You might have heard it called the "vampire facial." Behind the nickname is a real, low-risk treatment, here's what it can and can't do.
What PRP actually is
We draw a little of your blood and spin it in a centrifuge, which separates and concentrates the platelets. Platelets are best known for clotting, but they also carry growth factors, proteins that signal your body to repair tissue. The idea behind PRP is simple: deliver a concentrated dose of those healing signals right where you want them.
For thinning hair
This is where the evidence is strongest. Mayo Clinic researchers found PRP can temporarily regrow hair in common pattern hair loss. A 2023 study found it increased hair density, more hairs, though not the thickness of each strand. The key word is temporary: results need upkeep to maintain.
For skin
Reviews and clinical trials have shown improvements in skin texture, tone, and elasticity, with some of the best results reported around the delicate under-eye area. It's a gradual, subtle refresh rather than a dramatic change.
The honest limits
- Results vary quite a bit from person to person
- The effects are temporary and need maintenance
- Treatment protocols aren't fully standardized across clinics
- It's not a miracle, but because it uses your own blood, it's a low-risk option worth considering
Where this comes from
- Mayo Clinic, PRP found effective in regrowing hair, 2019. mayoclinic.org
- PRP for facial rejuvenation, clinical review. NIH PMC