Hair loss is a common condition effecting many men and up to 30% of women. Treatment options to date have been somewhat limited, however a totally new treatment is now available, and Envisage Clinic is excited to be one of the first clinics in Australia offering Regenera Activa as an option.
Current medical options for hair loss are as follows;
- Topical Minoxidil (Regaine) is probably the most common treatment for hair loss, and it is effective. Topical minoxidil is applied once or twice a day to the scalp as a solution or foam. It usually prevents further hair loss for the majority of patients and often can cause a fairly significant amount of regrowth. Minoxidil preparations are available over the counter at most chemists.
- Minoxidil tablets can also be used for hair loss. Minoxidil tablets are a prescription medication. It can cause an increase in body hair and also symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Finasteride (Propecia) and Dutesteride. Finasteride and dutestaride act by blocking the particular subtype of testosterone that adversely affect hair growth. Finasteride is usually used as a tablet prescription medication although a topical solution can be compounded. Finasteride and dutesteride should not be used by women of child bearing age and have rarely been linked with depressed mood and sexual dysfunction in susceptible individuals.
LASER and Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) Light therapy is usually administered with LED lights and caps. Studies do show some benefit, but is is probably best used as an add-on or adjunctive treatment.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP). PRP initially showed great promise for hair loss. The idea behind it is very attractive – utilising the stimulating properties of growth factors derived from your own blood to stimulate hair follicles. Generally 4 sessions are performed in the first 2-4 months, and then about 2 treatments a year for maintenance. Unfortunately PRP has, in my experience, rather failed to live up to expectations and results are often rather disappointing.
Regenera Activa is a novel type of treatment. Essentially very small (2-3mm) plugs of hair bearing skin are removed from the back of the head under a small local anaesthetic. This tissue is then processed in clinic to yield about 5mls of cell rich serum. This is then injected into the area of concern. The serum is rich in stem and progenitor cells which stimulate follicles.
One of the major benefits of Regenera is that only one treatment is performed every year to two years. This compares to platelet rich plasma which necessitates a series of usually 4 treatments with top up treatments every 6-12 months. Ultimately this makes Regenera a much more efficient treatment with far fewer consultations and sessions, and less overall cost.
Regenera treatments are quick (about 30 minutes, minimally invasive, drug and enzyme free, and relatively pain free.
European studies have been very promising.
Hair Loss Treatment Before and after using Regenera Activa
Other uses for Regenera
Regenera can be used wherever rejuvenation of cutaneous structure or function is desired. It has been shown to be beneficial in vitiligo, scars, stretch marks, and for general skin rejuvenation.
Article by Dr Christopher Leat – Medical Director Envisage Clinic Benowa
Dr Christopher Leat – Medical Director Envisage Skin Clinic Founder and Director.
Dr Christopher Leat has 33 years’ experience in Medicine and is a member of The Royal College of Physicians of London.
Dr Leat has devoted the last 18 years to Cosmetic Medicine and is recognized throughout Australia as one of the most experienced doctors in the field of Cosmetic Medicine.
