What causes PRP to fail?

The wrong candidate. PRP (platelet-rich plasma — concentrated platelets from your own blood that nudge the body’s healing and growth response) works with your biology, not around it. It tends to perform best when the concern is addressed early rather than after years of progression, and a careful provider will tell you up front if you’re not a strong fit. A spa that says yes to everyone is the first warning sign — poor candidate selection is the most common reason results disappoint.

Technique and preparation. Where the plasma goes matters as much as what’s in it: imprecise injection placement is a classic failure point. So is the prep itself — PRP isn’t one standardized product, and inconsistent processing between visits or between providers means the platelet concentration can vary from dose to dose. At your consult, ask how the practice prepares its PRP and who actually performs the treatment. This is also why “cheapest available” is a risky way to shop for PRP.

Things you control. Providers typically ask you to stop NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen) for 5–7 days before treatment and to hydrate well — PRP leans on your natural inflammatory healing response, and blunting it works against the treatment. Spacing matters too: the standard rhythm is sessions about four weeks apart, not back-to-back. And judge results on the right clock. Signs PRP is working are gradual, so deciding it “failed” at week two is usually just measuring too early.