PRP explained: nature’s booster for skin and hair
- Andy Griffin
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative treatment that uses your own blood to signal repair. When prepared and delivered correctly, it can improve skin quality and support early hair thinning with low downtime. We offer PRP at The London Road Clinic, with protocols supported by evidence and overseen by Aesthetic & Plastic Surgeon Dr Shahe Boghossian.
A brief history
PRP has been used in medicine since the late 20th century to aid healing in surgery, dentistry, and sports injuries. As the technique matured, clinicians began applying it in aesthetics to stimulate collagen and improve tissue quality. The appeal is simple: you’re using an autologous resource - your own platelets - rather than adding synthetic volume.
What PRP is and how it’s prepared
PRP is a concentrated layer of your own platelets suspended in plasma.
A small blood sample is taken in clinic.
It is spun in a clinical centrifuge. Spinning separates the sample into layers; the clinician draws off the platelet-rich layer—the part with the highest concentration of growth factors.
The PRP is injected or microneedled into the target area (skin or scalp) to deliver those signals where they are needed.
Because the material is autologous, allergy risk is low. Technique, platelet yield, and aftercare all influence results.
Procedure components at a glance
Consultation: goals, suitability, medical history, photos for tracking.
Preparation: blood draw and centrifuge processing to isolate PRP.
Delivery:
Skin: microinjections and/or microneedling across the face, under-eyes, neck, or scars.
Hair: small injections across thinning zones on the scalp.
Aftercare: SPF, gentle skincare, avoid heavy heat/exercise for 24–48 hours.
Typical courses use three sessions, 4–6 weeks apart, with maintenance every 6–12 months. Hair plans often start with 3–4 monthly sessions, then maintenance 3–6 monthly.
Target outcomes
Skin: healthier-looking glow, improved texture and fine lines, better under-eye quality, and general “bounce” as collagen and elastin are supported.
Hair: help for early androgenetic thinning by supporting follicle function and hair shaft calibre; the aim is density preservation and thicker strands rather than sudden regrowth.
Expect early glow within weeks. Collagen changes mature over 2–3 months. Hair responses vary; realistic, course-based planning matters.
How PRP for skin compares to similar options
Each option has a job. Many patients combine treatments over time.
PRP: uses your biology to signal repair. Good for gradual, natural improvement in skin quality and as an adjunct in early hair thinning.
PRF/iPRF: closely related to PRP but forms a fibrin matrix that may extend growth-factor release. Often chosen for delicate areas.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) skin boosters: immediate hydration and smoothness; great for “dewy” skin but not a collagen signal in the same way.
Polynucleotides: injectable biostimulators that support tissue repair and elasticity; pair well with PRP for quality-focused plans.
Microneedling alone: mechanical collagen induction; PRP can enhance it by adding a biochemical signal.
Energy devices (e.g., RF microneedling/skin tightening): target laxity and texture at deeper levels; often scheduled in a different month from PRP for comfort and clarity of results.
We’ll help you choose based on goals, timeline, and tolerance for downtime.
Treatment for skin vs hair
Skin protocol
Targets: face, under-eyes, neck, acne scars, crepey texture.
Feel: mild sting; optional topical anaesthetic.
Downtime: redness 1–3 days; make-up usually from day one or two.
Course: 3 sessions 4–6 weeks apart; review at 12 weeks; maintenance 6–12 monthly.
Hair protocol
Targets: early thinning (men and women) where follicles are present.
Feel: brief pinpricks across the scalp; sensitive areas first.
Downtime: scalp tenderness 24–48 hours.
Course: 3–4 monthly sessions, then maintenance; align with a holistic hair plan where appropriate.
Who it’s for—and who should pause
Good candidates are healthy adults seeking gradual improvement without added “filler” volume. PRP isn’t suitable in pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active skin infections, platelet/blood disorders, or significant anticoagulation. Autoimmune conditions require clinician review. We set realistic expectations and measure progress with photos and timelines.
Why PRP at The London Road Clinic
Nature’s skin booster, supported by science: we standardise protocols and photography so you can see incremental change.
Doctor-led oversight: treatment plans are designed and reviewed with Dr Shahe Boghossian, whose surgical background supports safe escalation, combination planning, and complication pathways.
Calm, clear experience: consultation in Newark-on-Trent, practical aftercare, and a plan that respects your diary.
Quick glossary
Platelets: blood fragments that help clotting and release growth factors which signal repair.
Fibroblasts: cells in the dermis that make structural proteins like collagen and elastin.
Collagen: the skin’s main structural protein; supports firmness and resilience.
Elastin: fibres that allow skin to stretch and spring back.
Centrifuge: a medical device that spins blood at high speed to separate layers; “spun” means this separation step created the platelet-rich plasma used in treatment.
Autologous resource: material taken from your own body (e.g., your platelets/plasma), which lowers allergy and rejection risk.
