Platelet-rich plasma therapy is one of the most talked-about therapies for thinning hair because of its dramatic results in regrowing hair, even in individuals with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss). Autologous platelet-rich plasma is injected into the scalp to stimulate hair growth by providing a nutrient boost. Even though it’s a minimally invasive technique, many patients are concerned that it will have severe consequences despite the assurances that it’s safe.
What, if any, potential adverse reactions might patients experience after receiving PRP injections? Because the PRP used in PRP injections comes from your blood, there is very little chance that you will have an allergic reaction.
Nonetheless, you should be prepared for minor side effects, including pain and bleeding at the injection site, allergic responses to other products, and scars, which usually go away on their own. Blood vessel injury (nerve injury) and disorientation are also possible. However, this often occurs when the injector is a novice and has yet to do it.
Some patients may have pain and bleeding at the injection site, especially those with more delicate skin. The bleeding was generated by the tiny punctures in the skin around your PRP-treated hair, and the platelet concentration brought on the agony as it worked its way into the hair follicle. This medical procedure induces a state of acute inflammation, which promotes the healing of your hair follicles and encourages the creation of new hair.
There is a fear of discomfort before and after the surgery for some people. When injecting platelet concentrations, a medical practitioner will use a very thin needle to reduce any discomfort the patient may feel. In most cases, patients feel no or very little pain throughout therapy. However, doctors may use numbing cream on the affected area to reduce patient concern and discomfort.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections stimulate the hair-growth cycle and increase hair density, leading to thicker hair because they use the patient’s platelet concentrations. Patients risk an allergic reaction not to the PRP but to the anesthetic or even the syringe needle used in the operation.
Although these conditions rarely lead to more severe issues, they can be inconvenient. Consequently, it is essential to do exhaustive screenings of the patient’s medical history at initial consultations. This ensures that the patient is a good fit for the operation and that they are aware of any potential risks, such as allergies.
Clinical studies have shown that PRP injections can effectively treat numerous types of hair loss. However, the procedure has its risks. Infection at the injection sites is a possibility, especially if the patient isn’t taking proper care of themselves during the healing phase; for this reason, patients are discouraged from getting additional hair treatments or using harsh chemicals after their initial procedure.
Due to the injections involved in PRP therapy, little puncture wounds will appear on the scalp. These cuts could get infected by the dust and grime on the floors of your home. Clinics retain patients for observation for a short time to prevent this. If left untreated, this can become a more dangerous condition requiring emergency medical attention. Your PRP injections may only work well if you have this condition.
The possibility of nerve damage from PRP injections for alopecia should be considered. This is highly uncommon and usually results from an injection performed by someone who is neither trained nor licensed. Patients who are interested in this treatment should only go to reputable facilities.
Injections into the scalp to treat pattern hair loss have been associated with mild to moderate bleeding in some patients. This occurs because the administration process risks rupturing blood vessels near hair follicles. Call your doctor even if you think your blood vessels are only slightly damaged; consequences from such injuries are extremely rare.
Although rare, PRP for hair treatment can cause Dizziness and nausea in certain patients. Everyone has a varied pain threshold, so it’s possible that the treatment’s painful side effects are to blame for the patient’s Dizziness and nausea. A migraine attack could be provoked if the patient has a history of migraines.
Patients experiencing hair loss can benefit from PRP treatment, which is most effective when administered across numerous treatment cycles. Platelet-rich plasma still integrates into the scalp and generates acute inflammation, causing adverse effects for patients. The little lacerations from the injections also contribute to the unwanted effects.
The PRP treatment you receive is unlikely to cause any adverse reactions; if it does, it will likely be minor. Since they are a normal part of any medical process, you shouldn’t worry about them too much.
Follow these steps so that you can minimize your side effects experiences as much as possible:
Preparation and administration of PRP must be done meticulously. To maximize the therapeutic benefits of treatment, patients often need supportive care after that. This is why it’s crucial to find a trustworthy medical facility staffed by doctors who have completed specialized training.
And if you want to learn more about the process, you can always talk to your doctor. If you provide them with details about your health and cosmetic goals, they can devise a treatment plan to help you reach them. They might even suggest another method of dealing with your balding.
Although platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is generally safe and effective, it does have a few limitations. Patients with autoimmune illnesses or other conditions may not be good candidates for this surgery. Some forms of baldness would also not respond favorably to this therapy.
New hair growth has been linked to PRP therapy. For now, those with mild to moderate hair loss considering PRP should consult a medical professional to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. Thus, consider making an appointment with our Rawnsley Plastic Surgery center as soon as possible if you are thinking about this or any of our other treatments.
Copyright © 2023 Jeffrey Rawnsley, M.D., M.S., board certified facial plastic surgeon. All rights reserved.
