Bruce P.Robinson, MD
"Dr. Robinson adds caring and putting the patient first to his deep knowledge base and experience. Five Stars are not enough for Dr. Robinson."
- David L.
So many of us struggle from natural hair thinning and hair loss. In fact, according to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, approximately 56 million adults in the United States are affected by hair loss. Different conditions can lead to different symptoms of hair loss, ranging from male pattern baldness, which is characterized by hair loss at the temples followed by thinning along the crown, to thinning or loss that can occur in patches throughout the scalp. Hair loss or hair thinning can occur in both men and women and can be a source of self-consciousness or embarrassment and, up until recently, few non-surgical treatments offered total hair restoration.
Recently, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) has become a popular regenerative treatment in the world of dermatology. PRP treatment for hair restoration, is not a permanent solution for hair regrowth, but it can help to slow down the progression of hair loss and promote new growth in areas where there was previously none. It can offer significant improvements in hair thickness, density and reduces hair shedding. The treatment takes platelet-rich plasma from the patient’s own blood and once isolated, the PRP solution is injected into the area affected by hair loss or hair thinning. The PRP triggers the natural hair growth process and strengthens the hair follicles to promote regrowth and prevent hair loss. The procedure is simple and requires minimal downtime or discomfort, making it an excellent option for patients who are wary of surgical options, such as hair transplants.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Bruce Robinson is an expert in PRP treatment and was one of the first dermatologists to incorporate PRP into his private NYC practice. PRP has been a boost to patients with hair loss, delivering improved hair growth and hair thickness with his PRP hair restoration patients. Experienced dermatologist, Dr. Bruce Robinson, has been treating patients in his Upper East Side, New York City office for more than 30 years and is an expert in a range of cosmetic and dermatological procedures. If you’re frustrated by thinning hair or hair loss, Dr. Robinson is here to help.
Therapy for hair loss is a three-step medical treatment in which a person's blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into the scalp. Platelet-rich plasma is a concentration of platelets that is 3x the normal blood value, and contains many growth factors that stimulate hair follicles and can safely be performed up to every month, based on how much hair growth is required. PRP is a great solution for hair loss in both men and women, especially when hair transplant surgery is not an option. PRP injections can stimulate new hair growth in men who suffer from androgenetic alopecia (known as male pattern baldness) and women who suffer from female pattern baldness.
The Platelets in the PRP contain proteins that are needed in order to promote the rate of tissue healing and regeneration within inactive hair follicles. Inside these platelets are a variety of intracellular structures such as glycogen (a form of glucose), lysosomes (which break down the proteins), and alpha granules (which contain clotting and growth factors that get released during the cell repair process). Platelet-rich plasma-derived growth factors can also play a part in stem cell differentiation within the wound healing process of the musculoskeletal system.
In multiple studies through the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, patients suffering from hair loss were found to benefit from PRP injections. The PRP hair restoration treatment led to a significant local increase in hair number, extended growth phase, and improved hair thickness. Though the treatment is not yet FDA-approved, there is scientific proof that the treatment is beneficial for hair strength and new hair growth at and around a PRP injection site.
The science behind PRP uses proven benefits of PRP to naturally promote new cellular growth. PRP is directly involved in regenerative healing within the body. PRP growth factors can thus influence hair growth and can in fact restore hair follicles, in turn improving the look and feel of a patient’s hair.
PRP hair rejuvenation treatment involves the injection of platelets into the area of the body in which hair loss is occurring, for example the crown of the head. Platelets are taken from the patients own body via a blood draw that occurs at the start of the appointment. After the blood has been drawn, it is placed in a centrifuge, which is a machine that separates the platelet-rich plasma from the red blood cells. When isolated, the platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the treatment area. The platelets release growth factors, which stimulates the dermal papilla cells that are crucial in the hair growth process. For that reason, a series of PRP injections help to trigger hair regrowth to restore lost hair.
Though of course the number of PRP treatments varies depending on the hair condition and aesthetic goals of the individual patient, a typical patient will do three sessions of PRP therapy. Further treatments will be evaluated at the end of the fourth month (after the third PRP treatment).The sessions are typically spaced 4-6 weeks apart, and Dr. Robinson personally performs all consultations and injections. PRP treatments can also be used in tandem with hair transplantation to help accelerate hair growth. At your initial consultation with Dr. Robinson, you will be able to discuss all hair treatment options, including PRP injections. Dr. Robinson will use his expertise to provide the best medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment available for hair loss.
Unfortunately, as PRP hair restoration is considered a cosmetic procedure, PRP for hair loss is not covered by health insurance. For more information, it’s best to contact your insurance company directly to ascertain coverage.
Many patients come into their initial consultation with Dr. Robinson wondering, how fast does PRP work for hair loss? Of course, any results will vary depending on the nature of hair loss and desired results of each patient. However, the majority of patients see initial improved hair thickness and hair growth several weeks after treatment. Optimal results from PRP injections are apparent, on average, about 5-6 months after treatment.
A good candidate for PRP hair restoration is a patient who is showing signs of thinning hair or hair loss. Typically, candidates who have experienced hair loss more recently, or who are dealing with early hair loss, respond best to PRP hair treatment. Those with hair follicles that have been dormant for longer on the scalp are less likely to be improved by PRP therapy. It’s good to note that if you are diagnosed with a underlying disorder such as lupus or thyroid disease, you are unlikely to benefit form PRP injections, as these conditions will continue to worsen hair loss over time. Additionally, patients should not take blood thinners during PRP hair restoration treatment, as the procedure will be significantly less effective.
Call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Robinson.
Dr. Robinson was a pediatric resident @ NYU / NYC Health & Hospitals / Bellevue prior to pursuing dermatology. He enjoys seeing pediatric patients and specializes in difficult to diagnose rashes, birthmarks, acne, warts, molluscum and eczema.
We recommend annual skin cancer screenings for almost everyone. Essentially all skin cancer can be cured if detected early, and an annual skin cancer screening is the best way to find them at this early stage. Patients with a skin cancer history usually require screening every 3 to 6 months. Skin cancer screenings are truly life saving! Don’t be shy—make your appointment today! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Robinson offers a full 20-30 minute thorough skin exam. You'll be given a gown and asked to take off everything but your undergarments. The gown and undergarments can be moved in ways to keep areas of your body covered during the exam and to protect your privacy. Your appointment will involve a thorough examination of your skin — from the top of your scalp to the bottoms of your feet — by a board-certified dermatologist. Remove any nail polish, this will allow us to fully examine your fingers, nails, and nail beds. We will look for suspicious spots that could be cancerous.
After years of sun, squinting, laughing, frowning, smoking, and worrying, the skin around the eyes and on the forehead will often develop deep lines and wrinkles called “expression lines.” A frequent concern is that they often make you look older, tired, or stressed. Until recently, these advanced furrows have been difficult to treat. Now, by utilizing this FDA approved temporary muscle-relaxing agent, you can reduce "permanent expression lines". Botox®, Xeomin®, Jeuveau®, & Dysport® are “neuromodulators,” an extremely popular agent used to treat the lines of motion that are accentuated with facial movement and expression. It is one of our favorite procedures to perform because of the extremely high patient satisfaction rate, and a great place to start if you are considering a cosmetic procedure for the first time.
If you want to prevent the earliest fine lines from becoming full-blown wrinkles, preventative use of neuromodulator's can be the solution. They are approved for patients who are 18 years and older and most experts agree that patients in their mid to late 20s and early 30s are at a good age for preventative treatment.
With a very fine needle, BOTOX, Xeomin®, Jeuveau®, Dysport® are painlessly injected into the specific muscle that is contracting and causing the lines and wrinkles on the face. No anesthetic is required. Treatment is effective, safe, and takes approximately 10 minutes. Immediately following treatment you may resume regular activities.
The effects usually last 3 to 4 months, and fade away gradually. Following several treatments, the results may last 4 to 8 months or longer. Neuromodulator's offer extended relief over the course of long-term treatment.
Side effects of neuromodulator's, if any, are usually mild and temporary. Botulinum toxins contain proteins, which in some circumstances may be naturally safeguarded against by the body's ability to produce antibodies. If antibodies are formed, the therapy will generate a lesser response. Temporary bruising, mild pain and swelling are sometimes experienced, though these symptoms resolve on their own within 3 to 5 days. In rare cases, there can be a slight drooping of an eyelid or asymmetry of expression. If this should happen please notify our office.
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Typically, the effect of a neuromodulator is visible within 5 -7 days. Maximum benefits are reached between 10 to 14 days. Once the muscle becomes dormant and the skin softens, you will have a more relaxed and youthful appearance. Neuromodulator treatments are not a substitute for the results achieved with a facelift. The optimum appearance may be achieved with neuromodulator therapy in conjunction with a facelift, dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, and skin rejuvenation.
BOTOX® is a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent derived from the bacterium, Clostridium Botulinum. For over a decade ophthalmologists have applied BOTOX® for it's original intention, the treatment of blepharospasm. Physicians have utilized BOTOX® for years as a cosmetic treatment to correct visible signs of stress and aging.
The contractions and movements of the facial muscles are controlled by signals from the brain. BOTOX simple prevents the muscle from allowing responses to these messages. As a result, the muscle relaxes and the overlying skin remains unwrinkled and smooth.
Botox injections have been FDA approved to treat excessive sweating. In the skin, Botox selectively turns off the sweat glands resulting in a normal appearance without wetness. Treatment is performed during an outpatient visit and no recuperative time or special care is needed afterward.
Schedule an office visit to discuss your concerns and skincare goals with Dr. Robinson and the office visit cost will be applied to the future cost for the "consulted procedure". The "consulted procedure" must be completed within 30 days of your consult visit.
"Based on my initial visit, I would highly recommend Dr. Robinson. The Staff from the front desk to the nurses was awesome."
- Gary G.
"Everyone in the office is very pleasant and professional, especially Dr. Robinson. His exams are very thorough and he is very responsive to my questions and concerns."
- Valerie L.
"Always a good experience with Dr. Bruce Robinson and his office staff."
- Steven K.
"The practice is extremely well run from both a medical and an administrative stand point."
- Thomas M.
