Dallas Dermatologist Dr. Ellen Turner’s Interview with Practical Dermatology

In each issue, magazine asks leading physicians about new products that they are recommending to their patients. This month, Ellen Turner, MD, a dermatologist in Dallas, TX, discusses Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50, which she wears every day. How long have you been recommending Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50? Do you use it on yourself? Dr. Turner: I have been recommend­ing Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 since it first launched. I practice what I preach and therefore skin protection is an integral part of my daily routine. It is hard to remember my skincare regimen without Face Shield. How and how often do you suggest that your patients use this product? Dr. Turner: Just as we brush our teeth every single day, I want my patients to apply this product daily. Often times patients will tell me they only wear sun protection when they are going outside, but I am quick to remind them we are on our phones, and sit in front of our computers all day long and the Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 will protect them not only from harmful UVA damage but also environ­ mental damage caused from their device screens […]

PRP Treatment Patient Instructions

On your treatment day, you will initially have your own blood drawn (typically 1-2 tubes), and a topically numbing gel applied to the treatment areas. Your blood product will be centrifuged twice to harvest only the concentrated platelets which release growth factors that stimulate the hair follicle to communicate with the stem cells that exist in the area called the hair bulge (different from hair bulb!). Once your blood product has been verified by your own signature, the topical anesthetic will be cleansed using alcohol. A Zimmer chiller, which blows cold air, will be used during the procedure for maximum comfort. You will receive multiple injections of your own plasma in the areas where the hair loss is occurring. The product will distribute itself evenly after the procedure. Results will be best visualized 6 months after your treatment series, and you will need to maintain the effects by re-injecting once every 6 months thereafter. All PRP scalp hair restoration patients must perform daily dermal rolling using the roller provided by Dermatology Office. You will start dermal rolling as soon as you receive your dermal roller. In addition, Dr. Turner will designate additional orals and/or topical therapy to use in conjunction […]

PRP as Non-Surgical Hair Restoration Treatment

Hairloss is a condition that affects millions of people annually, and can greatly impair the quality of life for patients suffering from hairloss. Whether hairloss affects men or women, it comes with emotional upset and loss of self-confidence. Dermatology is the specialty of medicine that specifically deals with hair loss. Knowing that there are two main categories of hair loss—scarring and non-scarring, it is important to determine which category the patient falls into, as well as the most specific diagnosis within that more general category, from that point forward for the best treatment plan available. Scarring hair loss should be addressed as quickly as possible in order to prevent further scarring and further loss that cannot be reversed. Many types of scarring hair loss are treated with both systemic and topical therapies in order to achieve results immediately, and shut down the inflammatory process that is driving the scarring loss. If left untreated, scarring hair loss will results in such thinning and balding that cannot be treated with any therapy, other than wigs and hair pieces, which is usually not an acceptable outcome for most patients. Non-scarring hair loss is traumatizing, but if caught early, there are many exciting new […]

Ingrown Hair Problem?

Ingrown Hair Problem? Ingrown hairs are a common problem that dermatology can treat. The medical name for ingrown hair is folliculitis, which indicates there is actual inflammation at the site of the hair follicle. Many times, inflammation is created at the bulb region, or area below the skin which then prevents the hair from protruding out of the opening at the skin surface. This creates a “trapping” of the hair that can then lead to additional inflammation. Folliculitis can occur on the scalp or on the body. If the inflammation at the level of the follicle is being caused by something such as mechanical friction or rubbing (an example would be a hat or helmet which could induce inflammation at the site where friction is occurring), then removal of the offending agent can be a great remedy. Many times, men note that when they shave their beard region, they will induce this inflammation. By not shaving, and simply clipping their facial area, the inflammation will not occur and they will not require the need of a medical doctor. In other cases of folliculitis, there is no stimulus or inciting factor. The inflammation simply occurs for no apparent reason. These patients […]

Platelet-Rich Plasma for Hair Restoration

At the Hotel Van Zandt in Austin, Texas, Dr. Rapaport educated physicians on a simple technique using platelet-rich plasma to achieve hair regrowth. Amazingly, there are at 50 million men and 30 million women who suffer from hair loss. By the time a male is 50, half of his peers will be affected by hair loss. This weekend was a refresher of the same things we, as dermatologists, have used for treatment of hair loss, mostly with little effect or patient satisfaction. Rogaine, Propecia or its generic finasteride, the newer Qilib, hair transplantation and the multitude of over-the counter products which promise hair restoration, thickening and regrowth only seem to work so well. Even transplantation, which continues to improve with time, especially using robotics, is limited by the natural aging and progression associated with hair loss. Enter platelet-rich plasma. There is a ton of data out there on PRP, but mostly in Asia and Europe. There is very little documentation on the subject in the U.S. Unfortunately, it has left many of my colleagues with skepticism on this non-FDA approved regenerative treatment for hair restoration, as well as cosmetic facial dermatology. Platelet rich plasma is, in fact, FDA-approved for bone […]