (Platysmal Bands): Vertical neck lines caused by platysma muscle contractions.

Differences Between Botox and Dysport

• Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) are two different brands of botulinum toxin type A, and both are FDA-approved for cosmetic use.
• Dysport has a slightly smaller molecular size, which may allow it to spread more easily over larger areas. This characteristic can be beneficial for treating larger areas like the forehead but requires a skilled injector to avoid diffusion into unintended muscles.
• Onset of Action: Dysport tends to show results slightly faster than Botox, usually within 2-3 days, whereas Botox results typically appear in 3-5 days.
• Duration of Effects: Both Botox and Dysport generally last 3 to 4 months, although individual results can vary based on factors such as metabolism, the area treated, and the dosage used.

The Procedure

1. Consultation: A consultation with a qualified professional (dermatologist or plastic surgeon) to discuss goals, expectations, medical history, and potential risks.
2. Preparation: The skin is cleansed, and a topical numbing cream may be applied to reduce discomfort. However, the procedure is generally well-tolerated with minimal pain.
3. Injection: Using a fine needle, the toxin is injected into specific muscles in small amounts. The number of injections depends on the area being treated and the desired results.
4. Post-Treatment Care:
   • Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for 24 hours to prevent the toxin from spreading to unintended areas.
   • Stay upright for 4 hours after treatment and avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
   • Minor swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites may occur but typically resolves within a few days.

Benefits

• Reduces the appearance of dynamic wrinkles and fine lines.
• Minimally invasive with no downtime.
• Quick procedure (usually 10-20 minutes).
• Results can be seen within a few days to a week.
• Effects are temporary, allowing flexibility to adjust treatments based on changing preferences or needs.

About Basal Cell Carcinoma

What is it?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is non-melanoma skin cancer caused by mutations in the DNA of skin cells, which then spread to adjacent cells. BCC occurs in the deepest (basal) layer of the skin’s outer layer, the epidermis. BCC is the most common form of skin cancer in the country. It often appears as a flat lesion with a waxy, yet scar-like appearance and usually forms in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the nose, neck, ears, and scalp.

What causes it?

Though rarely dangerous, basal cell carcinoma should not be ignored. Contact your neighborhood skin health care provider if you notice unusual skin bumps, lesions, discolorations, or other irregularities. Although chronic sun exposure is a leading cause of BCC, other common risk factors include fair skin, a history of sunburns, a history of skin cancer in your family, sunny climates, and high-altitude locations.

Common treatments?

Providers

Our approach & expertise