Why Should You Consider PRP Injections? | Tips from Your Trusted Southlake, TX Dermatology Professional

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Male or female-pattern baldness affects approximately 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States. Hair loss usually begins after age 50, but it can occur much earlier. Self-worth does not revolve around physical appearance, but baldness can negatively affect emotional and mental health.

Men and women have reported depression and discomfort during social interaction due to hair loss and baldness. Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a fairly new treatment for baldness and thinning hair. The treatment is very similar to microneedling with PRP to rejuvenate skin. PRP injections are available in Southlake, TX, and the procedure is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the field of dermatology.

Is PRP Safe?

PRP was originally developed to enhance healing for people recovering from injuries or reconstructive surgery. It accelerates healing in muscles, tendons, and joints. The FDA evaluates medications and treatments in the United States to ensure safety and effectiveness before they are available to the public. PRP is used ‘off-label’ to reverse hair loss. “Off-label” means the FDA verified PRP for its original use and determined that benefits outweigh the risks when it is used for another purpose. Doctors in Southlake, TX, can recommend platelet-rich plasma treatments if they believe it will help their patients.

A determination that “benefits outweigh the risks” sounds slightly ominous, but the criteria applies to all medications and treatments. An ‘off-label’ treatment with negative side effects may be used for a serious illness because the illness is a greater threat to health and quality of life. Baldness is not life-threatening, and it does not significantly affect daily life. Treatments with potentially serious side effects are not approved to treat hair loss in dermatology.

PRP injections are very safe. There is no risk of an immune response because the plasma comes from the client’s blood. Infection is the most serious potential risk. Choose a reputable dermatology clinic with knowledgeable staff in Southlake, TX, to minimize risk of infection.

The two main components in blood are red blood cells and plasma. Plasma contains white blood cells, or WBCs, and platelets that are rich in growth factors that promote healing. The concentration of growth factors, platelets, WBCs, and proteins in platelet-rich plasma is five to ten times higher than the concentration in blood.

The platelets and growth factors also encourage vascularization, the growth of new blood vessels, around injection sites. Additional blood vessels improve circulation in the scalp. Vascularization promotes hair growth because follicles have more access to oxygen and other nutrients in the blood.

PRP Injection Procedure

Platelet-rich plasma used in dermatology is derived from the client’s blood. Medical staff draw blood from the arm and place the tube of blood in a centrifuge. The centrifuge rapidly spins the tube until red blood cells and plasma separate into two distinct layers.

A doctor at a dermatology clinic injects PRP plasma into the scalp at half-inch increments. The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes from start to finish. Most people experience very little pain and feel light pressure from the injections. Anesthesia is not necessary, but cool air or ice minimizes discomfort.

PRP injections are administered once a month for three or four months, then drop to one procedure every three to six months. Clients usually notice less hair shedding within two to three months. Hair regeneration typically begins during the third or fourth month.

Side Effects and Aftercare

Most side effects of PRP treatment are very mild. Scalp tenderness after the procedure is common. Sometimes temporary bleeding occurs at injection sites, but bleeding usually stops before clients leave the dermatology clinic. Other side effects include swelling, mild pain around injection sites, and itching.

Clients can take over-the-counter medications to relieve mild pain after PRP injections. There are no limitations on daily activities after the procedure. A warm shower soothes lingering discomfort and enhances blood circulation in the scalp.

Avoid coloring, blow-drying, processing, or applying hair care products for one or two days to avoid irritating the injection sites. Clients taking anticoagulant medication should ask a doctor about taking the medication on the day of the procedure.

How Well Does PRP Work?

Numerous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of PRP injections for stopping and reversing hair loss. A review of research during 2019 in the journal ‘Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’ found that PRP injections reduced hair loss and increased hair density and diameter of individual strands. A systematic review in the ‘Dermatologic Surgery Trusted Source’ looked at results of 19 studies. Reviewers found that most studies reported successful hair regeneration in people with androgenetic alopecia.

Greek researchers at Democritus University monitored 20 people treated with PRP and found that hair volume increased significantly. PRP is not a permanent cure. Clients need to schedule maintenance treatment. Doctors in dermatology have not settled on a standardized schedule for long-term maintenance treatment yet. Many dermatology clinics recommend PRP injections every 3 months after hair loss has stopped and new growth is stabilized.

Who Can Benefit from PRP Treatment?

Men and women with androgenetic alopecia are great candidates for PRP treatment in Southlake, TX. Androgenetic alopecia is a genetic condition that causes shrinking in hair follicles. It is referred to as male pattern baldness in men.

Damaged follicles produce less hair overall, and the hair that does grow is thin and fragile. PRP injections are frequently used in dermatology to reverse this condition. Concentrated growth factors in PRP encourage healing and tissue repair in shrunken follicles.

Anyone experiencing hair loss can consult Compassionate Dermatology in Southlake, TX. Helpful and friendly professionals work with clients to figure out why they are losing hair. PRP injections can be used in combination with other interventions, such as nutrition therapy or medication, to keep hair healthy and vibrant.


Everything You Wanted to Know About PRP Therapy for Skin Rejuvenation | Dermatologist in Southlake, TX

Oftentimes people ask their dermatologist in Southlake, TX whether PRP therapy for skin rejuvenation and microneedling are the same thing. Well, yes and no. Microneedling is a common cosmetic procedure that is primarily used in order to minimize the signs of aging.

During standard sessions, your dermatologist in Southlake, TX will use a needled device or a special roller to prick your skin and stimulate new production of collagen. Due to this, microneedling is also known as a therapy that induces collagen.

That being said, PRP of Platelet-Rich Plasma injections can be added into these sessions. Microneedling with the help of PRP can proven to be effective in introducing speed in the skin’s healing process and adding more tightness to it.

How Can This Procedure Help You?

Traditional microneedling has been used for everything that ranges from wrinkles and age spots all the way to scarring and many other forms of hyperpigmentation. PRP injections, on the other hand, will actually boost these results tenfold and will help your achieve your original skin type much more quickly.

Even though your dermatologist in Southlake, TX uses microneedling to treat stretch marks and scars on every part of your body, PRP has been designed only for your face. You may have come across a lot of influencers on social media that had their face covered in blood after a skin procedure. This is why some of them started calling it the ‘vampire facial’.

These pictures, however, portray a traditional method of the procedure by applying whole blood to the individual’s face during microneedling. With recent advances, however, your dermatologist in Southlake, TX will only apply the PRP extracted from your blood to the face. As a result, your face will only become a mild pink.

Are You A Good Candidate for the Procedure?

Your dermatologist in Southlake, TX will consider you a great candidate for this procedure with only a few simple conditions. You need to be in good health and you should be on the lookout for ways to remove the minor signs of aging on your face.

This treatment, however, will not be a good option for you if you:

  1. Have experience skin radiation over the past 12 months
  2. Have a history of slow healing wounds
  3. Tend to scar easily
  4. Have a particular set of skin symptoms like Rosacea and facial eczema
  5. Have acne and use Accutane
  6. Are pregnant

You don’t need to worry though; your dermatologist in Southlake, TX will actually evaluate your medical history in order to pass you as a good candidate for the PRP therapy.

What Should You Expect During Your Appointment?

PRP with microneedling is a very quick process compared to all the other similar cosmetic procedures out there.

Before

You may have to arrive about ten minutes earlier than your appointment with your dermatologist in Southlake, TX. This will be sufficient time for you to finish any paperwork or payments. When all of this has been done, you will probably be given something to change into.

Now that you’re ready, your dermatologist in Southlake, TX will cleanse your skin and administer a topical anesthetic. They will then wait for it to kick in for about 30 minutes before beginning the procedure.

During

The actual process of PRP therapy for skin rejuvenation will only involve 2 steps. The portion with microneedling will only last for about half an hour. During this time, your dermatologist in Southlake, TX will apply their FDA approved derma roller (or some other device) to your face and move it around in circular and sweeping motions.

A syringe of your blood will then be drawn – usually from your arm, while your face gradually becomes numb. The blood will go through the centrifuge and the extracted PRP solution will be massaged onto your treatment area. This is done during or after the microneedling process because it opens the channels into the skin like a good preparation for PRP.

Traditionally, PRP used to be injected into the skin, but now this combination with microneedling is becoming more and more common.

After

Once your dermatologist in Southlake, TX is done with the PRP procedure, they will apply a balm or serum to help soothe any irritation or redness on your skin. Now you will be allowed to use makeup as a camouflage to hide the temporary side effects of redness or swelling.

How You Can Prepare for the Appointment

Your dermatologist in Southlake, TX will give you a specific set of instructions to prepare for your PRP treatment. These instructions will commonly include:

  1. Arriving for treatment with a bare face – which means no moisturizers or makeup. You may only cleanse your face before coming in.
  2. Arranging a ride home after the appointment
  3. Drinking healthy amounts of water in the days before your appointment
  4. Avoiding direct exposure to the sun or any tanning activities atleast a week before the actual appointment.

When Will You See Some Results?

With the help of PRP and microneedling, you will be able to experience firm and smooth skin once you have finished your course of treatment. Your doctor will determine whether you need maintenance sessions after the initial treatment.

Finally, the sessions of the treatment will usually be spaced out on a period of a few weeks. That being said, skipping a few sessions may have the ability to hinder its overall effectiveness.

Compassion Dermatology Can Help You Out

We would like to welcome you to Compassion Dermatology to find the experts in cosmetic, surgical and medical procedures for your nails, hair and skin’s health. All of this will be done with the most innovative technologies and up-to-date researches.

Learn more about our services by visiting our website or calling us at 817-380-5911.

 

 


Everything You Wanted to Know About PRP Therapy for Hair Loss | Dermatologist in Southlake, TX

Hair falling out can be a symptom of many diseases. The common causes of this, however, are hormones, deficiency or stress. If these are the reasons why you’re hair seem to be falling, then you need PRP. PRP is an emerging therapy for hair loss and we’re going to be answering the most common questions about it.

What is PRP Therapy?

As any dermatologist in Southlake, TX will tell you, PRP is short for Platelet Rich Plasma. This is a new and novel method of treating hair and skin problems. The platelets used in therapy are known to be rich in growth factors which have the ability to growth in any form of cell. These cells may be the joint cells which are known as synovial membrane cells, collagen cells which are known as fibroblast and hair root cells which are known as papilla cells.

How Are the Cells Prepared?

When you visit your dermatologist in Southlake, TX, they will prepare PRP from your own blood. They will take approximately 20 to 25 ml of blood with the help of their PRP kit. This will be collected in a small vial and then spun on a centrifuge machine.

This spin is done in order to separate the blood from its many constituents. Blood, if you didn’t already know, consists of Platelet Poor Plasma at the top, red cells at the bottom and platelets right in the middle. These platelets are right on top of the red blood cells and are formed like a buffy coat layer.

This very buffy coat will be extracted by your dermatologist in Southlake, TX and it will be further concentrated with a few more spins. Finally, the platelets will be activated with the help of calcium and this will be injected in to the skin of your scalp using syringes.

Who Is Qualified for a PRP Therapy?

PRP is more like an induction therapy for hair growth. In theory, PRP is supposed to be effective for every kind of hair loss. Practically, however, every dermatologist in Southlake, TX will apply PRP therapy for alopecia areata, as a subsidiary of hair transplant, and male and female pattern baldness.

How Is This Therapy Carried Out?

It would take your dermatologist in Southlake, TX about 1.5 hours to complete the whole therapy. First a numbing cream is applied over the scalp for about half an hour to reduce the discomfort and pain. The scalp is then cleaned with some antiseptic solutions.

Just before the therapy starts, your dermatologist in Southlake, TX will administer a local anesthesia to ensure you experience complete painlessness. After this, the PRP will be injected deep into the skin of hair roots with the help of a few simple pricks.

This therapy will continue for about 4 to 6 months and maintenance therapies may take about 3 to 6 months.

How Much Discomfort and Pain Are We Talking About?

Every dermatologist in Southlake, TX will tell you that PRP, at most, can only cause people mild and tolerable pain. There are now even some innovative additions in PRP therapy that make it completely painless.

Will the Therapy Work Where I Have Completely Lost My Hair?

According to most dermatologists in Southlake, PRP is known to be very effective for places on a person’s scalp where there is already some existing hair. In these patches of existing hair, the therapy will reverse the thinning process and ultimately give your hair density. As a result, PRP would have reduced your hair fall and increased their growing phase.

When Can I Expect Hair Growth After the Treatment?

There will be 2 stages of improvement during the treatment. First, you will experience a reduction of hair fall and then you will begin to see some visible changes in your hair after about 4 to 6 months.

Are There Any Side Effects of PRP?

Remember that we mentioned PRP uses your own blood for the therapy? This is exactly why PRP has no side effects! The only common complain of people who went through with the therapy is pin point bleeding and mild pain. To be safe, some dermatologists in Southlake, will recommend allergic tests to make sure the anesthesia doesn’t cause any reactions. The PRP itself, however, is completely safe.

What Precautions Need To Be Taken After the Therapy?

PRP therapy is a complete professional and office-based procedure. This is why there are no major complications of the injections used. You can even go ahead and go to work the very next day! Your dermatologist in Southlake, may, however, recommend that you go through the procedure on a Friday so you can rest through the weekend. This is recommended so that your avoid work pressure, exercise and sweating for a minimum of 2 days.

Are There Other Uses of PRP?

PRP therapy is also used for skin rejuvenation. You may actually have heard of the famous ‘Vampire’ Therapy? This is basically a form of PRP therapy for the skin.

Do You Need an Experienced Dermatologist in Southlake for PRP?

We agree to the fact that there is no ‘ideal’ cure for hair growth out there. That being said, we would recommend that you try the most experience dermatologists to experience the best results for the procedure. By doing so, the experts will be able to combine your therapy with some good combinations of medicines and practices to ensure you experience the best effects.

Compassion Dermatology Can Help You Out

We would like to welcome you to Compassion Dermatology to find the experts in cosmetic, surgical and medical procedures for your nail, hair and skin’s health. All of this will be done with the most innovative technologies and up-to-date researches.

Learn more about our services by visiting our website or calling us at 817-380-5911.