What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a medical aesthetic procedure that uses a small sample of your own blood to support skin rejuvenation and tissue regeneration. The blood is processed to isolate plasma-rich platelets and growth factors, which are then re-introduced into specific skin areas to encourage natural healing processes.

PRP is used on the face and other areas to address concerns such as ageing skin, texture irregularities, scarring and hair thinning, depending on how it is applied.

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Who is PRP skin treatment suitable for?

PRP may be suitable for people who:

– Are seeking to improve skin texture, tone or overall quality.
– Want to support collagen and elastin production naturally.
– Have mild to moderate signs of ageing such as fine lines or early laxity.
– Have acne scarring, uneven pigmentation, or atrophic scars.
– Are interested in a natural approach that uses the body’s own healing mechanisms.

Treatment can also be used in the scalp for hair thinning or hair loss when appropriate techniques are applied.

Who may not be suitable PRP treatment?

PRP may not be appropriate for people who:

– Have active skin infections, open wounds, or significant skin inflammation in the treatment area.
– Are pregnant or breastfeeding (precautions vary by clinic and clinician).
– Have certain blood disorders or are taking medications that affect platelet function or clotting.
– Have unrealistic expectations about outcomes; PRP does not instantly reverse deep wrinkles or replace surgical procedures.

A clinician should assess your medical history, current medications and goals before recommending PRP.

How does PRP skin treatment work?

PRP treatment begins with a small blood draw, similar to a standard laboratory test. The blood is placed in a centrifuge to separate its components and concentrate the platelets and growth factors.

The concentrated plasma is then applied to the skin either by precise injections or in combination with microneedling. Microneedling involves creating tiny channels in the skin’s surface to support absorption and stimulate healing responses.

The growth factors in PRP are thought to encourage fibroblast activity, which may support new collagen and elastin formation, and help improve skin structure over time.

Does PRP skin treatment hurt?

The treatment is generally described as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. Topical anaesthetic may be applied before injections or microneedling to reduce sensation during the procedure.

After the session, the skin may feel tender, tight, or like mild sunburn for a short period. Discomfort levels vary between individuals and areas treated.

How long does treatment take?

A typical PRP skin session takes approximately 60–70 minutes, including preparation, blood processing, and application.

If microneedling is used alongside PRP, a little extra time may be needed for numbing and controlled delivery. Multiple areas or additional techniques can extend the session slightly.

How long do results last?

PRP does not produce immediate transformation; results develop gradually over weeks to months as the skin responds to the growth factors.

Most clinicians recommend a course of treatment — often 3–6 sessions spaced several weeks apart — to build and maintain improvements.

Because tissue responses and lifestyles differ between people, the duration and degree of change vary widely. Maintenance sessions may be suggested periodically to support ongoing effects.

What is the recovery or healing process like?

After treatment, it is common to experience mild redness, swelling, or pinpoint marks where injections or microneedling were applied.

These effects are generally short-lived and typically settle within 24–48 hours. During this time, your skin may also feel slightly tight or warm — similar to mild sun exposure.

Most people can return to their usual daily activities the next day, though strenuous exercise, heavy sun exposure or aggressive skincare products may be temporarily restricted based on clinician advice.

Are there any risks or side effects?

PRP is generally considered low-risk because it uses your own blood, which reduces the chance of allergic reaction.

Common and expected effects include:

– Redness and mild swelling at the treatment sites.
– Tenderness or mild discomfort for a day or two.
– Small pinpoint marks from injections or microneedling.

Less common responses can include temporary bruising or slightly prolonged sensitivity. As with any procedure involving injections, very rare complications such as infection or excessive swelling are possible, and sterile techniques are used to minimise these risks.

How does PRP skin treatment compare to alternatives?

PRP is distinct from other non-surgical skin treatments in that it uses the patient’s own biological material to promote healing.

– Microneedling alone: Creates micro-injuries to stimulate collagen but does not add growth factors from plasma.
– Dermal fillers: Add volume to areas with lost tissue but do not directly stimulate the skin’s repair system.
– Botulinum toxin: Temporarily reduces muscle movement to soften dynamic wrinkles but does not stimulate collagen
– Laser or energy-based resurfacing: Targets specific layers of skin with heat or light; effects differ from PRP’s regenerative focus.

Each option has a different mechanism, effect profile and recovery, and a clinician can help compare what might suit your goals.

When should I speak to a professional?

If you’re considering PRP for improving skin quality, scar texture, early ageing signs or hair thinning, speak to a qualified clinician for an assessment. A professional can review your health history, explain what PRP might realistically achieve, and outline potential risks and alternatives.

Consultation is especially important if you have underlying medical issues, are taking medications that affect bleeding or healing, or have specific concerns about how your skin responds to treatments. Personalised clinical advice helps you make an informed decision about whether PRP is appropriate for you.

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