Your First PRP Appointment: What to Expect Step by Step (2026 Patient Guide)

What happens at a PRP appointment?

Your first PRP session at The London PRP Clinic takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes from arrival to departure. The process involves five stages: doctor consultation, blood draw, centrifuge processing, PRP application, and aftercare briefing. There are no surprises, no hidden steps, and no significant downtime. Most patients return to work or normal activities immediately afterward.

This guide walks you through each stage so you know exactly what to expect. Feeling informed and prepared makes the experience smoother and more comfortable.

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Before your appointment: how to prepare

Stay well hydrated in the 24 hours before your appointment. Good hydration makes your veins more accessible for the blood draw, resulting in a faster and more comfortable experience.

Eat a nutritious meal before arriving. Do not come on an empty stomach. A meal containing protein and healthy fats ensures your blood has optimal nutrient content for PRP preparation.

Avoid blood-thinning supplements for 48 hours if medically safe: fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, garlic supplements, and ginger supplements. These can affect platelet function. Do not stop any prescribed medications without consulting your prescribing doctor.

Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment, as it can affect hydration and blood quality.

For hair PRP: Wash your hair on the morning of treatment. Arrive with clean hair free of styling products.

For facial PRP: Cleanse your face in the morning. Arrive without makeup.

Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that roll up easily for the blood draw.

Step 1: Doctor consultation (10 to 15 minutes)

Your GMC-registered doctor reviews your medical history, examines the treatment area, and confirms that PRP is appropriate for your specific situation.

For hair patients, this includes assessing your hair loss pattern and stage, discussing your goals and expectations, recommending blood tests if not already done, and explaining the treatment plan (number of sessions, expected timeline, realistic outcomes).

For facial patients, this includes evaluating your skin concerns, discussing what PRP can and cannot achieve, and tailoring the treatment protocol to your needs.

For joint patients, this includes reviewing imaging (if available), assessing the joint condition, and determining whether ultrasound-guided injection is indicated.

Your doctor will answer any remaining questions before proceeding. This consultation is included in your treatment price.

Step 2: Blood draw (5 minutes)

Your doctor or a trained clinical assistant draws a small blood sample from your arm using a standard venepuncture technique. This feels identical to a routine blood test. The volume is typically 20 to 60ml depending on the treatment area and protocol.

If you are nervous about needles, let the team know. They will talk you through the process and can use distraction techniques to make it easier.

Step 3: Centrifuge processing (10 to 15 minutes)

Your blood sample is placed in a medical-grade centrifuge that spins at high speed for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. This separates the blood into its component layers: red blood cells (discarded), platelet-poor plasma, and platelet-rich plasma.

The PRP layer, now containing 5 to 10 times the normal platelet concentration, is carefully extracted into a sterile syringe. This concentrated golden liquid contains the growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, TGF-beta, EGF, IGF) that will stimulate regeneration in the treatment area.

During this waiting period, numbing cream is applied (for facial treatments) or the treatment area is prepared.

Step 4: PRP application (15 to 30 minutes)

For hair PRP: Your doctor performs a series of small injections across the scalp, concentrating on areas of thinning. If microneedling is included in your protocol, it is performed alongside the injection to enhance absorption.

For facial PRP: With numbing cream in effect, your doctor performs medical-grade microneedling across the face, applying PRP topically through the micro-channels. Targeted injections may also be used for specific areas (under-eyes, nasolabial folds). The bespoke mesotherapy cocktail (hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, glutathione) is applied. A cooling Korean hyaluronic acid mask is placed to soothe and hydrate.

For joint PRP: Your doctor injects the PRP directly into the affected joint, potentially using ultrasound guidance for precision placement in deeper structures.

Most patients describe the sensation as mild discomfort rather than pain. The procedure is very tolerable.

Step 5: Aftercare and next steps (5 minutes)

Your doctor provides specific aftercare instructions for your treatment type.

Hair PRP aftercare: Do not wash hair for 24 hours. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid direct sun exposure on the scalp for 48 hours. Mild redness and sensitivity for 24 to 48 hours is normal.

Facial PRP aftercare: No makeup for 24 hours. Apply SPF 30+ daily. Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and intense exercise for 48 hours. Mild redness for 24 to 48 hours (may be slightly longer with microneedling). Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, aspirin) for 48 hours.

Joint PRP aftercare: Avoid heavy loading of the treated joint for 2 weeks. Gentle movement is encouraged. Ice the area if swelling occurs.

Paracetamol is safe to take for any mild discomfort across all treatment types.

Your next appointment is scheduled (typically 4 to 6 weeks later for the second session), and for hair patients, Viviscal Professional supplements are provided for daily use between sessions.

After your first session: what to expect in the following weeks

Days 1 to 3: Mild redness, possible tenderness or sensitivity at the treatment site. This settles quickly.

Weeks 1 to 2: Treatment area feels normal. No visible changes yet. The growth factors are activating biological processes beneath the surface.

Weeks 2 to 4: For hair patients, you may notice reduced shedding. Some patients experience temporary increased shedding (a positive sign that dormant follicles are entering a new growth cycle). For facial patients, a subtle glow may begin to appear.

Your second session (weeks 4 to 6): The cumulative effect begins. Each session builds on the regenerative processes initiated by the previous one.

The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness: what makes us different

GMC-registered doctors perform every consultation and treatment. Advanced medical-grade centrifuge systems for consistently high platelet concentrations. Comprehensive protocols including supplements, progress photography, and personalised aftercare. Transparent pricing with everything included. Free consultation to assess suitability before any commitment.

PRP Hair from £545. PRP Facial from £395. ExoRevive from £445. 87% success rate. 187+ five-star reviews.Marylebone and Canary Wharf.

Book your first PRP appointment > WhatsApp | Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com | Call: +44 20 3951 3429

Medical Disclaimer: This guide describes a typical PRP appointment. Individual experiences may vary. All treatments performed by GMC-registered doctors. Last reviewed March 2026.

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