Dr. Gregory S. Keller, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and hair loss specialist at Keller Plastic Surgery, brings over 25 years of experience to his advanced hair loss treatment for residents of Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and nearby communities in Southern California.
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that affects men, women, and children of any age causing sudden, random and frequently recurrent hair loss. While the condition itself does not threaten health, coping with hair loss can prove challenging for many individuals. There are various different types of alopecia, including:
- Alopecia Areata: hair loss occurring in patches, usually small and round, anywhere on the body.
- Alopecia Totalis: total loss of the hair on the scalp.
- Alopecia Universalis: total loss of hair on the body.
- Androgenetic Alopecia: Male/Female pattern baldness (not an auto-immune condition).
We treat both male pattern baldness and hair loss in women.
Is Alopecia a genetic condition?
About 25 percent of people with alopecia have a family member who has also had it, so there may be a genetic factor in some patients. Some scientists believe that there may be a combination of genes that predispose certain individuals to the condition.
What factors contribute to Alopecia?
If you have had eczema, asthma, or a thyroid disease, you may be more likely to develop alopecia. Some studies show a possible link with stress or trauma, as well as emotional triggers.
How does Alopecia produce hair loss?
Alopecia triggers the body’s autoimmune system to mistakenly attack the growing cells in the body’s hair-producing follicles, where hair growth begins. This stops them from producing new hair follicles and causes existing hair to fall out, although hair follicles remain active, so there is always potential for hair to grow back.
How many people suffer from Alopecia?
Alopecia can affect anyone of any age. It is estimated that about 1.7 percent of the world’s population will have some form of alopecia during their lifetime. This represents over four million people in the United States, with both men and women being equally affected.
How is Alopecia Treated at Keller Plastic Surgery?
ACell + PRP is an effective treatment for alopecia areata. ACell activates follicular progenitor cells (adult stem cells), while PRP delivers essential growth factors that promote rapid angiogenesis and localized cell growth. The ACell + PRP treatment boosts miniaturized hair follicles, so they become healthier and larger, producing more robust hair growth. ACell + PRP therapy prevents additional shedding, stimulates improved hair growth, and restores hair quality and quantity in patients with thinning hair.
If you or someone you love is suffering from alopecia, consider alopecia treatment at Keller Plastic Surgery. Serving residents of Southern California in and around Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Beverly Hills, and led by board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory S. Keller, our practice provides an array of advanced cosmetic treatments such as ACell + PRP therapy. Contact one of our convenient offices today to schedule your complimentary introductory consultation!
