PRP for Smell Loss: A New Treatment Option for Persistent Loss of Smell

Loss of smell, also known as anosmia, can have a profound impact on daily life. Patients often describe how it affects their enjoyment of food, their sense of safety, and even their emotional wellbeing. For some people, smell returns gradually after illness or sinus treatment, but others experience persistent smell loss lasting many months or even years.

In recent years, research has begun exploring new treatments aimed at helping the olfactory system recover. One emerging therapy attracting increasing interest is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

Mr Karan Jolly, Consultant ENT Surgeon and specialist rhinologist, is now offering PRP treatment for selected patients with persistent smell loss. This remains a relatively novel treatment within the UK and is currently offered by only a small number of specialist centres, primarily in London. Karan is among the few surgeons providing this treatment in the UK, allowing patients in the Midlands and surrounding regions to access this emerging therapy closer to home.

What Causes Loss of Smell?

The sense of smell depends on specialised nerve cells located high in the nasal cavity called olfactory receptor neurons. These cells detect odours and send signals directly to the brain.

Smell loss occurs when these cells are damaged or when inflammation prevents odours reaching them.

Common causes include:

• Post-viral smell loss (including COVID-19)

• Chronic sinus disease

• Nasal polyps

• Previous nasal surgery

• Head injury

• Inflammation affecting the olfactory region

For many patients, smell gradually returns as the nerve cells regenerate. However, some individuals develop persistent olfactory dysfunction, where recovery is slow or incomplete.

Current Treatment Options for Smell Loss

Management of smell disorders typically focuses on treating underlying inflammation and encouraging nerve recovery.

Standard treatments may include:

• Nasal steroid sprays or rinses

• Treatment of sinus disease or nasal polyps

• Smell training therapy

• Surgical treatment when structural problems are present

While many patients improve with these approaches, some continue to experience ongoing smell loss. This has led researchers to explore treatments aimed at stimulating regeneration of olfactory nerve cells.

What Is PRP Therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment derived from a patient’s own blood.

A small sample of blood is taken and processed to concentrate platelets, which contain a range of biological growth factors involved in healing and tissue repair.

PRP has already been used successfully in several areas of medicine including:

• Orthopaedics

• Sports medicine

• Dermatology

• Wound healing

More recently, researchers have begun investigating whether PRP may help support recovery of the olfactory nerves responsible for smell.

How PRP May Help Restore Smell

The olfactory system is unique because it has the ability to regenerate throughout life. Olfactory receptor cells can renew themselves, meaning recovery is sometimes possible even after significant damage.

PRP is thought to help by delivering concentrated growth factors to the region of the olfactory nerves.

Early research suggests PRP may support:

• regeneration of olfactory nerve cells

• improved healing in the olfactory cleft

• reduction of chronic inflammation

While research is still developing, early studies and clinical experience suggest PRP may offer benefits to some patients with persistent smell loss.

What Does PRP Treatment for Smell Loss Involve?

PRP therapy for smell loss is usually performed as a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.

The process typically involves:

1. A small blood sample being taken from the patient

2. Processing the blood to concentrate platelet-rich plasma

3. Delivering the PRP into the olfactory region of the nose using endoscopic guidance

Because the treatment uses the patient’s own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is extremely low.

Most patients tolerate the procedure well and are able to return home the same day.

Who May Benefit from PRP Treatment?

PRP therapy may be considered for patients with:

• persistent post-viral smell loss

• COVID-related anosmia

• smell loss that has not improved with conventional treatment

• selected cases of olfactory dysfunction following sinus disease

A specialist rhinology assessment is important to determine whether PRP therapy is appropriate.

Why Specialist Assessment Matters

Loss of smell can occur for several different reasons, and effective treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause.

For some patients, treating sinus disease or nasal polyps may still be the most appropriate first step. For others, newer regenerative treatments such as PRP may provide an additional option when traditional therapies have not been successful.

Mr Karan Jolly provides specialist assessment of smell disorders, helping determine the most appropriate treatment pathway based on the underlying cause and the patient’s individual circumstances.

PRP for Smell Loss: An Emerging Area of Rhinology

Interest in smell disorders has increased significantly in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. As research into olfactory dysfunction continues to evolve, treatments such as PRP are becoming an important area of investigation within specialist rhinology practice.

For patients living with persistent smell loss, these developments offer promising new avenues for treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PRP restore smell after COVID?

Some studies suggest PRP may help stimulate recovery of olfactory nerve cells in patients with persistent post-viral smell loss, including after COVID-19 infection. However, results vary between patients and specialist assessment is important.

Is PRP treatment for smell loss safe?

Because PRP is created using the patient’s own blood, the treatment is generally considered safe and well tolerated. As with any medical procedure, it should be performed by an experienced specialist.

How long does PRP treatment take?

The procedure typically takes around 30–45 minutes and is usually performed as an outpatient treatment.

When should I see a specialist about smell loss?

If smell loss persists for more than three months, particularly after viral infection or sinus disease, a specialist assessment may help determine the cause and explore available treatment options.

Book a Specialist Consultation

If you are experiencing persistent loss of smell or anosmia, a specialist consultation with Mr Karan Jolly can help determine the underlying cause and discuss appropriate treatment options, including emerging therapies such as PRP.