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PRP for Hair Loss: How Much Does It Cost?

A syringe full of PRP in front of a centrifuge

PRP for Hair Loss: How Much Does It Cost? If you’re considering Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for hair loss, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost. The total cost of a PRP procedure can vary depending on a number of factors, including the time the clinician spends performing the procedure, and the medical devices they use. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the things that can impact the cost of PRP for hair loss, so you can have a better idea of what to expect. What is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy? Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is created by taking blood from a donor and then separating the platelets from the rest of the blood cells, including red blood cells, using a centrifuge. The platelets are then added to plasma, which is a fluid in blood that helps transport cells throughout the body. This mixture has a much higher concentration of platelets than normal blood. How is PRP Made? There are several types of medical technology used to create platelet rich plasma for PRP hair restoration, each with its own set of procedures. The manner in which clinicians take a blood sample and the way patients’ blood is spun in a centrifuge are two factors that influence the effectiveness of a PRP hair restoration treatment. In addition to equipment choices, medical practitioners will utilize various approaches in their hair restoration treatment, such as how they inject PRP into the patient’s scalp. The technique and medical devices used by a clinician both play important roles in the efficacy of a platelet rich plasma treatment. What Are Platelets? Platelets are small, disc-shaped cells that circulate in the blood and help to stop bleeding. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets stick together to form what we call a “plug” at the site of injury; this plug helps to prevent further bleeding. Platelets also release chemicals called “growth factors.” These growth factors attract other cells to the site of injury and aid in repair efforts. Platelet-Derived Growth Factors for Hair Restoration Platelets are commonly known for their role in healing damaged tissue and stopping bleeding. However, they also play an important role in hair health. Platelets function by releasing growth factors, which are molecules that cause a biological response in the body. Several growth factors have been clinically shown to promote hair cell regeneration, making them a possible reason why PRP injections have been shown to stimulate hair regrowth in peer reviewed studies. How PRP Therapy Stimulates New Hair Growth We are still gaining an understand and the exact science of PRP hair restoration procedures. However, what we do know is that by injecting an appropriately high concentration of platelets into the treatment area of a patient’s scalp, a significant amount of people will see a reduction in hair thinning and an overall improvement in hair growth. This improvement in hair growth can relate to an improvement in hair density, the thickness of each hair follicle, and the recovery of previously lost hair. Is PRP Therapy for Hair Growth Natural? One of the most incredible things about PRP injections as a hair restoration treatment is that it relies on using the body’s own blood supply to stimulate natural hair regrowth. While oral medications like Propecia (finasteride) and other pharmaceuticals can also help reduce hair loss – they often have a list of serious negative side effects. A PRP injection on the other hand, has virtually no negative side effects aside from the mild soreness some patients experience briefly after receiving their PRP treatment. Many patients prefer this more natural hair growth approach, which is why PRP therapy has gained such popularity in recent years. Who Can Offer PRP Hair Loss Treatments? PRP hair loss treatments are offered by a variety of medical providers, including dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and general practitioners. Many people seek out hair restoration treatments from aestheticians or other non-medical professionals; however, these individuals are not able to offer PRP therapy as it is a medical procedure that should only be administered by a licensed medical professional.   Exactly which types of medical professionals are allowed to perform a PRP hair treatment will vary by state. However, PRP treatments for alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia (aka “androgenic” alopecia) are all considered a non-surgical treatment. This means that nearly any type of doctor or nurse can perform this procedure as long as they are acting within their state guidelines.   If you’re considering PRP for hair loss, be sure to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or other licensed medical professional to get the most accurate estimate of what the treatment will cost. PRP hair restoration should only be performed by a licensed doctor, nurse, PA, or other suitable professional after they have done a thorough examination and review of your medical history. How Much Does PRP for Hair Loss Cost? The cost of PRP for hair loss can vary depending on the medical provider, the type of equipment used, and the number of treatments required. A single PRP treatment can range from $500 to $3000, and multiple PRP treatments may be necessary for optimal results. Does Insurance Cover PRP Therapy for Hair? It is important to note that most insurance companies do not currently cover the costs of PRP for hair loss, as it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and insurance companies rarely cover cosmetic treatments of any kind.   There are perhaps some rare cases when a private insurance provider would be willing to cover the cost of a PRP treatment plan for male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness, but in nearly all cases patients will pay for these procedures out of pocket. Frequency of PRP Injections for Hair Loss When considering PRP for hair loss, cost will usually depend on the total number of procedures performed. Platelet rich plasma injections for hair loss are typically given every four to six weeks, and a series of three to five treatments is often recommended for optimal

Best Vitamins For Hair Growth: The Definitive Guide

Young woman with long hair holding up a gel capsule supplement

Best Vitamins For Hair Growth: The Definitive Guide Hair loss is a common problem that many people face. It can be embarrassing and frustrating, but there are ways to combat it. In this post, we will discuss the best vitamins for hair growth and how they can help you achieve your desired results.   While there are many different causes of alopecia, hair loss can often be improved with vitamin and nutrient supplementation. Vitamins and minerals are important for healthy cells and may cause hair thinning if not adequately included in one’s diet or supplements. Supplementation is fairly inexpensive and readily accessible, so it should always be a priority when planning how to stop and reverse hair loss. Can Vitamin Deficiency Cause Hair Loss? Yes, vitamin deficiencies can contribute to hair loss. There is plenty of scientific evidence demonstrating this, including a study published in 2018 that shows hair loss can be directly attributed to a lack of certain vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12. Many other studies have shown a correlation between a variety of vitamin deficiencies and thinning hair. Do Hair Loss Vitamins Really Help with Hair Growth? The clinical literature on hair loss suggests that proper nutrition can help support to growth of healthy hair. Many dermatologists report seeing measurable benefits from prescribing patients hair vitamins or iron supplements.   So, if you’re experiencing hair thinning, it may be worth considering whether or not you are getting enough of the right hair vitamins and minerals. A simple blood test can tell you if you have any deficiencies, and then you can work with your doctor to develop a supplement plan that’s right for you.   While there is no guarantee that taking vitamins for hair growth will stop your hair thinning, it is certainly worth considering as part of a comprehensive approach to addressing this issue. Hair Growth Vitamins There are many products online being advertised as “hair loss vitamins” or “hair growth vitamins” that claim to reverse hair thinning and support hair growth. While some of these vitamins for hair growth may be useful or effective, it’s important to first gain an understanding of which vitamins and minerals have actually been shown to be key nutrients directly related to hair count and stronger hair. The goal of this guide is to educate you on which vitamins and minerals to look for when searching for hair growth vitamins. Vitamin D Clinical studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency can lead to female pattern hair loss (FPHL). One study published in the Journal of Skin Pharmacology and Physiology showed that women with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to experience hair loss. The study participants who had the lowest levels of vitamin D were significantly more likely to experience hair loss as those with normal levels.   While the link between vitamin D and healthy hair is not fully understood, it is thought that vitamin D may help to protect the hair follicles from damage. A lack of vitamin D can also lead to a decline in the body’s overall health, which may contribute to issues with hair. Vitamin D Affects The Hair Growth Cycle Hair follicles can shrink and enter a resting phase when they are not receiving the proper nutrients needed to grow hair. This can be due to a vitamin deficiency, an unhealthy diet, or other health-related issues. When hair follicles are in a resting phase, they stop growing new hair and the old hair falls out. This can lead to thinning hair and baldness.   Vitamin D plays an important role in keeping our hair follicles healthy. A 2013 study published in journal of Skin Physiology and Pharmacology found that women with female pattern hair loss had lower levels of vitamin D than those with no hair loss. There’s further clinical evidence to suggest that vitamin D levels are also likely related to male pattern baldness. The Link Between Vitamin D and Hair Loss While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it’s thought that vitamin D may help to protect the hair follicles from damage. This is because vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.   Low vitamin D levels can also lead to a decline in the body’s overall health, which may affect hair growth. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune diseases – all of which can impact the hair growth cycle. Foods that are rich in vitamin D There are a few foods that are naturally rich in vitamin D, including:   Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel Cheese Egg yolks Mushrooms You can also get vitamin D from fortified foods like milk, orange juice, and cereals. If you don’t think you’re getting enough vitamin D from your diet, you may want to consider taking a supplement. Types of Vitamin D Supplements There are a few different types of vitamin D supplements available, including oral supplements, topical supplements, and injectable supplements.   Oral vitamin D capsules are the most common type. These supplements come in the form of pills or capsules that you take by mouth. Many supplements marketed as hair growth vitamins will contain vitamin D.   Topical vitamin D serums are applied directly to the skin. These supplements usually come in the form of a cream or ointment and have been used clinically for treating hair loss.   Injectable vitamin D solutions are administered by injection. This type of supplement is usually reserved for people who have severe vitamin D deficiency and need to rapidly increase their vitamin D levels. Iron Iron is necessary for the body to make hemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen in the blood. So when iron levels are low, less oxygen is delivered to the body’s tissues. This can lead to fatigue and other symptoms, including hair loss.   People with severe iron deficiency anemia often experience fatigue (tiredness) and a lack of energy. Some also have pale skin, shortness of