Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Olfactory cleft injection

Advanced Regenerative Treatment for Smell Loss

Persistent loss of smell can profoundly affect quality of life. Beyond reducing taste and enjoyment of food, smell dysfunction may influence memory, emotions, safety, social interaction, and psychological wellbeing. For many patients, especially after viral infections such as COVID-19, recovery remains incomplete despite conventional treatment. At ANDSURGEONS, we offer advanced Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment for selected patients with long-standing smell dysfunction, using a carefully structured, consultant-led approach grounded in modern regenerative medicine and specialist ENT assessment. PRP treatment for olfactory dysfunction is currently available in only a limited number of specialised international centres.

What is PRP?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative treatment prepared from the patient’s own blood. A small blood sample is processed to concentrate platelets, which contain natural growth factors that may support tissue repair and neuroregeneration.

In olfactory PRP treatment, this concentrated plasma is injected under endoscopic guidance into the olfactory cleft — the region responsible for smell perception — with the aim of supporting recovery of olfactory function.

The procedure is minimally invasive and performed under local anaesthetic in an outpatient setting.

Who may benefit?

PRP may be considered in selected patients with:

  • Persistent loss of smell (anosmia)
  • Reduced sense of smell (hyposmia)
  • Post-viral smell loss, including post-COVID dysfunction
  • Long-standing olfactory dysfunction typically persisting beyond 3–6 months
  • Incomplete recovery despite smell training and conventional therapy

Not every patient with smell loss is the same. Successful treatment begins with understanding the underlying cause of dysfunction and determining whether regenerative therapy is appropriate for the individual patient.

Scientific Background

International academic centres, including Stanford University, have shown increasing interest in PRP treatment for chronic olfactory dysfunction.

Early clinical studies have demonstrated statistically significant improvements in validated smell scores in selected patients with post-viral and post-COVID smell loss. A recent systematic review including more than 500 patients concluded that PRP appears safe and potentially beneficial, although further high-quality randomised controlled studies remain necessary.

Current evidence is promising, but PRP should still be regarded as an evolving regenerative treatment rather than a universally established standard therapy.

Careful patient selection and realistic expectations therefore remain essential.

Our Philosophy

The goal of regenerative medicine is not simply to offer treatment, but to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from it.

At ANDSURGEONS, we believe modern medicine should combine scientific evidence, specialist judgement, honest communication, and individualised care. Not every patient with smell loss requires intervention, and not every patient is an ideal candidate for PRP.

For this reason, we place strong emphasis on:

  • detailed ENT assessment,
  • careful patient selection,
  • realistic counselling,
  • and continuity of care.

Our goal is not simply to offer treatment, but to help patients make the right decision.

Treatment Protocol

The standard treatment protocol consists of three sessions, usually spaced approximately four weeks apart.

Each session includes:

  • blood collection,
  • sterile PRP preparation,
  • local anaesthesia and nasal preparation,
  • endoscopic PRP application into the olfactory cleft,
  • and short post-procedure observation.

Each visit typically lasts 30–45 minutes.

The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting without general anaesthesia.

Important Considerations

  • Results vary between individuals.
  • Improvement, when it occurs, is usually gradual over weeks to months.
  • Not all patients experience improvement.
  • Olfactory training remains an important component of recovery.
  • No guarantee of recovery can be provided.

As with all advanced medical treatments, careful clinical assessment remains essential.

International Specialist Care

ANDSURGEONS provides consultant-led ENT, head and neck, and facial plastic surgical care across selected locations in Andorra and Spain.

Our international model combines:

  • UK-style clinical governance and audit,
  • US-derived emphasis on innovation and advanced techniques,
  • direct consultant-level care,
  • and continuity throughout the patient journey.

All consultations and procedures are performed directly by senior consultant surgeons without trainee-led care.

For international patients, consultations can often be arranged rapidly, with direct communication and coordinated treatment planning.

Further Information

Patients interested in olfactory PRP treatment may contact ANDSURGEONS for specialist assessment and discussion of suitability.

Because smell disorders vary considerably between individuals, recommendations are always tailored to the specific patient, symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments.

ANDSURGEONS
Andorra · Spain · United Kingdom