Plastic Surgery for Men QT: Who is using stem cells for hair loss?

Stem Cell Research Helping Regrowth of Hair, Treating Baldness

A clinic in Florida is doing an experimental  stem cell research study to treat baldness with Adult Stem Cells from the patient's own blood.  John Satino, the clinical director of the Hair & Scalp Laser Clinic in Florida is now testing a method of using stem cell therapy and treatment to stimulate hair growth in people who are suffering from premature baldness.

Process of Stem Cells for Baldness

1. Blood is drawn from the patient
2. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Containing Stem Cells and Growth Factors are separated from the blood
3. The stem cells are then injected into the affected (Balding) areas
4. A Laser is also used to agitate the skin so the stem cells can migrate into the hair follicles

Gibson has alopecia areata which is an auto-immune disease where white blood cells attack the hair follicle which stops hair growth on the scalp and on the body. Gibson's eyebrows and lashes have fallen out. There is no cure.

The hair clinic is treating Gibson and 5 others for free as part of the stem cell research study. The results of the research study are expected to be published.

Largo, Florida - For some the stress of every day life can prove to be too much actually causing their hair to fall out. But now there's an experimental treatment in the Bay area that may help your hair grow back regardless of why it fell out.


Russell Gibson is hoping it will work for him. Under the hot Florida sun each day he wears a black knit stocking cap pulled down low over his ears and his eyebrows. He spends hours working outside because he owns "Momma Gibbs Top Notch Boat Detail." Seeing see him dressed in a t-shirt and shorts with a cap on his head makes most people look twice.

He says when customers or friends ask him why he's wearing it he tries to quickly change the subject. In nearly three years hardly anyone has seen Gibson without a cap. "Nobody really knows that I have this problem except for two or three people I've actually told."
In his garage in private when his roommate is gone and no one else is home is the only time he will remove it. He shaves away the short black clumps of hair so you won't notice the circular areas of hair that have fallen out.


Gibson has alopecia areata which is an auto-immune disease where white blood cells attack the hair follicle which stops hair growth on the scalp and on the body. Gibson's eyebrows and lashes have fallen out. There is no cure.


The condition can be brought on by extreme stress among other things. When Gibson developed it he was on an emotional rollercoaster. He'd recently lost his grandmother and was going through a breakup. He maintains a busy lifestyle not only running a business during the day but working as a certified nursing assistant in the evenings.


Gibson says the experience with his hair loss has been grueling because he's always been outgoing and enjoys spending time with his family and friends. But now he avoids group gatherings so he won't have to answer questions about his hats.

Growing up Gibson always had a full head of hair but says this experience has changed his life. He skips important gatherings with his family and friends because he says he doesn't want to tell them about his condition. He's fearful that they will look at him differently. He also doesn't want to show up at places where it may be disrespectful to wear a hat like for a holiday dinner or a wedding. "It got to the point that I didn't go over and see my family unless it was daytime that way I could wear sunglasses and a hat to cover up."

John Satino is the clinical director at the "Hair and Scalp Clinics" located at 13555 Automobile Boulevard #110 in Clearwater. He can relate to what Gibson is going through. He says "I started losing hair at an early age in 1969. We didn't have too many options back then. We had hair transplants and hair pieces or wigs. The hair transplants were very archaic and bloody and painful."

That's why Gibson opted to get help from Satino to undergo an experimental treatment using stem cells instead. Satino explains how it works. "So this treatment involves drawing the blood of the patient, their own blood. It's then separated. It's called PRP or platelet rich plasma which contains stem cells and growth factors. Those factors then are injected into the scalp in the affected area." Satino says a laser is used to agitate the skin so the stem cells can migrate into the hair follicles.


The stem cell treatment can cost several thousands dollars and it can be uncomfortable. It's a one time procedure that can be performed on men and women and it takes about an hour. Patients are expected to see results after about three months.


Gibson is being treated for free along with a handful of others. Their results are going to be published in a study.


He's hoping that if his hair continues to grow he'll finally be able to get his life back. He laughs as he says "So by August I plan on taking all my hats and having a big bonfire and I will never wear a hat again to be honest."
John Satino says if you're losing your hair there are several other treatment options available but first he recommends patients who are losing their hair take a DNA test. It's a simple mouth swab taken to determine whether you have male pattern baldness. It costs about 100 dollars and you can see your lab results online before following up with a doctor.

He adds that injections of cortisones or steroids can work for some but may only have temporary results. Laser treatments are another option that may work and then there's the stem cell treatment which is the procedure Russell Gibson is undergoing.
 resource:  http://www.wtsp.com/news/columnist/story.aspx?storyid=106719&catid=79

Plastic Surgery for Men QT: If you Drink Pepsi, Coke, Coffee can it lower sperm count?

According to  Talking About Men’s Health caffeine can easily be considered our most common go-to drug of choice and for those of us who don’t go overboard it has been shown to have a number of positive physical and mental effects.  However, most of us don’t think about caffeine in terms of our sexual health. Yet it appears that while it might be great for that little mental boost, in high quantities it may not be exactly a pick-me-up for other equally important areas.


A recent Danish study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, has shown that there seems to be a correlation between high caffeine intake and reduced sperm concentration and overall count.  However, devoted coffee drinkers rejoice!  It appears that your source of caffeine may be the more important consideration, as the biggest culprit is our other ubiquitous supply of caffeine: soda.

While the Danish study did observe the negative effect on sperm with high levels of caffeine in general, the results were only statistically significant in men reporting excessive levels of soda intake.  Unfortunately, with nearly 20% of adult men in the U.S. reportedly consuming soda more than 3 times weekly, many could easily be reaching that level.  The actual numbers (sperm/milliliter semen) may be somewhat meaningless, but using my significant biostatistical prowess with simple division, the change amounts to a 30% reduction in total sperm for men who drank more than 34 ounces of soda per day or 14 bottles per week.

Additionally, soda consumption was shown to cause this decrease in semen volume, sperm concentration, and sperm with normal appearance. Perhaps unsurprisingly, and certainly relevant, there was also a correlation between those men reporting excessively high levels of soda consumption and additional unhealthy lifestyle behaviors.  These men also tended to eat foods high in saturated fats and have less healthy diets overall, and they drank and smoked more.  This of course brings us to the larger issue and one in which I am particularly passionate.  While the authors did their best to control for such possible confounders, their study is more important as a comment on lifestyle.

It is safe to assume that the blame for inadequate sperm cannot be solely placed on soda.  Similarly, your low-performing swimmers cannot be blamed on burgers, or beer, or even cigarettes.  In the end it is the accumulation of our overall personal lifestyle choices that is the culprit.  I’ve always felt that one of the hallmarks of a real man is taking responsibility for your actions.  So in this age of fierce partisan rhetoric and regardless of your beliefs on government being involved in your health care, personal responsibility is something around which we should all be able to rally.  Oh, and for goodness sakes stop drinking soda.

Plastic Surgery for Men OT: I want a sharper look is it possible with chin and jaw surgery and are there any permanent scars?

You asked if you could get a sharper look with jaw and chin surgery which sounds like you are interested in chin augmentation or genioplasty/mentoplasty chin implant surgery. The terms Genioplasty and Mentoplasty are used interchangeably to refer to the reshaping of the jaw. Chin augmentation is a simple surgery with permanent results.  To get the sharp look you desire find a plastic surgeon or two that offers a free consultation for evaluation, what to expect, final outcome, and expectations from surgery.  Having a list of questions prepared for your office visit would be an added plus.  Some important questions would be; where do you make the incision(s), recovery time and how soon can you eat, dental hygiene regiment and how long can you resume normal activities, risks involved and how much does the procedure cost and if the surgeon offers any payment plans.

Chin and jaw implants are two separate implants usually done in one procedure and recommended that they are performed together.  The chin implant incision is under the chin or the inside of your lower lip and inserted into a pocket and securing it to the bone or soft tissue.  This procedure will take 30 – 45 minutes if done alone and you will see the results right away. During your recovery period you will have mild swelling and soreness. If you decide to have the incision under your chin a small scar will be apparent, inside your mouth your risk for infection is greater due to the plaque and bacteria, but there will be no noticeable scar.

The jaw implant incision is made on either side of the lower lip.  The surgeon will form a pocket in the lower jaw to insert the implant and then a tape will be placed across the chin to reduce swelling. Eating will be difficult for about a week and your jaw will be black and blue. The complete recovery time for jaw implants last several months due to low levels of swelling.

Most implants are made of silicone or tubular polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) as they are more porous, flexible and/or biocompatible.    However there are other options such as AlloDerm or to a physician, acellular human cadaveric dermas as AlloDerm comes from tissue donors just after death.  Sounds a little creepy, but the donor’s entire DNA is removed by using antibiotic so there is no foreseen rejection.  Another choice is Supramid, a braided non-absorbable synthetic suture material in polymer shell or Marceline, a mesh-like material that provides a scaffold on the bone. (1)

During recovery you will have a moderate amount of discomfort that can be controlled with Tylenol w/codeine or an equivalent if you have a codeine allergy.  This discomfort will decrease after 3 days; if it persists contact the surgeon’s office.  To help recovery time sleep with your head elevated up to three weeks post surgery. Before surgery you should make arrangements for a driver not only for the day of your procedure, but you might need someone to drive for a least a week after surgery. As this is done on an outpatient basis you might want someone to stay with you the first night. 

Other recommended dos and don’ts for chin/jaw implant surgery:

Don’t smoke (right) 2 weeks prior as smoking inhibits circulation

Don’t take aspirin 2 weeks prior as aspirin thins your blood thus causing more bruising

Do fill out all prescription medication prior to surgery

Do stay up as long as you can post op to minimize swelling

Don’t lift heavy items post op increase bleeding, swelling….under 5 lbs the first week.

Don’t strain going to the bathroom (ok)

Don’t hit your face ….have a partner that tosses and turns?  If so, it is recommended that you sleep alone for the first week.  (bummer)

Do shower or bathe day after surgery, just no direct spray on incisions

Don’t participate in strenuous activities for at least a month post op

Do clean incisions with hydrogen peroxide using a Q-tip at least twice daily

Do report excessive bleeding, temperature over 100 degrees, operative site turns very red or is very warm to the touch and/or increase in pain (numbness is normal and will dissipate within 1-2 months)

Do go to your follow up appointment post op especially if you have non dissolvable stitches.

If you opted for the incision under the chin your scar will be very small and will be minimally visible depending on your ability to heal.  To aid the healing process you can  use a micro-pore tape for three weeks, Vitamin E oil or cream (after scab falls off) or other scar moisturizing creams.

Some risks involving jaw or chin implant surgery are; implants move or shift which will require a second surgery to correct alignment, rejection by your body, resulting in removing the implant, capsular contracture that is rare, but in some cases scar tissue surrounds the chin implant causing pain and tightness.  Surgery may be required to remove the scar tissue and/or an anti-inflammatory medication used to soften the tightness.

Cost of facial implants varies from doctor to doctor and city to city as the procedure includes, anesthesia, outpatient office fees as well as the plastic surgeon’s fees.  An average cost of a single implant ranges roughly $2000 and up to $5000 for any additional implants.

Note: It is of utmost importance ahead of time to tell the surgeon what medications or herbal supplements you are taking, if you have ever been on Accutane, received radiation therapy to the head or neck, or taken steroids or immunosuppressive agents. Immunosuppressed patients (HIV positive, chemotherapy, diabetes, etc.) and patients with certain autoimmune disorders  may not be good candidates for this procedure as the risks of poor healing and infection leading to permanent scarring and poor esthetic results may be much higher.

(1)   Wikipedia – Chin Implants

If you are not into having surgery and would like another non-surgical, less expensive method to make your appearence look sharper, try a dermal filler.  A dermal filler is not a permanent solution as you will need to readminister the filler from time to time. RADIANCE a dermal filler is known to last up to a year.

Top 10 Tips for Men and Plastic Surgery

The number of men that have undergone cosmetic procedures has grown over recent years. Many men desire cosmetic procedures between their late 30’s and 60’s to appear more youthful and in some cases, because of the impact that cosmetic procedures may have on their career. The following tips can be useful for men considering cosmetic procedures.


1. Facial rejuvenation requires special considerations for men, especially for men that experience sensitivity with shaving. Botox and Hyaluronic Acid Injections produce immediate results and do not require recovery time.

2. Liposuction easily improves flanks and breasts on men that are two of the most difficult places for men to reduce weight in.

3. Liposuction results can be enhanced and maintained through diet and exercise.

4. Neck liposuction, chin enhancement, and brow lifts may be alternatives to facelifts for men.

5. Liposuction can produce an etched appearance for the abdomen and pectoral area.

6. Male Breast Reduction is a commonly requested procedure that is safe, effective and does not require a large recovery time.

7. Nose Reshaping has evolved with advanced techniques that include scarless rhinoplasty.

8. Eye lid surgery may be coupled with or an alternative to a brow lift that will improve the appearance of anger and overhanging fat deposits or skin.

9. Men have thicker skin that is more apt to tighten up after plastic surgery than in women.

10. Hair Transplantation is offered in a variety of techniques. It’s important to research the variations in technique and methodology.

2007 Statistics of Cosmetic Procedures Performed on Men
The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery produced the following statistics of the most commonly requested cosmetic procedures that men requested in 2007, as follows:
Over 300,000 Botox Over 185,000 Laser Hair Removal Over 85,000 Microdermasion
Nearly 84,000 Hyaluronic Acid (Restylane or Hylaform)
Close to 58,000 Liposuction Over 63,000 Laser Treatment Close to 32,000 Rhinoplasty Over to 32,500 Eye Lid Surgery Over 20,000 Male Breast Reduction Close to 16,500 Hair Transplantation

Appearance is an important aspect of modern life. People today not only want to feel good inside; they also want to look good outside. To achieve this end a lot of men and women elect to undergo plastic surgery procedures each year. The results are often dramatic and permanent, so it is important that the patient knows what to expect and that he or she chooses a plastic surgeon wisely. Patients seeking advice on plastic surgery procedures and referral to a plastic surgeon may turn first to word of mouth from their friends and family who may have already undergone a plastic surgery procedure. The Internet is also a common place to look for a good, qualified plastic surgeon.
resource:  http://health.maxabout.net/cosmetic-and-plastic-surgery/top-10-tips-men-and-plastic-surgery/