PRP explained: what your own plasma can and can't do

How PRP is made: the blood draw and the spin

The process is straightforward. I take a small blood sample, usually 10 to 30 millilitres, and place it in a sterile tube. The tube goes into a centrifuge for about 10 to 15 minutes. The centrifuge spins fast enough to separate blood components by density: red blood cells sink to the bottom, platelets stay suspended in plasma in the middle, and other lighter components sit at the top.

What we collect is the middle layer: platelet-rich plasma. The platelets in PRP are at least 200,000 per microliter, well above the concentration you'd find in your circulating blood. This matters because those platelets contain growth factors including PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor), TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta), and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor). These are signalling molecules that tell your skin cells to wake up and start repairing themselves.

The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes from blood draw to ready-to-inject plasma. There's no lab work to send away. Because it's your own blood, there's no risk of rejection or allergic reaction. That's a genuine advantage.

What PRP does: the biology and the evidence

The mechanism is real. Growth factors in PRP have been shown in laboratory and clinical studies to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and support wound healing and skin regeneration. This isn't speculative. The research base is solid on the biology.

In my clinic, I use PRP for skin rejuvenation: fine lines, loss of radiance, uneven texture, and early signs of ageing. Some practitioners also use it for hair restoration and in combination with fat grafting. PRP has also demonstrated a favourable safety profile across these applications, meaning serious side effects are uncommon.

But here's where honesty matters: the clinical evidence base is still developing. Not because PRP doesn't work, but because how it's prepared, how much is used, how it's activated, and how it's injected all vary from clinic to clinic and practitioner to practitioner. There's no single standardised protocol. One study might use a certain centrifugation method and find excellent results; another uses a slightly different method and finds modest results. That variability makes it hard to pool data and say definitively, "PRP gives you X improvement in Y timeframe."

The research community is aware of this gap. Future studies are expected to focus on large-scale randomised controlled trials with standardised protocols and longer follow-up to solidify the evidence base. That's the right direction.

How PRP is injected: placement and technique

Once the plasma is ready, I inject it into the area you want treated, usually using a fine needle. The depth and placement depend on the target: for fine lines and overall radiance, I'll inject shallowly across the face in a grid pattern. For deeper wrinkles or volume loss, I go deeper into the dermis.

Some practitioners use micro-needling at the same time. A micro-needling device creates tiny channels in the skin, and the theory is that PRP applied during or just after micro-needling gets driven deeper and works more effectively. The evidence for this combined approach is growing, though again, protocols vary.

I don't use PRP alone for dramatic volume replacement, deep wrinkles, or defined feature enhancement. For those goals, dermal filler or anti-wrinkle injections are more predictable. PRP is about coaxing your own skin to improve itself, which takes longer and looks subtler.

Realistic expectations: timeline and results

This is where many people get disappointed, so I'm direct about it in consultation. PRP is not a quick fix. Results develop gradually as your skin's natural repair processes respond to the growth factors. Most people need one to three sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. You won't wake up the day after treatment with visibly glowing skin.

What you'll probably notice: softer texture within 2 to 3 weeks. Subtle improvement in radiance and fine lines over 2 to 3 months. Better hydration and a more even tone over that period. Some people see meaningful improvement; others see modest gains. Much depends on your starting point, your age, your skin condition, how much sun damage you've had, and whether you're actively addressing other factors like skincare, sleep, and sun protection.

That variability isn't a secret or a flaw in the treatment. It's biological reality. Age, comorbidities, lifestyle factors, and even how your individual body mobilises growth factors all affect the outcome. That's why the research literature is careful to say that patient-specific factors influence results, not just the treatment itself.

Maintenance is usually recommended annually or every 18 months if you want to keep results.

Who PRP suits best

• · People who prefer not to use injectables like Botox or filler, but still want to improve skin quality
• · Those with early to moderate sun damage or loss of radiance
• · Anyone with dull, uneven, or dehydrated skin that's not responding well to skincare alone
• · Patients who want to combine PRP with other treatments like micro-needling for enhanced effect
• · People looking for a low-risk option with no risk of allergy or rejection
• · Those with realistic expectations about gradual, subtle improvement rather than dramatic change

PRP doesn't suit you if you want immediate visible results, need to address deep wrinkles or significant volume loss, or are unwilling to commit to multiple sessions.

Safety, side effects, and what you should know

Because PRP is your own blood, there's no allergic reaction risk. The safety profile is favourable across the aesthetic literature. The most common side effects are minor: mild swelling or bruising at injection sites, temporary redness, and occasional tenderness. These settle within a few days.

There is a very small infection risk with any injection, but this is minimised by sterile technique and proper needle handling. I use only sterile equipment and single-use needles. Infection with PRP is rare.

You shouldn't have PRP if you have a platelet disorder, are on blood thinners (including aspirin), or have active infection or fever on the day of treatment. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, I'd defer treatment.

One more transparency point: the regulatory landscape for PRP in the UK is currently ambiguous. It's not explicitly mentioned in the emerging licensing framework for non-surgical procedures, which focuses mainly on injectables like Botox and fillers. That doesn't mean it's unregulated, but it does mean the standards for how PRP is prepared and used aren't yet as formally standardised as they are for other treatments. This is another reason why choosing an experienced, clinically trained practitioner matters. At Visage, I follow rigorous protocols and ongoing training.

PRP versus other treatments: where it fits

PRP works well alongside other treatments. If you want to combine PRP with micro-needling, that's a common and evidence-supported pairing. Some people use PRP after anti-wrinkle injections to enhance overall skin quality between doses.

But PRP doesn't replace filler for volume loss or Botox for dynamic lines. Those treatments work by different mechanisms: filler adds volume, Botox relaxes muscle movement, and PRP stimulates your skin's own repair. In my clinic, I often recommend combining approaches. For example, a client might have Botox for forehead lines, filler for cheek volume, and PRP for overall skin radiance. Each does its job.

Profhilo, another skin booster, works on a similar principle to PRP but uses hyaluronic acid instead of your own platelets. Both have their merits. Profhilo has a larger evidence base and more standardised protocol, which appeals to people who want predictability. PRP appeals to those who want to use their own biology.

The honest summary

PRP is a real treatment with sound biological plausibility and a growing body of clinical experience. It's safe, it uses your own blood, and it can improve skin texture, radiance, and fine lines over time. The evidence base is legitimate but still developing because there's no single standardised way to prepare or deliver it yet. That means results are variable, timelines are gradual, and choosing an experienced practitioner matters more than usual.

If you're looking for a low-risk, autologous option to improve skin quality without injectables, and you have realistic expectations about timelines and results, PRP is worth considering. It's not a quick fix, and it's not going to replace anti-wrinkle or filler treatments, but it occupies a genuine niche in the aesthetic toolkit.

The best way to decide is to come in for a proper consultation. I'll assess your skin, discuss what's realistic for you, and recommend whether PRP alone, PRP combined with other treatments, or a different approach entirely is the right call.

Common questions