Swollen occipital lymph node behind ear after PRP and ACELL for hair restoration procedure. Advice? (photos)

Question

hello i had a Prp (platelet rich plasma) and acell procedure done on monday and on wensday i experienced pains behind the heat and discovered a hard mass which i learned was the occipital lymph node, there is a constant numb pain and feels like stabbing when you touch it, it doesn’t move at all, no fever or signs of infection and a white blood cell test was done today but results haven’t been done yet. warm showers help for the time in shower.

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

While PRP is generally well-tolerated, about 1 in 150 people who have a PrP procedure may experience swollen lymph nodes. You should tell your doctor right away so they can check it out. It’s important to rule out infections quickly, but often the swelling is related to the procedure itself.  Products like ACell may affect the scalp's immune system, so that should be considered too. Keep in regular contact with your doctor. Hope this helps! Best, Genie Alexander, RN BSN for Dr. Anna Petropoulos, MD FRCS at Center for Classic Beauty, Danvers & Boston, MA.

Jacquelline Leva, DO · Answer

Swollen lymph nodes are a less common side effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy when combined with microneedling. Need to follow up with primary as well if not due to prp to see if there is infectious cause or even non infectious cause with your primary care doctor. It could also be benign.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) occurs in approximately 1:150 patients who receive PrP. You’ll want to bring this to the attention of your physician as soon as possible so that he or she can evaluate. Certainly, infectious causes need to be urgently ruled out but much of the time the lymphadenopathy is due to procedure itself and components. We don’t have enough data yet to fully understand the effects of animal products (like ACell) on the scalp immune system, but this too needs to be considered. Be sure to keep very close follow up with your doctor.

Swollen occipital lymph node behind ear after PRP and ACELL for hair restoration procedure. Advice? (photos)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about PRP for Hair Loss

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Swollen occipital lymph node behind ear after PRP and ACELL for hair restoration procedure. Advice? (photos)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about PRP for Hair Loss

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.