PRP uses a concentrate of platelets from your own blood, so the risk of an allergic reaction to the treatment itself is very low. Most side effects are mild and short-lived, such as tenderness, redness or bruising where the injection was given. Safety still depends on a proper assessment, sterile technique and a doctor who knows when PRP is not suitable. At The London PRP Clinic every treatment is carried out by a GMC-registered doctor, with hair PRP at £450 per session and joint PRP at £750.
Reviewed by the medical team at The Wellness. Last updated 13 November 2026.
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Key points
PRP comes from your own blood, so allergic reactions to it are very rare.
Common side effects are mild tenderness, redness, swelling or bruising.
PRP may not be suitable with some blood disorders, blood thinners, infection or pregnancy.
Hair PRP is £450 per session and joint PRP is £750.
Every treatment is carried out by a doctor after an assessment.
Who is this guide for?
It is for anyone considering PRP for hair, joints or tendons who wants to understand the risks before deciding, and for anyone who has had PRP and wants to know what is normal afterwards.
What are the common side effects?
Tenderness or aching where the injection was given, usually for a day or two
Redness or mild swelling
Bruising at the injection site or where blood was taken
A temporary flare of pain after joint or tendon injections, which usually settles within days
What are the rarer risks?
As with any injection, there is a small risk of infection, bleeding or injury to nearby structures. Careful assessment, sterile technique and, for joints and tendons, ultrasound guidance help keep these risks low. Seek advice promptly if pain, swelling, warmth or redness increases after treatment, or if you develop a temperature.
Who should not have PRP?
PRP may not be suitable if you have any of the following.
A blood or platelet disorder
Certain blood-thinning medicines
An active infection at or near the treatment area
Active cancer or a recent cancer diagnosis
Pregnancy
Your doctor will go through your history and medicines before recommending treatment, and will tell you plainly if PRP is not the right choice.
What does the doctor's assessment include?
A full medical history and review of your medicines
An examination of the area to be treated
A discussion of the expected benefits, risks and alternatives
Your consent before any treatment
Clear aftercare advice and follow-up
How much does PRP cost?
At The London PRP Clinic hair PRP is £450 per session and ultrasound-guided joint PRP is £750. Both include the blood sample, preparation of the platelet concentrate and the treatment itself, carried out by a doctor.
If you would like us to prepare for your consultation, you are welcome to send clear photos of the area in good light when you message us, so your doctor can see the starting point. Photos help us plan your appointment, and your doctor's assessment and advice are given at the consultation itself.
How should I prepare?
Your doctor will advise you before your appointment. Eat and drink normally, and tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take. Some painkillers may be best avoided around treatment, and your doctor will explain which.
How do you keep PRP treatment safe?
Every treatment is carried out by a doctor, using sterile, single-use equipment and a closed system for preparing the platelets. Joint and tendon injections are guided by ultrasound.
How do I arrange a consultation?
Send us a message on WhatsApp and we will offer you the earliest appointment with one of our doctors at our clinics in Marylebone or Belgravia. At your first visit the doctor assesses you and agrees a plan with you before any treatment, so you know exactly what is recommended, why, and what it will cost.
After each session you receive clear aftercare advice in writing, and our team books your reviews and any further sessions, so your plan stays on track without you having to chase it.
Frequently asked questions
Is PRP safe?
PRP uses your own blood, so allergic reactions to it are very rare. Most side effects are mild and short-lived.
What are the side effects of PRP?
Tenderness, redness, mild swelling and bruising are common for a day or two. Joint injections can cause a short flare of pain.
Who should not have PRP?
It may not be suitable with blood disorders, some blood thinners, an active infection, active cancer or pregnancy.
How much does PRP cost?
Hair PRP is £450 per session and joint PRP is £750 at The London PRP Clinic.
Who carries out the treatment?
Every treatment is carried out by a GMC-registered doctor after an assessment.
The London PRP Clinic is part of The Wellness, a doctor-led private healthcare group with clinics at 10 Portman Square, Marylebone, and 9 Eccleston Street, Belgravia. All treatments are carried out by GMC-registered doctors after a consultation and clinical assessment. Results vary from person to person and no outcome can be guaranteed. This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice about your own health.
Message us on WhatsApp on +44 7961 280835 (ref PRP-prp-side-effects-and-safety) and we will arrange your appointment.
Sources
General Medical Council, the medical register
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