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LS and PRP/Stem cell treatment and laser surgery

Posted , 6 users are following.

samantha1970
samantha1970

Hi,

today invisited my my dermatologist in the Middle East. They offered me a combination of therapies which they say they have had great results when you do the two of them together,m

First is differential laser surgery followed on the same day by PRP (platelet replacement/stem cell therapy).

has anyone had either of these two or both together and had any results?

the doctor says they have had good results with the laser only but much better with both combined.

your advice is appreciated,

Samantha

0 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

  • samantha1970
    samantha1970

    Posted

    Sorry I'm told PRP is platelet rich plasma.
  • sara61637
    sara61637 samantha1970

    Posted

    Interesting.  Havent heard of the laser therapy but I wonder if that's monalisa touch?  There are some that are trying it for LS and having good results.  I've also read a lot about PRP and stem cell; some do prp alone and have great results.

    It all makes sense, doesnt it? To improve the skin.

    I have those treatments in my "back pocket" but right now dont feel it's necessary.  I'm pretty stable.

    Read about monalisa touch if you havent already.  It's non invasive, takes 5 minutes.  

    • samantha1970
      samantha1970 sara61637

      Posted

      I did ask the doctor if it was the Mona Lisa touch but he said no. He said it's a diffraction laser 😳
  • virginia45494
    virginia45494 samantha1970

    Posted

    Hi samantha

    Ive had one treatment of PRP and i'm thinking of having a second treatment in October.  I didnt do the laser treatment.

    I'm happy to give you a detailed view of what PRP involves.  My LS has been around for about 12 years and I've had continual discomfort and also structural changes.  I would say the first treatment of PRP improved skin elasticity and reduced inflamation/itching.  I would say it has improved 30%.  My specialist says that I may need up to 3 treatments.

    If you have LS that is chronic or well progressed then PRP is definately worth considering.

    Cheers

    Virginia

    • samantha1970
      samantha1970 virginia45494

      Posted

      Hi Virgina,

      thanks, yes please I'd really appreciate your experience on how it works. I only have a brief info from the doctor and what I read on the Internet. But first hand experience is always more valuable.

      my LS is chronic, I itch every 2-3 days so I'm always using the steroid, Betnovate. As I also have HPV high risk I was thinking to do this now as I'm at a greater risk using steroids for developing vulvar cancer.

      i look forward to hearing from you.

      many thanks, Samantha

    • virginia45494
      virginia45494 samantha1970

      Posted

      Hi Samantha, sent you a lengthy response by pm.

      If anyone else is interested in PRP, let me know.

      Virginia

  • Horselady
    Horselady samantha1970

    Posted

    Hi Samantha, I have been following your comments with interest. Would you say the PRP will put your LS in remission or do you think it is an actual cure? I was diagnosed several months ago and as you might guess an avid horseback rider. I have gone as far as organizing a new home for my beloved horse (a gorgeous TB rescue who I have retrained and made healthy). I am 60 and this was to be my retirement - my horse and riding. Now I am totally lost and depressed. But reading your comments I see a ray of hope...am I being too optimistic?
    • samantha1970
      samantha1970 Horselady

      Posted

      Hi Horselady,

      i dont one think it's a cure, although I do think it helps rejuvenate the skin for a year or so (after 3 treatments I'm told). For me, anything which helps as I have shrinkage and also the HPV virus (which is I'm advised activated by the steroid use) so anything which holds off LS symptoms is good for me.

      So I think it's a medium term solution for me.

      take care,

      Samantha

  • virginia45494
    virginia45494 samantha1970

    Posted

    Horselady ... please dont part with your horse just yet.  After just a few months it is far too early!  There are treatment options in layers - starting with creams and home remedies and then moving onto other treatments like PRP.

    My specialist sees women with LS from all over the world for Plasma Rich Platelet treatment.  I've only had one treatment thus far, but I may need 3 treatments.  It is low risk as the specialist uses your own blood product to create a super rich healing plasma treatment which is then mixed with your own fat from a small liposuction treatment.  This stem cell treatment is then injected into the LS site under anaesthetic.

    The specialist has had good response rates and his first patient has returned for a "top up" treatment after 7 years.  So I would say it helps to put it into remission and provide some skin repair and improved elasticity.  

    I'm happy to answer any questions.

    • Horselady
      Horselady virginia45494

      Posted

      Virginia - thank you for your prompt reply and your kind words of encouragement and advice...my concern is that the riding at best exacerbates the LS, and at worst actually caused it and that continuing to ride will make the chances of remission/recovery very slim. Riding is painful and pain (despite the 50 shades of grey nonsense) is not enjoyable.  However, I will continue my search for an answer and the PRP is the most plausible that I have come across so I am feeling more optimistic for sure.  As a matter of interest,where is your specialist located?  I live in Bermuda and my specialist is at Johns Hopkins.  She diagnosed me because I have had chronic anti-biotic resistant UTIs for several years now. She found the LS during an exam, along wtih internal tissue atrophy.  Aging is definitely not for the feint of heart.

       

    • virginia45494
      virginia45494 Horselady

      Posted

      Horselady - there are a few doctors who do PRP.  You might need to search, but I know of one in California and one in the UK.  My Doctor is in Italy and I travel from Australia!!

      Having lived with LS for 12 years, a few things I would suggest about horse riding (not that I ride, but if I did) ...

      *Avoid stress and review your diet.  

      *There is research that connects poor gut health to auto-immune, so supplements like pro-biotics can help with overall health.

      * Keep the area moisturised ... I'm using coconut oil

      * Avoid soap - even be careful of your shampoos that then wash over your body - use products that suit dermatitis etc

      * Use "nappy cream" ... baby diaper cream? ... with zinc ... the think white stuff when you are flared up and sore.  This will help to sooth and heal. 

      * When you arent riding, wear skirts and dresses, think air flow, cotton etc

      *  When you are riding, investigate what pants you are wearing - see if you can find pants that dont have heavy seams through the gusset?  I wear jeans occasionally, but I also have pants with light seams in the gusset.  I would use the nappy cream to sooth and protect the area while riding and maybe even a sanitary pad to add cushioning??  I would also have a soothing bath after while you are getting things after control.

      I'm not sure how bad you are, but I would avoid riding when things are really inflamed.  Hopefully when you get your treatment plan and lifestyle options sorted you will find things settle and you can use some of these techniques to allow you to ride.  It might take some time to work out what works for you, but I would not make any decisions about your horses just now - you have so many things to work on!!

      Having lived with this for 12 years I have had good times and bad.  Normally that period after diagnosis is one of the worst as you are dealing with the emotional reaction, plus you are highly symptomatic.  

      I have trouble believing LS was caused by riding, but I understand it may exacerbate it.  If I was you I would work toward understanding this disorder and what works for you.  Take time.

      All the best!

      Virginia

       

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    • virginia45494
      virginia45494 claire12259

      Posted

      If you look at the association of lichen sclerosus and vulval health there is a page about "cell therapy and prp".  this page advises how to contact doctors in uk, us and italy.  there are prohibitions to promoting uk doctor names, but you can contact them and they will advise privately.
    • virginia45494
      virginia45494

      Posted

      Happy to answer private messages on this topic.  Some of my links and doctor names have been deleted smile
    • Horselady
      Horselady virginia45494

      Posted

      Hi Virginia, Thank you for the very thoughtful and detailed reply.  I am exploring many options and have tried most of the solutions you have suggested which have been recommended by my doctors as well. I guess the key is to get the LS under control as much as possible and then start back slowly to riding and, using the measures recommended, see how it goes.  Cheers, Karen
    • virginia45494
      virginia45494 Horselady

      Posted

      Yes, I think so.  Just realise it will take a bit of time for things to settle.  Definately look into PRP treatment as an option.  Take care xxx
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