In aesthetic and private medicine, “regenerative medicine” usually means treatments that aim to support the body’s own repair processes, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), polynucleotides and microneedling. The evidence behind them varies a lot by treatment and by what they are being used for: reasonable for some uses, limited or early for others. At Aarva we think you deserve to know which is which before you decide anything, which is the principle behind our regenerative medicine service.
What does “regenerative medicine” actually mean?
In research hospitals, regenerative medicine includes areas such as stem cell therapy and tissue engineering. Most of that work happens in specialist centres and clinical trials, not on the high street.
In everyday private practice, the term is used more loosely. It describes treatments that try to encourage the skin, scalp or tissues to repair and renew themselves, rather than filling, freezing or covering. That is a reasonable idea, but the word “regenerative” can make treatments sound more powerful or proven than they are. It is worth looking past the label to the specific treatment and the specific evidence.
Be cautious of anyone offering “stem cell” treatments outside a regulated research setting, or promising to reverse ageing or repair joints completely.
What treatments come under this heading?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
A small amount of your own blood is taken and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which contain growth factors involved in healing. The plasma is then injected or applied to the treatment area. Because it comes from your own body, allergic reactions are very unlikely. You can read more on our PRP page.
Polynucleotides
These are purified fragments of DNA, usually derived from fish, injected into the skin. They are thought to support skin repair and hydration and to calm inflammation. See our polynucleotides page for details.
Microneedling
Fine needles create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which trigger a natural healing response and can stimulate collagen. It is often combined with PRP. More on our Dermapen microneedling page.
Related readingThinning hair in women: the medical causes to rule out firstRead the article →What does the evidence actually say?
This is the honest part, and it is not the same for every treatment.
- PRP for hair thinning: there are a number of clinical trials, and many show a modest improvement in hair density for some people with pattern hair loss. Results vary between people and between studies, methods are not yet standardised, and repeat treatments are usually needed to maintain any benefit.
- PRP for skin rejuvenation: studies suggest possible improvements in texture and fine lines, but most are small and short-term.
- PRP for joints: NICE guidance on PRP injections for knee osteoarthritis says the evidence on how well it works is limited in quantity and quality, so it should only be used with special arrangements for consent and audit. It is not a replacement for standard care.
- Polynucleotides: early studies, particularly for under-eye skin and skin quality, are encouraging, but they are mostly small, short in duration and not always independent. The evidence is still developing.
- Microneedling: there is reasonable evidence for improving some types of acne scarring and skin texture, especially over a course of treatments.
In short: these are genuine treatments with a plausible basis, and some people see worthwhile results. But they are not miracle treatments, results are usually gradual and moderate, and nobody can promise how an individual will respond.
Who might benefit, and who probably will not?
People who tend to do better have realistic expectations, a problem that matches what the treatment can do, and no untreated underlying cause. For example, PRP is more likely to be worth discussing for early pattern thinning than for hair loss caused by low iron or a thyroid problem, which needs medical treatment first. Our article on thinning hair in women explains why ruling out those causes comes first.
Regenerative treatments may not be suitable if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have active infection or inflammation in the area
- Have a blood or clotting disorder, or take medicines that affect clotting
- Are having treatment for cancer
- Have certain autoimmune conditions or an allergy to any component, such as fish for polynucleotides
Your doctor will go through your full medical history before suggesting anything. Similarly, if your main concern is significant loose skin, our article on loose skin after weight loss explains what non-surgical treatments can and cannot do.
When to see a doctor sooner
After any injection treatment, seek medical advice promptly if you notice increasing pain, redness, heat, swelling or pus at the treatment site, or you feel feverish and unwell, as these can be signs of infection. Call NHS 111 or your treating doctor, and call 999 if you have difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips or throat.
If you are considering treatment for hair loss, joint pain or a skin change, it is worth having the underlying cause checked first, especially if symptoms are new, sudden or getting worse.
This list is not exhaustive. If you are not sure about something, see a doctor.
How we approach this at Aarva
Every regenerative treatment at Aarva starts with a consultation with a doctor. We take a full medical history, examine the area, and where relevant arrange tests or use our AURA 3D skin analysis to record a clear starting point.
We will explain what the evidence shows for your specific concern, including where it is limited. You leave with a written treatment plan with clear pricing. There is no pressure to book on the day, and if we do not think a treatment will help you, we will tell you plainly. Read more about the process on our what to expect page, how we work on our safety and standards page, or meet our doctors. You can explore all our regenerative medicine options in one place.
Questions patients ask
Is regenerative medicine the same as stem cell therapy?
No. The treatments offered in most private practices, such as PRP, polynucleotides and microneedling, are not stem cell treatments. Stem cell therapy is largely limited to specialist centres and clinical research, and should be treated with caution when offered elsewhere.
Is PRP proven to work?
It depends on what it is used for. There is a reasonable body of evidence for a modest benefit in some people with pattern hair loss, more limited evidence for skin rejuvenation, and NICE describes the evidence for knee osteoarthritis as limited. Results vary between individuals.
How many treatments will I need?
Most regenerative treatments are given as a course, often a few sessions several weeks apart, followed by maintenance if they help. Your written plan will set out a realistic number for your situation before you commit to anything.
Are these treatments safe?
In suitable patients and in trained hands, side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising. Infection is uncommon. A doctor’s assessment helps identify anyone for whom treatment would not be appropriate.
If you are curious about regenerative treatments but want a straight answer about whether they suit you, start with a doctor. You can book a consultation, or use find your starting point to work out which appointment fits.
This article is general information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.
