HAIR LOSS TREATMENTS
At The Rejuvena Laser & Aesthetic Clinic in Bedford, we understand how distressing hair loss can be. Whether you been suffering with male / female pattern baldness or alopecia areata, our clinic can offer you advanced, effective treatments to help restore your hair and confidence. But before this lets explore the hair growth cycle, causes of hair loss and ways we can treat alopecia.
UNDERSTANDING HAIR GROWTH
Dermal Papilla Cells (DPs) are specialised mesenchymal cells at the base/bottom of the hair follicle (located in the epidermis and dermis) in the dermal papilla (DP). These cells play crucial roles in hair growth, formation and cycling, predominantly by producing/secreting growth factors and molecules responsible for constructing the extracellular matrix.
The cycle of hair growth can be divided into 3 stages; anagen, catagen and telogen.
Anagen: is the active growth stage of a hair follicle. At the start of the anagen stage, secondary germ cells at the base of the follicle start to proliferate. The Dermal Papilla is at its most active here.
Catagen: is the regression stage of the hair follicle. During this stage, a majority of follicular keratinocytes undergo apoptosis (cell death). There is crucial movement of the Dermal Papilla at this stage.
Telogen: stage is considered the ‘rest’ stage, when the hair shaft is matured, and eventually shed from the follicle during combing or washing
Finally, in a normal hair follicle cycle, the separated dermal papilla moves upwards and meets with the follicle again to induce the return of the anagen stage.
CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS / ALOPECIA
Hair loss, or alopecia, is a condition caused by many factors. These include inherited genetic susceptibility, hormones, the immune system, poor nutrition, internal and external environmental elements, certain health conditions, mental disorders, and aging. All these factors affect stem cell activity in the hair follicle, disrupting the hair growth cycle. This disruption is caused by increased levels of pro-apoptotic and pro- inflammatory cytokines, inflammation around the hair follicles (perifollicular microinflammation), and the release of harmful molecules known as Reactive Oxygen Species.
UNDERSTANDING ANDROGENIC ALOPECIA (AGA)
What is Androgenic Alopecia?
Androgenic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern hair loss, is the most common type of hair loss. It affects about 80% of men and 40% of women under the age of 70. This condition can have a significant impact on your self-esteem and overall well-being.
What Causes Androgenic Alopecia?
Androgenic alopecia is a hereditary condition, which means it runs in families. Here’s how it works:
Genetics: If your family members have experienced hair loss, you might too. This genetic link can make your hair follicles more sensitive to certain hormones.
Hormones: Androgens are hormones that play a role in hair growth. In people with androgenic alopecia, these hormones can shrink hair follicles, making hair thinner and eventually stopping its growth.
Genetics: If your family members have experienced hair loss, you might too. This genetic link can make your hair follicles more sensitive to certain hormones.
Hormones: Androgens are hormones that play a role in hair growth. In people with androgenic alopecia, these hormones can shrink hair follicles, making hair thinner and eventually stopping its growth.
How Does Androgenic Alopecia Progress?
Hair Follicle Miniaturisation: Over time, hair follicles become smaller and produce thinner, shorter, and less pigmented hair.
Hair Cycle Disruption: Normally, hair grows in cycles. With androgenic alopecia, this cycle is disrupted. The growth phase (anagen) gets shorter, and the resting phase (telogen) becomes longer. This means hair falls out more easily and grows back more slowly.
Inflammation: Recent research shows that inflammation around hair follicles plays a significant role in this type of hair loss. This inflammation can further disrupt the hair growth cycle and damage hair follicles.
Hair Cycle Disruption: Normally, hair grows in cycles. With androgenic alopecia, this cycle is disrupted. The growth phase (anagen) gets shorter, and the resting phase (telogen) becomes longer. This means hair falls out more easily and grows back more slowly.
Inflammation: Recent research shows that inflammation around hair follicles plays a significant role in this type of hair loss. This inflammation can further disrupt the hair growth cycle and damage hair follicles.
Symptoms of Androgenic Alopecia
Men: Hair loss typically starts at the temples and crown, leading to a receding hairline and bald spots.
Women: Hair loss is usually more diffuse, with thinning across the top of the head, but the hairline generally remains intact.
Women: Hair loss is usually more diffuse, with thinning across the top of the head, but the hairline generally remains intact.
STANDARD TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR HAIR LOSS
ORAL MEDICATION
MINOXIDIL
HAIR TRANSPLANT
ADVANCED SOLUTIONS FOR HAIR LOSS
EXOSOMES
PRP
GROWTH FACTORS
EXOSOMES
What Are Exosomes?
Exosomes are tiny vesicles derived from stem cells that contain growth factors and signalling molecules. They play a crucial role in cell communication and regeneration.
How Exosomes Help with Hair Loss?
Exosomes can stimulate hair follicles, promote hair growth, and improve the health of the scalp. They are particularly effective for conditions like androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata.
The Procedure
- Consultation: During your consultation, our specialists will assess your scalp and hair loss condition to determine if exosome treatment is suitable for you.
- Treatment Process: Exosomes are administered via microneedling. A device with fine needles creates microchannels in the scalp, allowing the exosomes to penetrate deeply and stimulate hair growth.
- Aftercare: You may experience some redness and mild discomfort, which typically subside within a day or two. It’s important to follow our aftercare instructions to optimise results.
STEM CELL/GROWTH FACTOR TREATMENT
What Are Stem Cell/Growth Factors?
Stem cells and growth factors are natural substances that help repair and regenerate tissues. They are known for their ability to promote cellular growth and healing.
How Stem Cells/Growth Factors Help with Hair Loss?
These treatments can rejuvenate hair follicles, stimulate hair growth, and enhance scalp health. They are effective for treating androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata.
The Procedure
- Consultation: We will evaluate your hair loss condition and discuss the benefits of stem
cell/growth factor treatment. - Treatment Process: Similar to exosome treatment, stem cells and growth factors are
administered through microneedling, ensuring deep penetration and effective stimulation of hair follicles. - Aftercare: Following the treatment, you might experience some mild redness and discomfort. Proper aftercare is essential to achieve the best results.
PRP (PLATELET-RICH PLASMA) TREATMENT
What is PRP?
PRP is a concentration of platelets derived from your own blood, rich in growth factors that promote healing and tissue regeneration.
How PRP Helps with Hair Loss?
PRP stimulates hair follicles, increases blood supply to the scalp, and promotes natural hair growth. It is effective for both androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata.
The Procedure
- Consultation: During your consultation, we will determine if PRP treatment is suitable for you based on your medical history and hair loss condition.
- Treatment Process: A small amount of your blood is drawn and processed to extract the platelet-rich plasma. This PRP is then injected into the scalp at the level of the hair follicles.
- Aftercare: You may experience some soreness and redness at the injection sites. Following our aftercare guidelines will help you achieve optimal results.
BEFORE / AFTER GALLERY
Schedule your treatment at The Rejuvena Laser & Aesthetic Clinic, Bedford today and take the first step towards beautiful, revitalised skin.
FAQs
Hair loss can be caused by various factors, including genetics (androgenic alopecia), autoimmune conditions (alopecia areata), hormonal changes, diseases and environmental factors.
During your consultation, our specialists will assess your hair loss condition and recommend the most suitable
treatment option based on your individual needs.
Some discomfort may be experienced during microneedling or PRP injections, but it is generally well-tolerated. Topical numbing agents can be used to minimise discomfort.
The number of sessions required varies depending on the severity of your hair loss and the chosen treatment. Typically, a series of treatments isrecommended for optimal results.
Common side effects include mild redness, swelling, and discomfort at the treatment site, which usually subside within a few days.
Results vary depending on the individual and the treatment used. Generally, improvements can be seen within a few months, with optimal results typically visible after several sessions.
A prior consultation is necessary to assess your suitability and ensure the best possible outcome.