PRP Costs, side effects, and treatments
Over the past two decades we’ve seen celebrities and sportsmen such as Angelina Jolie, Kim Kardashian and Tiger Woods rely on Plasma Rich Platelets either medically or cosmetically for facial rejuvenation where there were signs of aging, wrinkles or lines. The benefits of platelet rich plasma treatments has been proven for many conditions including facial wrinkles and hair loss.
What is Platelet Rich Plasma?
Plasma is a component in blood that lets red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets move through your bloodstream. They help in blood clotting and also plays a role in healing.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a substance that’s thought to promote healing when injected, uses injections of a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to accelerate the rejuvenation of the skin or hair of the person.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections: Procedure
Platelet Rich Plasma Injections primarily involves a blood draw, preparation of the PRP, and the injection:
- Blood is drawn from a vein in the patient’s arm into a syringe and processed with a centrifuge machine. The centrifuge uses centrifugal force to separate the blood into 3 components: 1) platelet-poor plasma, 2) platelet-rich plasma, and 3) red blood cells.
- A doctor or certified nurse practitioner prepares the centrifuged platelet-rich plasma for injection. The injected area is cleansed with disinfectant such as alcohol or iodine.
- The patient is asked to relax; this will facilitate the injection and also can make the injection less painful.
- Using a syringe and needle, our certified professional injects a small amount of platelet-rich plasma into the treatment site, whether facial or the scalp.
The platelet-rich plasma typically stimulates a series of biological responses, including inflammation, so the injection site may be swollen and painful for about 3 to 5 days. Once platelets are in the area that’s being treated, they break down and release growth factors, which are compounds that help cells repair and renew. This is thought to trigger your body’s healing process.
Side effects of PRP
PRP therapy is a very safe procedure that usually requires no anaesthesia or downtime. However, some patients may experience slight swelling at the site of the injection depending on their medical history. Your physician may advise against the procedure if you have any blood conditions such as anaemia, HIV, or hepatitis.
Because PRP involves injecting a your own blood into the skin or scalp, there are potential side effects which are generally minimal. PRP is autologous, meaning it contains substances that come directly from your own body (your blood). This fact in itself, reduces the risks for an allergic reaction that can occur other types of injections.
You might experience redness or mild irritation at the injection site.
Platelet Ready Plasma (PRP) for Hair loss treatment
As people age, hair loss is a common problem in both men and women. The hair loss ranges from thinning and shedding to stunted hair growth.
Platelet Ready Plasma (PRP) is a great treatment option for hair loss It’s backed by several research studies showing its efficacy increasing hair count, hair thickness, and the growth phase of the hair cycle.
Following the normal PRP procedure, injections can be injected into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. The process is meticulous, with injections beginning across the scalp, at approximately every half inch over the area of most thinning or loss of hair. The entire procedure takes less than a half hour.
Consistency is key to achieve the best results. Treatments are typically performed once a month for the first three to four months, and then follow up treatments every three to six months thereafter, depending on the individual patient’s response and results. It’s worthy to note that Platelet Ready Plasma treatments can, and should, be a part of a multifaceted program to treat hair thinning and loss.
It’s ok to question how effective PRP is, and whether it will work. First of all you need to understand that there is no magic treatment that can immediately restore a full head of hair, however results of PRP treatments have been promising.
Studies indicate that “a significant reduction in hair loss was observed between first and fourth injection”.
Costs of Platelet Ready Plasma (PRP)
Costs for PRP treatments can be between $500 and $2,000 and is usually not covered by insurance. Also, costs can vary depending on location, facilities, and the expertise of the doctor performing the treatment.
Here at Body Massage Wellness Spa, we offer the best prices and best professionals for the procedure. Schedule a free consultation session and begin your journey into PRP facial rejuvenation or hair restoration with Body Massage Wellness Spa, located at 1616 Welton, in Downtown Denver.