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An Update In Stem Cell Therapy

What are stem cells?

Stems cells are the foundation of every organ and tissue in our body. Throughout our lives stem cells replace injured tissues and cells that are lost every day, such as those in our skin, hair, blood and the lining of our organs. Stem cells have the ability to change into other types of cells, making them essentially unprogrammed cells or “shape shifters”. Since stem cells can become bone, muscle, cartilage and other specialized types of cells, they are at the center of a new field of science called regenerative medicine. Stem cells harvested from a patient have the potential to replace countless cells of the body and are capable of treating diseases including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Autoimmune Diseases and more. They may heal the body by replacing cells plagued with disease or the inability to produce a healthy immune system response by regenerating healthy new cells that can.

Simple Example of stem cells

When we have a paper cut on our finger, the damaged cells that were cut release chemicals on their own called growth factors. These growth factors activate dormant stem cells in the surrounding tissue which produce new skin cells and heal the wound. Once it is healed, the stem cells again become dormant. Stem cell therapy works essentially in the same way to heal injuries and diseases.
Two simple things define stem cells:
• They can “self renew” – Meaning they can multiply and produce greater numbers of themselves.
• They can “differentiate” – Meaning they can develop and change into at least two different types of specialist cells that carry out a specific function.

4 Known Types of Stem Cells

• Adult Stem Cells – Derived from an adult human body.
Most commonly used stem cell for treatments and widely accepted. In instances where adult stem cells are obtained from the intended recipient, the risk of rejection is essentially non-existent. Consequently, more US government funding is being provided for adult stem cell research.
• Embryonic Stem Cells – Derived from embryos.
These cells require specific signals to differentiate to the desired cell type. If they are simply injected directly, they will differentiate into many different types of cells, resulting in a tumor derived from this abnormal pluripotent cell development. The directed differentiation of ES cells and avoidance of transplant rejection are just two of the hurdles that ES cell researchers still face.
• Fetal Stem Cells – Derived from aborted fetuses.
These have developed further than embryonic stem cells and are a little more specialized – their options are limited. However, they can still produce most types of cell in the body.
• Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) – From some parts of the human body.
These stem cells are engineered from older, fully specialized cells. Scientists encourage these limited cells to act like embryonic stem cells again, with the ability to become any type of human cell. This is a complex technique that has only recently been developed and is the subject of much ongoing research.

How is stem cell therapy administered?

Stem cell therapies are injected into the vein (intravenous treatment). There are two types of intravenous methods which are discussed below.
•Direct Injections – Injections administered directly into the site that needs repair such as muscles and tendons.
•Intranasal – Administered to a highly vascular pathway of the nose to encourage more stem cells to travel past the blood brain barrier.

what this means for Alopecia areata

Alopecia Areata is an auto immune disease where the immune system attacks hair follicles. It usually does not threaten health, but it can greatly affect the way a person looks. A patient that receives adult stem cell treatment injections (Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment) will find that it will stimulate his / her immune system, promote cellular regeneration and improve symptoms associated with Alopecia. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) uses the patients’ own blood and processes it with a concentration of the body’s own cells which contain healing and growth factors.

alopecia areata Research

A blog published in Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration detailed the success of a method that used hair cloning therapy to treat alopecia areata. The study was conducted by Marwa Fawzi, a dermatologist at the University Of Cairo Faculty Of Medicine, who used stem cells from the scalps of eight children with alopecia areata to regenerate their own hair.
Six months after the hair cloning treatment, the results showed a 50% increase in hair in more than half of the subjects. One of them, an 8-year-old boy, grew nearly a full head of hair after being almost completely bald before treatment.
After being convinced of the results, Dr. Fawzi analyzed the new skin samples on the head and examined the hair follicles themselves and found that the injected stem cells had migrated into the follicles. The stem cells stimulated the follicles to transition from a dormant phase to a hair-generating phase (just like our above paper cut example).
[calltoaction]To learn more about our Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), please contact us at (817) 473-2120 today or email appointments@markbisharamd.com to schedule an appointment.[/calltoaction]

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NEW Juvederm Volbella Injection 2016

Juvéderm® VOLBELLA®

Juvéderm® VOLBELLA® with Lidocaine is the latest advancement in the Juvéderm® range of facial fillers, developed specifically for your lips and mouth area. VOLBELLA® is a smooth gel that has been specifically developed to give the patient a soft, natural feel. The gel in Volbella fills in lip lines and wrinkles while the hyaluronic acid in it attracts and retains moisture, leaving you with results that can last up to a year! The smooth consistency of the products in the Juvéderm Ultra® and VYCROSS™ ranges allow your medical physician to administer them easily and smoothly. They also contain 0.3% Lidocaine to reduce injection pain for a more comfortable experience.

Juvéderm® VOLBELLA® Case Study

A study showed that 98% of people who had Juvéderm® VOLBELLA® with Lidocaine reported that their lip appearance goals had been achieved; with results lasting up to 12 months.

No Downtime

Following a filler injection, you may experience slight redness, swelling, or bruising at the injected area. These effects should not last for more than a week. Remember, 12 hours after your procedure you can cover up any skin discoloration with makeup.
[calltoaction]To learn more about Injectables, please contact us at (817) 473-2120 today or email appointments@markbisharamd.com to schedule an appointment.[/calltoaction]

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The ARTAS Experience

 


 

Deciding to have a hair transplant procedure is an important, life-changing decision. Understanding the details of the ARTAS® Robotic Procedure will help you determine if it is right for you. You will need to know what to expect before, during and after the procedure, as well as when you can expect to see results.
The ARTAS Robotic Procedure was designed with you in mind. Developed with leading hair transplant physicians and researchers, this state-of-the-art technology was created to eliminate the guesswork and fatigue associated with manual handheld methods, along with the scarring, complications and downtime of existing invasive surgical techniques. Unlike older transplant methods, no stitches are required, rendering your procedure nearly undetectable. You can now expect natural-looking results without the side effects and recovery times resulting from older techniques. Overcome the negative stigma associated with traditional hair transplants and reap the benefits of this revolutionary, physician-controlled technology.
During the initial stage, hair is selectively harvested with robotic precision providing consistent graft dissection. Advanced robotics provide speed and harvesting accuracy unavailable with manual handheld techniques.
The ARTAS System uses Recipient Site Making to implement your treatment design which is carefully created with the ARTAS Hair Studio Technology. Using the process of robotic Recipient Site Making, the ARTAS System protects your existing, healthy hair. Survival and growth rates of the transplanted hair depends entirely on the meticulous creation of these robotic recipient sites.

How Will You Look?

The ARTAS Hair Studio® Technology is a 3D photograph based simulation of your potential procedure results. During your consultation, your clinician will work to design your personalized cosmetic hair pattern and illustrate different options, showing you various graft counts and hair distribution, with your direct input. The same ARTAS Hair Studio Technology is used to create your robotic Recipient Site Making treatment design which is then transferred to the ARTAS Robotic System for implementation.

Day of the Procedure

Most ARTAS Robotic Procedures start in the morning and end in the afternoon. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a loose-fitting hat to wear home after your procedure.

During the Procedure

During the ARTAS Robotic Procedure, you will be seated and the physician and clinical team will do everything they can to ensure your comfort. A local anesthetic will be used while you remain awake and alert during the procedure. Most patients describe their experience as virtually pain-free.
The physician-assisted ARTAS® Robotic System will use advanced algorithms to select the best hairs for harvesting, while preserving the natural look of your donor area. Your aesthetic design from ARTAS Hair Studio is delivered to the robot for Recipient Site Making. Your hair is then transplanted into thinning areas.
There will be time for breaks during the procedure, so you should expect to have a pleasant experience throughout the process.

After the Procedure

You will be able to return home immediately after the procedure. Your clinician will instruct you on how to care for your newly transplanted hair. Most people will sleep comfortably without pain immediately post-procedure and will return to their regular activities in a few days.

Your New Hair Growth

Follow your clinician’s instructions on how to shampoo and care for your hair. Your newly transplanted hair, like the rest of your hair, grows steadily over time. After a few months, you will begin to see new hair growth. Around six months, you will start to notice significant growth. Your hair will continue to grow in the treated areas over time. You will be able to take care of your newly transplanted, permanent hair as you normally would.
[calltoaction]To learn more about our Robotic Hair Transplant Services, please contact us (817) 473-2120 or email appointments@markbisharamd.com to schedule an appointment.[/calltoaction]

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Frequently Asked Questions
 On The ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant

How does the ARTAS Robotic Procedure work?

The ARTAS Robotic Procedure is a minimally invasive hair restoration solution that leverages digital imaging and precision robotics to harvest healthy grafts for transplantation. Unlike the earlier methods of hair restoration, there is no need for the surgical removal of a band of tissue from the back and sides of the head, no linear scar left after surgery and no need for stitches or staples to close the wound. The benefit is a quick recovery time and the ability to return to normal activities and work sooner.

Should I cut my hair before treatment?

Yes. Trimming your hair in the donor area allows the ARTAS Robotic System to accurately visualize, track and harvest each grouping of hairs. You will receive instructions on having your hair cut shorter in preparation for your ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant.

How will my hair look after the ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant?

The ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant provides extremely natural looking results. After the procedure, you are able to wear your hair any length or style with confidence.

How is the ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant different than “Hair Plugs”?

Old fashioned “hair plugs” included the harvesting of large patches of hair that resulted in an awkward and unnatural appearance once implanted. In the ARTAS Robotic Procedure, hairs are harvested in their natural groupings and then transplanted individually by your physician. Individual transplantation provides you with the look you desire, including a great looking hairline and a fuller head of hair.

Are ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant results permanent?

Yes. The ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant uses your own permanent growing hair, typically from the back of your head, and your physician then implants this hair to the thinning areas of your scalp. As this hair is not susceptible to the conditions that cause male pattern baldness, transplanted hair will last a lifetime.

How long does it take to recover and heal?

Recovery time with the ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant is less than with most surgical cosmetic procedures. As there is no surgical incision or stitches required with the ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant, healing time is short, and you can usually go back to your daily activities after a day or two. Some doctors schedule a follow up visit the morning after the procedure to examine your scalp and to teach you how to take care of your newly implanted hair.

When will my new hair start to grow?

Transplanted hair grows naturally in phases. New hairs are seen about three months after the procedure, and will continue to increase over the course of a full year. At approximately six months, you will enjoy a noticeable improvement and after a full year, you will see final results.

Will people know I have had a hair transplant procedure?

With the ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant, any scarring is minimal and is nearly undetectable. Your new hair grows in gradually, reducing the chance that people will notice the procedure. Your friends and family will comment that you look better, but the results from your hair transplant are subtle and natural.

Does the ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant procedure hurt?

The ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant, an outpatient procedure performed in the doctor’s office, requires only a local anesthetic. The patient feels virtually no pain. Some patients can experience minor discomfort and swelling post-procedure, which subsides in one to three days.

Will there be visible scarring in the donor area?

Because the ARTAS Robotic System selectively harvests individual hair groupings rather than removing a large area of scalp requiring sutures, there is minimal scarring in the donor area. Hair can be worn fashionably short, or in longer styles, whatever you prefer. You’re not limited by having to cover scarring from strip surgery.

What is the price of the ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant?

Treatment costs will be determined during your consultation with your doctor and depend on the amount of new hair that you desire. Discuss the procedure pricing with your doctor, as some doctors may offer payment options.

How long does the ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant procedure take?

The ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant usually takes from four to eight hours as determined by your doctor to achieve your hair restoration goals. You are comfortably seated during the process, and the doctor and staff are there with you to maximize your comfort throughout the procedure.
[calltoaction]To learn more about our Robotic Hair Transplant Services, please contact us at (817) 473-2120 today to schedule an appointment.[/calltoaction]

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Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment

4 Year PRP Case Study

In the last 4 years The International Hair Research Foundation carried out a scientific evaluation of the effectiveness and safeness of the PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) technique. Their study was performed on 568 men (56%) aged from 18 to 72. 465 women (44%) aged from 16 to 78. International Hair Research Foundation Study found a significant increase in the number of hairs after the treatment was obtained in 80% of cases (both in male and female subjects). In 93% of cases a therapeutic effect was obtained and a significant improvement of hair miniaturization, hair loss, itching or trichodynia (discomfort or pain in the scalp or hair) – if present – was observed. Please visit the International Hair Research Foundation for more information on this study.

Platelet Rich Plasma

PRP Platelet Rich Plasma Treatments are injections to the patients scalp and are used to stimulate the growth of hair follicles, thereby halting or reversing miniaturization (thinning hair) seen in androgenic alopecia (common baldness) cases.

Human Blood Flow & PRP Integration

Human blood is comprised primarily of red blood cells (RBC), as well as white blood cells (WBC), platelets, and plasma. By initiating the first step of coagulation, platelets are the key to the body’s ability to heal wounds. It is thought that by increasing the platelet count in a wounded area, the body’s healing to that area would be accelerated – explaining the use of PRP in wound healing. Its possible effects on promoting hair growth make it potentially useful as both used in addition to hair transplantation surgery and for the medical treatment of hair loss. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a concentrated blood plasma which contains approximately three to five times the number of platelets found in normal circulating blood. In addition to the platelets, it contains growth factors and other bioactive proteins that aid in wound healing and hair growth.

Growth Factors

The human growth hormone (hGH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF or FGF-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)- levels are significantly elevated after PRP injection, supporting a possible ergogenic effect of PRP.

How it Works


The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa uses a double centrifuge technique that allows the active biologic factors to be administered at the most effective concentration. The treatments are administered by one of our Nurses and take about a half hour. If Dr. Mark A. Bishara, M.D. P.A. decides that you are in fact a good candidate, we may be able to perform the PRP procedure at the time of the consult. If the procedure cannot be performed at the time of consultation, you can schedule one very soon after. In either case, the consult fee will be deducted from your first treatment.

Candidates

Platelet rich plasma offers an additional way to stimulate hair growth, especially in people who cannot use other forms of treatment. For example, it may be useful for someone that is not a candidate for a hair transplant, or cannot use finasteride. It is also useful in the treatment of crown thinning where a hair transplant may not be appropriate. It works best where there is existing thinning hair not a completely bald area. We are only using Platelet Rich Plasma to treat hair loss on the scalp at this time.

Downtime

The treatment is done during a simple office visit and takes about 30-45 minutes. The patient is able to go back to regular routine after the treatment. One may have some very temporary soreness and swelling, but many patients experience no side affects after the treatment.

Results

Usually patients see results in 3 to 6 months. However, the response time may be variable. Research also agrees that about 70%-90% of patients will see a degree of improvement of hair mass/density. The latest data indicates 3 PRP therapy treatments has the greatest effectiveness for hair growth stimulation and many patients get PRP once every other year following the initial 3 treatments.

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