Benefits of PRP Facial: My Story

I just had my first PRP Facial. Initially, I was hesitant but after doing some fun research and seeing it highly recommended on some trusted social accounts I follow – I decided to give it a shot. PRP Facials are becoming increasingly popular in the Health and Wellness space for women. Mainly because it has been proven to be longer-lasting (and more holistic) than any other application offered. See images below for my post-PRP Facial Treatment.

What is a PRP Facial?

A PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) facial, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) facials, also known as “Vampire facials,” are a popular cosmetic procedure that harnesses the body’s natural healing and rejuvenation abilities.

Procedure: A PRP facial involves a multi-step process. First, a small amount of your blood is drawn from your arm. The blood is then processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the rest of the blood components.
Application: The PRP, which is rich in growth factors and healing properties, is then applied topically to your face. I have also seen it done intravenously (via injection) to the face.
Microneedling: In my case the PRP was combined with microneedling. Microneedling uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin’s surface, allowing for deeper penetration of the PRP and stimulating collagen and elastin production.
Results: PRP facials are designed to improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity. They can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage. The growth factors also promote tissue repair and regeneration.

Why Are They Good?

Natural Approach: PRP facials use your body’s natural resources, making them a more natural and minimally invasive option for facial rejuvenation.
Collagen Boost: The growth factors in PRP stimulate collagen and elastin production, which can lead to firmer, younger-looking skin.
Versatility: PRP facials can address a variety of skin concerns, making them suitable for individuals with different skin types and ages.
Gradual Improvement: Results from PRP facials appear gradually over several weeks, resulting in a natural look.

How Long Do PRP Facial Results Last?

In my consultation my aesthetician recommended 2-3 treatments to get me started (to baseline) and then recommended just annual visits following as a maintenance. As I mentioned above, results are not permanent. Typically, one session lasts up to a year. Annual maintenance sessions are recommended to sustain the effects.

Additional Considerations:

Cost: PRP facials tend to be more expensive than some other cosmetic procedures due to the blood processing step. My session took place in Minestota and cost $400 at a discounted special rate. My next session will be $600. I usually see clinics charge upwards of $600 per session; some even closer to $1,000.
Number of Sessions: The number of sessions needed depends on individual goals and the condition of your skin. A series of sessions is recommended for optimal results.

The basics of PRP Facials:

Mechanism: In a PRP facial, your blood is drawn, processed to concentrate platelets (rich in growth factors), and then applied to your face. It’s often combined with microneedling to enhance results.

Results: PRP stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture, tone, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Results can be subtle but natural-looking.

Longevity: PRP facials typically provide longer-lasting results compared to microneedling or chemical peels. However, they are not permanent. Maintenance treatments can be helpful. Aesthetician recommended me 2-3 treatments (based off consultation of my skin), then annual treatments indefinetly.

Cost: Most expensive. PRP facials tend to be more expensive than other treatments due to the additional step of blood processing and centrifuging. My treatment was in Minnesota and at a discount of $400. Next session will be $600. From my research, most locations fall in the $600-$1,000 range. Note: Prices vary based off where you are getting services done. CA is most expensive.

PRP with Microneedling – What is microneedling?

Mechanism: Microneedling uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production.

Results: It improves skin texture, reduces the appearance of scars, fine lines, and wrinkles, and enhances the absorption of skincare products.

Longevity: Results are relatively long-lasting but not permanent. Multiple sessions will be needed for optimal results. Aesthetician recommends once a month treatments.

Cost: Expensive. Microneedling is less expensive than PRP facials but more expensive than Derma-rolling & chemical peels. Note: Prices vary based off where you are getting services done. CA is most expensive.

The allure of a PRP facial often lies in the potential for longer-lasting results and the use of the patient’s natural growth factors. However, the choice between treatments depends on individual skincare goals, budget, and tolerance for downtime. There are other wonderful options like Chemical Peels, Microneedling and Dermarolling that are effective and great for someone just getting into this realm of skin health. However, it is important to keep in mind that these treatments are not made to be ‘long-lasting’ per se. They’ll definitely address immediate concerns of the skin and protect against pathogens and immediate threats in your environment, keeping the terrain of your face well maintained. But you will ideally want to be implementing it into your routine and budget on a monthly basis to see optimal results. This regimen can get expensive – long-term.

My PRP Facial Journey

Wednesday morning at 9:30 I had my PRP Facial. Following the facial it was recommended to let the inflammatory response run its course and NOT to curb it. AKA- DO NOT use any products, water, serums, etc… We WANT the inflammation. ‘Inflammation is a normal and expected part of the healing process’ per my aesthetician. While it might seem counterintuitive, this controlled inflammation is a crucial aspect of the treatment, and there’s scientific reasoning behind it. Here’s why inflammation is desirable:

Collagen Production: Inflammation triggers the body’s natural wound-healing response, which includes the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen is a protein that provides structural support to the skin and is essential for maintaining its firmness and elasticity. By inducing controlled inflammation, PRP facials stimulate collagen production, leading to improved skin texture and tone.

Tissue Repair: Inflammation is part of the body’s mechanism for repairing damaged tissue. When the skin experiences micro-injuries from procedures like microneedling (often combined with PRP facials), the inflammatory response helps to repair and regenerate skin cells. This can lead to a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and scars.

Cell Regeneration: Inflammatory cytokines, which are signaling molecules released during inflammation, play a role in cell regeneration. They help stimulate the growth of new skin cells, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

Improved Blood Flow: Inflammation increases blood flow to the treated area. This heightened circulation delivers oxygen and essential nutrients to the skin, promoting overall skin health and radiance.

Faster Healing: Controlled inflammation speeds up the healing process. It helps the skin recover from the micro-injuries created during microneedling or other treatments, reducing downtime and discomfort.

Immune Response: Inflammation is also part of the immune response. It helps protect against infections that might occur due to the micro-injuries, ensuring the skin heals properly.

The inflammation induced by PRP facials is mild and localized. It’s a natural and necessary part of the skin’s healing and rejuvenation process. The degree of inflammation varies from person to person and may depend on factors such as the intensity of the treatment and individual skin sensitivity.

Takeaways from my aesthetician:

FDA approved Microneedling pen. Which means smaller needles allows less scarring & deeper penetration.
Deepest penetration for the areas with the largest pores. For me, that meant she targeted my nose and chin.
I have a 1 in. scar on my forehead above my right eyebrow. She also utilized deeper penetration in this area. Also note: After 3-5 PRP sessions there sufficient science proving the scar would be 80%+ LESS noticeable.
2-3 PRP sessions to get to an ideal ‘baseline’. Then, 1 session a year as maintenance would suffice.
Minnesota, New York, Washington, Oregon, Arizona and some others are hardest to become a board certified aesthetician. California and others are most lenient.
Sun is bad. I disagree with that.

PRP Post-treatment Care Instructions:

1. Keep the Treated Area Clean

Gently cleanse your face using a mild, non-abrasive, and fragrance-free cleanser. Personally, I buy an Aloe Vera leaf and use that topically for a few days following the treatment.

Use lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel. Avoid rubbing or harsh scrubbing.

2. Avoid Sun Exposure

Stay out of direct sunlight immediately after the treatment.

If you need to go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat and use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply as directed.

3. Avoid Makeup and Skincare Products

For the first 24-48 hours post-treatment, avoid applying makeup, sunscreen, or any skincare products to the treated area. After 24 hours, you can use gentle, hypoallergenic skincare products as recommended by your skincare professional.

4. Minimize Touching the Treated Area

Avoid touching, picking, or scratching the treated skin to prevent infection and irritation.

5. Hydrate and Moisturize

Use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin moist and minimize dryness or flakiness. No fatty/ oil base products for 24-48 hours. Aloe Vera is great.

6. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to stay well-hydrated, as this can support overall skin health.

7. Avoid Strenuous Activities

For the first 24 to 48 hours post-treatment, avoid strenuous exercise and activities that cause excessive sweating.

8. Monitor for Unusual Reactions

Pay attention to your skin’s response to the treatment. If you experience severe redness, swelling, itching, or any other unusual reactions, contact your skincare professional immediately.

What I did in a nutshell:

FIRST 24 HOURS

NOTHING for 24 hours (no touching, no splashing water, no aloe vera, no sun, no kissing, etc.)
Light meals for 24 hours following treatment (yogurt, apples, kombucha, orange juice, Vitamin C, dark chocolate)
Lots of filtered water for 3 days
Red Light Therapy – 15 min. AM & PM
L-theanine at night (for easy rest)
Sleep on back (no pillow-to-face interaction)
Aesthetician provided miscelar water in cellulose face mask for PM following treatment
Aesthetician provided two creams ‘Repair and Restore’ – pea sized amount on face AM & PM until gone
And you’re not going to want to go anywhere – so find somewhere comfortable to chill out for the next day.

And I didn’t do this but a humidifier would have been great if I had one.

AFTER 24 HOURS

Splashed filtered water on face on 30^th hour
Lots of filtered water for 3 days
Red Light Therapy – 15 min. AM & PM
L-theanine at night (for easy rest)
Implemented aloe vera serum on 38^th hour (PM of day 2)
Sleep on back (no pillow-to-face interaction)
Aesthetician provided two creams ‘Repair and Restore’ – pea sized amount on face AM & PM until gone
More nutrient dense meals; ground beef, eggs, kimchi, tomatoes, honey, beef tallow and orange juice

My initial impressions following the treatment:

Rudolph – Expect a red face, looks like someone grabbed sandpaper and rubbed it all over my face. I’ve never felt uglier. HA!
‘RAW face to air’ was the first thing I told my aesthetician after she finished the treatment.
Really sensitive first 24 hours – but not unbearable, just uncomfy.
30^th hour (day 2) was the first time I touched my face – Very soft, Not sensitive, Skin feels tighter to face, really just an all-around good feeling.
Facial expressions are rough for 2 days following treatment. Lol.
Luckily, I did not breakout. (although that is very common)
Unluckily, my skin did get very flakey and dry by Day 3. (also, very common)