Hair
Hair Restoration in Chevy Chase, MD
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Medically reviewed by Tina B. West, MD, board-certified dermatologist · Updated November 2, 2026.
Hair loss is a medical condition. Dr. West treats it like one.
Thinning hair usually has more than one cause, so it rarely responds to a single fix. At The West Institute, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tina West starts with a medical evaluation of your hair loss, then builds a plan that combines in-office treatments with at-home medical support. The aim is natural, gradual improvement in density, strength and scalp health.
Patients come from Washington, DC, Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac and Northern Virginia.
Why Dr. West For Sofwave
- Dermatologists are the medical specialists for hair and scalp. Dr. West is board-certified in dermatology.
- Board-certified in internal medicine too. She looks at hormones, nutrition, medications and medical history, not just the scalp.
- In-office treatment plus medical care she monitors. KeraLase, PRP, PDGF, exosomes and Acorn Secretome, combined with prescription treatment when appropriate.
What causes hair thinning?
Genetics, hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies, aging and some medical conditions can all disrupt the hair growth cycle. Finding your pattern and its contributors is the first step to a plan that works.
Which hair restoration treatment is right for me?
Most plans combine an in-office treatment with at-home support. Dr. West chooses based on your pattern of loss, medical history and scalp health.
| Treatment | What it does | Where |
|---|---|---|
| KeraLase | Laser opens microchannels for a growth-factor serum | In office |
| PRP microneedling | Your own platelet-rich plasma delivered with microneedling | In office |
| PDGF | Topical platelet-derived growth factor for follicle support | In office, often with microneedling or laser |
| Topical exosomes | Growth-factor signals to support the scalp environment | In office |
| Acorn Secretome | Serum made from your own follicle-derived cells | In office |
| Prescription medication | Slows shedding and supports regrowth | At home |
| Supplements | Address deficiencies and stress-related shedding | At home |
What is KeraLase?
KeraLase is a non-invasive treatment that uses laser energy to create microchannels in the scalp, so a proprietary growth-factor serum absorbs better. It supports scalp health and fuller-looking hair over time, alone or as part of a broader plan.
How does PRP microneedling help hair growth?
PRP microneedling for hair growth combines platelet-rich plasma with controlled microneedling of the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and support the natural growth cycle. The procedure promotes circulation, follicular signaling, and scalp rejuvenation while allowing targeted delivery of growth factors. Treatment depth and frequency are individualized based on hair loss pattern and clinical assessment.
What are topical exosomes?
Exosomes are tiny signaling particles that carry growth factors between cells. Applied to the scalp, they help signal weakened follicles toward a healthier growth phase and improve the scalp environment.
What is PDGF?
Do supplements or prescription medications help?
How long until I see results?
Hair grows in cycles, so change is gradual — typically over several months, not weeks. Expect a series of in-office treatments to start, followed by maintenance and at-home care.
Board-Certified in Dermatology and Internal Medicine · Founder, The West Institute ·
- 30+ years in cosmetic dermatology; in private practice since 1996
- Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology and American Board of Internal Medicine
- Chief Resident in Dermatology, The Washington Hospital Center, 1994–1996; clinical research fellowship in dermatology
- Published in Dermatologic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, JAAD and Annals of Plastic Surgery; contributing editor, Dermatologic Surgery, 1996–2005
- Faculty, Current Concepts in Cutaneous Laser Surgery, Harvard Medical School, and the ASLMS Advanced Laser Skin Resurfacing Course
- Consultant and injectables trainer for Allergan and Galderma; original phase III FDA trials for Botox Cosmetic
- Fellow, AAD, ASDS and ASLMS · Washingtonian TopDoc · Patient’s Choice Award (multiple)
Meet Your Physician: Tina B. West, MD
Hair Restoration FAQs
Yes; combining in-office care with medication or nutritional support addresses thinning from several angles.
Usually. Hair restoration is ongoing: a starting series, then maintenance.
PRP comes from your blood; Acorn uses signals from your own preserved follicle-derived cells
It depends on the treatments in your plan. Dr. West gives you a personalized quote at your consultation.
Book Your Hair Restoration Consultation in Chevy Chase
Learn more about hair restoration in Chevy Chase today by calling 301-986-9378 or filling out our online form.