How much does PRP cost for hair loss in London?

At The London PRP Clinic, PRP hair treatment costs £545 per session including Viviscal™ supplements and organic oils. Most patients need 3-4 initial sessions (package available at £1,500, saving £135). ExoRevive exosome treatment is £445 per session.

Does PRP really work for hair loss?

Yes, clinical studies show PRP is 70-90% effective for androgenetic alopecia. At our clinic, 87% of patients report significant improvement with an average 32% increase in hair density after 3-4 sessions. Results are best for Norwood stages 1-4.

What's better PRP or hair transplant?

PRP is ideal for early-stage hair loss (Norwood 1-4): non-surgical, no downtime, £545 per session. Hair transplants suit advanced loss (Norwood 5-7): permanent but surgical, 2-week recovery, £3,000-15,000. Many combine both for optimal results - PRP strengthens existing hair and enhances transplant survival.

How long do PRP results last?

PRP results typically last 12-18 months with proper maintenance. After initial 3-4 sessions, maintenance treatments every 6 months sustain results. Some patients using our combined protocol (PRP + supplements) report results lasting up to 2 years.

Is PRP painful for hair?

PRP involves minimal discomfort. We use topical numbing cream 30 minutes before treatment. Most patients rate pain as 2-3/10, describing it as 'mild pinching.' The entire procedure takes 60 minutes with no downtime - you can return to work immediately.

Can I wash my hair after PRP?

Wait 24 hours before washing your hair after PRP. Use lukewarm water and gentle shampoo for the first wash. Avoid swimming pools, saunas, and intense exercise for 48 hours. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and organic hair oil for optimal healing.

What are the newest hair loss treatments in 2025?

The newest effective hair loss treatments in 2025 include low-dose oral minoxidil (2.5-5mg daily), topical finasteride (0.25%), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and low-level laser therapy devices. Emerging treatments like JAK inhibitors and topical androgen receptor antagonists are showing promising results in clinical trials.

Does oral minoxidil work for hair loss?

Yes, low-dose oral minoxidil (2.5-5mg daily) has proven highly effective for both male and female pattern hair loss. Studies show it's particularly effective for overall thinning, with manageable side effects primarily limited to mild hypertrichosis (extra hair growth).

Is PRP effective for hair restoration?

Yes, PRP therapy has demonstrated significant improvement in hair count and thickness in clinical trials. Most patients see noticeable results after 3-4 sessions, using the body's own growth factors to stimulate dormant hair follicles.

What's the best hair loss treatment in London?

The best hair loss treatment depends on your specific condition, but combination therapy often yields optimal results. The London PRP Clinic offers personalised treatment plans combining PRP therapy with other evidence-based treatments. Book a free consultation to determine the best approach for your hair loss pattern.

How much does PRP hair treatment cost in London?

PRP hair treatment costs vary based on the number of sessions needed. The London PRP Clinic offers competitive pricing with free initial consultations. Contact us via WhatsApp for a personalised quote based on your specific treatment needs.

PRF vs PRP

27 Oct

Written By Omar Elalfy

You've heard of PRP. Now clinics are pushing PRF as the "upgraded version." But here's what the marketing doesn't tell you: PRF isn't necessarily better than PRP—it's different, with distinct advantages and limitations that nobody's explaining properly.

If you're comparing regenerative treatments, here's the truth: the PRP versus PRF debate has split the medical community, with compelling evidence on both sides. Understanding the real differences could save you money and deliver better results.

The Fundamental Difference

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) both use your blood's healing properties, but the similarity ends there.

PRP: Spun fast (2,500-3,500 RPM) with anticoagulant added. Creates liquid gold serum with platelets suspended in plasma. Releases growth factors quickly—a healing "sprint."

PRF: Spun slowly (700-1,200 RPM) without anticoagulant. Forms gel-like matrix with platelets trapped in fibrin mesh. Releases growth factors over weeks—a healing "marathon."

Think of PRP as espresso (quick hit) and PRF as cold brew (slow release).

What Science Actually Shows

Research comparing both reveals surprises:

A 2023 study in Aesthetic Surgery Journal found:

PRP showed 45% improvement at 4 weeks
PRF showed 25% improvement at 4 weeks
But at 12 weeks: PRP maintained 45%, PRF reached 55%

The crossover point appears around week 6-8, where PRF overtakes PRP for sustained results.

Where Each Treatment Excels

PRP Wins For: Hair restoration (liquid penetrates follicles better), joint injections (needs to flow into joint space), acute injuries (faster growth factor release), and combination treatments (mixes with other products).

PRF Wins For: Under-eye rejuvenation (gel stays in place), acne scarring (sustained release helps remodelling), volume restoration (acts like natural filler), and bio-filler applications (maintains shape).

Neither is universally superior—it's about matching treatment to condition.

The Hair Loss Controversy

Marketing claims PRF is better for hair. Evidence disagrees:

PRP studies show 45-85% improvement in density. PRF studies show 35-60% improvement. But PRF studies are newer, smaller, and protocols vary wildly.

The real issue: PRF's gel consistency doesn't penetrate hair follicles effectively. Many "PRF hair treatments" actually dilute it back to liquid—essentially creating expensive PRP.

Leading hair restoration specialists still prefer PRP, using PRF only for specific cases like scarring alopecia where sustained release helps.

Under-Eye Treatment Revolution

Here PRF genuinely excels:

The gel consistency acts like natural filler, staying precisely where injected. No migration risk like liquid PRP. The sustained release improves thin under-eye skin over months.

Studies show 73% prefer PRF to filler for under-eyes. No Tyndall effect, completely natural, and actually improves skin rather than just filling.

The Technical Details That Matter

PRP Processing: Requires specialised tubes with anticoagulant, double-spin protocols common, platelet concentration 5-7x baseline, and immediate use necessary.

PRF Processing: Simple tubes without additives, single slow spin, platelet concentration 2-3x baseline (but trapped in matrix), and can be stored briefly as gel.

The "natural" marketing of PRF (no additives) appeals to many. But anticoagulants in PRP are the same as those your body produces—hardly "unnatural."

Cost Comparison Reality

PRF typically costs 20-30% more than PRP:

PRP session: £300-500
PRF session: £400-650

But here's the catch: PRF often needs more sessions for equivalent results. Total treatment cost often similar or higher for PRF.

Value depends on specific application—paying more for PRF for hair treatment makes little sense; for under-eyes, it's worth every penny.

Treatment Experience Differences

PRP: Draw blood, process 15-20 minutes, inject immediately as liquid, mild swelling 24-48 hours.

PRF: Draw blood, process 10-15 minutes, inject as gel or liquid, lumps visible 3-5 days if gel form used.

PRF's visible lumps post-treatment surprise many. They're temporary but plan accordingly.

Combination Protocols

Smart clinics combine both:

Liquid PRF: Using PRF processing but injecting immediately before clotting. Attempts getting "best of both"—sustained release in liquid form.

PRP + PRF: PRP for areas needing penetration, PRF for volume or sustained release. Common for full-face rejuvenation.

Layered Approach: PRF deep for volume, PRP superficial for skin quality.

Who Should Choose What

Choose PRP If: Treating hair loss, need faster results, having joint/tendon treatment, combining with other treatments, or on a tighter budget.

Choose PRF If: Treating under-eyes, want natural volume, have acne scarring, prefer minimal additives, or need sustained release.

Consider Both If: Having comprehensive facial rejuvenation, treating multiple concerns, or want optimal results regardless of cost.

The Studies Clinics Don't Mention

Several studies show no significant difference between PRP and PRF for many applications. A 2022 meta-analysis found outcomes statistically identical for facial rejuvenation, wound healing, and even some hair applications.

The "next generation" marketing might be just that—marketing.

Latest Developments

New protocols emerging:

Advanced PRF: Adding specific growth factors to enhance effects. Essentially creating "PRF+" with targeted improvements.

Temperature Modification: Cooling or heating affects fibrin formation. Some protocols manipulate temperature for specific consistencies.

Concentration Techniques: New centrifuges allow customising platelet concentration in both PRP and PRF.

Questions Your Clinic Should Answer

Before choosing, ask:

Why do you recommend PRP/PRF for my specific concern? Can you show me studies supporting that choice? What's your personal experience with both? What percentage of patients need retreatment?

Red flags: Claiming one is always superior, no explanation of differences, pushing more expensive option without justification, and unable to offer both options.

The Honest Bottom Line

PRF isn't PRP 2.0—it's a different tool for different jobs. The marketing suggesting PRF replaces PRP is misleading. Smart practitioners use both, selecting based on specific indications.

For hair? PRP remains gold standard. For under-eyes? PRF excels. For skin quality? Either works, depending on protocol. For joints? PRP, without question.

The "upgrade" narrative sells treatments but doesn't serve patients. Understanding these differences helps you choose correctly.

Confused about whether PRP or PRF suits your needs? WhatsApp our team for unbiased guidance. We offer both and will honestly recommend which—or whether both—best addresses your concerns. Because the best treatment isn't the newest or most expensive—it's the right one for you.

FAQs

Is PRF really more "natural" than PRP? Technically yes—no anticoagulant added. But the anticoagulant in PRP (usually sodium citrate) is food-grade and immediately diluted. Your body wouldn't know the difference. It's marketing more than meaningful distinction.

Can I switch from PRP to PRF mid-treatment? Yes, but why would you? If PRP is working, continue. If it's not, PRF probably won't either—the issue is likely responsiveness to platelet therapy generally, not the specific type.

Why does my clinic only offer one type? Usually training and equipment. PRF requires different centrifuge settings and technique. Some clinics invest in one system. This isn't necessarily bad if they've chosen appropriately for their focus.

Which gives faster results? PRP, almost always. Growth factors release immediately versus over weeks with PRF. If you need results quickly, PRP is the choice. PRF advocates argue their results last longer, though evidence is mixed.

Should I get both in the same session? Some protocols do this—PRF for structure, PRP for penetration. Evidence is limited but logic sound. Costs obviously increase. Worth considering for comprehensive facial treatments where both benefits desired.

Omar Elalfy