Cosmetic Services
Natural Growth Factor
WHAT IS Natural Growth Factor?
Natural Growth Factor is the preparation of your own blood that contains only the platelets and plasma. Natural Growth Factor contains a super-concentrated source of growth factors that can be applied directly to the face, scalp, or body to address flaws and help with the signs of aging.
Preparing For Your Treatment
What is Natural Growth Factor for Hair Restoration?
Natural Growth Factor therapy for hair restoration is a three-step medical treatment in which a person’s own blood is drawn, processed, and then injected or applied to the scalp.
Natural Growth Factor injections trigger natural hair growth and maintain it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft. Sometimes this approach is combined with other hair loss procedures or medications/supplements.
- Discontinue blood thinning agents and anti-inflammatory medications, such as Advil, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, Cod Liver Oil, and essential Fatty Acids, a minimum of 7 days prior to treatment.
- If you are taking any blood thinners, please let your provider know immediately, as they may represent a contraindication to this treatment. These medications include Plavix, Coumadin and Heparin.
- You may use Tylenol (acetaminophen) if needed prior to the treatment.
- If you are taking broad beta-blockers such as Inderal (Propranolol), please inform your provider as this medication may need to be changed to a select beta-blocker in advance of the treatment.
- Avoid excessive sun or heat exposure.
- Minimize or avoid alcohol consumption 48 hours prior.
- If possible, refrain from or minimize smoking prior to your procedure as it impacts the healing process.
- It is ok to color your hair up to 7 days before the procedure.
- Increase your intake of fluid the day before your procedure by simply drinking 2 glasses of water in the morning, 2 glasses at lunch, and 2 glasses at dinner, in addition to your normal intake of water.
Day of Procedure
- Shower the morning of your treatment and wash your hair very thoroughly using your regular shampoo.
- Do not apply sprays, gels, or any other styling products to your hair.
- If you wear a hair system, please remove it prior to shampooing and do not wear it before your Natural Growth Factor treatments.
- Please eat a normal breakfast and/or lunch the day of your Natural Growth Factor session.
- Drink plenty of water at least 2 hours before your session.
- It is normal to experience bruising, redness, itching, swelling and/or soreness that may last from 2-5 days following your treatment. If you experience any pain or discomfort you may take Tylenol or other Acetaminophen-containing products as directed.
- You may have a bruise at the blood draw site.
- You may notice a tingling sensation while the cells are being activated.
- In rare cases, skin infection or reaction may occur, which is easily treated. Please contact our office immediately if you notice unusual discomfort.
- Try to refrain from applying ice to the injected area as ice acts as an anti-inflammatory.
- Continue to avoid aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Voltaren and other anti-inflammatory medications for 3 days after your procedure (if possible try for 7 days).
- Avoid vigorous exercise, sun and heat exposure for at least 2 days after your treatment.
- Do not wet your hair for at least 3 hours after your treatment.
- Do not use any hair products for at least 6 hours after your treatment.
- For the first 3 days, use shampoo that is pH balanced.
- Be sure to take a hot shower and wash your hair that evening, after the treatment, to promote the effects of PRP.
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms, swimming for 2 days after your treatment.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking for 3 days after treatment. Smokers do not heal well and results may take longer.
- Avoid resuming Minoxidil (Formula 82M, Rogaine®), hair coloring, and straightening for 3 days.
- Continue increased water intake the first week after your treatment.
- Do not use blood thinning agents or anti-inflammatory medications such as, such as Advil, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, Cod Liver Oil, and essential Fatty Acids for at least one week after your treatment
If you have any questions or concerns, or any of the following occur, call us at (916) 936-1231.
- Drainage that looks like puss
- Increased warmth at or around the treated area
- Fever of 101.5 or greater
- Severe pain that is unresponsive to over-the-counter pain relievers
