Histogen’s ReGenica

/by William Rassman, M.D./1 /,

Snippet from the press release:

Dr. Gail Naughton, CEO of Histogen, Inc., a regenerative medicine company developing solutions based on the products of newborn fibroblasts grown under embryonic conditions, will address attendees tomorrow at the 4th Annual Stem Cell Summit in New York. Dr. Naughton will be presenting preliminary mid-trial results from Histogen’s first human clinical evaluation of ReGenicaTM for hair regrowth.

The primary objective of this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study is to evaluate safety in the clinical application of the ReGenica product for hair regrowth. Histogen is also examining product efficacy as a secondary objective, specifically looking at the same end-points the Company has seen in the animal model – new hair growth, and the thickness of new and existing hair. The study is in progress, but the Company has reviewed data from the scheduled 12 week time point and is pleased with the results to date.

HistogenRead the full text — Histogen to Present Preliminary Hair Regrowth Clinical Results at Stem Cell Summit

This is all quite exciting! Until I see actual data it wouldn’t be professional of me to comment further, though. There’s also an article I just found from yesterday with a photo of preliminary results, and they look very promising (see here). The hair count does appear to be increased. Remember, this is all very early clinical trial stuff, but I’ll post more info as it becomes available.

Their site is here if you want to do some further research. Or to read more about Wnt proteins, as it seems that it relates to the ReGenica product, see here.

Tags: regenica, histogen, hairloss, hair loss, hair regrowth, stem cell, wnt

AskMen.com Discusses Foods that Prevent Hair Loss

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /

Snippet from the article:

If you dread trips to the barbershop and cringe every time you pass a mirror, there’s a pretty good chance you’re concerned about hair loss. Whether you’re starting to see strands of your hair at the bottom of your shower or are just worried that your thick head of hair won’t last forever, there are helpful foods that prevent hair loss. You may be, however, genetically predisposed to hair loss, and if that’s the case, there’s not much you can do but keep your fingers crossed. Making sure certain foods are in your diet will help keep your scalp healthy, happy and, hopefully, hairy. Here are some foods that prevent hair loss, which means you need to stock up.

RaisinsRead the full article: AskMen.com – Foods That Prevent Hair Loss

I don’t expect to find much medical information on a site like AskMen.com, and after reading this article I’m more secure in my lack of expectations. That being said, I still managed to read through the article, which states that eating eggs, beans, raisins, seafood, and potatoes all prevent hair loss, and greasy foods cause your hair to fall out. The author gives his reasoning behind most of these theories, but I do remain skeptical that foods alone can solve the problem of hair loss. The reading is interesting, nonetheless.

Tags: askmen, health, hairloss, hair loss, food, eggs, beans, raisins, seafood, zinc, vitamins

Sunetics Laser Gets an FDA Warning

/by William Rassman, M.D./2 /

It seems you overlooked yet another laser device maker that was issued a warning letter from the FDA. Apparently the FDA had some problems with the marketing of the Sunetics laser brush. Funny thing is if you read the warning letter (provided in the link below), the FDA acknowledges that they applied for clearance in January of 2008. It’s been over 1 year and they still haven’t received clearance!? Also it’s funny how the Lexington International’s Lasercomb hasn’t yet received clearance for hair growth in women yet that study had to have been completed at least when Lexington received their warning letter back in May. Which leads me to one final question, if 650 nm is the optimal wavelength for hair growth, and all of these laser devices are within that wavelength, how can only one device receive clearance (and only for men)? Almost forgot, here is the link to the Sunetics warning letter page.

FDA – Sunetics International Corporation Warning Letter

The warning letter starts:

“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has learned that your firm is marketing the Sunetics Laser Hair Brush and the Laser Skin Brush in the United States (U.S.) without marketing clearance or approval, in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act).”

The letter from the FDA is dated in August, 2008. The FDA usually posts their warning letters publicly months after they send them out. I don’t know if Sunetics got their act together, but I assume that is the case, as their website still shows these products. I know I’ve said it before, but I don’t believe that the low level light therapy works. It is just that simple.

Tags: sunetics, laser, hairloss, hair loss, hair laser, skin laser, fda, warning, marketing

What Kind of Coverage Can be Achieved with FUE2?

/by William Rassman, M.D./1 /,

Hi,
Great blog – thank you.

Just wondering if you have any results yet from the FUE2 launch? I’m considering a ht in the near future (i’m 26 and would like my hairline lowered & temples closed etc) and would prefer this to the strip option.

Can you clarify, what the coverage is with FUE2 (i.e hany man hairs per cm2 can be grafted) and how this compares with other methods please? Additionally, what are the levels of risk compared to FUE and strip…

Grateful thanks…

There is no difference between densities achieved with FUE, FUE2, or strip harvesting. The densities are achieved when the surgeon has the donor supply needed to place in the recipient area.

Here are some FUE articles you may find interesting:

Tags: fue, fue2, strip, hair transplant, hairloss, hair loss, hairtransplant

My Hair Gets Thin in Areas then Thickens Up

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /

Dr. Robert Bernstein put me on propecia back in the summer of 2004. I started taking propecia with a full head of hair that was starting to get thin in a couple spots. Dr. Bernstein then put me on 2 1/2 mg of proscar a couple years ago. I still have my full head of hair, and no one would even think I had thinning or any type of hair loss. Now, my question: Does hair get thinner at times than others? For instance, it seems that my hair will get thin in a couple spots, then get thicker again a few months later. I noticed a thin area on the top left side of my head this week that wasn’t there a couple months ago. I always look at my hair, so I know!! Haha….could the following be a couple of possible reasons?:

– Recent stress due to my brothers drug addiction (now in hawaii for rehab as of today, so that should go away).
– Shampoo and conditioner that I know was causing breakage, possibly from the silicone and dimethicone

Any answer would be appreciated!

Look up telogen effluvium (good reference at eMedicine.com) and see if this fits your observations. This is the only thing that I could imagine would do what you are talking about. You should also consider going back to Dr. Bernstein for a follow-up.

Tags: telogen effluvium, hairloss, hair loss, thinning

Diffuse Alopecia Areata vs Telogen Effluvium

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /,

Hi doc,
How do you tell the difference between Telogen Effluvium and Diffuse Alopecia Areata?

Diffuse alopecia areata can look very similar to telogen effluvium. The only way to tell these two diagnosis apart is by performing a series of biopsies of the scalp. Alopecia areata can be diagnosed histologically.

Tags: diffuse alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, hairloss, hair loss

Using Facial or Chest Hair to Transplant to Eyebrows?

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /

I am afraid that I might loose all of my donor hair & I might require an eyebrow transplant in the future. I am wondering if it is possible to use facial or chest hair for an eyebrow transplant if necessary?

Yes, chest or body hair can be used for eyebrow transplants, but that would not be my first choice (see past entries I’ve written about body hair transplants). Eyebrow transplants do not usually take much hair.

Tags: chest hair, body hair, bht, hair transplant, eyebrow, hairloss, hair loss

What’s the Point of a Master Plan and Miniaturization Mapping?

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /

Doctor
I like your methodical approach as far as coming up with a master plan, mapping hair out for miniaturization, but after many many hours of researching all the info on the web, I’m not sure what the point is. From what I’ve learned Propecia has been shown to work for the vast majority of people. Minoxidil works for most people also, just not as well. By working I mean even in the cases where neither has shown to grow hair there has been the benefit of retaining hair or at least slowing the process down.

Everything I’ve read seems abundantly in favor of these drugs working for most. So why not just use them quit counting hairs, especially hairs in the sink (I’ve found shedding is not always balding)knowing you’re doing everything you can. I know you don’t like to start both drugs at once, but if the point is to grow, halt, or slow the process quickly with maximum benefits, odds are they’re both going to work to some extent and work better together. (No real studies I’m aware of prove that)

Why add Minoxidil 2 years later and be 2 years off baseline than if you started 2 years earlier? So again my question is why count hair or measure density? Everything I’ve read even on your blogs suggest a benefit from these drugs. Again just go off one of these that isn’t working and you’ll find out the hard way.

Sorry for the length of this question(probably too long for here) but I wanted to be clear. This is my conclusion. But I obviously defer to your experience and knowledge. Where am I off here doc? Thanks

It is clear that you read my posts here and understand it well. There are those people that want to know what is happening to them and those that don’t. If you’re curious about microscopically seeing your hair loss progress over time, miniaturization mapping is important. For those individuals who have a hair transplant, the Master Plan is very critical, because it allows you to address what you have growing on your head and adding hair where it will make a difference. I always build a Master Plan for all of my patients who have transplants so that they know when to stop or go forward with more transplants.

Drugs don’t work for everyone, and the financial costs involved with using multiple medications daily are a good reason to try one alone before adding another. One of two medications is available by prescription, the other is over the counter. Yes, the smart thing is to see a doctor for a finasteride prescription and then try minoxidil if you want to throw everything at your hair loss.

Tags: hair loss, hairloss, miniaturization, mapping, plan, doctor, hair transplant

Are Laser Treatments Beneficial for Women?

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /,

I read your blog daily and I know you are very skeptical about laser treatment of hair loss in men/women. However, it benefits us all to know about new stories and developments so I figured I would send this to you and ask your thoughts about it. I saw a laser procedure on the T.V. show “The Doctors” of a woman receiving a procedure and as I could not find it discussed on your
site, here is the link: thedoctorstv.com

Is this basically the same thinking behind the Lasercomb and other laser treatments or is this something new? Is this something only to be beneficial to women and not men is this is something worthwhile? I am skeptical about it myself. Thank you for your time!

The machine they showed looks to be the same one I had in my office for some time (and got rid of). Each hair laser maker will tell you their product is best because of various reasons, but you’re good to be skeptical. As soon as the FDA clearance (showing that it is safe, not that is effective) happened for the lasers, the flood gates opened. There are very few options for women with genetic hair loss, so it’s not hard to see why someone might try to market a new hair device towards the female group. Plus, it makes for good television.

I’ve written about the various handheld and full sit-down lasers before. Bottom line — there is no solid scientific evidence that the low level light therapy (laser) will positively impact hair growth.

Tags: laser, lllt, hairloss, hair loss, doctors, tv, female, women, woman

Will Aderans Trials be Concluded by Late 2010?

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /

Hi doc, I would like to know your opinion about aderans. They are conducing trials in NY, and they say that the results of the experiments will be available in the next 4 mounths. The trials will be concluded at the end of 2010. Do you think they possibly provide us their treatement by the end of the decade, as they promised?

Thank you, best wishes

It is difficult for me to answer your question, as I am not an insider with Aderans. Should we just take them at their word and look for more announcements in the months ahead? Like you, I’m waiting for the results of these trials to be announced. The following is from their website — “We anticipate that patients will have access to hair multiplication technology by the end of the decade, and will enjoy the convenience of same-day office visits, much like the most common cosmetic procedures.”

Aderans clearly has high hopes.

Tags: aderans, hair multiplication, hair cloning, hairloss, hair loss

Can I Shrink My Hair Transplant Donor Scar?

/by William Rassman, M.D./2 /,

I look at pictures of other patients that have a strip scar and my seems to stand out a lot more than the ones I see. Even if I shave my head on the longest of length it shows up. Is there anything I can do to make it smaller, like having it redone for a tri-stitch?

Without seeing you it is difficult for me to tell you what to do. There are scar revisions that can be performed with trichophytic closures that might help you. For more on that, see:

The problem is that in some people who stretch scars, the scar tends to return… so that is a risk in undergoing a scar revision surgery.

Tags: hair transplant, scar, donor, hairloss, hair loss, surgery, trichophytic

If I Take Finasteride, Can It Effect My Child’s Growth?

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /

Dear Doctor

First of I would like to congratulate you on this wicked resourse, I have a buring question wondering you can shed some light on. One of the common side effect of taking Finastride is that it directly effects the sperm making it watery etc. We planning for a baby and I am wondering taking Finasteride will directly effect the child, growth etc? I have not yet seen my GP but everytime I put my hand through my hair I get 2-3 hair that come out, front and crown. but still got a thick head of hair.

Thank doc hope to hear from you soon.

If you are worried about the quality of your semen, then get it check out by your doctor. Finasteride does change the quality of the semen in some men (about 20%), but it has not been reported that it will reduce your chance of getting your lady pregnant or effect the child’s growth. It is normal to lose 100 hairs/day.

Tags: propecia, finasteride, child, hairloss, hair loss

My Libido is Up with Saw Palmetto and Finasteride

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /

Hi there doctor, I have a question about hairloss products like finastride and saw palmetto! I have been taking saw palmetto and finastride for the last two years due to hairloss! Before I started taking these products I suffered from depression! One of the things I was depressed about was the fact that my libido was really low in other words my sexual hunger had gone! Since taking saw palmetto I have found that my sexual hunger is up and my hair is slowly growing. the only thing I am concerned about is the safety of these tablets? I really don’t want to stop taking them cause I feel like I have gained hair and gained my life back, I have so much energy and feel great. Please help me? Also do these tablets cause you to gain weight?

I report these comments, but I don’t know what to make out of them. Both of these medications could increase testosterone, but most of the time they have no long term effects. I’m not sure what you’d like my help with if your libido is up. They do not make you gain weight.

Tags: saw palmetto, propecia, finasteride, hairloss, hair loss, libido

I Want to Take Steroids!

/by William Rassman, M.D./0 /

Hi Doctor,

With all the talk recently about steroids in the news, I’ve made the decision to start taking them. At 30 years old, being 6’5 165lbs is no longer an option, and I’ve tried everything to gain mass. I was wondering what steroids can be taken without having a significant impact on hair growth. I’m pretty sure I have MPB. Some companies offer steroids that “have no DHT conversion”, also this website claims certain steroids are safe for hair: https://www.hairloss-research.org/steroids.html. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I use steroids for therapeutic reasons and I have no experience with them to build body mass. Check with your family doctor for his/her recommendations.

Tags: steroids, baseball, hairloss, hair loss

List of Hair Loss “Cures” Includes Bending Exercises and Putting Castor Oil on Your Scalp

/by William Rassman, M.D./1 /

Doctor I found a bunch of so called “cures” for hair loss online can you tell me if any of these are true.

(taken from Amazines.com)

“Excess stress, lack of hair care, a dirty scalp, and the lack of nutritious foods can precipitate hair loss. As well, consuming excess amounts of caffeine, sugar, fats and carbonated drinks can cause hair loss.

On the contrary, various forms of exercises that require the body to be bent forwards or backwards will also result in increased blood flow to the scalp, which will promote healthy hair and a healthy scalp. Consuming foods rich with essential nutrients will also promote healthy hair growth.

Home remedies for hair loss are the best options, and they are safe and dirt cheap. They do not have any side effects and don’t cause any damage. And the good news is that there are so many remedies available to stop hair loss, that if one doesn’t work another one might.

One of the methods is to take some fenugreek seeds and soak them in water overnight in a big bowl. Next morning, apply the water to your scalp and wrap the head in a towel.

Let it remain like that for three hours and then shampoo to get rid of the fenugreek smell. Following this routine daily for a month may solve your problem; however, those who catch colds easily shouldn’t try this or stop as soon as they feel that they are about to catch cold.

Another method for hair loss prevention is to apply castor oil to hair roots and scalp before bedtime, yet try to avoid getting castor oil on the rest of your hair. In the morning, shampoo to remove the oil. Continue this process once every week for 7 to 10 weeks. This is one of the many hair loss treatments that may stop hair loss, although it may not work for some people. There is no harm in trying this treatment.”

If none of these are true why are so many people so ignorant on hair loss?

We all look for that miracle cure for hair loss, but it is elusive. I couldn’t begin to guess why people are ignorant about these “treatments”. Perhaps the power of suggestion is at play. Perhaps they are easy to dupe. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps…

Quite a funny list there, though. Why not apply manure to your head? I mean, fertilizer helps crops grow in the field, so why wouldn’t it work to regrow hair on your scalp? I’m sure if I put a “Rassman’s Own” label on a bag of cow droppings, someone would buy it with the express purpose of applying it to their head. Any takers?

Rassman's Own Manure

 

Tags: hairloss, hair loss, vitamin, fenugreek, exercise