Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

A procedure using a preparation made from a sample of your own blood, at
our Mermaid Waters clinic. It involves a blood draw, and either injection or
micro-needling of the treated area. Downtime is typically 24–48 hours.

What happens at the appointment

Numbing cream is applied to the area to be treated and left to take effect.
A sample of blood is taken, as it would be for a blood test.
The sample is placed in a centrifuge to separate the plasma and platelets.
The preparation is applied by micro-needling, or injected into the treated area.

Areas we treat

Face, neck and décolletage
Under-eye area
Scalp and brow region, for hair thinning
Areas of scarring

What the evidence says

Research into platelet-rich plasma for skin and for hair is ongoing, and the quality of
published evidence varies. We will discuss with you at consultation what is and is not
established for your particular concern. We do not rely on our own observations in
practice as evidence of effect.

Risks, recovery and what to expect

This is a considered decision

This procedure involves a blood draw and either injection or micro-needling. It is invasive and carries risk. Platelet-rich plasma is expressly listed by Ahpra as a higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedure.

Common effects

Redness, swelling and tenderness for 24–48 hours
Bruising, which is common and can take up to 10 days to clear
Bruising at the blood-draw site

Less common and serious risks

Infection
Prolonged swelling, particularly around the eyes
Lack of response — some people see little or no change

Recovery

Downtime is typically 24–48 hours. After that most people return to normal activity. Any remaining bruising can be covered with mineral makeup.

Pain

Numbing cream is applied beforehand. Pain thresholds differ between people; the blood draw and the injections are both uncomfortable for some people.

Outcomes and how long they last

A course is often recommended, and is reviewed session by session. Duration of any effect varies considerably between individuals.

Individual responses and results vary. The outcome experienced by one
person does not necessarily reflect what another person will experience. Some people see
little or no change. We cannot and do not guarantee an outcome.

Who performs this procedure

Rachael Sieber (NMW0001061319) — Registered nurse (Division 1) and registered midwife, general registration
Kim Trotman (NMW0002025809) — Registered nurse (Division 1), general registration
Ruby McKean (NMW0002200108) — Registered nurse (Division 1), general registration

You can check any practitioner’s registration on the
Ahpra Register of practitioners.

Book a consultation

Every procedure begins with a consultation at our Mermaid Waters clinic, where we
assess whether it is appropriate for you, explain the risks and recovery, and give
you a written treatment plan including costs. Attending a consultation does not mean
a procedure will be recommended — sometimes we advise against one, and cosmetic
procedures are not the only way to address concerns about appearance.

Contact the clinic · 07 5616 8481

If something is wrong after your appointment

Call the clinic on 07 5616 8481 during opening hours.
If you have severe or increasing pain, skin that is turning white, grey or dusky,
any change in vision, or spreading redness or swelling after a cosmetic injection or
thread procedure, this may be a serious complication. Contact us immediately, and
if you cannot reach us go to your nearest emergency department or call 000.