The Real Benefits of PRP – Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Worth It?
If you spend any time in London’s wellness circles, you’ve probably heard of PRP – platelet-rich plasma. It’s been called the “vampire facial”, a natural filler alternative, even a regenerative cure-all.
As with most things in health, the truth is more nuanced, and more interesting. At The Wellness, we use PRP as part of carefully designed, clinician-led treatment plans, not as a magic bullet.
This article walks you through:
What PRP actually is
The evidence-backed benefits for skin, hair and joints
Who it’s suitable for – and who should avoid it
What to expect from a PRP treatment at The Wellness
What is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment that uses a small sample of your own blood to support tissue repair and regeneration.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
A doctor takes a small blood sample, usually from your arm.
The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma (the liquid) and platelets from the red blood cells.
The resulting concentrated platelet solution – rich in growth factors – is injected or microneedled into the area being treated (for example, face, scalp, or a joint).
Platelets are best known for helping your blood clot, but they’re also packed with growth factors that signal your body to repair tissue. PRP treatment harnesses that natural process in a targeted way.
Because PRP uses your own blood, it’s considered autologous, which reduces the risk of allergic reaction or rejection.
Key Benefits of PRP
1. Skin rejuvenation that looks like you – just fresher
One of the most popular uses of PRP at The Wellness is for skin rejuvenation – particularly for people who want to look fresher without obvious “work”.
PRP helps to
Improve overall skin texture and tone
Soften the appearance of fine lines and mild wrinkles
Support collagen production, keeping skin firmer over time
Reduce the look of acne scars and mild textural irregularities
We often combine PRP with microneedling, the tiny controlled micro-injuries from microneedling create channels in the skin, helping the PRP penetrate where it’s needed most.
Results are typically gradual and natural, developing over several weeks as your skin rebuilds from within.
2. Hair restoration for thinning or shedding hair
Another well-established use of PRP is in hair restoration, particularly for:
Early-stage androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss)
General thinning or loss of volume
Shedding after stress or illness (alongside medical evaluation)
When injected into the scalp, PRP
Supports the hair growth cycle
Improves blood flow to hair follicles
Helps maintain existing hair and, in some cases, increase density
It’s important to be clear. PRP is not a guaranteed cure for baldness. However, for many patients in the early stages of hair loss, it can be a valuable part of a wider treatment plan that might also include lifestyle changes, prescription options and ongoing monitoring.
3. Joint and tendon support for active lifestyles
Originally, PRP became popular in sports medicine. Athletes used it to support recovery from
Tendon issues (for example tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy)
Certain ligament and joint problems
Mild osteoarthritis symptoms in some joints
The idea is that the growth factors in PRP may help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair in targeted areas, potentially improving comfort and function.
At The Wellness, any PRP for joints or tendons is:
Clinician-led and thoroughly assessed – we screen for underlying causes
Considered alongside lifestyle, biomechanics and, if needed, imaging
Integrated into a broader, personalised plan rather than used in isolation
4. Minimal downtime, more “back to real life”
One of the main reasons PRP has become so popular in London is its low downtime profile.
You can
Return to work the same day or the next day
Expect mild redness, swelling or tenderness that usually settles within 24–72 hours
Avoid major disruption to training, work or social plans (with a few aftercare tweaks)
Because PRP uses your own blood, there’s no synthetic filler and no foreign material being introduced, which appeals to patients who prefer a more “bio-aligned” approach.
Is PRP right for everyone?
No treatment is right for everyone – and PRP is no exception.
PRP may be suitable if:
You want subtle, natural-looking improvements rather than dramatic changes
You’re in the early stages of hair thinning
You’re managing mild joint or tendon issues with medical oversight
You’re happy to invest in a course of treatments, not a “one and done” fix
PRP is not suitable if:
You have certain blood disorders, clotting issues or severe anaemia
You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
You have an active infection or severe skin condition at the treatment site
You’re looking for a dramatic instant transformation better suited to surgery or other procedures
At The Wellness, all PRP treatments are preceded by a full medical consultation with an experienced doctor. We’ll go through your health history, medications and goals to decide if PRP is clinically appropriate – or if another approach would serve you better. We’re also one of the few clinics in London where every stage of your treatment is carried out personally by an experienced doctor.
What to expect from PRP at The Wellness
Although each plan is personalised, a typical PRP journey with us looks like this:
Consultation & Assessment
Detailed medical history and discussion of your goals
Examination of the area (skin, scalp or joint)
If needed, discussion of blood tests or imaging
Treatment Session
Blood draw from your arm
Preparation of PRP using medical-grade equipment
Numbing cream or local anaesthetic where appropriate
Precise injections or microneedling by a trained clinician
Aftercare & Follow-Up
Clear aftercare guidance (what to do and what to avoid)
Follow-up schedule to monitor progress
Option to combine PRP with other evidence-based treatments
Most patients benefit from a series of sessions (for example, 3–4 treatments spaced a few weeks apart), followed by maintenance sessions depending on their goals and response.
FAQs
How long does it take to see results from PRP?
Most people notice subtle changes within 4–6 weeks, with more visible improvements after a course of treatments. Hair and collagen changes are slow, biological processes – they build over time.
Is PRP painful?
There can be some discomfort during injections or microneedling, but most patients describe it as tolerable rather than painful.
Is PRP safe?
When carried out by experienced doctors using strict infection control and medical-grade equipment, PRP is generally considered safe for appropriately selected patients. As with any procedure, there are risks, which we discuss in detail during your consultation.
How long do PRP results last?
This varies by individual, area treated and lifestyle. Many patients choose maintenance sessions every few months to maintain results, particularly for hair and skin.
The bottom line
PRP isn’t magic – and it shouldn’t be sold as such. But used properly, in a medically-supervised setting, it can be a powerful supportive tool for:
Smoother, healthier-looking skin
Supporting hair thickness in the early stages of thinning
Helping certain joints and tendons feel and function better
At The Wellness, PRP is never a standalone gimmick. It’s one part of a comprehensive, personalised health and aesthetics plan designed around your biology, your lifestyle and your long-term goals.
If you’re curious whether PRP could be appropriate for you, you’re welcome to book a consultation with our team. We’ll look at the whole picture – and give you honest, evidence-based guidance on your options.