Ask the Doctor: Most Common PRP Questions from First-Time Patients

Walking into a consultation room for the first time, clutching a piece of paper with hastily scribbled questions about platelet-rich plasma therapy, most patients share the same mixture of curiosity and apprehension. After five years of treating hundreds of first-time PRP patients at The London PRP Clinic, I've noticed the same questions arise in nearly every consultation.

These questions reflect genuine concerns about safety, effectiveness, cost, and what to expect. Rather than having you wonder alone, here are the ten most common questions I answer daily, along with the evidence-based responses that help patients make informed decisions about their health.

Will PRP Actually Work for My Condition?

The effectiveness question tops every patient's list, and rightfully so. The honest answer depends entirely on your specific condition and individual circumstances, but research provides encouraging guidance.

The concentration of platelets in PRP can be 5 to 10 times greater than usual blood, which translates to significantly higher levels of growth factors that promote healing. However, not all conditions respond equally well to PRP therapy.

The strongest evidence supports PRP use for osteoarthritis, particularly in knee joints. Clinical studies have demonstrated the utility of PRP as a safe, resource-conscious, and efficacious treatment for knee osteoarthritis, providing symptomatic relief and improved patient-reported outcomes. Hair restoration shows similarly promising results, with multiple studies demonstrating increased hair density and thickness following treatment.

For tendon injuries, muscle strains, and certain skin conditions, the evidence proves more mixed but generally positive. What matters most is having realistic expectations based on current research and your individual circumstances rather than hoping for miraculous overnight transformations.

During our consultations, I review the specific research relevant to your condition, helping you understand both the potential benefits and limitations based on current scientific understanding.

How Much Will This Hurt?

Pain concerns rank second in frequency, often stemming from misconceptions about the treatment process. Most patients expect something far more uncomfortable than reality delivers.

The blood draw feels identical to routine blood tests you've experienced countless times. The actual PRP injection varies depending on the treatment area, but most patients describe it as less painful than they anticipated. Joint injections may cause temporary discomfort, whilst scalp treatments for hair restoration typically produce only mild sensations.

We use topical anaesthetic creams when appropriate and can discuss additional pain management options for particularly sensitive patients. The entire treatment process typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, with the actual injection portion lasting only a few minutes.

Post treatment discomfort usually remains minimal, though some patients experience mild soreness at injection sites for 24 to 48 hours. This actually indicates that the PRP is working, stimulating the healing responses we want to achieve.

The key is communicating any pain concerns beforehand so we can adapt our approach to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment.

Is PRP Actually Safe?

Safety questions reflect patients' responsible approach to medical decision making. The reassuring reality is that PRP boasts an exceptional safety profile because we're using your own blood components.

The platelets contain growth factors that can trigger cell proliferation, speed healing and stimulate tissue regeneration in the treated area, using your body's natural healing mechanisms rather than introducing foreign substances.

Serious complications remain extremely rare. The most common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, or mild discomfort at injection sites. Infection risk exists with any injection but remains minimal when proper sterile techniques are followed.

Some patients experience temporary inflammation as part of the healing response, which actually indicates the treatment is working effectively. Unlike pharmaceutical interventions that may interact with other medications or cause systemic side effects, PRP works naturally within your body's existing systems.

The contraindications are few but important. Patients with certain blood disorders, active infections, or those taking specific medications may not be suitable candidates. This is why thorough medical history review and assessment are essential before any treatment.

Your safety remains our primary concern, which is why we conduct comprehensive evaluations and maintain strict clinical protocols throughout every treatment.

How Long Before I See Results?

Timeline expectations vary dramatically between patients, creating another frequently asked question that deserves detailed explanation.

Initial improvements often begin within two to four weeks, though this varies significantly based on the condition being treated and your individual healing capacity. Hair restoration patients typically notice changes after three to four months, whilst joint treatments may show benefits sooner.

The biological process requires patience. The platelets contain growth factors that trigger cell proliferation, speed healing and stimulate tissue regeneration, but these cellular changes take time to produce visible or felt improvements.

Peak benefits usually emerge between three to six months post treatment, with some patients continuing to improve for up to a year. This extended timeline reflects the comprehensive tissue remodelling and regeneration that PRP stimulates.

Multiple treatment sessions often enhance and prolong results. We typically recommend a series of treatments spaced four to six weeks apart, then maintenance treatments as needed based on your response and goals.

Managing expectations proves crucial for patient satisfaction. We discuss realistic timelines during consultation, helping you understand what to expect and when to expect it based on research and our clinical experience.

How Much Does PRP Cost?

Financial considerations understandably concern most patients, particularly given that PRP therapy typically isn't covered by NHS services.

Treatment costs vary based on the area being treated, the number of injection sites required, and whether multiple sessions are recommended. Single treatments typically range from £400 to £800, whilst treatment packages offer better value for patients requiring multiple sessions.

Compared to the long term costs of managing chronic conditions through repeated physiotherapy, pharmaceutical interventions, or surgical procedures, many patients find PRP provides excellent value. The treatment often reduces or eliminates ongoing healthcare expenses whilst improving quality of life.

We offer transparent pricing during consultation, including detailed explanations of what's included in treatment costs. Many patients appreciate the all inclusive approach that covers consultation, blood processing, injection, and follow up care.

Financing options may be available for patients seeking multiple treatments or comprehensive treatment packages. We believe cost shouldn't prevent access to beneficial treatments, so we work with patients to find manageable payment solutions.

The investment in your health and wellbeing often pays dividends in improved function, reduced pain, and enhanced quality of life that extend far beyond the initial treatment period.

Can I Return to Normal Activities Immediately?

Activity restrictions following PRP treatment concern many patients, particularly those with busy work schedules or athletic commitments.

Most patients can resume normal daily activities immediately following treatment. However, we do recommend avoiding strenuous exercise or activities that stress the treated area for 24 to 48 hours to optimise healing conditions.

For joint treatments, gentle movement is actually beneficial, promoting circulation and growth factor distribution throughout the treated tissues. Complete rest isn't necessary or recommended unless specifically advised based on your individual circumstances.

Swimming, heavy lifting, and high impact activities should be avoided temporarily, typically for 48 to 72 hours depending on the treatment area. We provide specific activity guidelines tailored to your treatment and lifestyle needs.

Hair restoration patients can usually wash their hair gently after 24 hours and resume normal hair care routines within a few days. Avoid harsh chemicals or aggressive styling immediately following treatment.

Work activities rarely require modification unless your job involves heavy physical labour or significant stress to the treated area. Most patients return to work the same day or following day without complications.

The goal is optimising healing conditions whilst maintaining your normal lifestyle as much as possible. We provide detailed post treatment instructions that balance these priorities effectively.

Will I Need Multiple Treatments?

Treatment frequency questions arise naturally as patients plan for their healing journey and budget accordingly.

Single treatments can provide significant benefits, but most conditions respond better to a series of treatments that build upon each other progressively. The cumulative effect often exceeds what single treatments can achieve.

Hair restoration typically requires three to four treatments spaced four to six weeks apart for optimal results. Joint conditions may need two to three treatments initially, followed by maintenance treatments every six to twelve months.

Your individual response determines the optimal treatment schedule. Some patients achieve their goals with fewer treatments whilst others benefit from additional sessions. We monitor your progress carefully and adjust recommendations accordingly.

The treatment series approach allows us to assess your response and modify techniques or protocols if needed. This personalised approach often produces better outcomes than rigid treatment schedules that don't account for individual variation.

Maintenance treatments help preserve and extend benefits over time. Many patients find that annual or biannual maintenance sessions keep them feeling their best and prevent the return of previous symptoms.

We discuss the recommended treatment plan during your initial consultation, but remain flexible as we observe your response and adjust accordingly.

Are There Any Medical Conditions That Prevent PRP Treatment?

Medical contraindications represent important safety considerations that responsible patients naturally ask about.

Most people are suitable candidates for PRP therapy, but certain conditions require careful evaluation or may prevent treatment entirely. Active cancer, blood disorders affecting platelet function, and active infections typically contraindicate PRP therapy.

Patients taking blood thinning medications may need to adjust their medications before treatment, though this must be coordinated carefully with prescribing physicians. Your healthcare provider might ask you to stop taking certain medications before your PRP injection, such as blood thinners or NSAIDs.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individual assessment, though PRP is generally avoided during these periods as a precautionary measure. Autoimmune conditions don't necessarily prevent treatment but require careful evaluation of potential risks and benefits.

Certain medications, particularly corticosteroids and some immunosuppressive drugs, may interfere with PRP effectiveness and require timing adjustments or treatment modifications.

Age alone doesn't contraindicate PRP therapy. We successfully treat patients from their twenties through their eighties, adjusting techniques and expectations based on individual health status rather than chronological age.

The comprehensive medical history review during consultation identifies any potential contraindications and ensures PRP therapy is both safe and appropriate for your circumstances.

How Do I Prepare for My PRP Treatment?

Preparation questions reflect patients' desire to optimise their treatment outcomes and recovery experience.

Pre treatment preparation is relatively straightforward but important for optimal results. Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to treatment, as this improves blood quality and processing efficiency.

Avoid anti inflammatory medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen, for at least one week before treatment unless medically necessary. These medications can interfere with platelet function and potentially reduce treatment effectiveness.

Maintain a healthy diet rich in nutrients that support healing, including adequate protein, vitamins C and D, and omega-3 fatty acids. Good nutrition provides the building blocks your body needs for optimal PRP response.

Get adequate sleep in the days before treatment, as rest supports your body's healing mechanisms and may enhance treatment outcomes. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which can affect blood quality and healing capacity.

For hair restoration treatments, wash your hair the morning of treatment but avoid using styling products. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to treatment areas.

Arrange transportation if you're concerned about post treatment comfort, though most patients drive themselves home without difficulty.

Bring a list of current medications and any questions you'd like to discuss during your appointment. This ensures we address all your concerns and optimise your treatment plan.

What Happens If PRP Doesn't Work for Me?

Realistic patients often ask about scenarios where PRP doesn't meet their expectations, reflecting thoughtful consideration of potential outcomes.

While PRP shows excellent results for many patients, individual responses vary, and not everyone achieves their desired outcomes. This doesn't necessarily mean the treatment failed, as benefits may be subtle or take longer to manifest than expected.

When results are less than optimal, we first evaluate whether additional treatments might enhance outcomes. Sometimes extending the treatment series or adjusting techniques produces better results.

Alternative treatment options remain available if PRP doesn't provide adequate benefits. We maintain relationships with specialists across various disciplines and can guide you toward other therapeutic approaches that might be more suitable.

The investment in PRP treatment often provides valuable diagnostic information about your condition and healing capacity, even when results are modest. This knowledge can inform future treatment decisions and approaches.

We maintain realistic expectations from the beginning of our relationship, ensuring you understand both the potential benefits and limitations of PRP therapy for your specific situation. This honest approach helps prevent disappointment and builds trust throughout the treatment process.

Our commitment to your health extends beyond PRP therapy. If this treatment doesn't meet your needs, we'll work with you to explore other options and provide ongoing support for your health journey.

Making Your Decision

These ten questions represent the foundation of informed decision making about PRP therapy. Understanding the evidence, expectations, and practical considerations helps you determine whether this treatment aligns with your health goals and circumstances.

The growing body of research supporting PRP applications, combined with its excellent safety profile and natural approach to healing, makes it an attractive option for many patients seeking alternatives to pharmaceutical or surgical interventions.

Your individual circumstances, medical history, and treatment goals determine whether PRP therapy represents the right choice for you. This is why thorough consultation and evaluation remain essential components of responsible treatment planning.

The patients who achieve the best outcomes with PRP therapy typically share certain characteristics: realistic expectations, commitment to the treatment process, and understanding that healing takes time. They view PRP as part of a comprehensive approach to health rather than a magic solution.

If you're considering PRP therapy, the next step involves detailed consultation where we can address your specific questions and assess your suitability for treatment. This conversation allows for personalised recommendations based on your unique circumstances rather than general information.

To explore whether PRP therapy might benefit your specific condition and circumstances, consider booking a complimentary consultation via WhatsApp. During this discussion, we can address your individual questions, review relevant research, and determine whether this innovative treatment approach aligns with your health goals and expectations.