Hair loss is an unfortunate condition that many adults deal with everyday. Genetics, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors all impact the body’s ability to regrow hair on the head. For instance, men are prone to pattern baldness, which can manifest as early as age 21. Some forms of treatment have emerged against hair loss, including exosomes and PRP injections.
So which of these methods is better for dealing with hair loss? While exosomes and PRP both use growth factors to stimulate hair growth, they target different bodily components. Exosomes target existing stem cells in the scalp area, while PRP triggers tissue repair and regeneration. For an accurate treatment plan for you, consult with your provider.
All About Exosomes
Exosomes are microscopic particles that communicate with various body cells. When used as a treatment for hair loss, exosomes are derived from stem cells. The exosomes used in these procedures contain growth factors that encourage regeneration. The process may combat hair thinning around the affected areas.
Exosomes are still a new hair loss therapy method, meaning their effectiveness has yet to be properly studied. After finishing a course of exosome treatment, patients can expect results within a few months. Most people observe growing thicker hair as a result of the procedure.
How It Works for Hair Loss Treatment
Similar to other non-invasive hair regrowth treatments, exosome therapy starts with the application of a local anesthetic. The numbing agent helps the patients become as comfortable as possible during the procedure. Additionally, some centers use a cooling device to further relax the treatment site.
The doctor then injects the exosomes into the treatment site. Although the general area is numbed due to the anesthesia, some patients may feel a light pinch during injection. The entire procedure usually lasts for 30 to 45 minutes.
Unlike stem cell treatments, people only have to undergo one session in a treatment cycle. The specialist will assess the effects of exosomes on your hair loss after 3 to 6 months. Additional sessions may be prescribed if your body reacts positively to the treatment.
Side Effects
Like laser treatments, there is a low risk of infection associated with exosome therapy. If your healthcare provider properly harvests the exosomes for treatment, then you shouldn’t worry about developing any adverse reactions. Of course, make sure to watch out for signs of infection, like fever or pus leakage.
Other common side effects include:
- Bruising and swelling
- Skin irritation
- Pain
These subside within a few days of healing. If you still feel side effects after 14 days, contact your doctor right away. They may prescribe you medication to help ease the pain. Avoid self-medicating with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin. These may cause harsh reactions and side effects.
Recovery Time
Compared to a hair transplant, recovery from exosome treatment is short. Patients can return to their usual activities a day after the operation. Strenuous physical activities, like weightlifting and circuit training, should be avoided for 1 to 2 days. Tell your physician before you return to your usual workout routines. Additionally, hair care products and conditioners should be avoided in the first few days. These may cause irritation around the treatment area.
Cost
Exosome therapy is not usually recognized by insurance providers. A single session may cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the size and location of the treatment area. If you’re also getting additional sessions after 6 months, the total expenses may pile up quickly.
All About Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
PRP injections are non-invasive treatments that are used to help with hair loss. Like exosomes, PRP is directly injected into the patient’s scalp. There are three steps involved with PRP treatment: extraction, centrifugation, and injection.
The doctor first extracts blood from the patient’s arm or another healthy body part. A centrifugal device is then used to isolate the plasma-rich protein from the other components of the blood. Lastly, the PRP is directly injected into the patient’s scalp to encourage hair cell regrowth.
How It Works for Hair Loss Treatment
A typical PRP session lasts for 30 minutes to an hour. The duration depends on the severity of hair loss and the size of the treatment area. The doctor first extracts blood from the patient’s arm or another healthy body part.
A centrifugal device is then used to isolate the plasma-rich protein from the other components of the blood. Lastly, the PRP is directly injected into the patient’s scalp to encourage hair cell regrowth. New hair growth can be observed after a few weeks or months.
Side Effects
PRP injections are relatively painless and hassle-free. After the procedure, you may notice some side effects. These are usually minor and subside within a couple of days. Common side effects include bruising, swelling, pain around the injection site, and skin irritation.
Bruising and swelling are normal after the procedure. These typically subside after a few days. You may apply a cold compress on the area after 3 days. The cold will help lessen the appearance of bruises. While swelling can be uncomfortable, it’s a sign that PRP treatment is working as intended.
Pain around the injection site is another common side effect. Taking Tylenol can help, but make sure to follow the appropriate dosage. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like naproxen and aspirin, should be avoided as these may interfere with the PRP’s effectiveness.
Skin irritation is common, so you may notice redness and itchiness around the treatment area. Avoid unnecessary touching to prevent exacerbating the problem. The irritation usually subsides within a couple of days.
While infection rarely happens, some people may develop fever or increased pain and swelling. Contact your doctor right away if you notice signs of infection. You will need a course of antibiotics for proper treatment.
Recovery Time
The recovery period for PRP injection is short. You may return to work and other daily activities within 1 to 2 days. However, avoid strenuous physical activity and excessive movement near the injection site. Light exercise, such as walking and basic yoga, can help you burn calories without overexertion.
Additionally, avoid food with too much salt or sugar and drink at least 2 liters of water every day. Maintaining a healthy diet can help maximize the effects of platelet-rich plasma and reduce the appearance of side effects.
Cost
A PRP injection costs around $400 to $1300. The exact price depends on the size and location of the injection site. The total amount of expenses may go up if you need subsequent sessions. You may talk to your provider for an exact quotation. Knowing how much money you need can help you prepare for the expenses, especially if your insurance provider doesn’t cover PRP injections.
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PEP Factor is a safe and effective hair care product that you can use to help with your recovery. With its natural ingredients and formulation, it can help you maximize the effects of exosome and PRP treatment. The product may help patients experiencing hair thinning around the
FACE Med Store: Your Source for Hair Care and Medical Supplies
The effects of exosomes and PRP treatment may take a while to become visible. While recovering from the procedure and waiting to see the changes, your doctor might recommend other formulations to help with treatment.
FACE Med Store offers only high-quality items to help practices and patients alike with their beauty and medical treatments. For more information about our products, you may send us an email at info@facemedstore.com.
