Verteporfin injection in Donor area after FUE

Verteporfin injection in Donor area after FUE, Absolute Hair Clinic

Verteporfin Injection in Donor Area After FUE Hair Transplant: A Potential Breakthrough in Hair Restoration

Hair loss treatments, particularly hair transplants, have advanced significantly in recent years, with Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) emerging as a popular technique. However, despite its benefits, FUE comes with some risks, primarily related to scarring and the healing process in the donor area. Recent developments in medical research suggest that the injection of Verteporfin, a drug traditionally used in ophthalmology, could enhance healing and reduce scarring in the donor area following FUE procedures.

What is Verteporfin?

Verteporfin is a photosensitizing agent initially developed for the treatment of macular degeneration. When activated by light, it produces reactive oxygen species that help destroy abnormal blood vessels, preventing further damage to the retina. Recently, its potential in other areas of medicine has been explored, including its role in wound healing and scar reduction.

FUE Hair Transplant and Donor Area Scarring

In an FUE hair transplant, individual hair follicles are harvested from the donor area, typically the back or sides of the scalp, and transplanted to the areas of hair loss. This minimally invasive method has become the preferred choice for many due to its lack of linear scarring, unlike the traditional strip harvesting method. However, the tiny punch holes created during follicle extraction can still lead to small scars, and in some cases, poor healing or infections.

Patients undergoing FUE are often concerned about the aesthetic appearance of their donor area post-surgery, especially if they prefer shorter hairstyles. Even though FUE results in minimal scarring, some individuals may experience visible hypopigmentation or other scarring patterns that affect their cosmetic outcomes.

How Verteporfin Could Help?

Recent studies suggest that Verteporfin might play a role in improving the healing process after FUE procedures. Its mechanism of action involves targeting abnormal blood vessels and modifying the healing response by affecting tissue repair pathways. This has the potential to significantly reduce the formation of fibrotic tissue, which is responsible for visible scars.

Verteporfin, when injected into the donor area, may prevent the excessive buildup of fibrous tissue and promote more natural, aesthetically pleasing healing. By reducing the formation of scar tissue, patients may experience faster recovery times, improved skin texture, and a more even appearance in the donor area.

Benefits of Verteporfin in Hair Transplant Procedures

1. Reduced Scarring: By limiting fibrotic tissue formation, Verteporfin could reduce the appearance of small scars in the donor area, leading to a smoother skin surface.

2. Faster Healing: Enhanced tissue repair and regulated healing responses may result in a shorter recovery period, allowing patients to return to normal activities more quickly.

3. Improved Aesthetic Outcomes: For patients concerned about visible scars, Verteporfin could help create a more natural look in the donor area, making the hair transplant virtually undetectable, especially in individuals who prefer to wear their hair short.

4. Minimized Complications: Better healing could also reduce the risk of complications such as infections or abnormal scarring, which, while rare in FUE, can still occur.

The Future of Verteporfin in Hair Restoration

While early research and anecdotal evidence suggest promising results, further clinical studies are necessary to fully understand the potential of Verteporfin in the context of hair restoration. Surgeons and patients alike are eager to see if this treatment could become a routine part of post-transplant care, transforming the recovery process and enhancing the final outcomes.

Conclusion

Verteporfin injections after FUE hair transplants represent an exciting new frontier in hair restoration. By potentially reducing scarring and promoting faster, more natural healing in the donor area, this treatment could address one of the few remaining concerns with FUE procedures. As research progresses, we may see this innovative solution becoming a standard in hair transplant care, further improving patient satisfaction and aesthetic results.

Important Notice Regarding Verteporfin Injection Reactions

Verteporfin is a photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy, which makes your skin highly sensitive to sunlight and prone to sunburn. Please read the following carefully:

1. Pain and Burning Sensation

You may experience immediate pain and burning during the injection, with pain levels reaching 7-8 out of 10 for some patients.

The discomfort typically lasts about two days.

Some patients find the pain intolerable and request additional anesthesia, which increases the risk of overdose. Please note that this can also create challenges for me and my team, as discomfort may lead to rushed procedures.

2. Sunburn Risk

Despite precautions, all my patients have experienced sunburn to some degree.

To minimize this risk, you must avoid strong sunlight for at least five days.

Stay indoors during the day.

Use umbrellas and apply sunscreen if you need to go outside.

3. Post-Treatment Restrictions

You cannot undergo low-level light therapy (LLLT) following Verteporfin treatment, which is usually part of our aftercare routine.

Please carefully weigh the costs and benefits of this treatment. If you accept these risks.

We have DMSO available, so you don’t need to bring it.

Verteporfin is not available in Thailand

You only need to bring 50 mg (maximum 100 mg) for whole donor area( 150-200 sq.cm.)

Verteporfin 100 mg (Visuedyne) in DMSO 5 ml and NSS 20 ml, will get 4 mg per ml.