Before You Sign for PRP | A Written Consent and Cost Checklist
Written and reviewed by the clinical team at The Wellness
Direct answer
Before agreeing to PRP, ask for a clear explanation of the proposed procedure, realistic benefits, risks, alternatives and total cost. Consent is a discussion, not just a signature. For cosmetic treatment, GMC guidance says the treating doctor must seek consent and give you enough information and time to decide.
Start with the problem you want to solve
Write down the concern that brought you to the clinic and what a worthwhile improvement would mean to you. Ask the clinician to explain the diagnosis or assessment behind the recommendation. “PRP is good for skin” or “PRP helps hair” is not an individual treatment plan. The evidence and expected outcome should relate to your condition, treatment area and proposed procedure.
Know exactly what you are agreeing to
Ask whether the plan involves injections, microneedling, another method or a combination. Confirm the areas treated, the proposed number of sessions and whether another material will be used. PRP, platelet gel and other products are not names to treat as interchangeable. If the plan changes on the day, ask for the change to be explained before agreeing to it. A signature on a general form should not replace this discussion.
Ask for a realistic benefit and review point
Ask what improvement is reasonably expected, how it will be assessed and when the clinician will decide whether the plan is working. Evidence does not guarantee an individual result. If photographs are used, ask how consistent lighting, positioning and timing will be maintained. Ask what happens if there is no meaningful benefit, including whether further sessions would still be recommended and why.
Discuss risks for your actual treatment area
The clinician should explain common effects, important serious risks and any factors in your health history that may change the risk. Tell them about medicines, allergies, previous treatment and current illness. Facial injection consent should not dismiss vascular or visual complications as impossible. A scalp or joint treatment needs its own relevant discussion. Ask for written information so you do not have to remember everything said in the room.
Compare the alternatives, including waiting
Ask what other options are appropriate and what happens if you do not proceed now. For some concerns, a diagnosis, investigation or a different treatment should come first. The clinician should be willing to explain why PRP is recommended over an alternative, and what the evidence does not show. You do not have to buy a treatment to make a consultation worthwhile.
Get the whole cost in writing
Ask for the single-session price, the proposed course total and any separate consultation, test, medication or follow-up charges. Confirm cancellation and refund terms and what happens if the clinician advises stopping the course. Do not assume a package includes every later visit. Confirm the price for your own treatment plan before paying.
Leave with an aftercare and contact plan
Ask what effects are expected, what would need urgent assessment and whom to contact during and outside normal hours. Keep written treatment details and aftercare instructions. For sudden vision change after a facial injection, seek emergency assessment rather than waiting for routine review. Other urgent symptoms should be addressed through the agreed clinical plan or urgent services if the clinician cannot be reached.
Take time if you need it
GMC guidance says cosmetic patients must be given enough time and information to decide. There is no universal reflection period that fits every patient or procedure. Ask to take the information away if you are unsure. Do not let a limited-time offer decide a medical question for you. You can ask more questions, decline treatment or change your mind before the procedure.
The take-home checklist
Before agreeing, you should be able to answer: What is being treated? What exactly will be done? What benefit is realistic? What are the risks and unknowns? What alternatives do I have? What will the whole plan cost? How will improvement be reviewed? Who do I call if something goes wrong? If you cannot answer a question that matters to you, ask for clarification before signing.
Frequently asked questions
Is a signed form enough for PRP consent?
No. Consent requires a clear discussion of the proposed procedure, benefits, risks and alternatives, with time and information to decide.
Must I buy a course at the first consultation?
You can ask for time to consider the information and the total cost. A treatment decision should not be driven by pressure or a short-lived offer.
Does a PRP hair price apply to facial or joint treatment?
No. Confirm the price, course plan and separate charges for the specific procedure you are considering.
Sources
GMC | Cosmetic intervention key points — https://www.gmc-uk.org/professional-standards/the-professional-standards/cosmetic-interventions/key-points
GMC | Questions about cosmetic intervention guidance — https://www.gmc-uk.org/professional-standards/learning-materials/cosmetic-interventions---faqs
The London PRP Clinic | Current service card — https://www.thelondonprpclinic.com/services
Next step
For nonemergency advice, contact the clinical team. London appointments are at 10 Portman Square, London W1H 6AZ. A consultation does not guarantee a prescription or procedure.
Ask about your proposed treatment plan: https://www.thelondonprpclinic.com/contact
Compare current treatment prices: https://www.thelondonprpclinic.com/services
This article provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice.