PRP Facial Treatment: How It Is Done, Who It Suits and Its Limits

In a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) facial treatment, a sample of the person's own blood is separated with a special device to obtain platelet-rich plasma, which is then applied to the face. The aim is for the growth factors contained in platelets to support the skin's repair processes and collagen production. This article explains how a PRP facial treatment is done, who it suits, its limits and its side effects.

When Is It Considered?

  • Fine lines and irregularities in skin texture
  • Loss of skin radiance and vitality
  • Acne scars
  • Fine lines and reduced skin quality around the eyes

PRP alone is not enough for marked sagging, deep wrinkles and volume loss; in these cases fillers, a thread lift or surgical options may be considered. In some treatments PRP may be planned together with fillers containing hyaluronic acid; in this case the risks of the filler also apply.

How Is It Done?

  • The doctor assesses the skin and decides whether the treatment is suitable.
  • A small amount of blood is taken from the person's arm.
  • The blood is separated in a centrifuge inside a single-use closed kit to obtain PRP.
  • The treatment area is cleaned and, if needed, an anaesthetic cream is applied.
  • PRP is injected into the skin with fine needles or applied to the skin together with microneedling.

The treatment is usually planned as sessions repeated at intervals; the number of sessions and the interval are determined by the doctor for each person.

Who Should Not Have It?

The treatment is not performed during pregnancy and breastfeeding or if there is an active infection or an active skin disease in the treatment area. In conditions such as blood disorders related to platelet count or function, anaemia, active cancer or cancer treatment, a serious chronic illness and treatments that suppress the immune system, a doctor's assessment is needed first. Regularly used medicines, including blood thinners and some painkillers, should not be stopped without consulting a doctor, and the doctor who will perform the treatment should be informed of them in advance.

Expectations and Limits

The effect of PRP appears slowly over time and varies from person to person; more than one session is usually needed. The treatment aims to support skin quality; it does not remove the signs of ageing or correct sagging. The effect is not permanent. Scientific data on its aesthetic use are limited.

Possible Side Effects

Redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness and temporary discolouration may occur at the injection sites; these usually resolve within a few days. Bruising may occur where the blood was taken. Infection is rare; it is important that the treatment is performed under sterile conditions with single-use materials. If a filler was applied together with PRP, the risks related to the filler also apply. If increasing pain, redness, warmth, discharge or fever, or, where a filler was applied, sudden severe pain, whitening or purplish discolouration of the skin or a change in vision is noticed, a doctor should be consulted immediately. For more information, see our PRP and acne and acne scar treatment pages.

Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın