Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

PRP Treatment

Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy harnesses your body's natural healing mechanisms to stimulate hair growth and rejuvenate skin. This innovative treatment uses concentrated growth factors from your own blood to promote tissue regeneration.
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Three tubes of separated blood in a stand on a clinic counter, prepared for PRP treatment

What is PRP?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a concentrated solution derived from your own blood containing a high concentration of platelets and growth factors. When injected into targeted areas, these growth factors stimulate cellular regeneration, collagen production, and tissue repair.

The Science Behind PRP

A small sample of blood is drawn and processed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets. The resulting PRP contains up to 5 times the normal concentration of platelets and their associated growth factors including PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, and EGF.

PRP for Hair Loss

PRP therapy offers a powerful treatment option for various types of hair loss. The concentrated growth factors stimulate dormant hair follicles, extend the growth phase of the hair cycle, and increase blood supply to the follicles.

Suitable Candidates

PRP is particularly effective for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), early-stage hair thinning, and as a complement to hair transplantation. Best results are typically seen in patients with recent hair loss where follicles are still present but miniaturised.

A close view of a man's hairline alongside a portrait of his face

A Non-Hormonal Alternative

For patients seeking hair loss treatment without hormonal intervention, PRP offers an excellent alternative. Unlike finasteride or other DHT blockers, PRP works through a completely different mechanism - stimulating growth factors rather than altering hormone levels.

This makes PRP particularly suitable for patients concerned about hormonal side effects, those who cannot tolerate conventional medications, women experiencing hair thinning, and patients who prefer a natural approach using their body's own healing mechanisms.

Consultation and diagnosis

How PRP Treatment Is Done at Eden Clinic

For skin rejuvenation, the same principles apply: PRP is injected into areas such as the face, neck, or décolletage to improve fine lines, texture, and overall skin quality over a series of treatments.
A doctor-led consultation in our Plymouth clinic to diagnose the cause of hair loss, review bloods if appropriate, and discuss realistic goals, alternatives, and suitability for PRP. Some people might need a blood test to identify the cause.
A small sample of blood is taken from your arm and processed in a medical centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelet-rich fraction.
The treatment area is cleansed and a topical anaesthetic may be used to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
PRP is injected with fine needles into the thinning scalp (or into facial/neck skin for rejuvenation), usually in a grid-like pattern over the target area.
You can usually return to normal activities the same day but we advise avoiding vigorous exercise, saunas, and harsh hair or skin treatments for a short period after treatment.

Benefits, Risks and Limitations

Potential benefits
Uses your own blood, so allergy risk is very low.
Can improve hair density and reduce shedding in many androgenetic alopecia patients, with high satisfaction in appropriately selected cases.
Helpful adjunct after hair transplant to support graft take, healing, and overall cosmetic outcome.
For skin, can soften fine lines, improve texture and luminosity, and support a more youthful appearance without adding fillers or toxins.
Risks and side effects
Common, usually mild: temporary discomfort during injections, small bruises, redness, swelling, or scalp tightness for 24–72 hours.
Less common: headache, temporary flare of shedding as follicles cycle, or mild infection at injection sites.
Serious adverse events are rare in published studies when PRP is prepared and injected correctly under medical standards.
Limitations
Results are variable and cannot be guaranteed; some patients experience modest change, others more visible thickening.
PRP cannot resurrect follicles that are completely lost or scarred, so earlier treatment generally gives better outcomes.
It is a course-based therapy, and maintenance is usually needed to preserve gains over time

Treatment Course, Time Frames and Maintenance

Most clinical protocols for androgenetic alopecia use an initial series of 3–4 PRP sessions spaced around 4 weeks apart. It can also be done with polynucleotides and red light therapy.

Early changes such as reduced shedding or easier styling may be noticed after 2–3 sessions, with fuller assessment of density and coverage typically around 3–6 months.
To maintain results, many patients choose follow-up sessions every 4–6 months, adjusted to how they respond and to the rest of their plan (transplant status, nutrition, stress and any medicines used).
For skin rejuvenation, a similar pattern is common: an initial series of 3 treatments at monthly intervals, followed by occasional top-ups to sustain collagen and skin quality.

Book Your PRP Consultation

Find out whether PRP is right for your hair loss or your skin. Dr Angela Servis assesses you first and explains what PRP can and cannot do for you.

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