What Is PRP Treatment? The Complete Beginner's Guide to Platelet-Rich Plasma (2026)

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is a regenerative medical treatment that uses a concentrated preparation of your own blood to stimulate healing, tissue repair, and cellular regeneration in the treatment area.

The concept is elegant in its simplicity. Your blood already contains the growth factors and signalling molecules your body uses to heal wounds, repair tissue, and regenerate cells. PRP concentrates these healing elements to 5 to 10 times their normal levels and delivers them precisely where they are needed, whether that is thinning hair follicles, ageing facial skin, scarred tissue, or a damaged joint.

PRP has been used in medicine for over two decades. It began in orthopaedics and wound healing before its regenerative potential was recognised for hair restoration, skin rejuvenation, and aesthetic medicine. Today, it is supported by one of the strongest clinical evidence bases of any regenerative therapy, including a 2025 meta-analysis of 43 randomised controlled trials involving 1,877 participants.

At The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness, our GMC-registered doctors provide PRP treatment for hair, face, skin, and joints from our central London clinics in Marylebone and Canary Wharf.

Interested in PRP? Ask our doctors anything > WhatsApp

How PRP Works: Step by Step

Step 1: Blood Draw

Your doctor draws a small blood sample from your arm, exactly like a routine blood test. The volume is typically 20 to 60ml depending on the treatment area and protocol.

Step 2: Centrifuge Processing

The blood sample is placed in a medical-grade centrifuge that spins at high speed to separate the blood into its component layers: red blood cells (which are discarded), platelet-poor plasma, and platelet-rich plasma. The PRP layer, now containing 5 to 10 times the normal platelet concentration, is carefully extracted.

Step 3: Treatment Application

The concentrated PRP is delivered to the treatment area through injection (for scalp, joints, or targeted facial areas), microneedling (for full-face rejuvenation, acne scars, or scalp coverage), or a combination of both for maximum penetration and coverage.

Step 4: Biological Response

Once in the tissue, the concentrated platelets release a cascade of growth factors including PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), TGF-beta (transforming growth factor), EGF (epidermal growth factor), and IGF (insulin-like growth factor). These collectively stimulate collagen production, cellular proliferation, angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), and tissue repair at the treatment site.

The entire process takes approximately 45 to 90 minutes depending on the treatment area.

What PRP Treats

Hair Loss and Thinning

PRP is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss). A 2025 meta-analysis of 43 RCTs confirmed PRP significantly increases hair density (average 31% at 6 months), reduces shedding, and improves patient satisfaction. At The London PRP Clinic: from £545/session, 87% success rate.

Facial Rejuvenation (Vampire Facial)

PRP stimulates collagen and elastin production to reduce fine lines, improve skin texture and tone, shrink enlarged pores, and create a natural radiant glow. Over 65% of patients see noticeable improvement by 8 weeks. At The London PRP Clinic: from £395/session, including mesotherapy cocktail.

Acne Scars

PRP with microneedling stimulates collagen remodelling in scarred tissue, progressively filling in depressed scars from within. Safe for all skin tones with no risk of hyperpigmentation. Multiple sessions produce cumulative improvement.

Under-Eye Dark Circles and Hollows

PRP improves under-eye skin thickness, pigmentation, and vascular health, addressing the root causes of dark circles naturally. Safer than dermal filler for this delicate area with zero risk of vascular occlusion or Tyndall effect.

Joint Pain and Sports Injuries

PRP delivers growth factors to damaged joints and tendons, stimulating tissue repair and reducing inflammation. Multiple studies show PRP outperforms cortisone injections at 6 and 12 months for knee osteoarthritis. Used by elite athletes worldwide for injury rehabilitation.

Is PRP Safe?

PRP has an excellent safety record established over more than two decades of medical use. Because it is autologous (made from your own blood), there is virtually no risk of allergic reaction, rejection, or disease transmission.

The 2025 meta-analysis of 43 RCTs confirmed that PRP's side effects are mild and transient. Temporary redness at the treatment site (resolves within 24 to 48 hours). Mild swelling, particularly after facial or under-eye treatment. Minor sensitivity or tenderness. Occasional light bruising. No serious adverse events were reported across 1,877 participants in the analysed trials.

PRP is safe during breastfeeding (no systemic medications involved), safe for all skin tones (no risk of hyperpigmentation), and safe alongside most other treatments (can be combined with minoxidil, finasteride, supplements, and laser therapy).

What PRP Cannot Do

Honesty about limitations is essential for informed decision-making.

PRP cannot regrow hair in completely bald areas where follicles have been permanently destroyed. PRP cannot replace the need for surgical intervention in advanced hair loss or severe joint degeneration. PRP results are not permanent and require maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months. PRP does not work for everyone, with approximately 10 to 30% of patients not achieving significant improvement. The quality of PRP preparation significantly affects outcomes, making clinic selection important.

Pricing at The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness

PRP for Hair: from £545/session | £1,455 for a course of 3

PRP Facial (with microneedling + mesotherapy): from £395/session

ExoRevive Exosome Therapy: from £445/session

PRP + ExoRevive Combined: from £500/session

PRP for Joints: available with ultrasound-guided option

All treatments performed by GMC-registered doctors. No hidden costs. Consultation included. 187+ five-star reviews.

Marylebone (2 minutes from Baker Street) and Canary Wharf locations.

Your First Step

Whether you are considering PRP for hair, face, skin, or joints, the first step is always a consultation with a qualified doctor who can assess your specific situation, explain what PRP can realistically achieve for you, and recommend the most effective treatment approach.

At The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness, consultations are free, honest, and entirely without pressure. You will leave with a clear understanding of your options regardless of whether you decide to proceed.

Book your free consultation > WhatsApp | Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com | Call: +44 20 3951 3429

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Results vary between individuals. All treatments at The London PRP Clinic are performed by GMC-registered doctors. Last reviewed March 2026.

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