Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Loss of Smell
Losing your sense of smell, whether from COVID-19, a viral infection, or another condition can make life feel incomplete. Smell connects us to food, memories, and experiences. For some, loss of smell lingers far longer than expected.
Now, there’s a treatment option available in the Black Hills which has been shown to improve sense of smell in over 80% of patients. Watch this video below to learn more about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatements.
Dr. Dallin Christensen, ENT specialist at Rapid City Medical Center, is the only physician in the area offering Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections for loss of smell.
How do PRP Injections Work?
- PRP is derived from a sample of your own blood, which is separated to isolate your own body’s growth and healing factors.
- These healing factors are carefully injected to stimulate regeneration of the olfactory system.
- The goal: enable recovery of smell function in a natural, minimally invasive way.
Why Choose PRP with Dr. Christensen?
- PRP is effective and safe, with the majority of patients experiencing improved sense of smell with minimal to no side effects
- Only specialist in the region offering this therapy
- Personalized care close to home
“Loss of smell can be incredibly frustrating and isolating. PRP gives us a promising new tool to help patients regain this vital sense.” – Dr. Dallin Christensen
Who May Benefit From This Treatment
- Have lost their sense of smell or have very little smell for 6 months or longer
- Lost their sense of smell after a virus, including COVID-19
- Lost their sense of smell after a head injury or trauma
- Have tried other treatments without improvement, such as:
- Smell training
- Steroid medications (nasal sprays or pills)
What the Research Shows
- Recent medical studies show promising results for people with long-term smell loss:
- In patients who lost their sense of smell after COVID-19, PRP treatment led to significant improvement compared to placebo
- In another study, nearly 9 out of 10 patients reported meaningful improvement one year after treatment
- Early research also shows improvement for patients with smell loss related to injury or trauma
What to Expect From Treatment
- Treatment includes three in-office PRP injections, spaced two weeks apart
- No surgery or general anesthesia is needed
- Appointments are done in an outpatient clinic
- A 3-month follow-up is scheduled after treatment (Virtual follow-up is available for non-local patients)
- Whether you’re a good candidate
- What results to realistically expect
- Current research and limitations of treatment
Safety & Side Effects
- PRP uses your own blood, which means:
- Very low risk of reaction
- No serious complications reported in medical studies
- Nasal soreness or pressure
- Minor nosebleeds
- Temporary congestion
Insurance & Cost
- PRP treatment for olfactory dysfunction is not currently covered by insurance
- Treatment is self-pay
- Cost and expectations are discussed transparently during consultation
Ready to Take the Next Step?
- If you’ve been living without your sense of smell and haven’t found relief, this treatment may be worth exploring. We’re happy to:
- Answer your questions
- Review your history
- Help you decide if this option is right for you
Ear, Nose, and Throat Services & Treatments
Ear Infections
Hearing Loss
Tinnitus
Dizziness and Balance
Sinus Issues
Nasal Congestion
Sleep Apnea
Snoring
Tonsils and Adenoids
Voice Disorders
Swallowing Issues
Thyroid Surgery
Head and Neck Masses
Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Services & Treatments
- Ear Infections
- Hearing Loss
- Tinnitus
- Dizziness and Balance
- Sinus Issues
- Nasal Congestion
- Sleep Apnea
- Snoring
- Tonsils and Adenoids
- Voice Disorders
- Swallowing Issues
- Thyroid Surgery
- Head and Neck Masses
- Pediatric ENT
Ear, Nose, and Throat Location
