Skin treatments
PRP Hair Restoration in Knightsbridge: The Doctor-Led Guide
How platelet-rich plasma works for hair loss, what the evidence actually shows, who it helps and who it doesn’t, why preparation quality and a doctor’s involvement matter, the treatment course, results timeline, side effects and what a programme costs.
How PRP works for hair
A small blood sample (like a routine blood test) is spun in a centrifuge to separate out the platelet-rich fraction. Platelets release growth factors — PDGF, VEGF, IGF-1, EGF and others — that, injected into the scalp at the level of the follicles, are thought to improve blood supply, prolong the active growth (anagen) phase, and shift miniaturising follicles back toward producing thicker hairs.
What PRP is not
It’s not a transplant and not a way to create new follicles. It supports the follicles you still have. If an area is completely smooth and shiny with no fine hairs, PRP has nothing to work with there.
What the evidence shows
Multiple randomised and split-scalp studies in androgenetic alopecia (male- and female-pattern hair loss) report improvements in hair density, thickness and pull-test results versus placebo. Study protocols vary a lot — in spin technique, number of sessions, volume and activation — which is why results in the literature range from modest to good. Systematic reviews generally conclude PRP is a useful adjunct with a favourable safety profile, while calling for more standardised protocols.
Who it helps — and who it doesn’t
| Situation | Likely benefit |
|---|---|
| Early-to-moderate pattern hair loss with visible miniaturised hairs | Good — density and thickness gains |
| Recent increased shedding, thinning ponytail or part line | Good — often stabilises and partially reverses |
| Diffuse thinning from a treatable cause (iron, thyroid, stress) | Treat the cause first; PRP may then help |
| Alopecia areata (patchy autoimmune loss) | Sometimes used as an adjunct under specialist care |
| Advanced baldness, smooth shiny scalp, no fine hairs | Minimal — consider transplant assessment |
| Scarring alopecia | Not appropriate as a primary treatment; needs specialist management |
Get the diagnosis right first
Hair loss has many causes. A doctor should examine the scalp (ideally with trichoscopy) and check for iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, vitamin D, and, where relevant, hormonal factors, before committing to a PRP course.
Why preparation quality and a doctor matter
- Closed, double-spin systems produce a higher, more consistent platelet concentration than open single-spin kits — and concentration correlates with effect.
- Platelet dose matters more than volume; a good system reports the concentration achieved.
- Injection technique and depth (to the mid-dermis at follicular level), in a proper grid, affects both comfort and results.
- A doctor can diagnose accurately, prescribe the medical treatments PRP should be combined with, manage anticoagulant and medical considerations, and handle any adverse event.
- Aseptic technique and medical governance reduce the small risk of infection.
The treatment course, step by step
- Consultation & diagnosis
Scalp examination, trichoscopy, bloods if not recent, photographs, and a discussion of combining PRP with medical treatment.
- Blood draw & spin
Around 15–30 ml of blood is taken and spun for 5–10 minutes to isolate the platelet-rich plasma.
- Scalp preparation
The scalp is cleaned; topical anaesthetic or a cool-air device, and sometimes a fine nerve block, keeps it comfortable.
- Injections
The PRP is injected across the thinning areas in a grid, roughly 1 cm apart. Takes 15–20 minutes.
- Course & maintenance
Repeat monthly for 3–4 sessions, then a maintenance session every 4–6 months. Progress is reviewed against baseline photos at ~6 months.
Find out if PRP will help your hair
Book a doctor-led consultation with trichoscopy. We’ll diagnose the cause of your hair loss and tell you honestly whether PRP is worth doing.
Results and timeline
Illustrative progression of the response after a full course. Ongoing maintenance sessions hold the result.
The earliest change is usually reduced shedding, followed by gradual thickening of existing hairs and improved density over three to six months. The result peaks around 9–12 months and is then maintained with periodic top-ups. Photographs taken under standardised conditions are the honest way to judge progress — day-to-day mirror checks are unreliable.
Downtime, side effects and who should avoid it
- Downtime: scalp tenderness, mild swelling of the forehead and pinpoint bleeding for 24–48 hours. Wash hair normally after 24 hours.
- Common: temporary aching, tightness or headache; small bruises.
- Rare: infection, prolonged pain, or a brief increase in shedding before regrowth.
- Because PRP is autologous (your own blood), allergic reaction is not a concern.
Not suitable / needs caution
Active scalp infection or inflammation, a platelet or bleeding disorder, current anticoagulant therapy (needs review), active cancer, uncontrolled systemic disease, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and certain autoimmune conditions. A doctor assesses all of this at consultation.
What it costs in London
| Option | Typical London price |
|---|---|
| Single PRP session | £300–£650 |
| Course of 3 | £800–£1,700 |
| Course of 4 | £1,000–£2,200 |
| Maintenance session (every 4–6 months) | £300–£600 |
| Consultation with trichoscopy & bloods | £100–£300 (often redeemable) |
Price reflects the preparation system used and the area treated. A written plan and quote follow your assessment.
How Levirgo delivers PRP for hair
- Doctor-led diagnosis with trichoscopy and blood work before any course is started.
- Closed, double-spin preparation system with a known platelet concentration — not a budget single-spin kit.
- PRP combined with proven medical treatment (minoxidil, and finasteride/dutasteride where appropriate) for a better, more durable result.
- Standardised baseline and 6-month photography so progress is measured objectively.
- Honest candidacy advice — including a transplant-assessment referral where PRP won’t achieve your goal.
- CQC-registered clinic in Knightsbridge with aseptic technique and a 24-hour contact.
Frequently asked questions
How much does PRP hair treatment cost in Knightsbridge?
A single session is roughly £300–£650 in London, a course of three £800–£1,700, and a course of four £1,000–£2,200. Maintenance sessions every four to six months are priced like a single session. The diagnostic consultation is usually a separate, often redeemable, fee.
Does PRP actually work for hair loss?
For early-to-moderate pattern hair loss, the evidence is moderate and positive — studies show improved density and thickness and reduced shedding versus placebo. It works best combined with medical treatment and doesn’t regrow hair where follicles are already lost.
How many sessions will I need?
A standard course is three to four sessions spaced about a month apart, followed by a maintenance session every four to six months. Progress is reviewed against baseline photographs at around six months.
When will I see results?
Reduced shedding often comes first, within the first month or two. Visible thickening and density improvement build over three to six months and peak around 9–12 months, then need maintenance to hold.
Is PRP better than minoxidil or finasteride?
It’s not an either/or. Minoxidil and finasteride/dutasteride are the proven medical backbone of pattern hair loss treatment; PRP is an adjunct that can add density on top. The best results usually come from combining them.
Does it hurt?
The scalp is sensitive, so injections can sting. Topical anaesthetic, a cool-air device or a fine nerve block make it well tolerated. Expect tenderness and mild forehead swelling for a day or two afterwards.
Why does it matter that a doctor does it?
Hair loss has many causes, and treating the wrong one wastes a course. A doctor can diagnose accurately with trichoscopy and bloods, prescribe the medical treatments PRP should be combined with, manage bleeding-risk and medical considerations, and handle any complication.
What makes one PRP treatment better than another?
The preparation system. A closed, double-spin system delivers a higher, more consistent platelet concentration than a cheap single-spin kit, and platelet dose correlates with effect. Injection depth and a proper grid pattern also matter.
Is there any downtime?
Minimal. Scalp tenderness, mild swelling and pinpoint bleeding settle within 24–48 hours, and you can wash your hair normally after 24 hours. Strenuous exercise, saunas and alcohol are best avoided for a day.
Who should not have PRP?
People with an active scalp infection, a bleeding or platelet disorder, on anticoagulants (needs review), with active cancer or uncontrolled systemic disease, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. A consultation checks all of this.
Levirgo Aesthetics Clinic · Knightsbridge
Doctor-led PRP hair restoration in Knightsbridge
Accurate diagnosis, a high-quality preparation, combination with proven treatments, and results measured against baseline photos. No obligation to proceed.
Sources & further reading
This article is general information about PRP for hair loss and is not medical advice. The evidence base is still developing and individual results vary. Diagnosis and suitability can only be established in a personal consultation. Prices are indicative London ranges for 2026 and are confirmed in writing after assessment.