PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is a treatment made from a small sample of your own blood. For some people, it may modestly improve skin texture, tone and fine lines, but the research is still limited and any change builds slowly over weeks to months. PRP does not add volume the way filler does, it does not relax expression lines the way Botox does, and it is not free of side effects. Individual results vary.
Ads for PRP often blur these points together. Here are the claims that come up most often, and what mainstream medical sources say about each one.
Myth: a "vampire facial" and PRP injections are the same thing
"Vampire facial" and "vampire facelift" are marketing nicknames, and they usually describe different treatments:
- PRP injections: PRP is injected into the skin with a fine needle.
- A "vampire facial": usually means microneedling, where a device makes many tiny punctures in the skin, with PRP spread over the surface so it can enter through those channels.
- A "vampire facelift": usually means PRP injected along with a hyaluronic acid dermal filler.
All three start the same way. A small amount of blood is drawn, usually from your arm, and spun in a machine called a centrifuge. Spinning separates the blood into layers, so the platelet-rich portion can be collected. Platelets carry growth factors, proteins involved in healing and repair, which is why PRP is being studied for skin.
After that, the treatments differ in how deep they go, how much downtime they cause and what they aim to change. Microneedling is a treatment in its own right, so when it is combined with PRP, it can be hard to tell how much of any change came from each part. When filler is part of the plan, the volume you see right away comes from the filler, not the PRP. If an ad doesn't say which technique it means, ask before you book.
Myth: PRP gives you an instant glow
PRP works gradually. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), its full effects appear over a few weeks to several months, and most people who respond have three or more treatments. When results do appear, the AAD says they can last up to 18 months.
If you notice a change in the first day or two, it is more likely short-lived swelling than PRP at work. Mild swelling after injections or microneedling can make skin look fuller for a few days before it settles.
The bigger picture is that the evidence is modest. A 2024 overview of systematic reviews in the journal Blood Transfusion, by Cruciani and colleagues, concluded that the available evidence was not enough to support firm conclusions about PRP for facial rejuvenation. The AAD also describes PRP as unproven. Many studies are small, and clinics prepare PRP in different ways, which makes results hard to compare. Some people notice smoother texture or a more even tone, and others notice little change. Individual results vary.
Myth: one treatment does everything
Different cosmetic treatments work on different causes of an aging look, so PRP cannot stand in for all of them:
- PRP is used mainly for skin quality, such as texture, tone and fine lines.
- Dermal fillers add volume, for example to the cheeks or to deep folds, and the change is visible right away.
- Botox relaxes the muscles that create expression lines, such as frown lines and forehead lines.
That is why PRP is not a substitute for filler, and why it will not soften a frown line the way Botox can. Some people end up with a plan that uses one approach, some use a mix, and some decide on none at all. A consultation is the place to decide which concern matters most to you and which treatment fits it.
Myth: because it's your own blood, there are no side effects
Using your own blood lowers the chance of an allergic reaction, but PRP still involves needles and handling blood. Common side effects include:
- swelling and redness
- bruising
- tenderness or mild pain where you were treated
- itching or tingling
These usually settle within a few days to a week. The more serious risks come from how blood is handled. The AAD notes that infection is possible if the blood is not kept sterile. In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported HIV infections linked to PRP microneedling facials at an unlicensed spa in New Mexico, where single-use equipment was being reused and blood was not handled safely. The lesson is about the setting: PRP belongs in a licensed medical office that handles blood safely and uses sterile, single-use supplies. It is fair to ask any provider how they do this.
PRP is also not right for everyone. The AAD lists HIV, hepatitis C, blood cancers, heart disease that requires a blood thinner, and skin cancer in the treatment area as reasons PRP may not be recommended. Tell the clinician about every medicine and supplement you take, and do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
Contact the office that treated you promptly if you notice redness, warmth or swelling that is getting worse, pus, fever, or pain that is increasing instead of easing. And if you have a new or changing spot on your face, have a dermatologist check it before any cosmetic treatment.
What Bay Ridge offers: PRP for facial rejuvenation
Bay Ridge Dermatology provides PRP for facial rejuvenation, and also offers Botox and dermal fillers, so you can compare options in one conversation. You can read about these treatments on our cosmetic dermatology page.
Cosmetic consultations at Bay Ridge are complimentary. A consultation is a conversation about your goals, the options that may fit them and what to expect, and there is no obligation to book a treatment. If you have seen ads for a specific technique, such as a microneedling-based "vampire facial," bring it up and ask how PRP would be given in your case.
Questions worth asking:
- Which technique would you use for me, and what happens at each step?
- How many sessions do you usually suggest, and how far apart?
- What side effects should I plan for, and how long do they tend to last?
- How is my blood drawn, processed and kept sterile?
- Would filler, Botox or another approach suit my main concern better?
PRP for facial rejuvenation is a cosmetic treatment, and cosmetic treatments are not covered by insurance. Our insurance page explains what is and isn't typically covered.
If you would like to talk PRP through with our team, you can book online or call (347) 497-4984.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For advice about your own skin, see a dermatologist.