Platelet Rich Plasma
About the treatment
What is Platelet Rich Plasma?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a safe, non-surgical and evidence-based treatment that uses your own blood plasma and platelets to naturally improve skin regeneration.
PRP contains a concentrated amount of your own platelets. Platelets are rich in growth factors that support tissue regeneration, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, restore collagen and improve the appearance of acne scarring.
PRP can be used on its own or combined with hyaluronic acid for additional skin hydration and plumping. PRP is also used to promote hair growth when combined with calcium chloride, batroxabin or biotin.
Prior to treatment, we’ll ask about your medical history, discuss PRP treatment and decide if it’s suitable for you.
At the start of each treatment, blood is taken from your arm (similar to a blood test, though about 20mls is taken) and collected into a tube. The tube is placed into our centrifuge machine that separates the platelets and plasma from your red blood cells.
This platelet-rich plasma is injected into the area being treated over 5–15 minutes.
Because PRP utilises your own blood chemistry to rejuvenate and improve your skin, the risk of an allergic reaction is much lower than other injectables. PRP supports a faster healing time and is a convenient and affordable treatment option.
A noticeable improvement in skin texture and tone is seen within 3 months, and results usually last about 18 months.
PRP treatment involves 3 treatments, 4–5 weeks apart.
PRP can be used on any area of your body, including around your eyes, neck, hands and jawline.
PRP combined with hyaluronic acid is an excellent option to treat fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles and loose and saggy skin around your eyes.
Side effects are usually mild and include:
- pain, swelling and redness around the treatment area
- headache
- bruising.
Very rarely, PRP can cause cellulitis, small vein thrombosis and hyperpigmentation.
When combined with hyaluronic acid, the risks are the same as other hyaluronic acid injectables.
Some people may experience swelling and redness for 1–3 days after treatment. Therefore, we recommend scheduling PRP treatment around any special events or social commitments.
PRP isn’t recommended if you have:
- an active skin disease, e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- abnormal platelet function or a blood disorder
- an acute or chronic infection
- a recent history of stroke.
It’s also not recommended if you are: - taking anticoagulation therapy, eg warfarin
- having chemotherapy treatment
a heavy smoker.
Used cosmetically, PRP provides limited results for people aged 60 and over.
Three days before treatment, it’s advisable to stop taking fish oil and antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin C. Non-steroidal anti inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, celecoxib and naproxen must be stopped 1 week before treatment.
Following treatment, avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for 48 hours. Facial peels and laser treatments aren’t recommended for at least 4 weeks after the end of your 3 treatments.
PRP can improve hair loss conditions such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia aerate, cicatricial alopecia and alopecia universalis, for both men and women.
PRP combines with small amounts of activators, such as biotin or calcium chloride, and helps stimulate hair follicle stem cells, which can enhance hair growth. Treatment consists of 4–5 treatments.
