Age has many effects on the aesthetics of the human body. For both men and women, hair loss is one of many signs of aging that they experience. Topical treatments such as minoxidil or finasteride can prevent and reverse hair loss for some, but platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP) are another effective way to treat hair loss for men and women.
WHAT ARE PRP HAIR LOSS INJECTIONS IN NASHVILLE, TN?
Platelet-rich plasma injections are cosmetic procedures used to prevent and reduce hair loss for men and women. The PRP used in the injection is taken from the patient’s blood and then injected directly into the scalp to nourish and stimulate the hair follicles in areas where hair loss has occurred.
HOW DO PRP HAIR LOSS INJECTIONS WORK?
On the day of your appointment for PRP injections in Nashville, TN, your technician will draw a sample of your blood and run it through a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the blood cells. There are two stages to this part of the process. The initial centrifuge cycle separates the blood into its components. Next, the blood is put through another cycle until it separates into three clear components.
- Platelet-rich plasma
- Platelet poor plasma
- Blood cells
The PRP is then extracted from the mix to be injected into the scalp.
You can expect about ten to thirteen separate injections, depending on the size of the treatment area. You should be aware that without local anesthesia this step can be quite uncomfortable. However, here at Garza Plastic Surgery in Nashville, TN we offer Pro-Nox nitrous oxide as a pain management option during treatments for your comfort.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO PRP INJECTIONS FOR HAIR LOSS?
There can be some minor side effects after your treatment. The most common side effects include the following:
- A slight headache
- Temporary bleeding around the injection sites
- Itching
- Tenderness of the scalp
- Swelling
In rare cases, PRP injections can cause some scarring and calcification around the injection sites. Make sure you also watch for signs of infection or fevering around the treatment site. Rest assured that you will not be at risk for any blood-borne disease because this treatment only uses your body’s own blood for this procedure.
RECOVERY FROM PRP TREATMENT
The main thing to note about recovery is to treat your scalp gently over the next couple of days. You should wait to wash your hair for about twenty-four hours to give your scalp time to heal. Additionally, you should also avoid any scalp massages or anything that would irritate your scalp.
After the first twenty-four hours, you should be able to resume your daily routine with no problems.
HOW EFFECTIVE ARE HAIR LOSS INJECTIONS?
So far, the FDA has not approved the use of PRP injections for hair loss. However, a growing body of research suggests that PRP hair loss injections are effective at reducing hair loss and improving hair growth. Our patients have also noticed results from their very own hair loss treatments.
When discussing the effectiveness of PRP treatments, it should be noted that these injections are not a miracle cure. For example, patients who have experienced 70 to 80 percent hair loss will not be able to grow back all of their hair. However, a patient with only 20 to 30 percent hair loss will see significant improvement after treatment.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO NOTICE RESULTS?
Typically, patients see results within two to three months. For maximum effectiveness, we recommend a treatment plan of two to three injections delivered about six weeks apart. After the initial round of injections, you will need to receive at least one or two rounds of injections per year to maintain your results.
It is also important to note that the origin of platelet-rich plasma treatments involved the injecting of PRP into areas prone to sports injuries to facilitate faster healing.
PRP is a carrier for growth factors and nutrients that help the body recover and reduce the time needed for healing. It is still an experimental treatment, but since it was found effective as a way to support healing from sports injuries, professionals have been experimenting with its other uses.
WHAT IS THE COST OF PRP HAIR LOSS INJECTIONS?
Prices for PRP injections vary greatly throughout the country. Depending on the availability and quality of equipment, treatments can be more expensive. You can see prices around $400 and up to $2000 per round of injections.
At Garza Plastic Surgery, we understand that each patient is different and can offer prices based on the needs of the patient. Call today to set up a consultation for PRP Injections in Nashville, TN.
If you prefer local anesthesia over the use of Pro-Nox, your treatment may cost more.
WHO SHOULD GET PRP FOR HAIR LOSS?
Even though advertising tends to target men for hair loss treatments, both men and women can benefit from this treatment. Patients at the earliest stages of hair loss are the ideal candidates for PRP treatments.
ARE PRP TREATMENTS COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Because PRP hair loss injections are a cosmetic procedure, they are typically not covered by insurance.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAUSE HAIR LOSS?
The main condition that causes hair loss in adults is called alopecia areata. This condition causes hair loss to occur in patches. This condition causes the body’s immune system to attack existing hair follicles and causes them to shrink.
Alopecia may be linked to stress, but other causes include traumatic experiences, childbirth, and certain medications. Hormonal changes, especially due to age, can also cause hair loss.
CAN PRP HELP MALE-PATTERNED BALDNESS?
Yes, PRP is a helpful treatment for many common causes of hair loss, including male-pattern baldness. The natural growth factors from PRP once injected into the scalp will improve both hair thickness and density. However, PRP will be the most effective at the early stages of male-pattern baldness. At later stages, more invasive treatments will be necessary to see dramatic results.
WHEN SHOULD I NOT GET HAIR LOSS INJECTIONS?
In order to see the best results, we want to make sure your plasma is as healthy as possible. As a result, a history of heavy smoking or alcohol abuse may mean that a PRP treatment for hair loss is not right for you.
Other disqualifying factors can include a diagnosis for any chronic conditions such as cancer, chronic liver disease, or chronic skin infections.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT IN NASHVILLE
If you’re interested in learning more about PRP injections for hair loss, come visit Garza Plastic Surgery. We’re located in Sylvan Park, across the street from Sylvan Supply, and on the corner of Charlotte Ave and 42nd Ave N. And if you would like to learn more about how our aesthetic and cosmetic treatments can help you reach your goals, we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.
Book a Consultation in Nashville to Learn More
