Hair loss is a common occurrence worldwide, especially in older adults. However, you can experience hair loss at any age. It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs daily; however, if you are losing more hair than that or are noticing increased visibility of your scalp, then those could be signs that you may have hair loss.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, it can be challenging to know what to do first and what the best treatment options are.
Treatments like growth factor injections can be appropriate for some types of hair loss especially in those wanting to avoid medications.
To learn more about growth factor injections for hair loss, you’ll need to keep reading this guide to learn what you need to know and always consult with an experienced medical provider before starting any new treatments.
What Are Growth Factors?
Growth factors are substances in the body that help to stimulate cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and/or wound healing. Different types of growth factors can be injected into the scalp in order to help support hair follicles and the scalp in areas with hair thinning. One common source of growth factors for scalp injections for hair thinning is platelets found in the plasma.
Platelets are mainly responsible for blood clotting but also promote cell regeneration and growth. The granules in platelets contain growth factors that can help support hair health and growth.
Growth Factor Injections for Hair Loss
Various scalp injections are used for different types of hair loss. Growth factor injections have been shown to be potentially effective for different types of hair loss including androgenetic alopecia (patterned hair loss) and alopecia areata.
One of the best things about many forms of growth factor injections is that they come from your body’s own cells, also known as autologous.
Let’s look at the growth factor injections at Root Hair Institute (RHI):
Where Do Growth Factor Injections at RHI Come From?
First, you’ll have a blood sample drawn. The sample then goes into a centrifuge which spins blood samples at high speed. This spinning separates different components of the blood.
The growth factors will then be obtained and then injected into the various areas of the scalp where you’re experiencing hair thinning. Remember, you might need different injection methods depending on your case.
In addition, you might need a specific frequency of sessions of injections to achieve the results you’re looking for.
Are There Other Types of Hair Loss Injections?
Depending on your condition, other types of injections may work better for you.
Sometimes steroid injections are used for hair loss primarily driven by inflammation such as conditions like lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, alopecia areata, etc.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that can result in hair loss, affecting millions of people in the United States annually. Most of the time, alopecia areata causes hair to fall out in small quarter-size patches. However, it can also affect wider areas of the scalp or one area of the scalp. If you experience complete hair loss from alopecia areata, your doctor will likely diagnose you with alopecia totalis (or universalis if you also lose body/facial hair).
Since alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition, your body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles. Due to this, steroid injections can help suppress the immune system and allow hair to grow. You may need multiple injections at each appointment, depending on your case.
The Root Hair Institute (RHI) offers steroid scalp injections, but you’ll need to meet with a specialist to determine if it’s the right course for you. Also keep in mind that your dermatologist also usually offers this. These steroid injections are often covered by your insurance. RHI does not accept insurance. If you think you may have inflammatory hair loss and are potentially interested in medical therapy and/or steroid injections, you may want to start by visiting a dermatologist credentialed with your insurance.
Benefits of Growth Factor Injections
Growth factor injection hair treatments have a variety of potential benefits to consider which are listed below:
Natural Treatment
First, these injections often use growth factors isolated from your own blood. This makes growth factors a natural treatment. This treatment option is often chosen by those wanting a more natural approach to their hair loss treatment.
Increased Hair Thickness
You may also experience an increase in hair thickness of your existing hair. Because growth factors are injected into the scalp, they can increase the blood flow to the area and support hair health in the area. This can cause your existing hair to become thicker in diameter and healthier.
Quick With Minimal Downtime and No At-Home Upkeep
Growth factor scalp injections typically involve a quick in-office procedure.
Even better, you won’t need to do any at-home treatments for scalp injections. You’ll only need to avoid specific supplements, medications, or activities in the days before and after the procedure per your provider’s instructions.
You’ll also have minimal downtime, meaning you can resume most of your normal activities typically days after the injections.
Your provider should give you all the details before your injection appointment so you know exactly what to do and what to avoid. If you are not sure, make sure to ask your provider.
Able to Safely Combine With Other Therapies
Finally, you can safely combine growth factor injections with other hair restoration therapies. These therapies include:
- Oral medications
- Topical medications
- Microneedling
- Low-level light therapy
Growth factor injections can also be a great option in combination with hair restoration surgery. This is because each of these treatments works differently to improve hair density. Additionally, the growth factor injections can help with the recovery process after the transplant and help the transplanted hair grow in faster.
Scap Injection Costs
The total cost depends on the types of scalp injections you need for your specific case. Growth factor scalp injections are generally not covered by insurance. During your consultation at RHI, you’ll discuss your treatment recommendations and receive the total cost at that time. Other clinics should also provide you with pricing ahead of time, so you know what to expect.
You’ll then be able to determine how you can budget for your procedure. RHI offers financing that you may qualify for. This way, you can make affordable monthly payments.
Find Out if Growth Factor Injections Are Right for You
Knowing more about growth factor injections will help you better understand your hair treatment options.
Next, you’ll need to take the next steps and schedule a consultation with a reputable and experienced hair restoration specialist. The good news is you can turn to the Root Hair Institute for all your hair loss treatment needs.
One of our experienced specialists will evaluate your hair loss and make a diagnosis. We’ll evaluate any medical problems along with your priorities and goals for hair restoration. We’ll then walk you through your hair restoration options and customize a hair treatment plan.
You should always ask about all of the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure with your medical provider.
If you are in the Seattle area (or willing to travel there for treatment), make sure to contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss scalp injection treatment options.
Otherwise, you can consider having a consultation with a dermatologist and/or hair restoration surgeon in your area (or where you’d be willing to travel to), to further discuss your individual case.