With Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy gaining popularity for hair restoration and skin rejuvenation in Pakistan, dermatologists are urging people not to view cosmetic procedures as a shortcut to flawless skin, warning that the treatment is effective only for selected patients and should always be performed under qualified medical supervision.

Widely promoted on social media as a solution for hair loss, acne scars and youthful skin, PRP has become one of the most sought-after aesthetic procedures. But behind its growing popularity, dermatologists say, are patients who may not always have a clear understanding of what the treatment can and cannot achieve.

According to Dr Shawana Sharif, a dermatologist and aesthetic medicine expert, PRP is an evidence-based treatment that uses the patient’s own blood to stimulate tissue repair and hair growth.

The procedure involves drawing a small amount of blood, separating platelet-rich plasma through centrifugation and injecting it into the affected areas of the skin or scalp. It may also be administered through microneedling.

Dr Sharif said PRP had shown encouraging results in managing certain types of hair loss, acne scars, fine lines and overall skin rejuvenation. However, she stressed that the treatment was not suitable for everyone.

“Not every patient with hair loss or facial ageing requires PRP. The underlying cause must first be diagnosed before deciding on the most appropriate treatment,” she said.

For Dr Shireen Hameed Gul, another dermatologist and aesthetic physician, the decision to undergo PRP should also begin with understanding whether the patient actually needs the procedure.

“We first assess whether the patient needs PRP. A detailed consultation is done before deciding on the treatment,” she said.

The emphasis on consultation is significant as PRP is increasingly marketed online as a quick solution for a range of cosmetic concerns, with patients sometimes approaching clinics with expectations shaped more by social media than by medical advice.

PRP is often misunderstood as a one-time cosmetic fix, whereas many patients require multiple sessions followed by maintenance treatment depending on their condition and response.

“Some people expect a single session to permanently stop hair loss or erase wrinkles. That is simply not the case,” Dr Shireen said.

Experts also caution against the growing number of cosmetic procedures being performed outside licensed medical facilities. They say treatment by untrained practitioners can increase the risk of infections, poor cosmetic outcomes and other avoidable complications.

Dr Sharif advised patients to choose qualified dermatologists rather than clinics offering discounted procedures or making exaggerated claims on social media.

For patients, the decision is not always as simple as the promise of visible improvement.

Tayyaba, a university student, said she underwent PRP for hair thinning near her forehead and noticed visible improvement after several sessions. However, she discontinued the treatment because regular maintenance sessions and the recurring cost were difficult to manage as a student.

Ayesha, a dress designer, said PRP helped improve facial freckles, but she stopped the treatment because of her fear of repeated injections and the long-term commitment it required.

Their experiences reflect one of the challenges surrounding aesthetic procedures: improvement may require time, repeated sessions and continued commitment, rather than a single intervention.

Dermatologists say such experiences highlight the importance of discussing treatment expectations with patients before starting therapy, including the possibility of repeated sessions to maintain results.

Dr Sharif also discouraged young people from opting for cosmetic procedures simply because they have become fashionable online.

Experts say simple habits such as regular cleansing, moisturising and daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen remain the foundation of healthy skin and often provide greater long-term benefits than unnecessary cosmetic interventions.

— The writer is a freelance journalist

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2026