General Dermatology Archives - Dr. U Hair & Skin Clinic | FUE Hair Restoration, Dermatology and Laser Surgery | Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach | Dr Sanusi Umar MD

Beyond Aesthetics: The Lifesaving Potential of Hair Transplants

Dr Sanusi Umar MD — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 01:04:02 +0000

As a hair transplant surgeon, I’ve witnessed countless transformations in my patients, both in appearance and confidence. However, recent cases I dealt with shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of hair transplants – their protective role in shielding the scalp and cooling the brain. It’s a fascinating revelation that goes beyond the traditional aesthetic benefits of these procedures.

Hair acts as a physical barrier to protect the scalp from sun damage.

The Protective Nature of Hair

Hair is often regarded as a symbol of beauty, but its functional significance extends far beyond aesthetics. Our hair acts as a natural barrier, protecting the delicate scalp from the harsh elements of the environment, particularly the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The hair follicles create a shield that reduces sunburn risk and protects the scalp from potential long-term damage.

A Recent Case

I recently had a patient with severe baldness who approached me for a hair transplant. What struck me about his case was his concern about frequent sunburns on his exposed scalp. This highlighted the discomfort he experienced and emphasized the need to consider the protective function of hair in our daily lives.

The Cooling Effect on the Scalp and Brain

Beyond protection, hair plays a role in temperature regulation on the scalp. The insulating effect of a full head of hair helps maintain an optimal temperature, enhancing comfort and contributing to the overall health of the brain. This cooling effect is a fascinating aspect that emphasizes the intricate relationship between our hair and our physiological processes.

Hair Transplants as a Preventative Measure

Considering the recent case and the broader implications of hair’s protective function, it becomes apparent that hair transplants can be more than just a cosmetic solution. By restoring a natural barrier, individuals undergoing hair transplants are enhancing their appearance and taking a proactive step towards reducing the risk of skin cancer, a point that may not have been immediately obvious.

Additional Protection is Key

While the protective benefits of hair transplants are significant, it’s crucial to acknowledge that they are not foolproof, especially in high sun exposure conditions. I recommend that my patients complement the natural barrier with additional protective measures. Wearing hats and using SPF formulated for the hair and scalp are highly advisable for days when sun exposure is intense.

Wearing hats and SPF protection on high UV days adds additional protection to the scalp.

Conclusion

The recent case and ongoing research highlight the health importance of hair transplants. These procedures offer both functional and potentially lifesaving benefits. Hair acts as a natural barrier in daily activities, so taking extra precautions is crucial. Wearing hats and using SPF is necessary, especially in high sun exposure conditions. Embracing these benefits helps us appreciate how hair transplants contribute to appearance and overall health, potentially saving lives by reducing the risk of skin cancer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between straight and curly hair in terms of effectiveness for sun protection?

Curly hair is better at keeping the scalp cool as curls create a layer of cooler air between the scalp and the surface. This is an evolutionary mechanism.

Can I protect my scalp by wearing sunscreen on my head?

Definitely. We often overlook the scalp, but wearing sunscreen designed for hair and scalp is a great idea, especially when you’re out on a hot day. Hair is a physical barrier that protects the scalp to an extent, but that protection should be complemented with other measures on high UV days.

References

de Gálvez MV;Aguilera J;Bernabó JL;Sánchez-Roldán C;Herrera-Ceballos E; (no date) Human hair as a natural sun protection agent: A quantitative study, Photochemistry and photobiology. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25682789/ (Accessed: 28 November 2023).

Pamenter, M.E., Lau, G.Y. and Richards, J.G. (2018) Effects of cold on murine brain mitochondrial function, PloS one. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6283463/ (Accessed: 28 November 2023).

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Manhattan Beach Patient Chooses Dr. U’s Laser Treatment For Rosacea

Dr Sanusi Umar MD — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 21:02:46 +0000

This Manhattan Beach Los Angeles patient of Dr. U was concerned about the worsening signs of redness on his chest due to Rosacea, a chronic, progressive inflammatory skin condition. It typically occurs on the face and neck due to abnormalities in the tiny blood vessels close to the skin which result in persistent redness. Incidences on the chest do occur, as in this particular case. But they are far less common. Nonetheless, through Dr.U’s laser treatment for Rosacea, the patient was able to permanently clear away the redness and prevent the onset of more severe symptoms.

Also known as the vascular laser, the Vbeam system has been designed as a highly specialized technology for treating skin conditions like Rosacea, Poikiloderma, and others which are caused by the abnormal proliferation or dilation of small surface blood vessels. As a pulsed dye laser, it administers short bursts of energy wavelengths (585-595nm) which are absorbed by the hemoglobin in red blood cells which serve as precise points of entry into the blood vessels. Once this is achieved, the heat proceeds to destroy the walls. The non-functional tissue left behind is then broken down by the immune system and carried away.

When left untreated, Rosacea may evolve into other severe symptoms such as the thickening of the skin and the formation of pustules, often depending on the location of the condition.

No More Chest Rosacea or Redness After VBeam Treatment

This male patient noticed that his chest was getting progressively redder. His condition was caused by Rosacea. Dr. U recommended treatment with the VBeam la…

Photos of Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles Patient Before His Laser Treatment for Rosacea By Dr. U

This young man noticed that the redness on his chest was not going away, but instead, becoming increasingly more noticeable over time. He was diagnosed by Dr. U as having atypical chest Rosacea.

Here are photos of his chest redness prior to his laser treatment.

Patient showing redness on his chest before his laser treatment for rosacea

Treatment with Vbeam Laser, the Best Rosacea Treatment

Dr.U tests for clearing of redness and the possibility of side effects of Rosacea laser treatment with the Vbeam

Before proceeding with a full laser treatment, Dr.U performed a preliminary test to apply the laser at different settings to two small areas of the patient’s chest.

The satisfactory clearing results and the absence of adverse effects confirmed that the Vbeam laser would be able to serve as an ideal Rosacea treatment for this case.

he Vbeam laser offers an efficient means to achieve complete resolution of symptoms without the associated risks of dangerous health side effects.

In three sessions, Dr.U treated the entire affected area on the chest to efficiently eradicate the blood vessels responsible for the unwanted redness, once and for all.

Before and After Dr.U’s Vbeam Laser Treatment For Rosacea

Here are side by side comparisons showing the patient’s chest, prior to and following his Vbeam laser treatment.

Before and after photos after patient’s first treatment with the Vbeam laser treatment for Roseaca.

Before and after images show patient’s chest after his third and final treatment with the Vbeam laser treatment for Rosacea

Not only did this restore the normal coloration of the skin, without lines of demarcation, but also prevented the progression of the Rosacea into more advanced stages.

Vbeam proved to be the best Rosacea treatment for this Manhattan Beach patient’s chest redness

Video of Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles Patient Treated for Rosacea with Laser

This patient was thrilled about the effective resolution of his chest Rosacea thanks to the help of Dr. U’s Vbeam laser treatment. His results became shortly apparent within 3-4 days following his last session.

In the video, he says, “It [Vbeam] did a very good job of what it was supposed to do which was to get rid of the redness…Some doctors don’t have the V-beam, so they prefer IPL, but the Vbeam is definitely the best choice.”

If you are in the greater Los Angeles area and would like to undergo treatment for Rosacea or related vascular skin issues, submit your photos and details of your condition through a complimentary online consultation with Dr.U.

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FAQ on Laser Treatment for Rosacea and Related Topics

What causes rosacea?

Rosacea is primarily caused by genetics. This is evident by a high proportion of individuals with Rosacea within the population of fair-skinned individuals born of European descent. Most patients are able to report relatives in the family who share this condition. A genetic predisposition can give rise to abnormalities in vascular behavior that give rise to Rosacea symptoms.

As an example, affected individuals are susceptible to skin flushing and flare up episodes caused by environmental triggers such as weather conditions or specific foods.

Medical experts have also observed that Rosacea patients tend to have higher numbers of specific bacteria and mites which may be contributing to their symptoms. Evidence shows that these individuals have larger quantities of H. pylori bacteria in their gut which cause the body to produce a polypeptide that stimulates blood vessel dilation, known as bradykinin.

For unknown reasons, they also have higher populations of a mite known as Demodex folliculorum. It is not clear if this results from having Rosacea, or if the mites themselves are causing the symptoms.

Is there such a thing as a good rosacea treatment over the counter?

At the moment, there are no effective over the counter Rosacea treatments that cure or eliminate the redness. Products sold to consumers without a prescription can only provide temporary relief for symptoms, at best. They can help soothe skin dryness, redness, irritation, and swelling. Ultimately, they cannot eradicate the core issue of problematic blood vessels or the symptoms arising from more advanced stages of the condition.

Why does the Vbeam laser work for rosacea and as a poikiloderma treatment?

The Vbeam laser is specifically designed to get rid of small, problematic blood vessels. This makes it an ideal choice for treating conditions like Rosacea and Poikiloderma. Both cases are characterized by unwanted skin discoloration caused by vascular dilation and/or proliferation. The Vbeam laser can precisely pinpoint and clear away these blood vessels, allowing patients to restore their normal skin coloration.

What are the side effects of Rosacea laser treatment?

Common side effects of a Rosacea laser treatment may include some swelling, bruising, itching, redness and soreness right after the procedure. However, these issues usually heal and resolve within just a few days.

What is the cost of Rosacea laser treatment?

A Rosacea laser treatment may cost between $350-$600 per session. The number of sessions will depend on the extensiveness of each case. As with the example of the patient discussed above, three sessions were needed. Skin specialists like Dr. U determine how much of the laser energy can safely be administered in a single session and allocate multiple treatments as needed to achieve clearance.

What is the recommended treatment for Rosacea bumps?

Rosacea bumps need to be addressed differently from skin flushing forms of the condition. The pimple-like manifestation of the condition can be treated with prescription medications such as topical Metrogel (metronidazole), anti-inflammatories sulfur-based creams, antibiotics (e.g. sulfacetamide, doxycycline) and topical retinoids (e.g. Differin)

Other treatment options for the condition include the use of drugs such as topical Metrogel (metronidazole), anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, topical retinoids and glycolic acid peels.

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