Our patients come first – Our primary purpose is to serve our patients through the provision of the highest quality care in a patient, friendly, safe and compassionate manner. We will grow because patients identify and differentiate the quality and accessibility of providers and the system of care we offer.
Bellingham Family Medicine
& Aesthetic Laser Clinic
Our Approach
Our Office
Family Medicine
Wellness & preventive care care for the whole family.
2 Physicians & 4 Physician Assistants
Our care team is here for you.
2 Convenient Locations
Statesville & Troutman
Cosmetic Medicine & Aesthetic Laser Services
Aesthetician on site in Troutman
Primary Care Services
Our training and experience qualifies us to provide a full range of medical services. These include:
- Women’s health including family planning, contraception management, office gynecology care, Pap smears/pelvic exams and Gardasil vaccine.
- Preventive health services for all ages. This includes Medicare Annual Wellness Visits with the development of a Personalized Prevention Plan.
- Complete physical examinations of personal, school, sports, camp, employment, and executive physicals.
- Evaluation and management of acute conditions including allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infections, sore throat, headache, chest pain, abdominal pain, urinary tract infections, hemorrhoids, back pain, joint pain, tendonitis, bursitis, skin rashes, and many others.
- Evaluation and management of chronic illnesses including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, ADHD, arthritis, allergies, asthma, chronic lung disease, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and many others. We also participate in Medicare Chronic Care Management services. This enhanced benefit provides non-face-to-face care and occurs in addition to usual office visits.
Our Location
Statesville
705 Gaither Road
Statesville, NC 28625
704-871-1155 Phone
704-872-2484 Fax
Troutman
118 Kirkman Court
Troutman, NC 28166
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment designed to help reduce hair loss and promote healthier, thicker-looking hair growth. PRP uses your body’s own natural growth factors to stimulate hair follicles and improve hair density.
During treatment, a small sample of your blood is drawn and processed to concentrate the platelets, which contain powerful growth factors. The PRP is then injected into areas of the scalp affected by thinning hair.
Who’s a Good Candidate for PRP?
As with almost all non-surgical treatments for hair loss, the best candidates are those with thinning hair rather than complete baldness and for those who have experienced more recent hair loss. Thinning hair is more common in younger individuals, but anyone with thinning hair loss may benefit from the treatment.
PRP Treatment Process
- A small amount of blood is drawn.
- The blood is processed to separate and concentrate the platelets.
- PRP is injected into the scalp in the areas of hair thinning.
The procedure is performed in the office and typically takes about 60 minutes.
Required Number of Sessions
PRP treatments will always need to be repeated to be effective. Recommended treatment regimen is 0, 3, and a booster treatment at 9 months. The cost of PRP $900 per session or $2500 for a 3-session package.
Cost, Benefits and Effectiveness of PRP for Hair Loss
PRP, along with all non-surgical hair loss treatments, may decrease shedding or result in thicker-looking hair. Thicker-looking hair can be seen with either an increase in the actual number of hairs present, by an increase in the hair-shaft diameter, or by a combination of both. Multiple studies have been published on the effectiveness of PRP and have demonstrated great benefits, occasionally
some patients will not benefit from growth factor treatments.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
PRP injections are considered to be very safe. Although it is not possible to sterilize the surface of the scalp, it is very important to follow the pre-treatment instructions to avoid any major side effects. Local and temporary pain at the injection sites is the principal risk.
Pre-treatment Care
7 days prior to treatment:
• Avoid using scalp products or camouflage products.
• Avoid coloring, bleaching, waxing, or chemical peels for 1-2 weeks before.
• Avoid sun exposure and do not come in to your treatment with a burned scalp.
• Avoid: Blood thinners, Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve), Fish Oil, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, Garlic, Turmeric, Omega-3, other anti-inflammatory supplements.
• Inform Provider: Discuss any prescription meds, especially immunosuppressants or corticosteroids.
3 days prior to treatment:
• Avoid Smoking
• Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine to reduce bruising.
Day Before & Day of treatment
Scalp & Hair Care
Wash: Shampoo thoroughly the morning of your appointment with a fragrance-free shampoo.
No Products: Do not apply gels, sprays, oils, or styling products.
No Treatments: Avoid coloring, bleaching, waxing, or chemical peels for 1-2 weeks before.
Avoid Excessive Heat/Sweating: Saunas, hot showers, intense exercise on treatment day.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water (8+ glasses) the day before and the day of your appointment.
Eat: Have a normal, light meal before your visit.
Post-treatment Care
Immediate Care (First 24 Hours)
Do Not Touch: Avoid touching, rubbing, or manipulating the treated area to keep injections undisturbed.
No Washing/Products: Don’t wash your hair or apply hair products (sprays, gels).
Gentle Washing: After 24 hours, gently wash with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo; avoid direct shower pressure.
Avoid Heat/Sweat: Skip strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs, and excessive sun exposure.
Next Few Days (Days 1-3)
Continue Avoiding: No swimming, heavy exercise, or prolonged sun.
Avoid Alcohol/Smoking: Steer clear of alcohol and nicotine as they can delay healing.
Medications: Only use Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain; avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin) for about a week if possible, as they can interfere with healing.
Supplements: Avoid blood-thinning supplements like Vitamin E, fish oil, and ginkgo for several days.
Longer Term
Sun Protection: Use SPF 30+ sunscreen and wear hats when outdoors for at least two weeks.
Hair Dye: Wait 4-6 weeks before coloring your hair.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water.
For most patients, the answer is yes. Most patients will experience a decrease in
shedding, and growth of new hair. While occasionally some patients will not experience any benefit.
Local pain and temporary swelling may occur at the sites of injection.
PRP is an expensive, invasive, and somewhat painful procedure.
Individuals who are completely bald in the area of concern are not likely to experience any benefit. Patients with active skin conditions such as skin cancer or pre-cancer, as well as certain systemic diseases, should not undergo PRP.
You will be able to gently style your hair immediately following the procedure.
There are several commonly accepted protocols, with the most common being three sessions followed by booster sessions.
As with all effective treatments for hair loss, discontinuing the treatment will result in hair loss. Generally, you will only use the hair that the treatment helped grow.
While visible growth can be seen as early as 1-2 months, it can take as long as six months to see a benefit.
Generally, it is recommended to shampoo gently the morning after the procedure.
Light exercise can begin the day after the procedure, but wait several days before
undergoing strenuous exercise.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a non-surgical, regenerative treatment that uses a patient’s own platelets to accelerate the healing of injured tissues, leveraging growth factors to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. The PRP therapy is often used as an alternative to cortisone injections, offering a regenerative approach with minimal downtime.
Conditions Treated:
- Chronic tendon conditions, such as tennis elbow, jumper’s knee, and Achilles tendonitis.
- Osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee, hip and shoulder joints.
- Sprains or tears, rotator cuff repair or ACL reconstruction.
- Plantar fasciitis.
PRP Method, Effectiveness and Benefits
The most common method of PRP administration is direct injection into the targeted area. For joint-related conditions, PRP can be injected directly into the joint space to alleviate pain and improve joint function by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Studies, particularly in knee osteoarthritis, show PRP can be highly effective in reducing pain and improving function. While some feel relief sooner, benefits often build over several months, with results lasting 6-12 months or more.
Benefits Include:
- Accelerate healing of tendon injuries.
- Alternative treatment: minimally invasive treatment for patients with chronic orthopedic conditions, reducing the risk of complications and recovery time.
- Utilize the body’s natural healing process: by concentrating and injecting a patient’s own platelets, PRP therapy leverages the body’s innate healing mechanisms to treat orthopedic conditions.
Recovery and Side Effects
PRP iniections are considered to be very safe. Initial increased pain or swelling is common for 24-72 hours. Light activity is recommended immediately, with more intensive rehab starting 2 weeks post treatment. Risks are low but include temporary pain, infection, or bleeding.
Sessions and Cost
PRP treatments will always need to be repeated to be effective. A common program with the concentrated PRP is one treatment session at 0 months, then 3 months if no improvement, then followed by a booster session at 12 months. The cost of PRP $800 per session for single treatment area or $1200 per session for bilateral treatment areas such as knees. Your doctor will discuss your recommended treatment program, maintenance, and it’s rationale.
Post-treatment Care (Days 1-3)
- Do Not Touch: Avoid touching, rubbing, or manipulating the treated area to keep injections undisturbed.
- Avoid Heat/Sweat: Skip strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs, and excessive sun exposure.