What Is PRP? How It Works for Skin and Hair, and What to Expect

What is PRP?

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is plasma with a raised platelet concentration obtained from your own blood. A small sample is drawn, separated by centrifuge, and the platelet-rich fraction is delivered to the target area.

Platelets carry growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, TGF-β, EGF, IGF). These stimulate cell proliferation, collagen production and vascularisation, supporting tissue repair and renewal. Being autologous, allergy and rejection risk is very low.

Where is it used?

1) Skin rejuvenation

• Skin quality, glow and tone
• Fine lines and overall tissue vitality
• Thin under-eye skin support (in suitable candidates)
• Can be combined with microneedling or mesotherapy

2) Hair loss

• Early–mid stage androgenetic and telogen shedding
• Strengthens existing follicles, slows shedding, improves hair quality
• Can support graft survival after hair transplant

Important: PRP does not create new follicles in a bald area. It is ineffective in fully closed (cicatricial/advanced) zones; realistic candidate selection drives the result.

PRP or mesotherapy?

They work by different logic and often complement each other:

Which suits you depends on your goal; see our face mesotherapy vs PRP decision-matrix post.

Session plan and duration

• Initial course: typically 3–4 sessions, 3–4 weeks apart.
• Maintenance: every 6–12 months depending on result and area.
• Results are gradual; real assessment is usually after the course is complete.

The procedure takes 30–45 minutes (draw + prep + application), well tolerated with topical anaesthetic. Mild redness/swelling afterwards lasts hours to a couple of days.

Safety / who is unsuitable

Autologous sourcing is a safety advantage, but PRP is unsuitable or needs assessment in: blood/clotting disorders and platelet dysfunction; active infection (including skin infection at the site); some cancers and immunosuppressive therapy (physician assessment); pregnancy/breastfeeding (limited evidence — discuss with your physician).

FAQ

“When will I see results?” Skin glow in 2–4 weeks, clearer tissue improvement by the end of the course. For hair, slowed shedding first, thickening over a few months.

“Does it hurt?” Comfortable with topical anaesthetic; brief scalp tenderness is possible.

“Is it permanent?” PRP supports renewal but does not stop ageing/genetic hair loss; maintenance is needed.

“Is one session enough?” Usually no — it is supportive, not curative; planned as a course plus maintenance.