PRP Therapy
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
An autologous blood-derived treatment where concentrated platelets and growth factors are injected to accelerate tissue healing, reduce joint pain, restore hair growth, and rejuvenate skin. One of the most widely adopted regenerative treatments globally.
How PRP Therapy Works
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy concentrates the patient's own platelets to 3-8 times normal blood levels through centrifugation. When injected into damaged tissue, these concentrated platelets degranulate and release over 300 bioactive proteins including growth factors (PDGF, TGF-beta, VEGF, EGF, IGF-1) and cytokines. These signaling molecules recruit stem cells and progenitor cells to the injury site, stimulate angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), promote collagen synthesis, and modulate the inflammatory environment to favor tissue repair over scar formation.
📊 Evidence by Outcome
Strong RCT evidence for knee OA. PRP outperforms hyaluronic acid and placebo at 6-12 months with ~40-50% VAS improvement.
25 studies • Consistency: High • Effect: Moderate
Good RCT evidence for androgenetic alopecia. ~30% increase in hair density at 3 months. Multiple sessions needed.
15 studies • Consistency: Moderate • Effect: Moderate
Meta-analysis of 18 RCTs found significant pain reduction and functional improvement in chronic tendinopathy.
18 studies • Consistency: Moderate • Effect: Moderate
Key Research
Peer-Reviewed Evidence • 3 Citations
Efficacy of Intra-articular PRP Injections in Knee OA: A Systematic Review
Meheux CJ et al.•Arthroscopy•2016•PMID: 26432430
Key Finding: 6 Level I studies (739 patients) found PRP significantly improved pain and function vs hyaluronic acid and placebo.
View on PubMedThe Effect of PRP in Hair Regrowth: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Gentile P et al.•Stem Cells Transl Med•2015•PMID: 26460330
Key Finding: RCT showed PRP significantly increased hair count (+33.6 hairs/cm2) at 3 months vs placebo.
View on PubMedEffectiveness of PRP in Treatment of Tendinopathy
Fitzpatrick J et al.•Am J Sports Med•2017•PMID: 27268111
Key Finding: Meta-analysis of 18 RCTs found significant pain reduction in chronic tendinopathy.
View on PubMedCitations sourced from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and peer-reviewed journals. Study findings are summarized for accessibility. Always consult the original publication for full methodology and results.
Side Effects & Safety
Interactions & Contraindications
Drug Interactions
- •NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) — should be avoided for 1-2 weeks before and after treatment as they inhibit the platelet function essential to PRP's mechanism
- •Corticosteroid injections — should be spaced at least 2-4 weeks from PRP as steroids are anti-inflammatory and may counteract PRP's healing response
- •Anticoagulants — increased bleeding risk during blood draw and at injection site
- •Fluoroquinolone antibiotics — may impair tendon healing
Supplement Interactions
- •Fish oil may need to be paused 1 week pre-treatment due to mild antiplatelet effects
- •Vitamin C and zinc may support the healing process post-injection
Food & Timing
- •Adequate hydration before blood draw ensures better platelet yield
- •Protein-rich diet supports healing post-procedure
Who Should Avoid
- •Active infection at or near the injection site
- •Septicemia or blood-borne infections
- •Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) — insufficient platelets for effective PRP
- •Blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma) — abnormal blood cell composition
- •Active cancer at the treatment site — growth factors may promote tumor growth
- •Patients on long-term anticoagulant therapy who cannot safely pause medication
📋 Protocol Snapshot
Protocols are for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment protocol.
Cost Guide
AED 2,000-5,000/session
Estimated UAE pricing. Costs vary by provider, dosage, and treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Multiple meta-analyses show PRP provides superior pain relief compared to hyaluronic acid and saline injections for mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis, with benefits lasting 6-12 months. Results are less impressive for severe (grade 4) arthritis. Many orthopedic clinics in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer PRP as a first-line treatment before considering surgery.
Blood is drawn (typically 30-60ml), centrifuged to concentrate platelets, and injected under ultrasound guidance for accuracy. Key quality factors: the platelet concentration factor, whether it is leukocyte-rich or leukocyte-poor (different indications), and single vs. double spin protocols. Ask your UAE clinic about their preparation system.
Most protocols involve 1-3 injections spaced 2-4 weeks apart. Joint conditions typically need 1-2 sessions annually for maintenance. Tendon injuries may require 2-3 initial sessions. Results take 4-8 weeks to develop, with full effect at 3-6 months.
Most standard health insurance plans in the UAE do not cover PRP therapy as it is still considered investigational by many insurers. Some premium plans may offer partial coverage for orthopedic PRP. Budget AED 2,000-5,000 per injection as an out-of-pocket expense.
PRP for androgenetic alopecia (hair loss) has growing evidence showing modest improvements in hair density and thickness. Results are best in early-stage hair loss. Typically 3-4 sessions are needed initially, followed by maintenance every 4-6 months. This is one of the most popular PRP applications in UAE aesthetic clinics.
Where to Get It (UAE)
Related Treatments
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Kamura Scores reflect a combination of research evidence, safety, accessibility, and value — they are not clinical recommendations. Research citations are provided for reference; always consult the original publications for complete study details. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any treatment. Individual results may vary.