Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

What to expect

1. 01

   Medical consultation and suitability assessment

   A consultation with Dr Chris to review your skin or scalp concern, medical history, medications (including blood thinners and anti-inflammatories), and goals. PRP is not suitable for everyone — certain blood conditions, active infection, some medications and pregnancy are reasons we may advise against it. Honest expectations are set before any treatment is booked.

2. 02

   Blood draw

   A small sample of your own blood is drawn, much like a routine blood test.

3. 03

   Centrifuge and preparation

   The sample is spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets, producing platelet-rich plasma. Platelets carry growth factors involved in the skin's natural repair and collagen-signalling pathways.

4. 04

   Application

   The PRP is applied to the treatment area — injected into the skin or scalp, and/or delivered with microneedling for skin-quality and acne-scar work. Topical numbing is used for comfort where appropriate.

5. 05

   Aftercare and review

   Written aftercare and a staged plan. PRP is usually delivered as a course of sessions spaced several weeks apart, with maintenance discussed based on your response.

Results timeline

• First week Mild redness, swelling or pinpoint bruising settles. No dramatic immediate change — PRP works by stimulating gradual repair, not by adding volume.
• 4–6 weeks Early improvement in skin texture, hydration and a subtle freshness as the collagen response builds.
• 3 months More noticeable change in skin quality, firmness and tone after a course of sessions. For hair, early reduction in shedding and improved density in responders.
• 6–12 months Maintenance phase. Results are gradual and not permanent — periodic top-up sessions are usually needed to sustain the effect.

Frequently asked questions

• What is PRP made from? +

  PRP is made from your own blood. A small sample is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which carry growth factors involved in the body's natural repair processes. Because it is autologous (your own tissue), there is no synthetic filler or foreign product introduced.
• What does the evidence actually show? +

  The evidence for PRP is variable and still developing, and it differs by indication. The strongest signal is for early androgenetic (pattern) hair thinning and for atrophic acne scarring when PRP is combined with microneedling. Evidence for general facial rejuvenation is more limited and of lower quality. We will give you an honest assessment of what PRP can and cannot realistically do for your specific concern rather than overstate it.
• Is PRP painful? +

  Most people tolerate it well. The blood draw feels like a routine blood test, and topical numbing is used for the injection or microneedling component. You may feel some pressure or stinging, and mild tenderness afterwards.
• How many sessions will I need? +

  PRP is almost always a course rather than a one-off. A typical starting plan is around three sessions spaced several weeks apart, then maintenance based on your response. The exact plan depends on the concern being treated and is set at consultation.
• Is there much downtime? +

  Downtime is usually minimal — mild redness, swelling or pinpoint bruising for one to three days, a little more if PRP is combined with microneedling or laser. Most people return to normal activities quickly.
• Who should not have PRP? +

  PRP is not suitable for everyone. Certain blood and platelet disorders, active infection in the area, some medications, and pregnancy are reasons we may advise against it. This is why PRP at our clinic always begins with a medical consultation rather than a walk-in treatment.
• Is PRP the same as a "vampire facial"? +

  Yes — 'vampire facial' is the popular name for a PRP facial, where your platelet-rich plasma is delivered into the facial skin, usually with microneedling. We use the medical term PRP, and the same honest evidence framing applies whatever the name: it supports skin quality gradually over a course of sessions and is not a dramatic one-off transformation.
• Can PRP be used under the eyes? +

  Yes — the under-eye area is a common request because the skin there is thin and crepey and options are limited. PRP can support skin quality in this area, but change is gradual and modest, and it is not a substitute for filler, surgery or treating an underlying cause of hollowness. Suitability for under-eye PRP is assessed at your consultation.
• How much does PRP cost? +

  PRP is priced per session and quoted at your consultation, because the right plan differs between patients — the treatment area, whether microneedling is combined, and how many sessions you need. As a cosmetic treatment, PRP does not attract a Medicare rebate. You will have the full cost of your plan confirmed before committing to a course.
• Does PRP replace hair-loss medication or a facelift? +

  No. For hair loss, established medical therapies remain first-line and PRP is an adjunct for suitable candidates — we will say so honestly. For ageing and laxity, PRP supports skin quality but does not deliver the lifting of energy-based tightening or surgery. We position PRP accurately within a wider plan rather than as a stand-alone solution to everything.