PRP — Platelet-Rich Plasma

Concerns Treated

How PRP Works

Blood is composed of red cells, white cells, plasma and platelets. Platelets are rich in growth factors — proteins that signal the body to repair and regenerate tissue. In PRP therapy, a small blood sample (typically 10–20ml) is drawn and placed in a centrifuge, which spins at high speed to separate the components. The resulting platelet-rich plasma — containing up to five times the normal concentration of growth factors — is then applied to the treatment area.

At skintap, PRP is delivered via microneedling (for facial skin and scalp) or injection (for targeted areas such as under-eye hollows). The growth factors stimulate fibroblast activity, new collagen formation, and angiogenesis — the development of new blood vessels — resulting in improved skin quality, density and radiance over a series of treatments.

What to Expect

A topical numbing cream is applied prior to treatment to ensure comfort. The blood draw takes approximately five minutes; the centrifuge process takes a further 10–15 minutes. The PRP application itself typically takes 20–30 minutes depending on the area being treated. Most patients experience mild redness and swelling for 24–48 hours post-treatment, which resolves naturally.

A course of three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart is typically recommended for optimal results, with maintenance sessions every six to twelve months thereafter. Results develop gradually as collagen remodelling takes place, with the most significant improvement visible at three months.

PRP for Scalp Health

PRP is an evidence-based treatment for scalp health, including androgenetic alopecia and hair thinning in both men and women. The growth factors in PRP stimulate dormant hair follicles, prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, and improve scalp vascularity. Treatment involves injecting PRP directly into the scalp at the areas of concern. A course of three to four sessions is recommended, followed by maintenance every six months.

Safety and Suitability

Because PRP uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is minimal. PRP is not suitable for patients with certain blood disorders, active skin infections, or those on blood-thinning medications. A full medical consultation is conducted prior to every treatment to confirm suitability. As with all treatments at skintap, if PRP is not right for you, Nurse Heather will tell you honestly.