Regenerative Aesthetics, the new era

Regenerative medical aesthetics is a branch of medicine that focuses on using non-surgical treatments to revitalize and regenerate the skin. These treatments are becoming increasingly popular as people search for ways to combat the effects of aging on their skin, such as wrinkles, dullness, sagging, and pigmentation. 

One of the most popular methods for skin regeneration is plasma and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy. Plasma is a component of the blood that contains a high concentration of growth factors and proteins, which are necessary for tissue repair and regeneration. PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of the patient's own blood, separating the plasma from the red and white blood cells, and then injecting the concentrated plasma back into the skin. This treatment is believed to stimulate the production of collagen, elastine, and other proteins that are important for skin health, leading to a more youthful and radiant appearance. 

Regenerative aesthetic procedures are also used for the treatment of hair loss and alopecia. In the case of hair loss, PRP therapy is often used in combination with other treatments, such as hair transplant surgery, mesotherapy, or topical medications. The Platelet Rich Plasma is injected into the scalp, where it stimulates the growth of new hair follicles and promotes the growth of existing ones. This can help to reverse hair loss and improve the overall appearance of the scalp. 

Collagen induction therapy is another popular treatment for skin regeneration. This method involves using a device that creates microscopic wounds in the skin, which triggers the body's natural healing process and stimulates the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that gives the skin its structure and elasticity, so increasing its production can help to smooth out wrinkles and tighten the skin. 

 

 

While these treatments can be effective at improving the appearance of aging skin, it is always easier to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. A good skincare routine that includes using sunscreen, moisturizing, and avoiding harsh chemicals, along with regeneration treatment methods, can go a long way in preserving the health and youthful appearance of the skin. 

Both men and women can benefit from regenerative medical aesthetic treatments, and the face, neck, and hands are the most common areas targeted. However, these treatments can be used on any area of the body that is affected by aging.

PRF - PLATELET RICH FIBRIN AND ITS BENEFITS

PRF - Platelet Rich Fibrin - is the ultimate autologous product, derived from platelets, used in many surgical fields to

accelerate and improve the healing process and with many proven benefits in aesthetic

medicine. 

The uniqueness of  PRF lies in the low spin speed, the short spin  duration

and the absence of any chemical anticoagulant additive, which means that this concentrate is 

100% natural. It is actually  a fibrin matrix , which contains platelet cytokines, growth 

factors, leukocytes and stem cells, that promotes wound healing, skin regeneration and hair 

growth. 

Using the regenerating properties of the platelets, PRF hydrates the skin, increases the blood

flow to combat the dullness of the skin and even its color.

PRF is a powerful ally against the harmful effects of sunlight and smoking, stimulating the

synthesis of elastin and collagen for a fresher and smoother appearance of the skin. 

In addition, micro injections with PRF are an extremely effective treatment for post-acne 

scars. 

PRF can be also used for hair growth and regeneration, in orthopedics - for the treatment of

knee joint problems - in wound care and skin regeneration after severe burns and also in

dentistry and implantology. 

One of the major advantages of the PRF procedure is the long lasting effect, due to the 

gradual release of the growth factors.

The PRF procedure is very simple, safe and has no major side effects. 

 How PRF is done:

1. Blood is collected in a special tube without any chemical additives.

2. The blood is spun at certain parameters.

3. After spinning, the PRF is collected in a syringe and used immediately.

The duration of a session is approximately 45 minutes, including blood collection and

spinning. 2-4 sessions are required for a complete facial treatment.

Of course, we must remember that each body reacts differently, the procedure being

personalized accordingly. The results vary from individual to individual, as does the 

number and frequency of meetings required.

This is the perfect alternative for those looking for an organic approach to treating the first 

signs of aging.

In my clinic, I use this new method for the rejuvenation and regeneration of the skin on face, 

neck, decollete and hands, for the treatment of scars and post-acne sequelae, and for the 

treatment of alopecia - regeneration and hair growth.
 

COLLAGEN INDUCTION THERAPY - MORE COLLAGEN = YOUNGER, HEALTHIER SKIN

Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) also known as Medical Micro Needling is an innovative minimally invasive procedure  utilized in aesthetic medicine for skin repair and rejuvenation and for hair restoration. Though known for almost 2 decades, medical micro needling became exceedingly popular in the last few years due to the amazing results, the long term effects and the cost effectiveness.

Short history
 
The modern time history of Collagen Induction Therapy begins in the 1990's. But it actually has its origins in ancient China as acupuncture used in the traditional Chinese medicine as a natural remedy for most diseases and abnormalities. Also Korean and Japanese have been using this method since antiquity, with some variations. In China stainless steel needles of different lengths were used for acupuncture, Korean used needles made of copper; the instruments of the Japanese healers were very thin needles guided by a a tube. In that far era, skin needling was an exclusive therapy, for wealthy and powerful only.
The German dermatologist Dr. Ernst Kromayer is the inventor of the multiple needle electrolysis. He published in 1905 his work and studies - he treated scars, birthmarks and pigmentation abnormalities of the skin, aiming to reduce scarring and to improve the appearance and the texture of the skin.
During the 1950's, Kromayer's work was 'reinvented' by Dr.Abner Kurtin, an American dermatologist. He modified the technique, using stainless wire brushes instead of the dental burrs, originally used by Kromayer.  Among the pioneers of anti aging medicine  Alexis Carrel, French scientist and Nobel Prize winner for Medicine is one of the most prodigious; 2 of his followers described a new technique for the treatment of scars and wrinkles using a hypodermic needle.
In 1997, the Canadian aesthetic surgeon Dr. Andre Camirand published his study, in which he described his successful results in performing skin needling with a high-speed tattoo gun. Together with his associate, he found out that the reduction in scar tissue is caused by the needles of the tattoo gun and not by the pigment.
Dr. Des Fernandes, the Cape Town based plastic surgeon said at an interview in Kuala Lumpur in 2011 "Skin needling is very controversial because it sounds wrong. What we've discovered is that when you prick your skin, it doesn't leave a scar.  When you injure skin tissue, the platelets release growth factors for the skin to heal. It promotes more collagen and elastin. We found that TGFB3 (Transforming growth factor beta-3) molecule helps tissue to regenerate instead of scar," he said. He developed his own needle stamp using it in his practice for skin needling of the upper lip with excellent results. This was the first step towards the development of the modern Dermaroller and the automated pen-shaped devices. Personally, I prefer the manual option because it allows full control during the procedure and a more uniform effect on the entire treated surface.

What is Collagen Induction Therapy?

The treatment consists of introducing a series of fine, sharp needles into the skin. The needles are attached either to a single use, sterile roller - which is rolled over the treated skin area to create numerous microscopic channels - or to a single use needle cartridge at the end of a Derma Pen. The micro traumas stimulate the body to synthesize new collagen and elastin. As a result of this repair process, the skin becomes thicker, brighter, plumper with a more youthful appearance.

Indications

Collagen Induction Therapy is recommended for the treatment of:

• Acne scars
• Surgical scars
• Post Caesarean-section scars 
• Stretch marks 
• Enlarged pores
• Aged, photo-damaged,sagged skin
• Wrinkles and fine lines

• Alopecia (hair loss)   

Both men and women can benefit from Collagen Induction Therapy.
The most important aspect , in my opinion, is the fact that Collagen Induction Therapy can be applied to individuals with any skin type - Fitzpatrick I- VI, compared to Photo Rejuvenation (LASER, IPL) procedures restricted by the skin type.



Procedure and Protocol

Skin preparation consists of cleansing and disinfection of the treated area and application of a topical anesthetic for approximately 20 minutes. However, sensitive persons might still feel discomfort during the procedure. Depending on the area of face or body being treated and the type of device used, (i.e. needle length) the procedure is usually well tolerated and in some cases virtually painless.

The duration of a treatment session depends on the treated area and varies between 10 min and 1 hour, including the application of a personalized cocktail according to the problem we treat, to the gender and age of the patient, to the treated body area.

The protocols also depend on the problem we treat.
My protocol for alopecia consists of a 10 sessions series, as following:
- 4 weekly sessions
- 4 sessions fortnightly sessions
- 2 monthly sessions

If necessary, the 10 sessions series can be followed by 2-4 maintenance sessions.


Generally, there are no patterns; every patient reacts differently. When using the medical micro needling therapy  for anti aging treatments, I always prefer to invite my patients for a follow up 7-10 days after the first session, in order to assess the effects and to establish how to continue the treatment.




After the medical microneedling treatment, the skin will be pink - red for a 2-3 hours, similar to a sunburn; minor bleeding and bruising is possible, depending on the treated area, length of the needles,etc. The skin may feel warm and itchy. All these effects resolve in 24-48 hours in most of the cases. Practically, the patient can return to his activity immediately after the procedure.

Highly recommended that Medical Micro Needling with medical grade rollers or automatic devices should only be performed by qualified doctors, surgeons or nurses.

Post Treatment Recommendations

In order to avoid any complication, patients who underwent a Collagen Induction Therapy session should:

• use tepid - not hot - water to cleanse the face or body for the first 48 hours following treatment and dry the treated area gently without rubbing;
• ensure that hands are always clean when touching the area treated, to avoid infections;
• not apply conventional make-up products to the skin for the first 12 hours following treatment, mineral based make-up products are allowed
• apply the prescribed skincare products according to the regime specifically designed
• apply a broad spectrum sunscreen product with a high SPF immediately after treatment before leaving the clinic and when going outside following treatment - very important!

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications for the Collagen Induction Therapy are:

• Pregnancy and lactation period
• History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring 
• History of poor wound healing
• Presence  of open wounds or cuts on the skin area to be treated
• Presence of any skin condition on the area to be treated - Herpes Simplex, inflammation,eczema, chronic infection
• Treatment with Roaccutane within the last 3 months ( I prefer waiting 6 months after Roaccutane treatment, before doing any procedure)
• Radiation treatment within the last year
• Systemic diseases, malignancies  

 Effects and Advantages of Collagen Induction Therapy

The first signs can be observed immediately after the treatment session, the effects enhance during the following 4-8 weeks due to the synthesis of new collagen and elastin and to the repairing process of the skin.
The advantages of the collagen induction therapy: cost effective, quick, with virtually no risk or side effects, with minimal discomfort and with amazing long lasting results!


 Simple, but brilliant!

MESOTHERAPY FOR HAIR PROBLEMS

Are you searching for a therapeutic option to stop hair loss or to improve the texture of thinning hair? MESOTHERAPY is the solution; and it can change lives!

Hair loss is a stressful and challenging experience for both men and women; it is significantly more distressing for women, especially in this era when capillar hair symbolizes youth and good health.
Hair loss can have important psychological and social impact, caused by the strong influence on confidence and self esteem.
The most common form of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, affecting approximately 50% of the masculine population and 20% of the women, by age 50. Comparing to all the other types of alopecia, the onset of the androgenetic alopecia is gradual and has a specific pattern.
In men - there is a gradual thinning of the hair in the temporal areas, forming a V-shaped frontal hairline; as baldness progresses, a bald patch appears on the crown of the head, the hair around the base of the head usually remains intact.
Women with androgenetic alopecia have diffuse thinning hair on the crown of the hair.
This form of alopecia is genetically transmitted - the exact mechanism is still unknown.
Aging and genetics are only 2 of the factors causing hair loss. Stress, psychological trauma, systemic diseases, improper eating, hormonal imbalance (thyroid disorders), certain drugs (steroids, Lithium, Heparin, beta-blockers), Zinc deficiency, pregnancy can also cause hair loss.

There are numerous treatment options: drugs (Minoxidil, Finasterides - can be administered to men only), topic solutions or more complex treatments like hair transplantation.

Although controversial worldwide, mesotherapy has proven its efficiency in treating hair loss. The success rates reach 90-92% in comparison to Minoxidil treatments ( only 50% success rate).
Mesotherapy is a minimal invasive method, safe  and with no side effects. A cocktail composed of 3-4 active ingredients is injected directly into the scalp, using a special injection technique (Nappage). Biotin, Trace Elements, vitamins, Caffeine, Gingko Biloba, Organic Silica, Dexpanthenol, peptides are some of the ingredients utilized in treating hair loss with mesotherapy.

How does mesotherapy work in hair loss treatment?
The mechanism is dual:
- the 'micro traumas' caused by the injections trigger the mechanical stimulation of the blood flow and of the cellular metabolism;
- at the same time, the multiple injections create micro channels, through which the cocktail reaches the hair follicles, in the dermal layer of the scalp.
The active ingredients improve the blood circulation (Gingko Biloba, Rutin&Melilot Extract), stimulate cellular metabolism (Asian Centella), balance sebum secretion (Dexpanthenol), increase cellular regeneration (X-DNA).

My treatment protocol consists of 8-10 weekly sessions, followed by 2-4 sessions, fortnightly and 2-4 monthly sessions. There are situations that require maintenance sessions.
In most cases the first results appear in the early stages of the treatment - the hair doesn't fall anymore and it regains the natural glow and vitality.
New hair starts growing about 5-6 weeks from the first session.
Mesotherapy is beneficial for both men and women.
For male patients, we can also use the alternative to the conventional mesotherapy - Derma Roller or Derma Pen, the principle is the same.

        

 Mesotherapy is virtually painless - the discomfort during the treatment is minimal, no previous anesthesia is necessary.
It is important to mention that this exact therapeutic method can be applied for the treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis, often associated with alopecia.
Eyebrows can also be treated with mesotherapy, with amazing results.