PRP Injections for Loss of Smell
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an emerging treatment for people who have lost their sense of smell. It uses your body’s own healing factors to support recovery in the nasal lining and smell pathways.
What is PRP for loss of smell?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a treatment that uses a concentrated sample of your own blood to support healing. It contains platelets, which are small blood cells that release growth factors to help repair damaged tissue.
In the context of loss of smell (also called anosmia or hyposmia), PRP is used to target the olfactory system. This is the part of your body responsible for detecting smells, located high inside the nose.
Loss of smell can happen for several reasons, including:
viral infections such as COVID-19
chronic sinus inflammation
head injury
ageing or nerve-related changes
Loss of smell associated with nasal polyps and chronic sinus inflammation usually responds well to topical steroids, but in some cases, surgery or biologic treatments may be required - our ENT specialists can advise on the best treatment options.
In some people, the nerve cells involved in smell do not recover fully after injury from infection or trauma. PRP aims to stimulate repair and regeneration in this area.
At Welbeck, this minimally invasive treatment is delivered by ENT specialists in a controlled clinical setting. It’s usually considered for persistent post-viral loss of smell when standard treatments, such as smell training, have not led to improvement. There’s some emerging evidence that it may also be helpful in other cases, such as head injury.
More information
PRP therapy is a straightforward outpatient procedure. It usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes in total.
The treatment involves several steps:
Blood sample collection – A small amount of blood is taken from your arm, similar to a routine blood test.
Processing the PRP – The blood is placed in a centrifuge, which spins it at high speed to separate the platelet-rich plasma from other components.
Preparation of the treatment area – A local anaesthetic spray will be applied inside your nose to reduce discomfort.
Injection of PRP – The PRP is carefully injected into the upper part of the nasal cavity, close to the olfactory region.
You’ll remain awake throughout the procedure. Most people tolerate it well, although you may feel mild pressure or discomfort during the injections.
We usually recommend a course of 3 treatments, often spaced several weeks apart.
PRP is generally considered a safe treatment because it uses your own blood. This reduces the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
However, as with any procedure, there are some potential risks and side effects:
mild pain or discomfort in the nose
temporary nasal congestion or irritation
minor bleeding at the injection site
headache after the procedure
infection (rare)
no improvement in symptoms
Your consultant will explain these risks in detail before treatment. Serious complications are uncommon, and most side effects are short-lived.
Your consultant will give you clear instructions before your appointment. In most cases, preparation is simple.
You may be advised to:
stay well hydrated before your appointment
eat normally unless told otherwise
inform your consultant about any medications or medical conditions
If you have a cold, sinus infection, or nasal symptoms on the day of your appointment, your treatment may need to be postponed.
Recovery from PRP therapy is usually quick, and most people return to normal activities on the same day.
After the procedure, you may notice:
mild nasal discomfort or a feeling of fullness
slight bleeding or spotting from the nose
temporary changes in your sense of smell
These symptoms typically settle within a few days.
To support your recovery, your consultant may recommend:
avoiding strenuous activity for 24 hours
not blowing your nose forcefully for a short period
continuing smell training exercises, if advised
You should arrange for someone to take you home if you feel uncomfortable, although most patients are able to travel independently.
A follow-up appointment is usually arranged to review your progress. Because nerve recovery takes time, improvements in smell may develop gradually over weeks to months.
It’s important to understand that results can vary. Some people notice meaningful improvement, while others may have limited or no change. Your consultant will discuss realistic expectations based on your individual case.
Please contact the centre directly for pricing information.
At Welbeck, our ENT specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book PRP therapy for loss of smell, you must be referred by either your GP or an ENT specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck ENT specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
At present, health insurance companies do not cover the price of PRP injections for loss of smell. Therefore, treatment would need to proceed as a self-paying patient. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
Our specialists
Our locations
Loading
Frequently asked questions
Early research suggests that PRP may help improve smell in some patients, particularly those with post-viral smell loss. However, it’s still considered to be an emerging treatment, and results can vary. Your consultant will assess whether you’re likely to benefit based on your condition.
Most patients require 3 treatments spaced a few weeks apart, but this depends on your response and your consultant’s recommendation.
The procedure is usually well tolerated by most patients. A local anaesthetic is used to reduce discomfort, but you may still feel mild pressure or a brief stinging sensation during the injections.
Taste and smell are closely linked. If your loss of taste is related to smell loss, improving your sense of smell may also improve your ability to taste. However, results are not guaranteed and depend on the underlying cause.