How is The London PRP Clinic different from other PRP clinics in London?

The London PRP Clinic offers an exclusive doctor-only treatment model where all procedures are performed by qualified physicians, not nurses or technicians. We use advanced combination therapies including PRP with Viviscal™ Professional supplements, organic oils, and cutting-edge exosome treatments not available at most clinics. Our evidence-based approach includes clinical photography to measure and document results with every patient.

What is the difference between standard PRP and ExoRevive treatment for hair loss?

While our advanced PRP treatment uses your own platelet-rich plasma to stimulate hair growth, ExoRevive treatment uses exosomes—tiny cell messengers containing over 1,000 growth factors and signaling proteins that communicate with hair follicles. Many patients find ExoRevive produces faster or more pronounced results, especially in cases where PRP alone hasn't been fully effective. We often recommend combining both for optimal results.

How many PRP treatments will I need for hair restoration?

Most patients require 3-4 initial PRP treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results. For our comprehensive PRP + Organic Oils + Mesotherapy package, we recommend 3 monthly sessions followed by maintenance treatments every 3-6 months. Your specific treatment plan will be determined during your consultation based on your hair loss pattern, stage, and treatment goals.

How do you ensure the quality of PRP used in your treatments?

The London PRP Clinic uses state-of-the-art PRP preparation systems that produce the highest-quality platelet concentrations. Our doctors are specially trained in advanced PRP preparation techniques that ensure maximum platelet counts and growth factor release. We measure and document the quality of each PRP sample to ensure consistent results for our patients, which is why our success rates exceed industry standards.

Are your treatments covered by medical insurance?

Some of our PRP treatments, particularly for joint conditions, may be covered by private medical insurance including BUPA, AXA, and Aviva. Hair restoration treatments are typically considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. We offer flexible payment plans and package pricing to make treatments more accessible. During your consultation, our team can advise on potential insurance coverage for your specific treatment.

Is there any downtime after PRP or exosome treatments?

Most patients experience minimal downtime after our PRP and exosome treatments. For scalp treatments, we recommend avoiding washing your hair for 24 hours after treatment and avoiding strenuous exercise for 48 hours. Some patients may experience mild swelling or tenderness at the injection sites for 1-2 days. You can resume normal activities immediately after treatment, making it truly a 'lunchtime procedure.'

Sensitive Skin? Here's What PRP Felt Like for Me

19 Jul

Written By Mariam Elalfy

A candid account of platelet-rich plasma treatment for reactive, sensitive skin

I've spent most of my adult life apologising for my skin. Rosacea flares that arrived without warning, reactions to products that promised to be "gentle," and the constant vigilance required to avoid triggers that could leave my face inflamed for days. When my dermatologist first mentioned PRP therapy, my initial reaction was scepticism tinged with hope. Could something derived from my own blood really help where countless creams and treatments had failed?

Six months later, I'm writing this with the clearest, calmest skin I've had in over a decade. Here's what PRP actually felt like for someone whose skin reacts to everything.

The Consultation Reality

Dr Chen at The London PRP Clinic didn't promise miracles during our initial consultation. Instead, he explained something that immediately resonated: PRP works differently for sensitive skin because it bypasses the inflammatory triggers that plague reactive complexions.

"Traditional treatments often introduce foreign substances that sensitive skin recognises as threats," he explained whilst examining my skin under magnification. "PRP is fundamentally different because we're using your body's own healing mechanisms. The risk of allergic reactions is virtually eliminated."

The science behind this claim proved compelling. Research published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology demonstrates that PRP is packed with growth factors and proteins that help speed up the skin's natural healing process. It reduces redness, irritation, and inflammation, making it an excellent option for those dealing with sensitive skin, rosacea, or post-procedure recovery.

Pre-Treatment Preparation

Unlike laser treatments or chemical peels that require extensive pre-treatment protocols, preparing for PRP felt refreshingly simple. Dr Chen advised avoiding blood-thinning medications for a week prior, staying well-hydrated, and maintaining my usual gentle skincare routine.

"Don't change anything that's working," he emphasised. "PRP enhances your skin's natural function rather than disrupting it."

This approach immediately felt different from previous treatments that demanded dramatic routine changes or carried lists of contraindications that made me question whether I was even a suitable candidate.

The Day of Treatment

The actual procedure took less than an hour and felt surprisingly unremarkable for something I'd built up in my mind. The blood draw was quick and painless- about three tablespoons, similar to a routine blood test. The centrifuge process took approximately ten minutes whilst I relaxed in the treatment room.

When Dr Chen returned with the concentrated PRP, it had a golden appearance that justified its nickname as "liquid gold." The injection process itself involved multiple small injections across my cheeks, forehead, and around my eyes using an ultrafine needle.

For someone accustomed to skin treatments causing immediate reactions, the lack of dramatic response was almost anticlimactic. My skin felt slightly warm and looked mildly flushed, similar to the aftermath of a brisk walk rather than the angry inflammation I'd experienced with other treatments.

Immediate Aftermath

The first 24 hours revealed PRP's gentle nature. Clinical studies show that among participants who finished PRP studies, 69.6% developed oedema or oedema and bruising at the site of injection, which lasted 1 to 7 days. However, my experience proved milder than these statistics suggested.

I experienced slight swelling around my eyes that resembled the puffiness of crying rather than aggressive medical intervention. The redness was minimal and easily concealed with my usual gentle concealer. By day three, even these subtle signs had disappeared completely.

What struck me most was what didn't happen. No burning sensation, no increased sensitivity, no reactive flare that typically followed any disruption to my skin's status quo. Instead, my skin felt peculiarly calm.

The Healing Journey

Week one brought subtle changes that only I could detect. My skin felt more resilient somehow, less likely to react to environmental stressors that previously triggered rosacea flares. The chronic background sensitivity that had been my baseline for years began to recede.

By week three, the changes became visible to others. Colleagues commented on my "healthy glow," though I hadn't changed my makeup routine or overall skincare regimen. The persistent ruddiness that had defined my complexion for years was noticeably diminished.

Research explains this improvement through PRP's mechanism of action. Platelets contain growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue regeneration or healing in the treated area. For sensitive skin conditions like rosacea, this translates to reduced inflammation and improved barrier function.

Month Two: Building Results

The second month revealed PRP's cumulative benefits. My dermatologist had explained that results gradually improve over the following weeks as collagen production increases, delivering a naturally rejuvenated and youthful complexion. This proved accurate in ways I hadn't anticipated.

Fine lines around my eyes became less noticeable, but more importantly, my skin's overall texture improved. The chronic dryness and flaking that accompanied my sensitive skin began to resolve. Products that previously caused irritation now felt soothing rather than problematic.

Clinical data supports this experience. Studies show that PRP promotes collagen regeneration and angiogenesis, reduces pigment secretion, and further promotes facial rejuvenation. For sensitive skin sufferers, these mechanisms translate to improved barrier function and reduced reactivity.

The Unexpected Benefits

Perhaps the most surprising outcome was psychological. Living with sensitive skin creates a constant state of vigilance - scanning ingredient lists, avoiding activities that might trigger flares, and the ever-present anxiety about how your skin might react. PRP gradually lifted this burden.

Six months later, I can travel without extensive skincare planning, try new products without fear, and wake up without immediately checking my reflection for overnight flares. This freedom represents a quality of life improvement I hadn't anticipated.

Recent research from Imperial College London confirms that PRP treatments not only improve visible signs but also enhance overall skin health and resilience. For sensitive skin sufferers, this systemic improvement often proves more valuable than purely cosmetic benefits.

Comparing to Previous Treatments

My skincare journey had included various approaches with mixed results. Prescription topical treatments provided temporary relief but required constant vigilance about application timing and potential side effects. Laser treatments, whilst effective for some concerns, often triggered weeks of increased sensitivity.

PRP offered something fundamentally different: improvement without compromise. The treatment enhanced my skin's natural function rather than forcing it into submission through external intervention.

Clinical comparisons support this distinction. Research shows that PRP is relatively non-invasive and safe for sensitive skin compared to more aggressive interventions. The treatment's compatibility with various skin types and ethnicities makes it a versatile option for diverse individuals.

Long-Term Maintenance

Dr Chen had explained that optimal results typically require a series of treatments, with maintenance sessions once or twice yearly. This schedule felt manageable compared to other treatments requiring monthly appointments or daily application protocols.

The durability of results surprised me. Unlike topical treatments that required consistent use to maintain benefits, PRP's improvements seemed to build upon themselves. Each session enhanced the previous treatment's effects rather than simply maintaining them.

Research confirms this cumulative benefit. Because PRP promotes natural skin remodelling and collagen production, results continue evolving months after treatment. Many patients can expect to enjoy benefits for six to twelve months following their initial series.

The Bottom Line for Sensitive Skin

Six months after my first PRP treatment, I've become an enthusiastic advocate for the approach. Not because it transformed me into someone else, but because it allowed me to become the best version of myself – someone whose skin supports rather than limits their lifestyle.

The treatment's gentle approach, combined with its regenerative mechanisms, makes PRP uniquely suited to sensitive skin concerns. Unlike treatments that suppress symptoms, PRP addresses underlying dysfunction whilst respecting skin's natural processes.

For those struggling with sensitive skin, reactive complexions, or chronic inflammatory conditions, PRP offers hope backed by solid science. The treatment's ability to improve skin function without triggering inflammatory responses makes it particularly valuable for those who've found other options too aggressive or unpredictable.

Making the Decision

If you're considering PRP for sensitive skin concerns, my advice is to focus on finding a practitioner who understands the unique challenges of reactive complexions. The treatment itself is remarkably gentle, but expertise in customising protocols for sensitive skin makes a significant difference in outcomes.

During consultation, look for practitioners who discuss your skin's specific needs rather than offering one-size-fits-all protocols. The best providers will adjust concentration levels, injection techniques, and follow-up care based on your individual sensitivity patterns.

Looking Forward

PRP didn't just improve my skin - it changed my relationship with skincare entirely. The constant worry about reactions has been replaced by confidence in my skin's resilience. This psychological benefit often proves as valuable as the visible improvements.

For anyone living with sensitive skin who's grown weary of managing rather than solving their concerns, PRP offers a path forward that works with your skin rather than against it. The science is solid, the approach is gentle, and the results speak for themselves.

The treatment that changed everything for my sensitive skin could be exactly what yours needs to finally find peace. Your sensitive skin deserves treatment that understands its complexity. PRP might be the solution you've been searching for.

For a comprehensive assessment of your sensitive skin concerns and a personalised PRP protocol designed for reactive complexions, message us on WhatsApp to arrange your complimentary consultation. Our London specialists understand the unique challenges of sensitive skin and create gentle, effective treatment plans that respect your skin's individual needs whilst delivering transformative results.

Mariam Elalfy