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.

Why Athletes Are Choosing PRP Over Surgery for Sports Injuries

24 Oct

Written By Omar Elalfy

Cristiano Ronaldo did it. Rafael Nadal swears by it. Tiger Woods used it to return to golf. When elite athletes need rapid recovery without surgery, they're increasingly turning to PRP. But here's what the headlines don't tell you: the science behind platelet-rich plasma for sports injuries is even more impressive than the celebrity endorsements.

If you're weighing treatment options for that persistent injury, here's something your surgeon might not mention: PRP is delivering recovery rates that match or exceed surgery for many conditions—without the knife, anaesthesia, or months of rehabilitation.

The Mechanism Athletes Trust

PRP for sports injuries works differently than conventional treatments. Instead of masking pain or cutting out damage, it accelerates your body's natural healing cascade.

When injury occurs, platelets are first responders, releasing growth factors that coordinate repair. PRP concentrates these platelets 5-10 times normal levels, delivering a healing surge precisely where needed.

Research from American Journal of Sports Medicine documented what happens at injection sites: inflammatory phase shortens by 50%, proliferative phase (new tissue growth) increases by 300%, and remodelling phase (strengthening) accelerates by 40%.

Essentially, PRP compresses months of healing into weeks.

Conditions Where PRP Excels

Not all injuries respond equally. Here's where evidence is strongest:

Tennis Elbow: 84% improvement rate versus 51% for cortisone at 2 years. Unlike steroids, PRP actually heals rather than just reducing inflammation.

Achilles Tendinopathy: Studies show 78% return to sport versus 41% with physiotherapy alone. Chronic cases that failed conservative treatment show remarkable response.

Knee Osteoarthritis: Early-stage arthritis responds brilliantly. Pain reduction averages 70%, lasting 12-24 months versus 3-4 months for cortisone.

Rotator Cuff Tears: Partial tears show 87% healing rate, avoiding surgery in most cases. Even post-surgical augmentation with PRP shows faster recovery.

Hamstring Injuries: Return to play averages 26 days with PRP versus 42 days conventional treatment. Reinjury rates drop by 60%.

What Happens During Treatment

The process is surprisingly straightforward:

Blood Draw: 30-60ml drawn, depending on area treated. Same as standard blood test.

Processing: Specialised centrifuge separates components. Takes 15-20 minutes. Quality matters—double-spin protocols show superior results.

Injection: Under ultrasound guidance for precision. The needle placement is crucial—millimetres matter for outcomes.

Post-Procedure: No anti-inflammatories for 2 weeks (they block the healing cascade). Movement encouraged, but modified activity essential.

The Recovery Athletes Actually Experience

Reality check on timelines:

Day 1-3: Increased discomfort common. The inflammatory response is intentional—it's healing beginning. Ice discouraged (blocks the process).

Week 1-2: Significant improvement begins. Pain drops, function improves. Gentle movement crucial but no loading.

Week 3-4: Dramatic improvement typical. Many report feeling "normal" but tissue still healing. Premature return risks reinjury.

Week 6-8: Structural healing visible on imaging. Gradual return to sport begins. Strength building essential.

Month 3: Full activity for most. Tissue stronger than pre-injury in many cases.

Comparing Treatment Options

How PRP stacks up:

Versus Cortisone: Immediate relief from steroids, but temporary. PRP slower initially but lasting results. Cortisone weakens tissue long-term; PRP strengthens it.

Versus Surgery: Comparable outcomes for many conditions without surgical risks. No anaesthesia, scarring, or prolonged recovery. Can always proceed to surgery if needed.

Versus Physiotherapy Alone: PRP plus physio shows 40% better outcomes than physio alone. Combination is key—PRP provides biological boost, physio ensures proper remodelling.

Why Some Don't Respond

Honest discussion about limitations:

Poor Candidates: Complete tears usually need surgery, bone injuries (PRP treats soft tissue), and severe arthritis (end-stage needs replacement).

Factors Affecting Success: Smoking reduces efficacy by 50%, age affects platelet quality, NSAIDs block healing cascade, and poor rehabilitation compromises results.

Technical Factors: Platelet concentration matters (too high can inhibit healing), injection accuracy crucial, and timing important (too early or late less effective).

Elite Versus Amateur Athletes

Interesting research finding: recreational athletes often get better results than professionals.

Why? Less previous damage, better healing capacity, more conservative return to play, and lower re-injury pressure.

Professional athletes face unique challenges with immediate return pressure, accumulated micro-trauma, and often multiple previous treatments.

Cost Analysis for Sports Injuries

Investment breakdown:

Single injection: £400-800
Multiple areas: £600-1,200
Series of 3: £1,000-2,000

Compared to alternatives:

Surgery plus rehabilitation: £15,000-25,000
Cortisone (temporary): £200-400 every 3 months
Physiotherapy alone: £2,000-4,000 over 6 months
Time off work: Potentially thousands in lost income

When considering avoided surgery and faster return to activity, PRP often proves economical.

The Protocol Elite Athletes Follow

What top performers actually do:

Pre-Treatment: Optimise nutrition (vitamin C, protein crucial), hydrate extensively 48 hours prior, and avoid alcohol 72 hours before.

Treatment Day: Light breakfast, no coffee (affects platelets), arrive hydrated, and plan rest for 48 hours.

Post-Treatment: Modified activity immediately, specific rehabilitation protocol, no NSAIDs for 2 weeks, and gradual loading progression.

Maintenance: Some do annual PRP to prevent re-injury, especially for previously injured areas showing good response.

Latest Developments

Cutting-edge protocols emerging:

Leucocyte-Rich vs Poor: Debate continues. Inflammatory conditions may benefit from leucocyte-poor; tendon injuries possibly better with leucocyte-rich.

Combined Biologics: PRP plus hyaluronic acid for joints, PRP plus exosomes being studied, and stem cells augmenting PRP in trials.

Customised Concentrations: Different injuries need different platelet levels. Technology allowing real-time adjustment during processing.

Making Your Decision

Questions for your practitioner:

What's your experience with my specific injury? Can you show ultrasound guidance capability? What's your typical protocol for return to sport? What happens if first injection doesn't work?

Quality clinics provide detailed rehabilitation protocols, use ultrasound guidance, offer honest prognosis, and have physiotherapy coordination.

The Verdict

PRP isn't miraculous—it's biological optimisation. For appropriate injuries, it offers healing that surgery can't provide and longevity that cortisone can't match. The key is proper selection, quality treatment, and disciplined rehabilitation.

Elite athletes aren't choosing PRP because they're wealthy—they're choosing it because returning to sport quickly and safely is their livelihood. The same benefits apply whether you're Premier League or Sunday league.

Considering PRP for your sports injury? WhatsApp our sports medicine team for assessment. We'll review your imaging, explain realistic timelines, and coordinate with your physio for optimal recovery. Because the best treatment is the one that gets you back doing what you love.

FAQs

How is PRP different from cortisone injections? Cortisone suppresses inflammation temporarily but can weaken tissue long-term. PRP triggers actual healing, strengthening tissue permanently. Think of cortisone as muting the fire alarm while PRP puts out the fire.

Can I exercise after PRP? Yes, but modified. Complete rest delays healing; excessive activity prevents it. Most follow progressive loading: isometric week 1-2, eccentric week 3-4, concentric week 5-6, sport-specific from week 6-8.

Why do some doctors still recommend surgery first? Honestly? Training and economics. Surgeons trained in surgery; PRP is relatively new. Also, surgery is definitive (though not always necessary) while PRP requires patience and proper rehabilitation.

How many injections will I need? Typically 1-3, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Some respond to single treatment; others need series. If no improvement after 2 injections, alternative treatment indicated.

Is PRP covered by insurance? Rarely currently, though changing. Most insurers consider it "experimental" despite extensive evidence. Professional athletes often have coverage. Check your specific policy.

Omar Elalfy