PRP Therapy: The Science of Using Your Own Blood to Heal
Platelet-rich plasma therapy — PRP — has become one of the most talked-about treatments in both aesthetic medicine and sports injury rehabilitation. Used by professional athletes, recommended by dermatologists and offered by hair restoration specialists worldwide, PRP harnesses the body’s own healing mechanisms to stimulate tissue regeneration.
Turkey has become a leading destination for PRP treatment, offering the procedure at a fraction of the cost charged in Western clinics, performed by experienced specialists across a range of applications.
What Is PRP and How Does It Work?
Blood is composed of several components: red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets. Platelets — the small, disc-shaped cells responsible for clotting — contain hundreds of growth factors and bioactive proteins that play a critical role in tissue repair, cell proliferation and regeneration.
PRP therapy concentrates these platelets by centrifuging a small sample of the patient’s own blood. The resulting plasma, which contains three to five times the normal concentration of platelets, is then injected directly into the target tissue. The concentrated growth factors stimulate healing, new cell growth and tissue repair at the injection site.
PRP for Hair Loss
PRP has become one of the most widely used non-surgical treatments for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) in both men and women. The growth factors in PRP — including PDGF, VEGF and IGF — stimulate dormant hair follicles, improve blood supply to the scalp and promote the transition from the resting phase to active hair growth.
Clinical evidence supports PRP as an effective treatment for early to moderate hair loss, particularly when combined with other therapies such as minoxidil or low-level laser therapy. It is not effective for areas where follicles have been permanently lost — in these cases, hair transplantation is the appropriate treatment.
A standard PRP hair treatment protocol involves three to four sessions at monthly intervals, followed by maintenance sessions every three to six months. Results are typically visible at three to six months from the start of treatment.
PRP for Joint and Orthopaedic Conditions
Orthopaedic PRP has a strong evidence base for several conditions. Knee osteoarthritis is the most studied indication — multiple randomised controlled trials have shown that intra-articular PRP injections reduce pain and improve function in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, with effects lasting six months to over a year.
PRP is also used for tendinopathy (particularly Achilles tendinopathy and lateral epicondylitis), ligament injuries and rotator cuff conditions. It is increasingly used as an adjunct to surgical procedures to enhance healing.
PRP in Aesthetics: Skin Rejuvenation and the Vampire Facial
In aesthetic medicine, PRP is used to improve skin texture, tone and elasticity. Applied topically after microneedling — a technique that creates micro-channels in the skin to enhance absorption — or injected superficially into the dermis, PRP stimulates collagen production and promotes skin renewal.
The “vampire facial” — a term popularised by celebrity endorsements — refers to the combination of microneedling and PRP application. The treatment is particularly popular for fine lines, acne scarring, uneven skin tone and general skin quality improvement.
PRP for Sexual Wellness
PRP is increasingly used in sexual medicine. The P-shot (Priapus shot) for men and the O-shot for women use PRP injections to improve sexual function and sensation. Evidence in this area is still developing but early data is promising for specific indications.
PRP Safety Profile
Because PRP uses the patient’s own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or disease transmission is essentially zero. The main risks are those associated with the injection itself — localised bruising, temporary soreness and, very rarely, infection. These are minimised by using sterile technique and proper post-injection care.
Cost of PRP in Turkey
PRP sessions in Western Europe and North America typically cost €300 to €800 per session. In Turkey, the same treatment by an experienced specialist costs €80 to €200 per session. For patients requiring multiple sessions — which is standard for hair loss treatment — the cumulative savings are substantial.
Dr.Visor works with specialist clinics in Turkey offering PRP across hair restoration, orthopaedics and aesthetic medicine. Contact us at drvisor.com to find the right specialist for your needs.