Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a non-surgical option that works by drawing the patient’s blood, separating the platelet-rich plasma, and injecting the patient’s own blood platelets back into their body in the affected area. The premise behind all platelet-rich plasma therapies is to kick-start the body’s ability to regenerate itself using its own growth factors. Please continue reading to learn more about PRP injections for hair restoration, facial rejuvenation, sexual health, potential side effects, and getting started with PRP therapy.

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The cost of PRP therapy depends on a range of factors.
Minimal downtime.
Notice results after just a couple of weeks.
The information on this page has been reviewed for medical accuracy by
Dr. Allen Silanee, MD, FACOG
Allen Silanee, MD, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) in Florida. Dr. Silanee has more than 18 years of experience in the obstetrics and gynecology field. Dr. Silanee is an expert in women’s health, specializing in general women’s OBGYN care and sexual wellness, as well as minimally invasive gynecology surgery, including robotic-assisted procedures.
history of Platelet Rich Plasma Treatments

History of Platelet Rich Plasma

The platelet-rich plasma injection concept was initially developed in the 1970s and first used in 1987. In the 1990s, PRP injections were used in cosmetic medicine, orthopedics, dentistry, and more. More recently, PRP injections are used for improving a receding hairline, facial aging, and sexual health for both men and women. Regardless of the injection site, any treatments that use PRP can be referred to as platelet-rich plasma therapy. Though some PRP treatments have become more common by name, such as:

While Platelet Rich Plasma is not FDA approved, the centrifuges, procedures and other equipment used to separate and inject it are FDA approved.

Platelet Rich Plasma Benefits

BENEFITS OF Platelet Rich Plasma

For Hair Loss

One of the most obvious aging signs is hair loss, which affects both men and women equally. Male or female pattern baldness usually starts to affect people in their 50’s but can start much earlier. Men who are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness can begin to lose hair in their 20’s. PRP therapy for hair restoration has grown in popularity because of its reported success in improving hair count, hair thickness, and the hair’s growth phase.  Anyone experiencing hair loss may be a good candidate for PRP injections for hair restoration. Research has found the best results experienced in patients who are in the early stages of hair loss. 

For Facial Aging

Advances in aesthetic medicine continue to develop revolutionary solutions for treating concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, scars, acne, sagging skin, and other facial aging concerns. The Vampire Facial was made famous when Kim Kardashian shared a video of herself getting the treatment. Like PRP for hair restoration, PRP is used after microneedling, as a healing agent placed on top of the medically injured skin, or injected back into the problem skin areas.  Many patients have experienced a dramatic improvement in facial appearance and rejuvenation when combining microneedling with PRP because it works to induce collagen production.

For Sexual Health 

PRP can address and remedy sexual health problems for men and women. Some of the primary benefits include an overall improvement in sexual satisfaction and increased libido.  Specific conditions addressed include:

For men

For women

Happy Consumer
Testimonials

I had 3 treatments done for male pattern hair loss and have had great results so far. I still see it improving every week. The whole process is fascinating how they use your own blood. So if seeing your own blood drawn makes you queasy, don’t look!

Thom P.
Florida
Platelet Rich Plasma Q&A
Platelet Rich Plasma Procedures

Getting Started with Platelet Rich Plasma

Finding an expert is as simple as visiting our online community. With AgeEnvy, valuable information detailing platelet-rich plasma procedures as well as qualified providers are at your fingertips. Keep in mind that your health and safety comes first with any treatment. That’s why our mission is to give consumers control over their health by getting them connected with providers that are licensed; verified experts focused on platelet-rich plasma treatments.

Potential Platelet Rich Plasma Side Effects

Potential PRP for Hair Loss Side Effects

Since the treatment uses the patient’s own blood, there is no risk of contracting a communicable disease, but since the treatment involves the use of needles, there are still potential risks to be aware of:

  • Blood vessel injury
  • Nerve injury
  • Infection
  • Injection point calcification
  • Scar tissue

Potential PRP Treatment for Facial Aging Side Effects

Like PRP for Hair Loss, the main risk in using PRP for Facial rejuvenation is using a needle to inject the PRP back into the patient’s body. The Vampire Facial may result in side effects such as:

  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Redness at the injection site
  • Tenderness/pain at the injection site

Potential PRP for Sexual Health Side Effects

Because the procedure involves an injection with a needle, there are some potential side effects to be aware of concerning the two different shots for men and women.

P-Shot for Men

Generally comfortable, but there is a mild pinching sensation during the treatment. Side effects are minimal, but some redness or mild bleeding may be present at the injection site.

O-Shot for Women

Also generally comfortable due to the effects of using an anesthetic cream. Some women experience soreness, bleeding, or spotting at the injection site that can last for a day. Keep in mind that if PRP is used for sexual rejuvenation, some additional side effects could occur, including:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Nerve damage (Rare)

Be sure to use an experienced, certified, and licensed provider that uses FDA approved centrifuges and other equipment. 

Platelet Rich Plasma FAQ

Here you will find answers to our user’s most common questions. Our goal is to keep you easily informed as you research ways to realize your age management potential. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please contact us.

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How much does PRP cost?

The cost of PRP therapy depends on a range of factors. The number of treatments, goals, treatment areas and your practitioner all play a part in determining what your total cost will be. In addition, you can count on a further price adjustment based on your geographic location and any extras you choose to add on with your treatment package. That being said, the average cost for each treatment is broken down below for your review. For hair treatments, the price is usually between $1500-$3500 for the initial round of treatments. The average cost of the Vampire Facial is between $1000-$2500 per treatment. The O-Shot and P-Shot average between $1200-$2000. Consult with your practitioner for financing packages if needed.

How many Platelet Rich Plasma Treatments will I need?

The number of treatments depends largely on your starting point and your goals. Every person is unique and responds differently to treatment, which can affect the number of treatments needed as well. However, the standard treatment for each area is as follows:

  • PRP for Hair: Three treatments in 4-6 week period
  • PRP for Face: Up to three treatments for the initial rounds of treatment
  • PRP for Sexual Health: 1-3 for women and men depending on needs.
How long is the recovery time after PRP procedures?

Since the treatment for all three treatment areas is minimally invasive you can expect little to no recovery time for all treatments. However, each treatment carries the risk of side effects that can affect recovery time for some patients. An experienced practitioner can greatly minimize your risk of side effects. Each treatment area has some specific warnings for patients to be aware of. PRP for hair and face requires that you minimize sun exposure for the first few days due to everything being opened up from the injections. For the O-Shot and P-Shot, make sure to refrain from sexual activity for at least four hours after treatment.

How quickly will I see results from Platelet Rich Plasma Treatments?

For some patients, they may notice results within the first few days after treatment. Most patients will notice results after a couple weeks. Regardless of the treatment area, full results are not realized until at least a couple months after treatment. The length of time for noticeable results depends on your goals and starting point. Also, your own healing ability and general response to the treatment will affect the speed of results. If you feel like the results are not happening quickly enough, consult with your practitioner to determine if an adjustment to your treatment plan is needed.

How long will my Platelet Rich Plasma results last?

The key to long-lasting results lies in how well you stick to post-treatment care and maintenance. In general, PRP injections are designed to help patients maintain results for an average of 1-2 years. Most patients elect to do maintenance treatments on an annual basis to maintain their results without the risk of sliding backward in results. The frequency of maintenance treatments will depend on your individual response to treatment as well as your goals.