The Pellet Placement Procedure
What is the Pellet Placement Procedure?
The pellet placement procedure is the part of BHRT that seems to cause the most trepidation in those considering this therapy. It is a quick, simple, and safe procedure most patients get used to in no time at all.
Pellet placements are performed in the office every four months. This timing may vary depending on factors like age, weight, body composition, diet, activity level, and metabolic rate. Individuals with faster metabolisms may need placements more frequently. Regular bloodwork and monitoring help determine the ideal schedule for each patient.
The procedure takes place at Optimal Bio clinics during regular business hours, Monday to Friday. Patients are seen in private, comfortable exam rooms, where questions and concerns can be addressed.
Appointments typically last fifteen minutes, with the placement itself taking only five. Patients can remain fully clothed, with only the treatment area exposed. Wearing comfortable clothing, such as sweatpants, is recommended. Patients lie on their side, and the hip area is covered with a sterile drape.
A simple, sterile incision is made in the fatty area of one buttock. The area is first cleaned with betadine and alcohol, then numbed using a 2% lidocaine solution.
A small, straw-like instrument called a trocar is inserted at a 30-degree angle to place the pellets approximately one inch beneath the skin. The procedure is virtually painless due to the local anesthetic. The incision is sealed with wound closure strips, covered with a transparent film, and finished with a sterile pressure bandage.
The only discomfort typically felt is the anesthetic injection. Most patients tolerate this well, and very few discontinue therapy due to needle-related discomfort.
Post-Procedure Instructions
Patients should avoid vigorous exercise for five days following placement. Swelling is normal for one to five days, and soreness or itching may persist for up to two weeks. Bruising around the incision typically fades within one to three weeks. Pellets cannot be removed once placed. In rare cases of infection, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed.
The Optimal Bio Pellet
Optimal Bio offers high-purity pellets made from organic yams. Each pellet is 99.5% pure yam-derived hormone, with 0.5% stearic acid (a natural fat) used as a binder. This formulation allows the pellet to dissolve at the proper rate for effectiveness.
Men typically receive six to twelve pellets per treatment, totaling 1,200–2,400 mg of bioidentical testosterone, based on individual lab results and a mathematical algorithm.
Women receive 75–150 mg of testosterone and 6–25 mg of estrogen per placement, depending on lab work. Some women, especially those still ovulating or with estrogen dominance, may receive testosterone only. Each treatment is personalized.
Pellet Expulsion
About 5–10% of men may expel one or more pellets, compared to only about 0.1% of women. Expulsion risk is influenced by pellet hardness, body fat percentage, and post-procedure physical activity.
Optimal Bio’s expulsion rates are low: 2% for men and 0.1% for women, thanks to high-quality pellets and refined placement techniques.
If a pellet is expelled, it may be visible when removing the bandage—appearing like a small white grain of rice. Patients should inspect their bandages carefully. If expulsion occurs, a replacement pellet can be easily inserted at the clinic.
To minimize expulsion risk, patients should avoid physical activity—especially on the first day and for up to five days post-procedure. Rest is encouraged: read, relax, avoid walking or lifting, and absolutely no running or squats.
Lean individuals have a higher chance of expulsion due to less surrounding fat tissue. Women typically retain pellets better than men for this reason. Men, who receive more pellets and often have less fat in the gluteal area, are more susceptible to expulsion and should take extra care after placement.
Leave a Reply