Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment in Sheffield

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a treatment that uses components of your own blood to support natural tissue repair and regeneration.

PRP contains a concentrated preparation of platelets, which release growth factors and other biologically active substances involved in tissue healing and cellular signalling.

At DermaCutis in Sheffield, PRP injections may be considered for selected patients seeking treatment for hair thinning or improvement in skin quality.

Every treatment begins with a medical consultation to assess suitability, discuss the available evidence and develop an individualised treatment plan.

Platelet-Rich Plasma is prepared using a small sample of your own blood.

The blood is placed into a specialised centrifuge, which separates its components and allows a platelet-enriched plasma preparation to be collected.

Platelets play an important role in the body's normal healing processes. They contain growth factors that contribute to tissue repair, cell signalling and the regulation of inflammation.

By delivering platelet-rich plasma directly into targeted tissues, PRP treatment aims to stimulate biological processes associated with repair and regeneration.

Because PRP is prepared from your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction to the plasma itself is low. However, as with any injectable procedure, there are potential risks and limitations.

PRP injections are increasingly used as a treatment option for certain types of hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss). The growth factors released by platelets may influence hair follicle activity and the hair growth cycle. Some clinical studies suggest that PRP treatment may help improve hair density and thickness in selected patients. However, results vary and the evidence remains limited by differences in treatment protocols and study quality. PRP may be considered as a standalone treatment or alongside established medical treatments for hair loss.

At DermaCutis, a dermatological assessment is particularly important because hair loss can have several underlying causes, including hormonal factors, nutritional deficiencies, inflammatory scalp conditions and autoimmune disorders. Identifying the correct diagnosis helps ensure that the most appropriate treatment is recommended.

PRP is also used in aesthetic medicine with the aim of improving skin quality and supporting natural tissue repair.

Potential treatment areas include:

• Face
• Neck
• Décolletage
• Selected areas of skin showing early signs of ageing

PRP may have a role in improving certain aspects of skin texture and appearance, although high-quality clinical evidence remains limited and results are not predictable.

It is important to understand that PRP does not replace lost facial volume in the same way as dermal fillers and is unlikely to produce the degree of skin tightening associated with some laser or surgical procedures.

During your consultation, we will discuss whether PRP is appropriate for your concerns or whether an alternative treatment may be more suitable.

PRP treatment usually involves three main stages.

1. Blood collection

A small sample of blood is taken from a vein in your arm, in a similar way to a routine blood test.

2. Preparation of PRP

The blood is placed into a centrifuge, where it is processed to separate and concentrate the platelet-containing plasma.

3. PRP injections

The prepared PRP is administered into the targeted area using a series of small injections.

For hair loss, injections are placed into selected areas of the scalp. For skin treatments, PRP may be injected into areas identified during your consultation.

The procedure generally takes approximately 30–60 minutes, depending on the treatment area and volume required.

PRP is commonly performed as a course of treatments rather than a single session.

For hair loss, we recommend three initial sessions approximately four weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments where appropriate.

The treatment plan will depend on your diagnosis, clinical findings, response to treatment and individual goals.

PRP does not usually produce immediate results. For hair loss, any improvement in hair density or thickness generally develops gradually over several months, reflecting the natural hair growth cycle. For skin treatments, changes in appearance may also take several weeks or months to become apparent.

Not all patients respond to PRP, and improvements cannot be guaranteed. Maintenance treatments may be necessary if a benefit is achieved, although the optimal long-term treatment schedule has not been established.

PRP involves multiple small injections, which may cause temporary discomfort.

Depending on the treatment area, topical anaesthetic or other measures may be considered to improve comfort.

Common temporary side effects include:

• Redness and swelling
• Tenderness at the injection sites
• Minor bruising
• Temporary scalp sensitivity or headache following scalp treatment

Less common complications include infection, bleeding, nerve or tissue injury, and reactions to any additional products used during the procedure.

As PRP requires blood collection, some patients may also experience light-headedness or bruising at the blood sampling site.

PRP is generally considered a relatively low-risk procedure when performed using appropriate sterile techniques by a suitably trained medical professional. As the treatment uses your own blood, there is a low risk of an allergic reaction to the plasma itself.

However, PRP is not suitable for everyone. Certain blood disorders, platelet abnormalities, active infections, medical conditions and medications may affect suitability. A full medical history and assessment are therefore required before proceeding.

Most patients can resume many of their usual daily activities shortly after treatment.

Mild redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising may persist for a few days. Specific aftercare instructions will be provided depending on the area treated. You may be advised to temporarily avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat or certain skin and hair products following treatment.

At DermaCutis, treatments are guided by medical expertise, clinical assessment and an individualised approach. As a Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Gaikwad has extensive experience in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the skin, scalp and hair.

This is particularly important when considering PRP for hair loss, as an accurate diagnosis is essential before choosing an appropriate treatment.

Our approach focuses on:

• Consultant Dermatologist-led assessment
• Careful evaluation of underlying skin and hair conditions
• Evidence-based treatment recommendations
• Individualised treatment planning
• Clear discussion of potential benefits, risks and limitations
• Natural-looking results and realistic expectations

We believe that patients should receive clear, balanced information to help them make informed decisions about their treatment.

Can PRP regrow hair?

Some studies suggest that PRP may improve hair density and thickness in patients with androgenetic alopecia. However, it does not reliably restore hair in all patients, and it is unlikely to regenerate follicles that have been permanently destroyed by scarring conditions.

Is PRP better than minoxidil?

There is insufficient consistent evidence to conclude that PRP is superior to established treatments such as minoxidil. In some circumstances, PRP may be considered alongside conventional medical treatment.

Does PRP work for all types of hair loss?

No. The evidence is strongest, although still variable, for androgenetic alopecia. PRP is not an established treatment for every form of hair loss, and some conditions require specific medical treatment.

How long do PRP results last?

The duration of benefit varies. Some patients may require maintenance treatments, but there is no universally agreed schedule.

Is PRP the same as a dermal filler?

No. PRP is derived from your own blood and is used with the aim of supporting tissue repair and improving skin quality. Dermal fillers are injectable products designed primarily to restore volume or alter facial contours.

If you are concerned about hair thinning or are considering PRP for skin rejuvenation, a consultation at DermaCutis can help determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.

We will assess your concerns, explain the available treatment options and discuss what you can realistically expect.

If you would like a full hair assessment, please book an initial consultation with Dr Sophie Gaikwad. If you are wanting to look at having PRP for skin rejuvenation, a cosmetic consultation is adequate.

This page provides general information and does not replace an individual medical consultation. PRP treatments have limitations, and the strength of clinical evidence varies according to the condition being treated. Treatment suitability, potential risks and expected outcomes will be discussed before any procedure.