Why We Lose Our Hair and How Growth Factors Can Restore Hair Growth in Patients

If you are currently suffering from or showing early signs of hair loss, you should know that there are effective treatments available at Mitchell Dermatology in Ohio. The practice offers Deep Cleansing with Growth Factors, traditional Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections and Microneedling or Laser with Growth Factors, which have shown effective results in restoring hair growth. 

Why Do We Lose Our Hair?

If you find a small amount of hair in your hairbrush, that is entirely normal. But what about when you start seeing large amounts of hair loss that result in overall density loss or bald spots? Take a look at some of the various causes that could be to blame.

1. A Change in Hormones

If you are a woman who has just given birth or who is experiencing menopause, the hormonal imbalances you are experiencing could be causing hair loss. For men, aside from those experiencing genetic male pattern baldness, hair loss could be due to changes in hormone composition which come with age. One such hormone, called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), could be a cause of hair loss.

2. Disorder of the Thyroid

Having thyroid issues is one of the most common hormone-related reasons for hair loss. Whether you are experiencing an abundance of thyroid hormone (called hyperthyroidism) or do not have enough (called hypothyroidism), either could result in hair loss. Seeing a doctor for thyroid treatment can usually reverse your hair loss issues.

3. Stress

Both psychological and physical stress can directly lead to hair loss. Physical stress could manifest from undergoing surgery, suffering from high fever, or losing blood. These are all external physical stresses which could result in your suffering from hair loss. Additionally, for women, childbirth could also lead to hair loss for months after delivering a child. 

When looking at specific psychological stresses, this is harder to strictly define. However, if you are experiencing heightened stress or anxiety and are noticing hair loss, you are not alone. Many individuals report that they have experienced hair loss due to stress and anxiety. Hair loss brought on by either physical or psychological stress can sometimes subside as the body heals or the stress/anxiety subsides.

4. Medication

If you have ever seen a pharmaceutical commercial, you know that there is a litany of possible side effects associated with most medications. One of these side effects could be hair loss. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy will likely lose their hair due to the medications administered. Other medications that could cause hair loss include:

• Thyroid medication
• Oral contraceptives
• Anticonvulsants
• Beta-blockers
• Anticoagulants

Medications affect everybody differently, and what may cause hair loss in one person may not do the same for another. You should talk with your doctor if you begin to experience hair loss after taking any new medication.

5. Nutrient Deficiency

When you have certain deficiencies in your diet, you could be at a higher risk of hair loss. An excellent example is those who do not get enough zinc or iron. Low intake of the following nutrients and vitamins could also put you at higher risk for hair loss:

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B-12
• Biotin
• Copper
• Selenium

These are some common reasons why you could be experiencing hair loss. Even if you are not experiencing hair loss, all of the above could put you at a higher risk. The good news is that safe and effective treatment options are available to you through Mitchell Dermatology in Northwest Ohio. 

Deep Cleansing with Growth Factors (Keravive)

Healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp. Poor scalp health can aggravate damaged, thinning hair and prevent healthy hair growth. Keravive treatment is used to clean out the pores of people who have flaking, itchiness, dryness, or irritation on their scalp. It also helps people whose hair is thinning or falling out due to hormonal, environmental, or physiological factors such as stress, as well as those preparing for a hair transplant or undergoing hair loss treatments such as PRP. 

It is a one-of-a-kind treatment that we consider “a facial for the scalp.” The vortex technology (also seen in the Hydrafacial) and the Keravive peptide complex solution cleanse, exfoliate, stimulate and deliver a proprietary blend of skin proteins and growth factors specifically to the scalp to hydrate, nourish, and stimulate it to promote healthier-looking and fuller hair. 

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for Hair Loss

A platelet is one component of your blood, along with white and red blood cells. When a person is wounded, platelets act as a “first responder” and work to stop bleeding and promote healing. Once scientists realized the function platelets play, it was then theorized how they could be used as an injectable for accelerated healing. 

It has been found that platelet-rich plasma does contain a specific range of proteins and growth factors that can be used to restore hair growth. Because the platelet-rich protein is taken from the treated patient, there is a minimal health risk. 

What can I expect on the day of my PRP treatment for hair loss? 

Blood is taken from the patient and placed in a centrifuge. This device spins the blood, separating the platelets, which are then extracted from the centrifuge into a syringe. The PRP is then injected into selected areas of the scalp. The process takes around 1 hour and initially 3 treatments spread out monthly along with a maintenance schedule may be recommended for best results. 

Microneedling and Laser Assisted Growth Factors with KeraFactor for Hair Loss  

Microneedling and Laser with Growth Factors are alternatives to traditional PRP that generate hair growth through rejuvenating hair follicles. During the procedure, a microneedling pin or laser is used to create microscopic channels across the scalp, increasing the absorptive capability of the KeraFactor, a growth triggering serum, that is applied to the scalp. The contents of the serum are effectively absorbed into the channels, stimulating hair growth. 

KeraFactor

• Patented and proprietary formulation
• Targets deficiencies which cause poor hair health
• Contains bioidentical growth factors and skin proteins 
• Delivered in a nano-liposome carrier for increased absorption in the scalp

How many Laser with Growth Factors will I need for hair loss treatments? 

The number of Laser with Growth Factor treatments needed depends on the severity of the hair loss. However, the recommendation is 6 treatments over a period of 3 months. Treatment sessions may take 15-20 minutes. The hair growth associated with the treatment may be seen the following 9-12 months after the treatment sessions are completed. Maintenance is typically 2 treatments every 6 months or 1 treatment every 3 months depending on the severity of the hair loss.  

Who is the best candidate for Microneedling and Laser Assisted Growth Factors with KeraFactor? 

If you are ready to regain a healthy head of hair, consider the benefits of platelet-rich protein injections or microneedling or Laser with Growth Factors. To learn more about the procedures, schedule a consultation today with Dr. Hope Mitchell at Mitchell Dermatology by calling our Perrysburg office at 419.871.3737.

Hope Mitchell, MD
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Hope Mitchell, MD, is the founder and medical director of Mitchell Dermatology and an Ohio board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist with over 25 years of experience and expertise. Dr. Mitchell obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Rochester and Doctorate of Medicine from The Medical College of Ohio, where she also completed an internship in Internal Medicine and a Pathology Fellowship. She also completed a residency in dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and is certified by the American Board of Dermatology. She advocates mentorship, education, and diversity in medicine and dermatology. She is the founder of the Mitchell Dermatology Student Gap Year Internship Program. She has been featured in many newspapers and magazines and is also a speaker for Google and Black Women in Media too. Dr. Mitchell is the Vice Chair and Director of Research for The National Medical Association, Dermatology Section. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and a Member of the Skin of Color Society and National Medical Association.

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