PRP Treatment: The Complete Guide to Platelet-Rich Plasma
Written by Dr Shirin Lakhani, Elite Aesthetics Medical Director
MBBS, MRCGP, DRCOG · GMC 4634863
PRP treatment uses platelet-rich plasma prepared from your own blood. A centrifuge separates and concentrates the platelets, and the preparation is then applied or injected into a specific treatment area. PRP is used in hair restoration, aesthetic skin procedures and selected intimate-health treatments, but the evidence and expected results differ between these uses.
If you are researching PRP in London or Kent, you will see different prices, machines and claims. Understanding what is actually being offered is more useful than choosing the highest concentration figure or the most dramatic before-and-after photograph.
This guide explains how PRP works, why preparations vary, what the research can tell us and what to ask before treatment. It also explains how PRP relates to the P Shot, PRF and other treatments described as regenerative.
Would you like to discuss PRP?
Start with a free 15-minute chat with our patient coordinator. We can explain the appointment process and help you arrange a medical assessment with Dr Shirin.
What is platelet-rich plasma?
Blood contains plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Plasma is the liquid component. Platelets are small cell fragments involved in clotting and repair signalling.
Platelet-rich plasma is a preparation in which platelets are concentrated above their level in the original blood sample. The term describes a family of preparations rather than one identical product. Different systems can produce different platelet counts and different amounts of other blood components. [1]
You may hear PRP called an autologous treatment. This means the material comes from the person receiving it. For a standard PRP procedure, blood is collected from you and processed for your treatment.
How does PRP work?
Platelets release signalling proteins, including growth factors, when activated. Researchers investigate whether concentrating these signals at a treatment site can influence repair processes. That provides a rationale for PRP, but a plausible mechanism does not establish a benefit for every condition.
A useful distinction is between a laboratory finding, a change measured in a clinical trial and an improvement that matters to a patient. These are related questions, but they are not interchangeable. Ask what evidence supports the particular procedure you are considering.
Is PRP a medicine, a filler or a blood transfusion?
PRP is a blood-derived preparation. A clinic PRP procedure is not a conventional blood transfusion, and PRP should not be described as interchangeable with a hyaluronic acid dermal filler.
A PRP-based procedure may be offered alongside another treatment. If so, ask what each component is intended to do and which component supports the claimed result. Improvement after a combination cannot automatically be attributed to PRP alone.
How is PRP prepared, and why are preparations different?
A blood sample is collected into the appropriate sterile system and processed in a centrifuge. Centrifugation separates components according to their physical properties. The clinician obtains the fraction intended for the treatment, following the system’s instructions. [2]
The details matter. Blood volume, centrifuge force, processing time, separation method and final volume can all differ. Patients do not need to understand every setting, but the treating clinician should be able to explain the preparation they use.
What is the difference between single-spin and double-spin PRP?
Single-spin protocols use one centrifugation stage. Double-spin protocols use two, usually to separate components and then further concentrate the selected fraction. These labels describe processing steps; they do not give a complete description of the final product.
A second spin can change the preparation. It does not automatically establish that a particular clinic’s treatment produces better outcomes. A comparison needs the actual product characteristics, diagnosis and clinical protocol.
Is more concentrated PRP always better?
A concentration claim is relative to the starting blood sample. It does not, on its own, describe the total number of platelets delivered. Final volume matters too. Neither measure tells you everything about clinical effectiveness.
For example, a clinic describing a high concentration in a small volume is answering a different question from a clinic describing the total platelet dose. Ask what the quoted figure means and whether it comes from a manufacturer specification, a published study or testing of the actual preparation.
There is no single concentration figure that proves a preparation is the best option for every treatment. Research protocols vary, and results from one application should not be transferred automatically to another. [12]
Do white cells and red cells matter?
PRP can be described as leukocyte-rich or leukocyte-poor, referring to its white blood cell content. Red blood cell carryover, platelet recovery and the final volume are also part of the product description.
These characteristics help researchers compare preparations. [13] They should not be reduced to a universal marketing ranking in which one composition is always the correct choice. The relevant question is whether the preparation and protocol are suitable for the intended use.
What about Magellan and Arthrex PRP systems?
At Elite Aesthetics, we use the same Magellan TruPRP and Arthrex Angel centrifuge systems used by Rejuvence Clinic. Dr Shirin’s P Shot Plus protocol uses double-spin PRP. The proposed system and procedure should be explained as part of your individual treatment plan.
Arthrex’s Angel system, for example, is designed to prepare customised PRP formulations with adjustable cellular concentrations. This is a device capability, not evidence that every procedure using that device gives a superior patient result. [3]
When comparing clinics, ask about the exact system and protocol. A shared manufacturer name does not necessarily mean two clinics deliver an identical treatment.
What makes the treatment individual when clinics use the same equipment?
The centrifuge prepares the PRP; it does not assess your diagnosis, choose an injection site or provide follow-up. Sharing the same preparation equipment means the discussion should move beyond the machine name.
At Elite Aesthetics, the individual plan includes doctor-led assessment, Dr Shirin’s preparation settings and injection technique, the appropriate comfort measures and a review pathway. For P Shot treatment, this includes a nerve block and two follow-up appointments. These explain our approach; they are not a claim that a shared device guarantees the same result for every patient.
What can PRP be used for, and how strong is the evidence?
PRP is researched across several medical specialties. The important question is not whether PRP has ever worked anywhere, but whether there is useful evidence for your diagnosis and the proposed procedure.
On a small screen, swipe across the table to read all columns.
| Application | What the research suggests | What to discuss |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern hair loss | Trials and reviews suggest an improvement in hair density in some patients. | Diagnosis, existing follicles, alternatives and how progress will be measured. |
| Facial skin rejuvenation | Findings are mixed; some studies report improvement and others do not. | The specific skin concern and the contribution of any combined procedure. |
| Erectile dysfunction / P Shot | Evidence remains insufficient for routine guideline recommendation. | The cause of ED, established options, uncertainty and follow-up. |
| Women’s intimate health | Evidence is preliminary and studies have important limitations. | A full diagnosis and established care before considering an emerging option. |
| Knee osteoarthritis | NICE identifies limitations in the quality of efficacy evidence. | Specialist assessment, governance, consent and alternatives. |
References for the comparisons above are listed in the relevant sections below. This overview of PRP research does not mean that every procedure is provided at our clinic.
Does PRP work for hair loss?
Pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, is one of the better-studied aesthetic applications. A systematic review of nine randomised trials involving 238 patients found an improvement in hair density compared with placebo at three and six months. Other hair measurements did not all show the same benefit. [4]
That is encouraging, but it is not a promise of a full head of hair. Your diagnosis, starting position and response matter. Ask what improvement the clinician considers realistic and how they distinguish meaningful change from differences in styling or lighting.
Not all shedding is pattern hair loss. A scalp assessment should establish what is happening before you buy a course. Photographs and, where appropriate, scalp measurements provide a more useful baseline than a general impression that hair looks thinner.
If a course is proposed, ask whether other options should be considered and when the plan will be reviewed. PRP should not be sold as a guaranteed way to create new follicles in a completely bald area.
Does PRP work for facial rejuvenation?
PRP may be discussed for skin texture and other signs of ageing. It can be delivered by injections or used within a procedure that also involves microneedling. The exact method needs to be clear.
The evidence is mixed. A 2018 randomised trial reported improvement in patient-rated skin texture. A small 2024 randomised trial involving injections and microneedling did not find a notable benefit of PRP over saline for the assessed facial ageing outcomes. [5] [6]
Different protocols and assessment methods help explain why confident universal claims are inappropriate. Discuss your main concern: texture, lines, pigmentation, volume and loose skin are different problems. One treatment may not address all of them.
PRP should not be presented as equivalent to a facelift or as guaranteed to replace fillers. If you are offered a combination, ask which treatment addresses which concern.
How is PRP used in the P Shot?
The P Shot, or Priapus Shot®, is a penile PRP procedure. It is discussed in intimate-health practice for concerns such as erectile function and sensitivity. However, penile PRP remains an emerging option.
The European Association of Urology considers the available evidence insufficient to recommend routine PRP use for ED. A medical assessment should explore the likely cause and established alternatives before a decision is made. [7]
At Elite Aesthetics, P Shot treatment is doctor-led, with a nerve block for comfort and two follow-up appointments included. Shockwave is not part of our standard P Shot protocol.
Our P Shot treatment guide explains the procedure in more detail. You can also read about P Shot safety and side effects and considering the P Shot when travelling from London.
What about PRP for women’s intimate health?
The O Shot is a PRP-based intimate procedure. Research into PRP for female sexual dysfunction and stress urinary incontinence is still developing. A systematic review identified limitations in the evidence and a need for better-quality research. [8]
Symptoms such as discomfort, dryness, urinary leakage or reduced sensation deserve a proper diagnosis. They should not be grouped into a single problem that one injection is guaranteed to solve.
Discuss established treatment options and the evidence limits of any PRP proposal. Our O Shot information page explains the clinic’s procedure; suitability must be assessed individually.
Is PRP used for joints and tendons?
PRP is also used in orthopaedic practice, but evidence varies between conditions. NICE guidance for knee osteoarthritis identifies limited-quality efficacy evidence and recommends special arrangements for governance, consent and audit or research. [9]
A tendon or joint procedure may involve ultrasound guidance and a rehabilitation plan. This has a different clinical pathway from an aesthetic or intimate-health appointment. A finding about one body area does not prove effectiveness in another.
What is the difference between PRP, PRF, stem cells and exosomes?
These terms often appear together on treatment websites. They describe different materials or approaches, and should be explained separately.
On a small screen, swipe across the table to read all columns.
| Term | What it describes | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|
| PRP | A platelet-rich preparation from blood. | Composition depends on processing and the system used. |
| PRF | Platelet-rich fibrin, a related blood-derived preparation involving fibrin. | Protocols and physical forms vary; it is not simply another name for PRP. |
| Stem cell procedures | Procedures involving different cell-containing materials, such as selected fat or bone marrow preparations. | Standard PRP is not a stem cell transplant. |
| Exosome products | Products described as containing or concentrating extracellular vesicles. | The source, processing, intended use and evidence require separate scrutiny. |
Is PRF better than PRP?
PRF is often marketed as a newer alternative. A systematic review comparing PRP and injectable PRF across medical fields highlights how broad this comparison is. A claim of superiority needs evidence for the exact application, not just a description of how the preparation differs. [10]
Ask what is being used, how it is prepared and why it is appropriate for your concern. “Newer” is not a clinical outcome.
Does PRP contain stem cells?
Standard PRP should be described as a platelet concentrate, not sold as a stem cell transplant. A blood-derived PRP appointment should not be confused with harvesting fat or bone marrow.
If another material is proposed, you should receive a separate explanation of its source, procedure, risks, regulatory status and clinical evidence. An umbrella term such as regenerative medicine does not replace those details.
Are exosome treatments an automatic upgrade?
No. Ask whether the product is derived from your own material or another source, exactly what it contains, how it is processed and what clinical evidence supports the intended use.
A claim about the number of particles or signalling molecules is not the same as evidence of improved outcomes. Each product and indication needs its own assessment; evidence about PRP alone cannot establish the benefit of a different product.
What happens during a PRP appointment?
The practical sequence depends on the treatment area. You should know what will happen before you arrive and have an opportunity to ask questions before consenting.
- Assessment: the clinician discusses your concern, examines the relevant area and reviews your history.
- Treatment plan: expected benefits, uncertainties, alternatives, risks and costs are explained.
- Blood collection: your sample is collected using the appropriate equipment and identified for your treatment.
- Preparation: the sample is processed according to the selected system and protocol.
- Comfort and treatment: the agreed anaesthesia and delivery method are used.
- Aftercare: you receive written instructions, a contact route for concerns and a review plan.
Ask how long the whole appointment will take, including preparation and anaesthesia. A short advertised injection time may not represent the full visit.
Does PRP hurt?
Blood collection and injections can cause discomfort. The treatment area and delivery method affect the experience. Anaesthesia may help, but it can also cause brief discomfort when administered.
For our P Shot procedure, a nerve block is used for comfort. Ask what is proposed for your specific treatment rather than assuming that all PRP appointments use the same method.
How much downtime should you plan?
There is no single recovery timetable for every PRP application. A skin procedure, a scalp injection and a tendon treatment have different practical considerations.
Before treatment, ask about returning to work, exercise, skincare, hair washing and any activity relevant to the treated area. Also ask whether you should arrange transport home. Follow the instructions for your procedure rather than aftercare copied from an unrelated treatment.
When should you assess the result?
Agree the review date and the outcome measures in advance. For hair or skin, consistent photographs can help. For intimate symptoms, structured symptom recording may be more useful than a photograph.
Immediate swelling or redness should not be interpreted as a lasting result. Similarly, a single good day is not enough to establish that treatment has worked. A review should consider whether there has been a meaningful, sustained change.
How many PRP treatments are needed?
A course may be suggested for some applications, but there is no universal schedule. Ask why the proposed number of sessions and spacing fit your diagnosis and the evidence being used.
You should understand the planned review point, what counts as a useful response and what happens if there is no improvement. Further sessions should have a reason beyond simply finishing a package.
Is PRP safe, and who may not be suitable?
Using your own blood reduces concerns associated with donor material, but it does not make the procedure risk-free. Blood collection, preparation, injections and anaesthesia each need appropriate safeguards.
Possible problems include bruising, swelling, tenderness, bleeding and infection. Risks also depend on the injection site and any combined procedure. An allergy to an anaesthetic, anticoagulant or other treatment component may still be relevant. [11]
What medical information should you disclose?
Tell the clinician about blood or platelet disorders, significant anaemia, active infection, cancer or a cancer history, immune conditions, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding and all medicines and supplements. These may affect suitability or require further advice.
Also explain previous procedures in the treatment area and any planned treatment elsewhere. The clinician needs the full picture rather than just the symptom you want addressed.
Can you have PRP while taking aspirin or blood thinners?
This needs individual assessment. Some medicines affect bleeding or platelet function. The clinician should discuss the implications and, when appropriate, coordinate with the prescriber.
Do not stop prescribed aspirin, anticoagulants or other medication yourself to prepare for PRP. Ask for a written plan that explains what to continue and whether any change is medically appropriate.
What should you do if something feels wrong afterwards?
You should leave with clear instructions distinguishing expected recovery from symptoms that need advice. Ask for the clinic’s contact route and what to do outside opening hours.
Increasing pain, spreading redness, discharge, fever or feeling unwell should prompt medical advice. Do not wait for a routine review if you are concerned about a possible complication.
How much does PRP treatment cost in the UK?
There is no single PRP price because the procedure, preparation and appointment plan differ. A scalp course cannot be compared directly with an intimate-health procedure on the basis of a headline “PRP session” price.
At Elite Aesthetics, the P Shot starts from £995 and P Shot Plus with double-spin PRP is £1,350. Both include two follow-up appointments. For other PRP procedures, ask the team for a quote specific to the treatment being considered.
Before paying, ask whether the quote includes the assessment, blood processing, anaesthesia, the full course if applicable and reviews. Also ask about additional charges if your plan changes.
How should you compare PRP clinic prices?
Compare a clearly described treatment plan with another clearly described plan. A higher price does not prove better results, while a lower price may include fewer appointments or a different procedure.
- Who assesses you and performs the treatment?
- What exact procedure and preparation system are proposed?
- Which evidence supports the intended use?
- How are comfort, safety and aftercare handled?
- What is the complete price and what is included?
- How will progress be measured and reviewed?
For penile PRP, our P Shot cost guide explains the questions to ask in more detail.
How do you choose a PRP clinic in London or Kent?
Choose a clinic that can explain your diagnosis and the reason for its recommendation. You should be able to discuss alternatives and decide against treatment without pressure.
Check the clinician’s registration, relevant experience and arrangements for managing complications. A machine specification is only one part of the decision. Clinical judgement, consent, sterile handling and follow-up matter too.
Dr Shirin Lakhani is a GMC-registered doctor with a background in general practice and anaesthesia. She is the Medical Director of Elite Aesthetics and a UK trainer for the P Shot, O Shot and Vampire procedures. Read Dr Shirin’s professional background.
Elite Aesthetics is a CQC-registered clinic in Greenhithe, Kent, welcoming patients from London, Dartford, Gravesend and across the UK. Discreet appointments and free parking help make attendance straightforward. If you are travelling, ask the team about the practical arrangements and likely review visits.
What should make you pause before agreeing?
Pause if you are promised a guaranteed cure, told that there are no risks, or offered one package for several unrelated diagnoses without an assessment. Also ask for clarification if a platelet concentration figure is used as the only proof of effectiveness.
A good discussion should leave you understanding what is known, what remains uncertain and what you can realistically expect. You should not need to make an immediate decision to receive that information.
Frequently asked questions about PRP treatment
What does PRP stand for?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma: a preparation made from your own blood that contains a higher concentration of platelets than the original sample.
Is PRP the same as a stem cell treatment?
No. Standard PRP is a platelet concentrate, not a stem cell transplant. Fat-derived preparations and bone marrow products are different procedures and require their own explanation and consent.
Is double-spin PRP always better?
Two centrifugation stages can change the final preparation, but the number of spins alone does not establish better clinical results. The system, settings, cell composition, platelet dose and treatment protocol all matter.
Does a higher platelet concentration guarantee better results?
No. A concentration figure does not tell you the total dose, the quality of the preparation or whether a particular treatment is appropriate for your diagnosis.
Can PRP regrow hair in a completely bald area?
PRP should not be presented as a guaranteed way to create new follicles in a long-standing bald area. A scalp assessment is needed to establish the cause and discuss appropriate alternatives.
Is the P Shot a PRP treatment?
Yes. The P Shot, also called the Priapus Shot, is a penile PRP procedure. Evidence remains limited and a medical assessment is required before considering treatment.
Is PRP completely risk-free because it uses my blood?
No. Using your own blood does not remove the risks associated with blood collection, processing, injections, anaesthesia or infection.
How many PRP sessions will I need?
There is no universal number. Your diagnosis, treatment area, proposed protocol and response should determine the plan. Ask when progress will be reviewed before agreeing to a course.
Can I have PRP while taking blood thinners?
Tell your doctor about anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines and any other medication. Suitability needs individual assessment. Never stop prescribed medication yourself to prepare for PRP.
How much does PRP treatment cost?
The price depends on the procedure, preparation system and appointments included. At Elite Aesthetics, the P Shot starts from £995 and P Shot Plus with double-spin PRP is £1,350; both include two follow-ups. Ask for a separate quote for other PRP procedures.
Can PRP replace dermal fillers or a facelift?
PRP should not be described as an equivalent replacement. Skin texture, volume loss and loose skin are different concerns and may require different treatment approaches.
Where can I discuss PRP near London or in Kent?
Dr Shirin Lakhani offers doctor-led assessment at Elite Aesthetics in Greenhithe, Kent, welcoming patients from London, Dartford, Gravesend and across the UK. A free 15-minute patient coordinator chat can explain the next step.
How can you discuss PRP with our team?
Ask us a question about PRP treatment.
A free 15-minute chat with our patient coordinator can help you understand the next step. This introductory chat is not a medical consultation; a doctor will assess suitability before treatment.
Call 01322 381205 · Email info@elite-aesthetics.co.uk · WhatsApp us
Clinical references and further reading
The following sources inform the evidence discussion. Findings relate to the preparations and populations studied; they do not guarantee an individual result.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Molecular Mechanisms, Actions and Clinical Applications. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025;26(21):10804. DOI: 10.3390/ijms262110804.
- Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. A Patient’s Guide to Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Blood Injection. Updated November 2025. This source describes a tendon procedure, not a universal PRP aftercare protocol.
- Arthrex. Angel System: manufacturer information on PRP preparation and adjustable cellular concentrations. Device capabilities do not establish comparative treatment efficacy.
- Zhang X et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2023;27(5):504–508. DOI: 10.1177/12034754231191461.
- Alam M et al. Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Rejuvenation of Photoaged Facial Skin: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatology, 2018. PMID: 30419125.
- Pincelli TP et al. Evaluation of Platelet-rich Plasma and Microneedling for Facial Skin Rejuvenation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 2024;12(5):e5829. DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005829.
- European Association of Urology. Sexual and Reproductive Health Guidelines 2026, Management of Erectile Dysfunction.
- Dankova I et al. Efficacy and Safety of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for the Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction and Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines, 2023;11(11):2919. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112919.
- NICE. Platelet-rich plasma injections for knee osteoarthritis. HealthTech guidance HTG497, recommendations.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF): systematic review, Periodontology 2000, 2025. DOI: 10.1111/prd.12626.
- ACE Group World. Patient Information Leaflet: Platelet-Rich Plasma. February 2025. See also Johns Hopkins Medicine, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections, for an overview of procedure-related risks.
- Platelet-rich plasma: a narrative review. 2021. PMID: 34040800. Discussion of preparation variability and lack of consensus on optimal component concentrations.
- Experts Achieve Consensus on a Majority of Statements Regarding Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatments for Treatment of Musculoskeletal Pathology. 2023. PMID: 37625660. This consensus concerns musculoskeletal practice and describes characteristics needed to report and compare preparations.
This article provides general information. An individual medical assessment is needed to decide whether PRP or another treatment is appropriate.