Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) – Benefits, Costs & Effectiveness
In the world of aesthetic and regenerative medicine, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is quickly making a name for itself as a leading treatment option. This cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment harnesses the power of your own blood to rejuvenate skin, encourage hair growth, and accelerate healing of injuries. PRP harnesses the body’s natural healing system by concentrating platelets rich in growth factors into a small volume of plasma, which is all useful in the treatment of hair loss. It is an attractive treatment option for those who prefer a non-surgical and drug-free alternative.
Whether it’s celebrities promoting it as the “vampire facial” or athletes using the treatment for sports injuries, PRP’s recent popularity has spiked. Whether it’s help with thinning hair, a skin rejuvenation treatment, or treatment for joint pain, the multifunctional and natural benefits of PRP certainly give it a run for its money.
How Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Work?
The concept of PRP is simple, yet amazing science. A little bit of your blood is drawn, just as in a typical blood test. It is then put into a centrifuge, which rotates at a rapid pace to separate and concentrate the platelets. These platelets are loaded with growth factors — proteins that help heal injured or damaged tissue.
That platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the area on the body to be treated, whether that’s the scalp, the face, or a joint. And since PRP is autologous (from yourself), there’s a low probability of any allergic reaction or rejection, so there’s little chance of a reaction, making it safe for anyone to receive.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Face: Anti-Ageing & Skin Rejuvenation
PRP is exciting in the field of facial aesthetics — especially skin rejuvenation. It effectively addresses:
- Fine lines and (eye) wrinkles even around the mouth.
- Better texture and more elastic skin, looking younger.
- Diminished acne scars and pigmentation problems with even skin tone.
Instead of adding volume with fillers or resurfacing the skin with lasers, PRP stimulates your skin to repair itself. Most individuals can start to visibly see results after 2–3 treatments, spaced approximately four weeks apart. The skin gradually turns firmer, smoother, and more radiant, and its effects last for several months.
Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Work for Hair Loss?
Yes, and increasingly evidence-based. PRP works very well for early hair thinning and androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). PRP could, when injected into the scalp:
- Awaken dormant hair follicles.
- Stimulate blood flow to the hair root and follicle strength.
- Promote thicker, fuller hair growth.
Results vary, but many of our patients begin to see a decrease in hair shedding as well as noticeable growth after 3–4 treatments. It is most effective when hair loss is still at a moderate level — once follicles are lost entirely, more invasive measures like transplants may be necessary.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Cost: What to Expect
The UK PRP treatment price can vary from around £500–£2,500 per session and will depend on:
- Site of treatment (face, scalp, or joints).
- Number of sessions required.
- Location of the clinic and its reputation.
As PRP is classed as a cosmetic or alternative treatment, it is not usually included in the NHS or in private health insurance. But there may be exceptions for coverage when it’s medically necessary for joint injuries or tendon repair, insurers say.
The PRP Treatment Process: What to Expect
Here’s what a typical PRP session looks like:
- Blood draw – fast and just like any other standard test.
- Centrifuge processing — The process of separation of plasma from other blood cells.
- Injection – the PRP is administered to the treatment zone through microinjections or combined with microneedling (in particular for facial treatment).
Downtime is usually low, and the most common side effects are mild redness, swelling, or bruising. These effects are typically transient and resolve within 24–72 hours.
Benefits & Risks of PRP Therapy
Benefits:
- All-natural and safe (uses your own blood).
- Rare side effects or allergic reactions.
- Multi-purpose applications (face, hair, joints).
Risks:
- Temporary soreness or bruising where the injection was given.
- Rare chances of infection.
- Results may vary — some work better for some than others.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP?
PRP therapy is ideal for:
- Adults with early ageing symptoms or mild to moderate hair loss.
- Those with joint pain, and in particular, tendon or ligament issues.
- Those seeking a non-invasive and drug-free solution for their problem.
It is not recommended for:
- People with a history of blood disorders or current infections.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Patients taking blood thinners unless specifically cleared by a doctor.
PRP vs. Other Treatments: How It Compares
For the facelift, PRP provides a softer and natural option to:
- Volume-additive fillers that do not improve skin tone.
- Lasers, which require downtime and which some skin types may not withstand.
For hair loss, PRP is less invasive than hair transplants, and unlike minoxidil, it doesn’t need to be used on a daily basis. It won’t replace other treatments, but it can supplement or augment them.
Conclusion
Procedures such as Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy offer new hope and growing interest by using your own body’s cells to refresh skin, regrow hair, and promote healing in general. With little to no downtime, organic ingredients, and plenty of research supporting its results, repeat after us: PRP is absolutely something to consider if you’re seeking non-invasive AND long-term results.
Are you wondering whether PRP is right for you? Schedule an appointment with our experts here, or for a more comprehensive look at light therapy, visit the American Academy of Dermatology.
Chase Lodge Hospital – we help you recover brilliantly, inside and out.
