Postpartum hair loss (aka postpartum alopecia) is a common concern for first time moms. Although it’s a temporary condition that occurs within a few months post pregnancy, the process of hair loss can be distressing. Fortunately, a relatively newer technique called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a promising new treatment for post pregnancy hair loss. PRP therapy may sound familiar because it’s been made popular by a certain sect of celebrities’ who promote it’s use after experiencing hair loss and/or bald spots. Famous athletes also use it to to help heal injuries. The main question most people have is: how does postpartum hair loss work? And can PRP help regrow lost hair from it? And what other conditions, hormonal or hereditary, can be treated?
Understanding Postpartum Hair Loss
Postpartum hair loss is a physiological phenomenon that occurs due to hormonal changes during and after pregnancy. It is a natural part of the postpartum experience and is temporary. Once hormone levels return to normal prepregnancy levels, hair loss will stop.
During Pregnancy:
- Elevated estrogen levels prolong the growth phase of hair
- Resulting in thicker, healthier-looking locks
After Childbirth:
- Estrogen levels drop dramatically
- Causing more hair to enter the resting phase
- Leading to increased hair shedding
What Is Platelet Rich Plasma and How Does it Work For Postpartum Hair Loss?
Platelet Rich Plasma is also referred to as PRP.
Blood has 4 more components: red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, and plasma.
Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood. And its main purpose is to transport blood cells and other substances throughout the body. While platelets make up a portion of blood that helps heal wounds and prevents excessive blood loss. So platelet rich plasma is the portion of plasma that consists mainly of platelets.
Now the question is how do you get the platelet rich portion of the plasma? Especially if plasma consists of other substances as well?
The answer is centrifugation.
Centrifugation is a process that involves running a vial of blood in a machine called a centrifuge. This machine spins rapidly and separates different contents of a particular substance. One-to-a-few tubes of the patients own blood is withdrawn and used in the case of PRP therapy.
Centrifugation concentrates the plasma resulting in only platelet rich plasma!
After this process is complete, a doctor can take the sample and reinject it into an injured or damaged body tissue of that patient. And voila!
This formula causes the release of several growth factors. And allows a natural cascade of healing to take place from within.
This is why it is also an effective treatment for women experiencing post partum hair loss. It’s natural, safe, and can be used by breastfeeding moms as well.
What Else Can PRP Injections Be Used For?
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be used as therapy to accelerate the healing and growth process of various tissues, ligaments and tendons.
Today more research is underway to find its use in other disciplines including cosmetic procedures, rheumatologic and genitourinary conditions.
However not a lot of research before 2015 looked into the benefits of PRP injections for hair loss in females. Most researchers only concentrated on the benefits seen in orthopedic procedures/injuries.
But now it is being used for postpartum hair loss and baldness, as this is a common concern during this time period.
PRP Therapy for Hair Loss
When researchers first decided to test PRP therapy for hair loss they only selected male subjects. And all subjects were suffering with male pattern baldness. Results were positive. There was a mean increase of hair in the target area and in total hair density with no noted side effects.
Scientists in 2019 demonstrated that PRP therapy for regrowth of lost hair was a safe and effective technique. And that it has the potential to positively affect millions of people in the United States alone.
The International Journal of Women’s Dermatology also noted that PRP therapy for conditions such as androgenetic alopecia (i.e. female pattern hair loss) was very promising.
And because it is a natural technique and safe to do during breastfeeding too, new moms dealing with hair loss are the newest clientele of PRP therapy.
Side Effects of PRP Therapy to Regrow Lost Hair
There are very few (almost nil) side effects to doing PRP therapy. And this is because it only involves injecting a person with their own blood.
The only reported side effects tend to be local ones. This includes symptoms and signs such as mild pain, swelling, or itching at the injection site.
Researchers note that one downside of PRP therapy is that more studies are needed to support the notion of how effective the treatment is for everyone wanting to regrow lost hair. For example, the most extensive studies (i.e. RCTs) have generally only been done in male subjects.
And because PRP therapy technically qualifies under the drug category, as of now, it has not approved by the FDA.
Please see a dermatologist for further advice and/or questions regarding PRP therapy. Dermatologists are the best ones to determine whether you are the right candidate for the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on PRP Therapy To Regrow Lost Hair
These are the most frequently asked questions in regard to PRP therapy and its role in hair loss and/or baldness.
1. How Long Is Each Visit?
Dermatologists say the procedure of injecting PRP into hair follicles can take anywhere from 10-60 mins. The length of time will differ depending upon on the size of treatment area, cause of hair loss, other medical conditions etc.
2. How Many Treatments To Grow Hair?
A person would be seen every 30 days for 3 – 6 more treatments atleast. More or less treatments may be required depending upon the cause of hair loss and the area be treated. And maintenance PRP injections may also be required depending upon the condition causing hair loss (i.e. female pattern hair loss).
Please remember that because PRP injections are not a cure for any conditions of hair loss, multiple treatments are required to achieve the desired effect.
3. When Can I Start to See Results of PRP for Hair Loss?
Specialists note that some people may start noticing minimal results within 4-6 weeks. However the most noticeable hair growth occurs after 3 – 6 months and may even take a year. The reason it generally takes upto 3 months to notice hair growth is because the hair growth cycle itself takes is 3 months long.
4. Who Is A Candidate for PRP Therapy for Hair Loss?
Most researchers have concluded that PRP injections to regrow lost hair works best in those suffering with hereditary conditions.
A good example of this is androgenetic alopecia. These candidates leave with a high satisfaction rate mainly because the success rate is high.
Note that because some people are not a good candidate for hair regrowth they may leave the session unsatisfied.
Its best when it has been predetermined whether someone is or is not a candidate for PRP therapy. This way if they are not a candidate, they won’t receive the treatment at all.
5. Who Is Qualified To Do PRP?
Dermatologist’s are the most qualified to administer PRP injections for hair loss. Although there are many others who may offer PRP therapy, dermatologists are the ones who are best qualified. They have the specific medical training required to both determine whether you will be a successful candidate and to conduct the entire procedure as well.
6. Is PRP Therapy Considered Safe & Effective for Hair Loss?
Yes PRP therapy is considered safe when performed by a qualified individual (i.e. a trained medical professional) for hair loss.
It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses the patient’s own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or complications.
It is rarely painful (though this will differ from person to person) and there is little downtime, making it a convenient option for new moms alike.
The effectiveness of PRP therapy to regrow lost hair can be determined by dermatologists. They can use what is called the Hair Mass Index (HMI) to test how effective PRP therapy would be for an eligible candidate.
Note that for some individuals, PRP therapy for hair loss may not work alone. It may have to be combined with other procedures like a hair transplant or with medications like minoxidil.
7. Is PRP Therapy Expensive?
Yes, PRP therapy is expensive. One session can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000 and usually more than one session is needed as well. Cost will also be effected by who is performing the procedure, the location and facility, as well as the size of treatment area.
Note that few insurance plans cover the cost of PRP injections so many end up paying out of pocket for the procedure.
But it is worth considering during such an emotionally vulnerable time as the postpartum period, while breastfeeding, and mothering a newborn. Sometimes during an already trying period, boosting your confidence and self esteem is worth any price (if you can afford it to be).
Summary
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can help regrow lost hair in females, especially for women suffering with female pattern hair loss and those in their postpartum period.
The main question that remains is just how effective it is for everyone as no standardized protocol currently exists. Because of this, different administrators can use different injection techniques and/or preparations as well as vary the session timings. (Very much similar to how laser hair removal can differ from clinic to clinic). All of this effectives the outcome then.
Speak with a dermatologist and/or your primary care physician to see what they may suggest for you.