Why am I losing my hair?
If you look good, you would feel good. One’s physical appearance can affect one’s self-esteem. Apart from a less than ideal body shape or skin condition, hair loss and hair thinning can also be distressing factors. Androgenic alopecia, otherwise termed as “male pattern baldness”, is a prevalent condition affecting a majority of men with differing degrees of severity. Sadly, women, too, are not spared from this condition. Statistics revealed that approximately 30% of women face hair loss problems as a result of androgens.
While it may be called “male hormones”, both genders produce androgens, with males producing a higher proportion in their body as compared to females. Testosterone is an androgen which gets converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). To put it simply, DHT is the most potent form of testosterone and is the main perpetrator behind hair loss. It binds to an androgen receptor and initiates a cascade of events which eventually leads to thinning of the hair and a shortened growth phase of hair as well.
There have been numerous treatments that are clinically proven to be effective in aiding the process of restoring the original state of one’s hair. Such therapies include drugs like finasteride or even hair transplant surgeries. However, drugs need to be consumed over a long-term period to be effective while surgeries may be a scary concept to some.
There has been a breakthrough in hair generation in the market with the advancement of technology. Regenera Activa is the highly raved breakthrough technology that might be the solution to any hair loss woes.
What is Regenera Activa and how will it help in my hair loss?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Regenera Activa as a treatment option for hair loss and hair thinning. It offers a viable alternative for patients who are unwilling to be on long-term medications or undergo hair transplant surgery as well as for patients who are just seeking to strengthen their hair.
Regenera Activa operates on the concept of using the patient’s cells to regenerate new hair follicles. It does so by extracting micrografts of progenitor cells from the scalp of the patient. Progenitor cells can differentiate cell types, and this aids the process of regenerating any form of damaged tissue. Apart from this, progenitor cells also stimulate the formation of capillary vessels which further supplement the growth of cells through oxygen and nutrient supplication. Hence, these progenitor cells are not only able to encourage the growth of dormant or inactive hair follicles but also strengthen the existing ones from the inside! As the patient is both the donor and recipient of these cells, this helps to decrease the possibility of graft rejection or allergies.
The technology behind Regenera Activa can also be applied to the treatment of other conditions which require cellular regeneration. Examples include the healing of chronic ulcers or even wound dehiscence, especially in the elderly.
How is Regenera Activa carried out?
The entire process is relatively simple. Following a consultation and evaluation of the hair loss pattern and severity, the doctor will then select an area of the scalp to extract the micrografts of progenitor cells from. Typically, the nape of the neck is the choice of many medical practitioners as it tends to be the least affected by hair loss. Local anaesthesia will be applied, and the progenitor cells are extracted through a punch biopsy – a procedure used to remove small pieces of tissue. This process may cause a slight discomfort but is otherwise generally well tolerated. Three samples from the punch biopsy will be collected and the separation process of progenitor cells from the tissue will be carried out using the US FDA approved Regenericons device.
After which, the solution of progenitor cells will be injected back into the areas suffering hair loss or hair thinning through small injections. Now, the regenerative process can take effect. This treatment takes no more than an hour and has no associated downtime. We have all heard of lunchtime facials. Now, even hair rejuvenation can be done during our lunch break!
What can I expect to see from my Regenera Activa session?
The effectiveness of Regenera Activa can be seen after just one session of therapy alone. You can expect substantial results such as thick and strong hair growth over the next two weeks post-treatment. There would be improvements on better scalp coverage over the next few months. However, it is important for patients to recognise that the final results of the treatment may vary as it is very much dependent on a patient’s regenerative capability.
In spite of this, numerous studies have reported high consumer satisfaction with this treatment due to its high safety index, lack of extreme invasiveness, no downtime and effective results. Regenera Activa is recommended to be done once a year, and repeated sessions can be done annually to reinforce the results. This therapy is also fully compatible with other treatments for alopecia and patients can have the freedom of choice and ease of mind to supplement their hair growth process with various other methods.
“Don’ts” after Regenera Activa:
Apart from the time interval between each session, it is recommended that one should not wash their hair and refrain from scratching their scalp for at least a day after treatment. Additionally, adjuncts such as hair sprays or styling creams should be applied only after at least 12 hours post-treatment.
What type of patients are poor candidates for Regenera Activa:
Regenera Activa cannot proceed if there is an ongoing infection in the scalp area of the patient. The patient would usually have to wait for the infectious process to die down before being able to receive treatment. It is also crucial to be selective of suitable patients to undergo this procedure. In severe cases of hair loss or in cases where the hair loss pattern follows the typical M shape pattern, a hair transplant surgery may be a more viable option for these patients. Additionally, medical practitioners should advise patients who are going for this procedure to stop anti-coagulants (if they are on any) at least two days before and to ask about any allergies to the local anaesthesia that will be administered. All of these factors are equally crucial to ensure a safe and pleasurable experience for the patients.
Conclusion:
Androgenic alopecia is a natural process which plagues large groups of people regardless of gender. For some, its effects start to present itself at a relatively young age. While Regenera Activa cannot stop this process, this treatment gives victims of androgenic alopecia a chance to hinder the process and regenerate a significant part of their lost hair. It also provides them with the opportunity to regain their confidence and boost their self-esteem. Nevertheless, it is crucial to seek help early and not wait until the hair loss is extensive before looking for treatment options. Approach a qualified medical professional for a detailed consultation on Regenera Activa with regards to your hair loss or hair thinning issues.
Do check out a fantastic written post by Dr Rachel on Regenera Activa and common causes of hair loss to learn more about the procedure.
