PRP is the biologic patients recognize by name — usually from a marketing campaign for a Vampire Facial or a professional athlete story. This is the honest, complete consult that turns that surface awareness into a real, evidence-based treatment plan.
Case walkthrough: a golfer with lateral epicondylitis
Rick, 58, has 8 months of persistent lateral epicondylitis. Bracing, PT, and two corticosteroid injections have not held. His clinician draws 30 mL of blood, prepares a leukocyte-rich PRP concentrated 6× above baseline, and injects it into the common extensor origin under ultrasound guidance. He begins a graded loading program at week 2. By week 6 pain scores have dropped from 7/10 to 2/10; by week 12 he is playing 18 holes without discomfort. PRP did what corticosteroid could not: it started a healing cascade instead of suppressing an inflammatory one.
Common patient questions
1. What is PRP?
Your own blood, spun down to concentrate the platelets that carry growth factors, then injected or applied where healing is needed.
2. Is it safe?
Very — you are receiving your own biology. Serious complications are extremely rare.
3. Does it hurt?
The blood draw is a standard venipuncture. The injection is comparable to any intra-articular or soft-tissue injection — usually well tolerated with topical or local anesthetic.
4. How long is the appointment?
45–75 minutes end-to-end.
5. Is there downtime?
24–72 hours of soreness at the injection site; no formal downtime for most patients. Aesthetic PRP has near-zero downtime aside from brief erythema.
6. How many sessions do I need?
Aesthetics and hair loss: 3–4 initially, then quarterly maintenance. Joint or tendon: 1–3 depending on chronicity.
7. When will I see results?
Joints and tendons: 4–8 weeks. Aesthetic skin quality: 4–6 weeks. Hair density: 3–4 months.
8. Is PRP FDA regulated?
PRP itself is considered a same-day autologous procedure — not a licensed drug — so the FDA regulates the equipment used to prepare it, not the biologic. Ask which system your provider uses.
9. Is it covered by insurance?
Rarely. Cash pay is typical.
10. How much does it cost?
Aesthetic: $500–$1,500 per session. Joint or tendon: $700–$1,800 per injection. Hair: $500–$1,200 per session, discounted in packages.
11. Can I combine PRP with other treatments?
Yes — microneedling, dermal infusion, shockwave, HPLT, minoxidil, filler. Sequencing matters; ask your provider to walk through the plan.
12. Should I stop NSAIDs?
Yes — hold them for 7 days before and 2 weeks after PRP. NSAIDs blunt the inflammatory signal that PRP is designed to initiate.
13. Do I need to fast?
No — but hydration matters. Drink extra water the day before and the morning of your draw.
14. Will I need anesthesia?
Local or topical is standard. No sedation required.
15. Can I have PRP if I am on blood thinners?
Case-by-case. Coumadin often requires holding; DOACs are often continued. Aspirin should be discussed with the prescribing physician.
16. Is PRP safe during pregnancy?
Generally deferred until postpartum.
17. Can I get PRP for hair loss if I am already on finasteride?
Yes — often better together than either alone.
18. Are results permanent?
Joint and tendon results can last 12–24 months and often longer with load management. Aesthetic and hair results benefit from maintenance every 3–6 months.
19. What is "PRP-PRFM"?
A preparation that adds a fibrin matrix component for sustained growth factor release over 7–14 days. Common in aesthetics and hair.
20. How do I know I am getting a well-prepared PRP?
Ask three things: platelet concentration multiple achieved, leukocyte content (rich/poor), and preparation system. A good provider knows all three. A red flag is a provider who cannot name the system they use or the concentration they target.