[quote][postedby]Originally Posted by cal[/postedby]
To CIT:
Why the big difference in the usage rate of Acell versus PRP? Price? Efficacy?
I expect Acell to be the heavy-hitter in terms of donor regeneration but I would think PRP might also help the process noticeably.
Would you be willing to throw out any guesses for “average” regeneration rates you are seeing these days? I ask this with the FULL understanding that any given figure CANNOT be guaranteed in any official way.[/quote]
Personally if given an either-or choice between ACell and PRP, I would opt for ACell. Much of the ACell skepticism is due to a sketchy understanding of how it works.
All cells in solid tissue are surrounded by extracellular matrix. ACell is a porcine-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) product. Extracellular matrix is not yet fully understood. Originally it was thought to be only a “scaffolding”, like the 2x4 stud framing in the walls of a home that keep the siding and sheetrock in place. More recently it was learned that extracellular matrix also serves as a kind of conduit that enables communication between cells. Doctors who are not having success with ACell are not using the product correctly. Dr. Cole uses a minimal depth extraction technique based upon a patent and patent pending depth control technology. Minimal depth extractions leave stem cells behind. If a doctor goes too deep with the extractions and removes every trace of what was originally there, communication between cells is severed. In that case, the wound is repaired with the generic repair “bondo” of the body we all recognize as scar tissue. When you go with minimal depth extractions and fill the extraction site with ACell gel, a “scaffolding” is reintroduced and a degree of cell communication is restored. The body has a better idea of what was originally at the extraction site and is able to remodel the site based upon what was originally there. That is why we get some follicle regeneration. As technology moves forward and extracellular matrix products are enhanced and improved, it’s only going to get better.
I sometimes get frustrated when people view FUE as a standardized procedure. We had a patient in for scar repair a few days ago who described his beard grafting experience with another doctor. He said a tremendous amount of pressure was used to extract the grafts. So much pressure that his face was bruised. On top of that, Dr. Cole mentioned there was only about a 5% yield. Our patient was pleasantly surprised by the difference in Dr. Cole’s extractions. The toughest part of scar repair though, is the anesthetic injections into scar tissue. I know from experience.
The contents of my posts are my opinions and not medical advice
Please feel free to call or email me with any questions. Ask for Chuck