Hello and welcome!

How are you today?

By the way, would you mind talking about your experiences with breast implants on my discussion group? I think it would be helpful for other women!

Thanks!

I'm glad I could be helpful. Big hugs back to you and good luck with it all. I hope you will keep me posted!

Oh, and as far as regrowth goes...no...there has not been regrowth in the scarred areas, however, the hair around the scarred areas has grown in thicker and I have much more of it...because it was all starting to thin in the front. Anyway, it covers things much better than before and I'm not nearly as self-conscious now....so that's something. Unfortunately, I do not think there is a magic pill, but I think there are things that make it better.

Hi, Here are the doctor's that CARF referred me to...the first doctor in Santa Monica is the one that runs the support group and specializes in scarring alopecia.

Adriana Schmidt

Santa Monica Dermatology Medical Group

2001 Santa Monica Blvd. Ste 990-W

Santa Monica, CA 90404-2102

310-829-4484  Fax: 310-829-4481

tell the front desk you have a “hair disorder.” They will give you a longer time slot. Bring copies of any biopsies and lab tests

Melissa Watcher, MD

1401 Avocado Avenue, Ste 703

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Linda Globerman MD

Derm & Laser Group of Irvine

16300 Sand Canyon Ave., Ste 612  
Irvine, CA 92618-3706 
949 -753-1001F-949-753-1115

I do not at all regret getting my implants removed. I knew I was ready for them to go. I had a full capsulectomy and a lollipop lift....I am extremely happy with them and I used scar cream for a couple months after surgery and now you can hardly see any scars. I love my doctor, he did an incredible job.  I had my implants for about six years before the FFA started, so don't know if those were at all to "blame" or not. I think the flu shot is much more likely in my case, because my first shed started within weeks of that...of course, it took me three times/years to connect the dots and stop getting them. However, it doesn't sound like the flu shot is a trigger for everyone on this forum...so who knows. 

Hi again, My opinion....I think anything that triggers an immune response can trigger FFA. I've been to an immunologist and endocrinologist who have both said that could be the case. This Vitamin A thing is sort of new to this forum, but who knows...it could play a role. I went off my multivitamin a year ago when I had my breast implants removed. I was scared to death that my FFA would go crazy with the surgery..instead, my hair seemed to get fuller ...so whether this was because of getting my breast implants removed (but it happened really quickly afterwards...and I had to go off my multi 2 weeks before the procedure), or maybe less Vitamin A (or some other vitamin in there), I will probably never know. As I said before, the flu shot definitely triggered mine, so I just do not get them anymore. I take 3 immune supplements (Moducare) daily and I just be really careful during flu season. I've never had Brazilian blowouts, but I do still get highlights in my hair. I've had botox a couple of times, but this all started for me way before I tried that, so don't think that plays a part. It's all pretty mysterious....and frustrating!

My experience with Dr. Goh was mixed. I'm sure she is very good, but she specializes more in non-scarring types of alopecia. She is very busy. One time I waited 3 hours in the lobby for my appt. Not sure what it was, but there was some sort of emergency. I think she did what she could for me. I had several rounds of steroid shots in my scalp, and she was the one who put me on Doxy and Clobesterol. I still take one Doxy every few days, but rarely use the Clob. Dr. Watcher basically did the same thing, and then I stopped the shots because I just wasn't seeing a difference. I am not on an autoimmune diet. I think my FFA is stabilized for now. I think the things that have helped me, are nothing that is usually prescribed. I think going off my multivitamin a year ago made a difference. I also think that using 5% Rogaine around my scalp area (and about 2" back) every night has made a difference. I also think not getting the flu shot again has helped (because each time I got it...3 years in a row....I had big sheds). I'm going to respond to your other comment now. BTW, there is also another lady who is up by Dr. Goh, who specializes in scarring alopecia. She runs the support group up there. Can't remember her name now though.