An often-overlooked challenge for new mothers is coping with postpartum hair thinning.
It’s more than “just hair” – it’s part of your identity and confidence.
Commonly, many mothers undergo an increase in hair shedding or noticeable thinning after giving birth, attributed to hormonal changes. This situation can cause concern with strands of hair found on pillows, in shower drains and in hairbrushes. Whether it’s a first-time occurrence or not, this condition significantly impacts many mothers.
While it’s difficult to pinpoint specific numbers, the American Pregnancy Association indicates that 40-50% of new mothers will go through hair loss after childbirth.
At Rejuvenate Med Spa, we have found that Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy shows great promise in promoting hair growth and thickness by using your body’s natural healing abilities.
In this post, you’ll learn tips on how to fix postpartum hair loss.
Why Postpartum Hair Thinning Happens
Throughout pregnancy, increased estrogen levels cause hair to enter a prolonged growth phase, leading to thicker and more luscious strands. However, after childbirth, the decline in estrogen levels causes an influx of hair follicles entering the shedding phase simultaneously, resulting in noticeable thinning or significant loss of hair.
Postpartum hair loss usually starts about two months after birth and can last for several months. It gradually gets better as your baby approaches six months to a year old.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is highly effective in treating ongoing hair thinning, especially after childbirth.
PRP Therapy Overview
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that stimulates natural hair growth and reduces hair loss.
PRP is a powerful substance extracted from a blood component rich in growth factors. When applied to the scalp, it promotes the growth of new hair.
We typically recommend 4-6 treatments for the best results with PRP therapy for hair loss. Although individual outcomes may differ, improvements occur six months after the first treatment.
PRP therapy stands out due to its effectiveness when compared to popular hair loss treatments. Unlike medications like Minoxidil, which may produce results but require continued use and may have side effects, PRP therapy offers a promising alternative. On the other hand, hair transplant surgeries present a more permanent solution but are invasive, costly, and involve extended recovery periods and associated risks.
PRP therapy is effective and safe, avoiding the scarring, infections and systemic side effects associated with medications and hair transplants.
PRP Therapy Steps
PRP for hair restoration has three steps:
- Blood Separation Process: A small blood sample is collected and then put into a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the red blood cells.
- Scalp Application: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is injected directly into the scalp at the level of the hair follicles to treat thinning or hair loss in targeted areas.
- Follicle Stimulation: The growth factors present in the plasma help to activate hair follicles, promoting thicker hair.
PRP Benefits
The advantages it offers are often related to its features.
PRP therapy is a safe treatment as it uses your own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and other adverse effects.
Additionally, regular PRP treatments can lead to thicker, denser hair, improving overall hair volume and appearance.
The treatment is minimally invasive since it uses your body’s platelets to help your hair follicles grow naturally so that you won’t need much downtime.
PRP Side Effects
The potential side effects of PRP treatment are usually mild and temporary, subsiding within a few days. These include redness, swelling, itching, headache, numbness, and discomfort at the treatment site.
Fortunately, there were no severe side effects such as scarring, hematoma or allergic reactions reported after the treatment.
Hair Care Tips
Remember to follow these healthy hair care practices in addition to this treatment to keep your hair healthy and reduce the chance of hair loss. These practices include:
- Avoiding tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails to lessen the strain on your hair follicles.
- Getting regular haircuts can help you say goodbye to split ends and prevent them from causing more damage.
- Limiting hot styling tools like flat irons and blow dryers for healthier hair.
- Using a soft-bristled brush gently distributes natural oils in your hair and avoids breakage.
- Maintaining a healthy diet that includes iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids and beta-carotene. These essential nutrients help your hair grow and stay strong, making it healthier.
Restore Your Hair with PRP at Rejuvenate Med Spa
Many new mothers experience hair thinning after giving birth, which can be particularly worrisome, especially for first-time moms. In some instances, this issue may also reveal underlying alopecia that had gone unnoticed before.
With new mothers already grappling with sleep deprivation, the stress of caring for their baby and adapting to their postpartum body, this additional concern can be frustrating.
Consult a qualified professional to determine if PRP therapy suits you. If you’re looking for PRP for hair loss treatment near you in Illinois, look no further.
Contact us today for a personalized consultation to discuss your hair loss concerns.