YOUR OWN GROWTH FACTORS
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
Your Own Platelets. Natural Renewal. Fresher-Looking Skin.
The Experience
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, or PRP, uses a concentrated preparation made from your own blood to support the skin’s natural repair and renewal processes.
At Cocoon, a small blood sample is processed to separate platelet-rich plasma before it is carefully injected into selected areas of the skin. PRP may help improve skin texture, fine lines and overall skin quality.
Why You’ll Love It
Benefits
- Supports natural collagen production
- Improves overall skin texture
- Softens the appearance of fine lines
- Supports firmer-looking skin
- Helps rejuvenate tired or sun-damaged-looking skin
- Uses platelets obtained from your own blood
The Treatment
How It Works
PRP begins with a small sample of your own blood. At Cocoon, approximately 10–40 ml is collected and placed into a centrifuge for around 5–8 minutes. The spinning process separates the blood into different components, allowing the platelet-rich portion to be prepared for treatment.
Platelets are best known for their role in blood clotting, but they also contain growth factors involved in healing and tissue repair.
Once prepared, the PRP is introduced into targeted areas of the skin using a series of fine injections. Cocoon currently injects the PRP into the dermal or deeper tissue depending on the treatment area.
Rather than adding artificial volume like a dermal filler, PRP aims to encourage a gradual regenerative response within the treated tissue. Improvements therefore develop progressively rather than appearing immediately.
PRP may also be incorporated into combined skin programmes. At Cocoon it is currently included in treatments combining technologies such as Dermapen or RF Microneedling.
Where It Can Be Used
Treatment Areas
- Full face
- Under-eye area
- Cheeks
- Forehead
- Jawline
- Neck
Treatment Details
At a Glance
- Anaesthetic
- Topical anaesthetic is applied before treatment to make the series of fine PRP injections more comfortable.
- Downtime
- Usually a few days. Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising may occur around the injection sites.
- Results
- Results develop gradually as the skin responds, with improvements in texture and skin quality becoming more noticeable over time.
- Recommended Sessions
- Usually 3 treatments spaced around 4 to 8 weeks apart, followed by maintenance according to your individual skin goals.
- Results Duration
- Results vary. Improvements can continue developing for several months, with maintenance treatments recommended when appropriate.
Your Appointment
What to Expect
Your appointment begins with a consultation to assess your skin, medical history and treatment goals.
A small amount of blood is then drawn from your arm, much like a routine blood test. The sample is placed into a centrifuge, where it is spun to separate the components of the blood and prepare the platelet-rich plasma.
While the PRP is being prepared, topical anaesthetic is applied to the treatment area.
The prepared PRP is then injected into selected areas using a fine needle. You may feel light pressure, pinching or tenderness during the injections despite the anaesthetic.
The complete Cocoon procedure currently takes approximately 45 minutes.
Immediately afterwards, some redness, swelling and tenderness are normal. Small injection marks or bruising may also be visible temporarily.
Preparing for Your Visit
Before Your Treatment
Tell your practitioner about any medical conditions, medications, supplements, allergies and previous reactions to injectable treatments.
You should also mention bleeding or clotting disorders, low platelet levels, active infections and any medication that affects blood clotting.
Avoid arriving with sunburned, infected or significantly irritated skin in the treatment area.
Your practitioner will advise whether any medications or supplements need consideration before treatment. Do not stop prescribed medication unless advised by the doctor who prescribed it.
Stay well hydrated before your appointment and eat normally unless your practitioner advises otherwise.
What You May Notice
Your Results
PRP is a gradual treatment. Unlike dermal filler, it does not create immediate volume or facial contouring.
As the treated tissue responds to platelet-derived growth factors, improvements in overall skin quality and texture may gradually become visible.
Cocoon currently advises that initial changes may become noticeable around 3–4 weeks, with more visible improvement developing over the following weeks.
A series of treatments is generally recommended rather than relying on a single session. Cocoon’s current protocol recommends approximately three treatments spaced one to two months apart.
Results vary according to age, skin condition, lifestyle and the concern being treated.
Is This Right for You?
Suitable For
- Want to improve overall skin quality
- Have fine lines or early signs of ageing
- Experience dull or tired-looking skin
- Want to improve uneven skin texture
- Have sun-damaged-looking skin
- Prefer a treatment using material obtained from your own blood
After Your Appointment
Aftercare
Keep the treated area clean and avoid rubbing or massaging it for approximately 48 hours unless your practitioner advises otherwise. Cocoon’s current protocol specifically recommends avoiding massage during this period.
Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and excessive heat for at least 72 hours.
Avoid retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, strong Vitamin C products and other potentially irritating active skincare for approximately five days or until sensitivity has settled.
Do not undergo facials, chemical peels or intensive exfoliating treatments for approximately two weeks.
Protect your skin from direct sunlight and use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
Your practitioner will provide personalised aftercare according to the area treated and whether your PRP was performed alone or as part of a combined treatment.
Good to Know
Important Considerations
Redness, tenderness, swelling and bruising can occur following PRP injections. Small injection marks may also remain visible temporarily.
Because PRP is prepared from your own blood, allergic reaction to the PRP itself is less of a concern than with an injected foreign substance. However, PRP is still an injectable medical procedure and carries potential risks including bleeding, infection, bruising and tissue or nerve injury.
PRP may not be suitable for everyone. Your practitioner should know about blood disorders, platelet abnormalities, active infection, significant anaemia, medical conditions and medications that could affect treatment.
Results vary and PRP should not be presented as an alternative to dermal filler when immediate volume or facial contouring is the goal.
Helpful Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about your treatment and what to expect.
What is PRP?
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. It is prepared by taking a small sample of your blood and processing it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelet-containing portion for treatment.
Is PRP the same as a dermal filler?
No. Dermal fillers physically add volume using an injectable material. PRP uses components from your own blood and aims to stimulate a gradual tissue response rather than immediately adding volume.
Does PRP hurt?
A topical anaesthetic is applied before treatment. You may still feel light pinching, pressure or tenderness as the PRP is injected with a fine needle.
When will I see PRP results?
Results are gradual. Cocoon currently advises that changes may begin around three to four weeks after treatment, with further improvement developing over time.
How many PRP treatments will I need?
Cocoon generally recommends a course of three sessions approximately four to eight weeks apart. Your practitioner may then recommend maintenance based on your response and goals.
Can PRP be combined with microneedling?
Yes. Cocoon currently incorporates PRP into treatment programmes that include Dermapen or RF Microneedling. Combining treatments should be recommended according to your skin and treatment goals.