I Tried PRP for Crow’s Feet—Here Are My Thoughts

Few skincare treatments can trigger the same widespread intrigue as the PRP-powered "vampire facial." While using blood in a skincare treatment might sound downright gruesome and even offputting, the results of the ever-popular PRP facial are pretty impressive. Even Kim Kardashian shared her experience immediately after (and we're talking fresh from the doctor's chair) doing PRP, which went viral in her Instagram post, turning the somewhat bizarre concept of PRP into a modern-day skin rejuvenator safe for all skin types and tones.

Even though PRP has a handful of benefits, like promoting cellular repair, stimulating collagen and elastin production, smoothing and firming the skin, enhancing the skin's overall appearance, and even jumpstarting hair growth, there's plenty to know about the treatment. Ahead, we share everything you need to know about a PRP treatment, including how many you need to reap the benefits, what to expect during a session, and how to take care of your skin afterward.

Read on for a full review of PRP and learn what the experts had to say about how the treatment can target fine lines and wrinkles.

What Is PRP?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, and it’s found in our blood. According to a study conducted by the American Society of Hematology, it plays “a critical role in tissue repair and regeneration.”

“Platelet-rich plasma is prepared by concentrating one’s own blood to isolate platelets and growth factors in serum,” explains Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, M.D., FAAD. “When injected into the skin or applied topically in conjunction with microneedling, PRP can reverse signs of skin aging, like wrinkles, by stimulating collagen and elastin production and promoting skin regeneration.”

Here’s how it works: First, blood is drawn from the arm. Roughly two vials are needed to gather enough PRP to cover the whole face, so if you hate having your blood drawn, then this probably isn’t the treatment for you. The vials of blood are then placed in a centrifuge, which spins them 3,050 times per minute, separating the PRP from the rest of the blood. The PRP is then injected all over the face to help rejuvenate the complexion—tackling everything from fine lines to sagging to acne scarring to skin texture. It’s often used in conjunction with Botox or fillers to improve the appearance of the complexion.

Benefits of a PRP Treatment

• Stimulates collagen production
• Improves skin texture and tone
• Increases speed of wound healing

If the process of PRP scares you, we’re confident the benefits will win over your heart. Since PRP addresses a myriad of concerns, it seems like a one-stop shop for addressing practically every skin problem. According to Dr. David Jack, these treatments can thicken and lift areas of the skin, promote collagen and elastin production, and speed up wound healing. “The biostimulation basically uses your body’s own responses to the treatment to produce the desired result,” Jack says.

The best part? The benefits are near-immediate—though continued use means they amp up over time. “You may notice an immediate improvement from the injection of fluid, which can plump the skin and temporarily soften fine lines, but the real results from PRP develop over time in several months,” says Murphy-Rose. “Long-term results vary widely. When used in combination with botulinum toxin injections, results can be expected to last for years.”

How to Prepare for a PRP Treatment

Before going under the needle, Murphy-Rose advises keeping a few things in mind. “To prepare for treatment, it’s best to avoid alcohol and medications that affect platelet function, like blood thinners or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (i.e., aspirin or ibuprofen), if not medically necessary and to talk to your dermatologist about any medications you take,” she says.

What to Expect During a PRP Treatment

PRP is a two-step treatment consisting of blood collection and platelet enrichment before it is applied. First, a small blood sample is drawn from your arm and then undergoes centrifugation, a process that Dr. Russak says separates various blood components based on density. "The goal is to move the highest possible percentage of platelets into the plasma while removing the undesirable components of the whole blood that are not helpful for the regenerative process," she explains. "This concentrates platelets, rich in growth factors known as cytokines. Activated PRP means platelets are stimulated to release all the inside components involved in tissue healing. In some cases, activated platelets secrete more than 300 active ingredients that stimulate skin regeneration."

Next, the PRP matrix, which resembles more of a yellow-colored serum than it does blood, is either injected or delivered into a target area, which your dermatologist can use on the skin post-laser or microneedling, microneedled into the scalp, or injected as a natural version of filler. "Current evidence suggests that delivering PRP into the deeper layers delivers a significantly higher concentration of growth factors directly to the target tissue, leading to superior clinical efficacy," Dr. Russak shares. The injections feel similar to Botox and take about five to ten minutes.

Immediately following the treatment, the skin will be slightly red or pink with tiny pinpoint bleeding and mild swelling. Dr. Russak says that the redness and swelling are transient inflammatory responses associated with initiating tissue repair processes and typically subside within a day or two. The skin may also be tender and even itchy, but the pain level is zero. Then, as the skin begins to heal, it may start to peel. 

PRP vs. Microinfusion

Similar to microneedling, microinfusion is a process of delivering PRP to the skin. Where the former punctures the dermis before the topical application of PRP, microinfusion injects the PRP directly into the skin. Those on the more squeamish side can choose to forego the PRP option and have other skin-loving cocktails of vitamins, acids, and fillers substituted for the treatment.

Potential Side Effects

According to experts, PRP treatments are pretty risk-free—though they do warn that bruising may occur, since needles are involved. “There is typically minimal downtime after PRP procedures,” says Murphy-Rose. “Side effects vary among patients and include temporary redness, bruising, discomfort, tenderness, and swelling. There may be superficial peeling of skin several days after treatments, which is a natural part of the healing process. It is important to continue hydrating your skin well and to absolutely never pick the peeling skin.”

The Cost

PRP is not cheap, but it works. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 per treatment session. "The cost varies based on the treatment area, the number of sessions required, and the geographical location," Dr. Russak says. Adding PRP to a laser or microneedling treatment can drive up the price, too. Usually, one session of PRP doesn't do the trick (although some people may see a noticeable difference in their skin), which is why most dermatologists recommend at least three appointments. You'll want to budget for a series—or better yet, buy a package of treatments—and then factor in the maintenance treatments, too, if you want to reap PRP's benefits.

Aftercare

Following your doctor's aftercare instructions to a T is key to getting good results. Even though there's little downtime save for some minor redness and swelling, Dr. Russak says it is best to take it easy and follow a gentle skincare regimen to optimize healing and minimize potential complications. "That includes avoiding harsh cleansers and exfoliants that can compromise the skin, which is delicate post-treatment. Instead, wash the skin with a mild cleanser twice daily. No retinol products for at least one week after a PRP treatment."

For the first 24 hours, you'll want to keep the treated area dry and clean and avoid touching, massaging, itching, or rubbing it. "Don't apply cosmetics to the treated area during this time either," Dr. Russak shares. You want to leave the PRP treatment on overnight, so don't wash your face the evening of the treatment."

Sun protection is essential since PRP can increase sun sensitivity. Dr. Russak recommends using a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with PSF 30 or higher daily. She also says to maintain a consistent moisturizing routine to prevent dryness and promote optimal healing.

To help with any mild discomfort, take over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol, but avoid applying ice or heat to the area since the skin may be temperature-sensitive.

The Final Takeaway

PRP can give you the glowy skin you long for, but you'll need to be ready to commit to a couple of treatments since one alone won't likely be enough to make a dramatic difference in the skin. "Visible improvements in skin texture, tone, and wrinkle reduction typically become apparent within four to six weeks after a treatment, and the full regenerative effects of PRP may continue to unfold over the following months, culminating in a naturally youthful and healthy-looking complexion," Dr. Russak says. You can book a PRP appointment year-round, but if you tend to be outside during the summer, consider scheduling your PRP sessions when the skin is less exposed to the sun. No matter which way you slice it or what you choose to use PRP for, the benefits are well worth it, making it a staple rejuvenating skincare treatment that everyone loves.