What is PRP treatment?

Platelet-rich plasma, usually shortened to PRP, is a concentrate made from your own blood. Platelets are best known for their role in clotting, but they also carry growth factors, the signalling proteins the body uses during healing and repair. PRP treatment aims to put a concentrated dose of those factors exactly where you want the skin to respond.

Because PRP is prepared from your own blood, there is no synthetic product and no donor material involved. That is one reason people who prefer a gradual, low-intervention approach often ask about it. It is sometimes described online as a “vampire facial”, a nickname for PRP used on the face, often alongside microneedling.

PRP is not a quick fix and it does not change the shape of your face. Think of it as a way of supporting the skin’s own renewal, with any change appearing gradually over the following weeks.

How PRP treatment works, step by step

Consultation. We talk through your concerns, medical history and any medication, and look at your skin. If PRP is not the right option, we will tell you and suggest what may suit you better.
Blood sample. A small amount of blood is taken from your arm, similar to a routine blood test.
Preparation. The sample is placed in a centrifuge, which spins it to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the red blood cells.
Application. The PRP is introduced into the treatment area, either with very fine injections or worked into the skin during microneedling. Your practitioner will explain which approach they recommend.
Aftercare. You go home with clear aftercare advice and know who to contact if you have any questions.

Your practitioner will confirm the timings for your appointment at consultation, including time for numbing the skin where needed.

PRP for the face and under-eyes in Stoke-on-Trent

On the face, PRP is most often used for overall skin quality rather than a single feature. Concerns people commonly ask us about include:

Dull or tired-looking skin that has lost some of its glow
Fine texture and crepey areas, such as the cheeks and around the mouth
The under-eye area, where skin is thin and can look dark or crepey
Mild textural acne scarring, usually alongside microneedling

The under-eye area is a common reason people consider PRP, because it is a delicate area where many people prefer not to use filler. If your main concern is a deep hollow under the eye, our tear trough page explains how we assess that, and which option suits you will be discussed honestly at consultation.

We also offer PRP hair restoration for thinning hair on the scalp.

We would rather explain the limits of a treatment than promise a result it cannot give. PRP works best for people who want a subtle, gradual improvement and are happy to follow a course.

What results can I expect?

Results from PRP build slowly, because they depend on your own skin responding over time. Many people notice their skin looks fresher in the weeks after treatment, but the degree of change varies from person to person and is influenced by age, skin condition, lifestyle and how many sessions you have.

PRP is usually planned as a short course rather than a single appointment, with maintenance sessions afterwards if you are happy with the result. Your practitioner will recommend a plan at consultation. The research into PRP for skin is still developing, so we will always give you a realistic picture rather than a guarantee.

Sun protection, a sensible skincare routine and not smoking all help you get the most from any skin treatment, including PRP.

Is PRP right for me?

PRP may suit you if you want to improve skin quality gradually, using your own blood rather than a synthetic product. It is not suitable for everyone. Treatment is usually not recommended, or needs to wait, if you:

Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have a blood or platelet disorder, or take blood-thinning medication
Have an active skin infection, cold sore or inflamed acne in the area
Are unwell, or are having treatment for cancer
Have a condition or take medication that affects healing

This is not a complete list, which is why we go through your medical history at your consultation before anything is booked. If you are unsure, ask us; we would rather check than treat when it is not right for you.

After your PRP treatment

It is normal for the treated area to look red, slightly swollen or a little bruised for a short time afterwards, particularly around the eyes. The blood sample site on your arm may also be tender. These effects usually settle on their own.

We will give you written aftercare advice. Typical guidance includes keeping the skin clean, avoiding make-up for a short period, and avoiding saunas, intense exercise and strong sun exposure while the skin settles. Contact the clinic if anything worries you after treatment.

PRP treatment price and booking

PRP treatment at Bayside starts from £150. The exact price depends on the area treated and how many sessions you need, and we confirm it at your consultation before anything goes ahead. A consultation at Bayside costs £25 and takes place in person at our Pelham Street clinic in Hanley. You can see our other treatment prices on the price list.

To book, use our online booking, call 01782 438998 or send us a message. Our clinic is easy to reach from across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stone.

FAQs

PRP treatment: your questions

What does PRP stand for?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is made by taking a small sample of your own blood and spinning it in a centrifuge so the platelets, which carry growth factors involved in healing, are concentrated in the plasma. That concentrate is then reintroduced into the skin with fine injections or during microneedling.

Where can I get PRP treatment near me in Stoke-on-Trent?

Bayside Beauty Clinic offers PRP treatment at our clinic on Pelham Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3LL. Every treatment starts with a face-to-face consultation, where we check your medical history, look at your skin and explain whether PRP is the right option for you before anything is booked.

Is PRP the same as a vampire facial?

A vampire facial is a popular nickname for PRP used on the face, usually combined with microneedling so the plasma is worked into the skin. At Bayside we simply call it PRP treatment. Your practitioner will explain whether injections, microneedling or a combination is recommended for your skin at consultation.

Does PRP treatment hurt?

Most people find it manageable. The blood sample feels much like a routine blood test. For the face, a numbing cream is commonly applied first, and you may feel pressure or a mild scratching sensation during treatment. Your practitioner will talk you through what to expect and check how you are feeling throughout.

How many PRP sessions will I need?

PRP is usually planned as a short course rather than a single appointment, followed by occasional maintenance sessions if you are happy with the result. The right number depends on your skin, the area and your goals, so your practitioner will recommend a plan at your consultation rather than giving a fixed number in advance.

Is there any downtime after PRP?

Most people return to normal activities soon after treatment, but the area can look red, slightly swollen or bruised for a short time, particularly under the eyes. You may prefer to avoid booking PRP just before an important event. We give you written aftercare advice and you can contact the clinic with any questions.

Is PRP safe?

Because PRP is made from your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction to the product itself is very low. As with any treatment involving needles, there can be bruising, swelling and a small risk of infection. That is why we take a full medical history first and do not treat if PRP is not suitable for you.

How much does PRP cost at Bayside?

PRP treatment at Bayside starts from £150. The exact price depends on the area treated and how many sessions you need, so we confirm it at your consultation. The consultation costs £25 and takes place in person at our Hanley clinic. You can call 01782 438998 or book online to arrange it.

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