PRP Facial: Your 3-Step Secret to Younger Skin

Why a PRP Facial Is Gaining Attention for Skin Rejuvenation

A PRP facial is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that uses your blood’s platelet-rich plasma to stimulate collagen and improve skin texture, tone, and firmness. The process involves drawing a small amount of blood, separating the platelets via centrifugation, and applying the concentrated plasma to the skin, often with microneedling for better absorption.

Quick Facts About PRP Facials:

• What it treats: Fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, uneven skin tone, and sagging skin
• Procedure time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Downtime: Minimal (redness and swelling for 3-7 days)
• Results timeline: Initial improvements in 1 month; peak results at 3 months
• Longevity: 12-24 months with proper maintenance
• Cost: $250-$1,500 per session (typically 3-4 sessions recommended)
• Safety: Low risk since it uses your own blood; FDA classifies PRP devices as medical equipment

If you’re seeing early signs of aging like fine lines or uneven texture, you’re not alone. Many are turning to PRP facials (or “vampire facials”) as a natural alternative to invasive procedures. Instead of synthetic fillers, PRP uses your body’s own healing power to regenerate skin from within. The treatment has gained traction because research confirms that growth factors in your platelets stimulate collagen and elastin, leading to firmer, smoother skin over time without surgery or long recovery periods.

I’m Scott Melamed, President and CEO of ProMD Health. My background in biotechnology and regenerative medicine at Johns Hopkins gives me a deep understanding of how the growth factors in a PRP facial work to refresh aging skin.

In this guide, we’ll cover what a PRP facial is, how it works, the results you can expect, and how it compares to other treatments like fillers and lasers. This will help you make an informed decision for your skincare journey.

What Is a PRP Facial and How Does It Work?

A PRP facial gives your skin a concentrated dose of its own healing power. The treatment uses Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)—a golden liquid from your blood packed with growth factors. As an “autologous treatment,” it uses your own biological material, so there’s virtually no risk of allergic reaction.

Your blood’s platelets are loaded with powerful growth factors like Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) and Changing Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β). When concentrated and reintroduced to your skin, they signal your cells to repair and regenerate. This process stimulates new collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and youthful. Scientific research on PRP’s role in rejuvenation confirms these gradual but noticeable improvements in skin texture and tone.

PRP also promotes angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), which improves blood supply and delivers more oxygen to your skin for a healthy glow. It’s regenerative medicine using your body’s natural abilities. You can learn more about how these treatments work here: More info about PRP treatments.

The Science Behind Platelets and Growth Factors

Platelets are tiny fragments in your blood known for clotting, but they also contain a treasure trove of growth factors. The PRP process concentrates these platelets, creating a super-charged healing serum from your own blood. When applied to your skin, these growth factors trigger a healing cascade: damaged tissue is repaired, new collagen forms, and your skin begins to refresh from the inside out.

How PRP Stimulates Collagen for Firmer Skin

When applied to your skin, PRP targets fibroblast cells, which are responsible for creating collagen and elastin. As we age, these cells slow down, but the growth factors in PRP give them a wake-up call, dramatically increasing new collagen and elastin production.

This is a gradual, natural rebuilding process. Over weeks and months, your skin’s internal framework strengthens. New collagen fibers fill in fine lines and restore elasticity. Unlike fillers that add volume artificially, PRP stimulates your skin to do the work itself, leading to authentic, natural-looking results. If you’re frustrated with wrinkles, PRP might be the solution: More info about PRP for wrinkles.

The Complete PRP Facial Procedure: What to Expect

The PRP facial process is straightforward and typically takes 45-60 minutes.

Consultation and Preparation

Your journey begins with a thorough consultation to assess your skin, review your medical history, and create a personalized treatment plan. Once a PRP facial is deemed right for you, we’ll provide pre-care instructions to optimize results and minimize side effects. Key preparation steps include:

• Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil) for 1-2 weeks, with your doctor’s approval.
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water before your appointment.
• Pause active skincare products like retinoids and glycolic acids for about a week.
• Avoid alcohol the day before your treatment.

The 3 Steps of the PRP Facial Procedure

1. Blood Draw: A small amount of blood (about 2-4 tablespoons) is drawn from your arm, similar to a routine blood test.
2. Centrifugation: Your blood is placed in a centrifuge, which spins for 10-15 minutes to separate the components and isolate the golden, platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
3. PRP Application: After applying a topical numbing cream to your face for comfort, we apply the PRP. This is done either with microneedling, which creates micro-channels for deep penetration, or through direct injections for targeted concerns. The method is customized to your skin’s needs. Learn more about the injection process here: More info about the PRP shot process.

Downtime and Aftercare

Downtime is minimal, though some temporary effects are normal. Expect mild redness, swelling, and possible bruising, similar to a sunburn, which typically fades in 3-7 days. Most patients resume normal activities the same day.

Following post-care instructions is key for the best results. For the first 3 days, you should:

• Protect your skin from the sun with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
• Use a gentle skincare routine with mild cleansers, avoiding scrubs or exfoliants.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and hot tubs.
• Refrain from wearing makeup for at least 24 hours.
• Stay hydrated and sleep with your head slightly liftd to reduce swelling.

If you experience discomfort, Tylenol is safe to use. For a full guide on aftercare, see our resource: More info about post-microneedling with PRP care.

Benefits, Results, and Treatment Timeline

A PRP facial uses your body’s healing power to create natural, long-lasting improvements that unfold gradually.

Key Benefits for Your Skin

A PRP facial addresses multiple skin concerns at once by using the regenerative power of your own platelets. Key benefits include:

• Reduced Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Increased collagen and elastin plump the skin from within, making lines more subtle. Research shows significant improvement in wrinkles around the eyes and mouth.
• Improved Skin Texture and Tone: Cell renewal leads to a smoother surface, reduced acne scarring, and a more even complexion. It can also improve dark under-eye circles.
• Sun Damage Repair: PRP helps repair photoaged skin and fortifies its defenses against UV exposure.
• Firmer, Tighter Skin: Stimulating new collagen and elastin addresses sagging and can minimize the appearance of large pores, resulting in a radiant complexion. For more details, visit: More info about PRP benefits.

Results: When You’ll See Them and How Long They Last

PRP results emerge gradually and naturally. While many patients notice an initial glow and improved hydration shortly after treatment, the real change happens over time. The collagen regeneration process takes about three months to reach its peak, with the most significant improvements in firmness and elasticity becoming noticeable then.

Peak results generally appear over the next three to six months, revealing reduced fine lines and improved texture. These results are long-lasting, with most patients enjoying them for 12 to 24 months. Longevity depends on your skin type, age, and lifestyle. To maintain results, we recommend annual maintenance treatments.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

Optimal results typically require a series of treatments. We usually recommend a series of 3-4 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. This schedule allows your skin to regenerate between sessions, maximizing collagen production. Your specific treatment plan will be personalized during your consultation to help you achieve your desired outcome. This approach fundamentally improves your skin’s health and structure from within.

Is a PRP Facial Right for You? Safety, Cost, and Comparisons

Understanding the safety, risks, and comparisons to other treatments will help you decide if a PRP facial is the right choice. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the medical devices used for PRP, and the treatment is inherently low-risk because it uses your own blood, eliminating the chance of allergic reactions. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) offers more insights on PRP safety: Information on PRP safety from the AAD.

Potential Risks and Contraindications

A PRP facial is generally very safe. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, including bruising, swelling, redness, or tenderness at the treatment sites, which usually fade within a week. Infection risk is extremely rare when performed in a sterile environment like ProMD Health.

However, a PRP facial is not for everyone. It is not recommended for individuals with:

• Blood disorders (e.g., low platelet count)
• Active cancer or a history of blood/skin cancer in the treatment area
• Certain infections like Hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS
• Cardiovascular disease requiring blood thinners
• Sepsis or a localized infection
• Anemia

Your consultation is crucial for ensuring the treatment is safe and effective for you.

Comparing the PRP Facial to Other Treatments

A PRP facial uses your body’s natural healing power, but it’s helpful to see how it compares to other options.

• PRP vs. Microneedling: Combining PRP with microneedling (a “Vampire Facial®”) improves results by adding growth factors to the collagen-stimulating micro-injuries, delivering more dramatic improvements than microneedling alone.
• PRP vs. Dermal Fillers: Fillers add immediate volume, but PRP gradually improves skin quality and texture from within. The results take longer but look more natural and can last longer.
• PRP vs. Laser Resurfacing: Lasers remove damaged skin layers but often require more downtime. PRP is gentler, working to improve regeneration rather than remove tissue.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Treatment	Mechanism	Downtime	Best For	Cost
PRP Facial	Uses your own platelets to stimulate natural collagen and elastin production	Minimal (3-7 days of mild redness)	Overall skin quality, fine lines, texture, acne scars, natural rejuvenation	$250-$1,500 per session
Dermal Fillers	Injects hyaluronic acid or other substances to add volume	Minimal (possible bruising)	Immediate volume, deep lines, lip improvement	$500-$2,000 per syringe
Laser Resurfacing	Uses light energy to remove damaged skin and trigger collagen	Moderate to significant (5-14 days)	Deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, pigmentation	$1,000-$3,000 per session

We’ll help you choose the best treatment during your consultation.

Cost of a PRP Facial and Other Applications

A PRP facial typically costs $250 to $1,500 per session. Since a series of 3-4 treatments is recommended, the total investment is roughly $750 to $6,000. As a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance, but financing options are often available.

PRP’s regenerative principles are also effective for other concerns, particularly hair loss. Injections into the scalp can stimulate hair follicles and promote new growth. Learn more here: More info about PRP for hair treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions about PRP Facials

Does a PRP facial hurt?

We prioritize your comfort. Before the PRP facial, we apply a topical numbing cream to your face, which significantly reduces discomfort. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild, brief stinging. For added comfort, we offer pain management options like ProNox (laughing gas) to help you relax.

Who is the ideal candidate for a PRP facial?

The ideal candidate is someone in good overall health with early signs of aging, such as fine lines, uneven skin texture, or sun damage. It’s perfect for those seeking a minimally invasive, natural way to refresh their skin with realistic expectations. As noted earlier, the treatment is not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions. If you’re wondering if it’s right for you, our resources can help: Is PRP right for you?.

What’s the difference between a PRP facial and a PRP facelift?

These terms are often confused but refer to different treatments.

• A PRP facial focuses on improving overall skin quality. Using microneedling or superficial injections, it improves texture, reduces fine lines, and restores radiance by stimulating collagen.
• A PRP facelift is a more comprehensive treatment that combines PRP with dermal fillers. The fillers provide immediate volume and lift to address sagging and deep creases, while the PRP works over time to regenerate tissue and prolong the results.

During your consultation, we can determine which approach best suits your aesthetic goals.

Begin Your Path to Revitalized Skin

If you’re looking for a natural way to refresh your appearance without surgery, a PRP facial could be your answer. This innovative treatment uses your body’s own healing power to stimulate collagen, smooth fine lines, and restore a youthful radiance.

At ProMD Health, we’ve seen how transformative PRP facials can be, delivering gradual, beautiful results that can last 12 to 24 months. Our expert team offers personalized care, using advanced technology and the strictest safety protocols to create a treatment plan for your unique goals—whether you’re addressing aging, sun damage, or acne scars.

We are ready to support your journey to revitalized skin at our locations in Annapolis, Arlington, Ashburn, Bel Air, Bethesda, Columbia, Easton, Fort Lauderdale, Hutto, Lafayette, Lewes, Timonium, Tysons Corner, Washington, Wellington, and Westminster. With offices across Maryland, Virginia, Florida, Texas, Colorado, Delaware, and the District of Columbia, it’s convenient to access the care you deserve.

Ready to see what plasma skin rejuvenation can do for you? Take the first step toward looking and feeling younger. Explore plasma skin rejuvenation services with us today and begin your journey to naturally radiant skin.