PRP at AARVA

Platelets in your blood release growth factors that help tissue repair. PRP concentrates those platelets in a small amount of plasma, which is placed into the skin or scalp. The aim is to support collagen production in the skin and, on the scalp, the growth phase of hair follicles that are thinning but still active.

PRP is used for early pattern hair thinning, dull or tired skin, fine crepey skin under the eyes, and acne scarring, usually alongside microneedling. It cannot regrow hair where follicles have stopped working, and it is not a filler, so it does not replace lost volume.

The evidence is mixed. Some trials in pattern hair thinning show a modest increase in hair density, while others show little benefit, and methods vary a lot between studies. It tends to do more in early thinning and when combined with other treatment. We will not recommend it if we do not think it will help you.

It can suit people with early thinning or tired skin who want a gradual change using their own blood. It is not suitable with a blood or platelet disorder, low platelets, an active infection or cancer, or during pregnancy. If you take medicines that thin the blood or anti-inflammatories, we discuss timing at consultation.

Redness, swelling, tenderness and small bruises at the injection points are common and usually settle in one to three days. Under the eyes, bruising can take a little longer to fade. Less commonly, there can be a headache or scalp tenderness after hair treatment. Infection is rare. Because PRP comes from your own blood, allergic reactions to it are very unlikely.

Having blood taken feels like any routine blood test. On the face, numbing cream takes the edge off and most people find it tolerable. The scalp is more sensitive, so we numb it and work slowly to keep it as comfortable as we can.

Most people are back at work the following day, although under-eye bruising may need a little concealer. Expect one to three days of redness or small bumps, and possible bruising. After hair treatment, avoid washing your hair for the rest of the day. Avoid exercise, saunas and alcohol for 24 hours.

Usually three to four sessions about four weeks apart. For hair, results need maintenance, often every four to six months. For skin, many people have a top-up once or twice a year.

Skin can look fresher within a few weeks. Hair changes are slower, and we usually review at three to six months against your starting photographs, as hair grows in cycles.

PRP is made from your own blood, so it varies from person to person. Polynucleotides are a prepared medical device, so each treatment is consistent. Both aim to improve skin quality, and the evidence for each is still developing. Some plans use one, some use both.

PRP is available at Aarva on Midland Drive, Royal Sutton Coldfield, a short drive from Four Oaks, Walmley, Erdington, Lichfield, Tamworth and north Birmingham. Parking is available nearby.

PRP at Aarva is priced individually, with course pricing where it helps. Any blood tests we recommend before hair treatment are priced separately. All of this is set out in your written plan before you decide. PRP also earns points in the Aarva Circle.