Key points
- PRP is plasma obtained from your own blood that contains high concentrations of platelets and growth factors, and it is used for skin rejuvenation, acne scars, stretch marks, hair loss, and more [1].
- Because it comes from your own blood, it causes few immune reactions, and a literature review has assessed it as a safe and well-tolerated treatment [2].
- Study results are generally positive, but limitations have been pointed out, including low study quality, small sample sizes, and a lack of standardized assessment criteria [2, 3].
- The composition of PRP varies depending on how it is prepared, and the appropriate number of treatments and interval between them have not yet been established, so results may vary from person to person [4, 2].
What is PRP?
When your own blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge, the portion with a high concentration of platelets can be separated out. This is called platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous serum (made from your own blood) that contains high concentrations of platelets and growth factors [1].
PRP is the first-generation product among autologous platelet concentrates (platelet concentrates made from your own blood), and it is the most widely studied in this group [2]. Second- and third-generation products have since been developed, such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and injectable PRF [2].
How does it work?
A 2025 literature review explained that platelets release growth factors that stimulate the formation of blood vessels and the production of the tissue matrix, while white blood cells help regulate the immune response and plasma proteins help form a supporting structure [4]. Together, these actions are thought to create an environment that supports tissue repair [4].
PRP is classified according to its white blood cell content, fibrin structure, and platelet concentration [4]. The final composition differs depending on how it is prepared, for example whether it is centrifuged once or twice, and the lack of consistency in preparation methods remains a challenge [4]. This is why products that share the name PRP cannot be assumed to have the same contents.
What is it used for in dermatology?
In dermatology, PRP is used for hair restoration, skin rejuvenation, acne scars, dermal augmentation (strengthening the deeper layer of skin), stretch marks (striae distensae), and more [1]. A 2022 literature review noted that it is used together with microneedling or mesotherapy, and for acne scars, melasma, and wound healing after ablative laser treatment [2].
Microneedling is a method that uses tiny needles to create very small injuries in the skin, triggering the wound-healing process and the formation of new collagen [5]. Because it is a non-ablative method that preserves the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), it reduces inflammation, recovery time, and the risk of pigment changes, and it is also used to improve the absorption of topical medications and growth factors [5]. A 2019 literature review reported that using PRP together with lasers, microneedling, fillers, or fat grafting improves cosmetic results through a synergistic effect [1].
- Skin rejuvenation
- Acne scars
- Stretch marks
- Melasma
- Wound healing after ablative laser treatment
- Hair restoration
Study results and their limitations
A 2022 literature review examined 100 publications and noted that skin rejuvenation treatment using autologous platelet concentrates is safe and well tolerated [2]. The results were generally positive, but the quality of the studies was low [2].
A 2025 literature review that examined 96 publications, focusing on randomized controlled trials, also stated that most of the studies looked at PRP and showed positive results [3]. However, it pointed out limitations such as small sample sizes and a lack of standardized assessment criteria, and called for better-designed studies, such as split-face designs that compare the two sides of the face [3]. This review regarded the use of platelet concentrates in facial aesthetics as promising but still a relatively recent treatment method [3].
How are PRP and PRF different?
PRF and injectable PRF are easier to obtain and, at least in laboratory studies, appear to stimulate more collagen production than PRP [2]. However, there are still few clinical trials that have evaluated them [2].
In the 2025 literature review as well, only a few studies compared PRP and PRF directly, and all of them reported better results for PRF [3]. Because there are so few comparison studies, it is too early to conclude which is better.
What to check before treatment
The appropriate number of treatments and interval between them, and the patient characteristics that predict a good response, still need to be clarified through research [2]. For this reason, even with the same treatment, results and satisfaction may vary from person to person. It is a good idea to have your skin condition and the change you hope for assessed through an examination before planning treatment.
- The purpose of treatment (skin texture, scars, pigmentation, and so on) and how much change you expect
- How the PRP will be prepared and which treatments will be combined with it
- The expected number of treatments and interval between them, and the basis for them
- Any blood disorders or medications you are taking
Frequently asked questions
- Since it uses my own blood, does that mean I don't need to worry about side effects?
- Because it comes from your own blood, it is described as causing fewer immune reactions and relatively few side effects [2]. However, having few side effects does not mean having none. Treatments combined with it, such as microneedling, also have their own recovery process and precautions [5].
- How many treatments do I need to see results?
- The optimal number of treatments and interval between them have not yet been established by research [2, 3]. The plan differs depending on your skin condition and the purpose of treatment, so it is best decided through an examination.
- Is PRP a proven treatment?
- In several literature reviews, the results were generally positive [2, 3]. However, the studies were often of low quality or had small sample sizes, and the reviews also concluded that better-designed studies are needed [2, 3]. It is a good idea to weigh the expected benefits with these limitations in mind.
References
- Emer J. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Current Applications in Dermatology. Skin Therapy Lett. 2019.PubMed 31584784
- Buzalaf MAR, Levy FM. Autologous platelet concentrates for facial rejuvenation. J Appl Oral Sci. 2022.PubMed 36074433DOI
- Davies C, Miron RJ. Autolougous platelet concentrates in esthetic medicine. Periodontol 2000. 2025.PubMed 39086171DOI
- Wu WS, Chen LR, Chen KH. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Molecular Mechanisms, Actions and Clinical Applications in Human Body. Int J Mol Sci. 2025.PubMed 41226837DOI
- Spataro EA, Dierks K, Carniol PJ. Microneedling-Associated Procedures to Enhance Facial Rejuvenation. Clin Plast Surg. 2023.PubMed 37169413DOI
This article is an English translation of general health information that DOY JUN Plastic Surgery compiled in Korean from the summaries (abstracts) of papers in international academic journals. Treatment methods and results vary depending on each person's condition, so please consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.