PRP Injections: What to Expect

PRP Injections: What to Expect

Last Updated: March 2026  ·  Reviewed by Jinli Wu, PA-C  ·  Skin Select, Brentwood Los Angeles

PRP injections use your own concentrated platelets to trigger tissue repair, stimulate collagen, and improve skin quality in targeted areas. Blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge to isolate growth factors, then injected into the treatment site. Results develop gradually over four to eight weeks and continue improving across multiple sessions.

70–80%

Subjects showing improved skin texture and hydration with PRP across 11 studies (J. Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019)

3–5x

Higher platelet concentration in PRF vs. standard PRP, with sustained growth factor release over 7–14 days (Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2020)

3–4

Sessions typically recommended for optimal PRP results, spaced four to six weeks apart

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are an advanced treatment that uses the healing power of your own blood to stimulate repair and regeneration. By concentrating platelets rich in growth factors and healing proteins, PRP encourages natural processes that can improve skin texture, support hair growth, and enhance overall wellness. This minimally invasive therapy allows patients to rejuvenate and restore tissue using their body’s own resources.

At Skin Select, our experts take the time to discuss your concerns and goals, helping you determine if PRP is the right treatment for you. We create a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re seeking skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, or scar improvement. PRP’s natural approach means there is minimal risk of rejection — though like all injectable procedures, PRP carries real risks including infection, injection-site reactions, and activation of herpes simplex in susceptible individuals — and results develop gradually in harmony with your body, providing subtle, natural-looking improvements without surgery or synthetic products.

Table of Contents

  • What Are PRP Injections?
  • PRP Treatment
  • PRP Procedure
  • Treatment Recommendations
  • What PRP Treats
  • Benefits of PRP Injections
  • What to Expect During the Appointment
  • Recovery and Results
  • Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP Injections?
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Encouragement and Next Steps
  • Conclusion

What Are PRP Injections?

Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP, is a concentration of platelets derived from your own blood. These platelets are essential for healing and tissue regeneration, containing growth factors and proteins that help repair damaged tissue, stimulate collagen production, and promote cellular renewal.

When injected into targeted areas, PRP activates the body’s natural repair mechanisms. Over time, this can lead to stronger tissues, smoother skin, stimulated hair follicles, and effective, safe healing.

The process of preparing PRP is simple and minimally invasive:

  • Blood Draw: A small sample of blood is collected from the patient.
  • Centrifuge Process: The blood is spun to separate platelets, concentrating growth factors and healing proteins.
  • Collection: The concentrated platelets are prepared for injection into the desired treatment areas.

PRP is effective because it harnesses the body’s own regenerative powers. At Skin Select, our experts use this natural approach to create customized treatments for skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, and targeted healing, helping patients achieve gradual, natural-looking results.

PRP Treatment

PRP treatment refers to the overall process of using platelet-rich plasma to address specific concerns, whether for skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, or joint and tissue healing.

Key advantages of PRP treatment include:

  • Natural approach: PRP uses your own blood to enhance healing and regeneration.
  • Non-surgical solution: This treatment is minimally invasive, making it ideal for patients seeking effective results without surgery or extensive downtime.
  • Customizable: Providers create a treatment plan tailored to each individual’s needs, whether to improve skin texture, reduce scarring, or stimulate hair growth.

Patients often appreciate how PRP treatment integrates seamlessly into their aesthetic or wellness routines. The results develop gradually over time, producing natural-looking improvements that continue to evolve over weeks and months. This slow and subtle enhancement supports long-term confidence and overall well-being.

PRP Treatment

PRP Procedure

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy harnesses the body’s natural healing powers to rejuvenate skin, stimulate hair growth, and improve tissue quality. Using concentrated platelets from your own blood, rich in growth factors and healing proteins, PRP accelerates cellular repair and regeneration. Whether your goal is smoother skin, reduced scarring, or thicker hair, PRP provides a natural, effective solution.

Here is what to expect during a PRP procedure:

  • Consultation: Our experts discuss your concerns and goals to determine if PRP Therapy Los Angeles is the right option. A customized treatment plan is created to address your specific needs, whether for skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, or scar improvement. Providers will explain the process, expected outcomes, and any pre-treatment instructions to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.
  • Blood Draw: A small sample of blood is collected, similar to a routine blood test.
  • Centrifuge Process: The blood is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets and separate them from other components. This produces platelet-rich plasma packed with growth factors that accelerate healing.
  • Injection: The PRP is carefully injected into targeted areas, stimulating collagen production, tissue repair, and cellular regeneration. In aesthetic treatments, injections are precise to maximize rejuvenation of the skin or scalp.
  • Treatment Time: Most sessions last 45-60 minutes. The procedure is quick, efficient, and designed for minimal discomfort.
  • Post-Treatment Care: Minimal downtime is needed. Patients can usually resume normal activities immediately, although mild redness or swelling may appear at the injection site for a short period. Providers may offer additional instructions for skincare or activity to optimize results.

Treatment Recommendations

  • Sessions: A series of 3-4 treatments is typically recommended for best results.
  • Results: Gradual improvements occur over 4-6 weeks as collagen production and tissue repair progress.
  • Longevity: Results can last 12-18 months, depending on individual response and follow-up care.

What PRP Treats

  • Skin texture and tone: Enhances radiance, smoothness, and firmness.
  • Fine lines and wrinkles: Reduces the appearance of aging naturally.
  • Hair thinning and loss: Stimulates follicle activity and increases hair thickness.
  • Acne scarring: Promotes tissue regeneration to improve the appearance of scars.

PRP Injection Los Angeles treatments provide natural rejuvenation using the body’s own healing mechanisms. The consultation and customized treatment plan ensure that each patient receives care designed to meet their goals safely and effectively.

Benefits of PRP Injections

PRP injections are natural, safe, and highly effective. Because the treatment uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reactions or complications is extremely low, making it a reliable option for those seeking treatments that work in harmony with the body.

Other benefits include:

  • Supports healing and regeneration: Growth factors stimulate tissue repair, improve collagen production, and enhance overall tissue health.
  • Versatile applications: PRP can address a variety of concerns, from facial rejuvenation and hair restoration to injury recovery and joint health.
  • Long-term improvements: Gradual, natural results develop over weeks or months, offering subtle enhancements that are sustained over time.

Popular uses of PRP include:

  • Skin rejuvenation: Improves tone, texture, and radiance.
  • Hair restoration: Enhances hair growth and thickness.
  • Joint and injury recovery: Supports healing in tendons, ligaments, and joints, which is especially useful for athletes or those with chronic conditions.

By stimulating the body’s own repair mechanisms, PRP offers long-lasting benefits and can be maintained with occasional follow-up sessions. Patients often find the subtle improvements boost confidence while supporting overall wellness.

Benefits of PRP Injections

What to Expect During the Appointment

At Skin Select, patient comfort and convenience are a priority during PRP injection sessions. Most appointments include:

  • Comfort Measures: Numbing cream may be applied to minimize discomfort. The procedure is gentle and minimally invasive.
  • Treatment Time: Sessions typically last 45–60 minutes, including preparation, blood draw, and injections.
  • Minimal Downtime: Most patients can return to daily activities immediately. Mild redness or swelling may occur but usually resolves quickly.

Many patients notice a tingling or warming sensation at the injection site, which indicates increased blood flow and activation of the body’s natural healing processes. Each step of the procedure is tailored by Skin Select providers to ensure maximum comfort while achieving optimal, natural-looking results.

Recovery and Results

Recovery from PRP injections is generally quick and well-tolerated. Mild redness, swelling, or tenderness may appear at the injection site but typically resolves within a few days.

Results develop gradually as the body’s natural healing processes take effect. Over several weeks, patients may notice:

  • Smoother, more radiant skin
  • Increased hair growth and thickness
  • Reduced joint discomfort or faster recovery from injuries

Week by week, improvements continue to appear. Patients often report subtle enhancements after the first session, with more significant results following additional treatments. Lifestyle factors, such as staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet, and protecting treated areas from excessive sun exposure, can help optimize outcomes.

Long-term maintenance may include periodic follow-up sessions to extend the benefits. Because PRP stimulates natural regeneration, the positive effects often continue to improve for months after treatment.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP Injections?

PRP injections are ideal for individuals seeking a natural, minimally invasive approach to rejuvenation and healing. Good candidates include:

  • Individuals seeking a natural approach: Those who prefer treatments that work with the body’s own regenerative abilities.
  • Those seeking non-surgical solutions: Patients wanting effective results without surgery or lengthy recovery periods.
  • Patients in good health: Individuals without blood disorders or conditions affecting platelet function.

A consultation with a qualified provider helps determine whether PRP is appropriate, taking into account individual goals, medical history, and lifestyle.

Encouragement and Next Steps

PRP injections are a safe, natural, and effective option for many people seeking rejuvenation, healing, or enhanced wellness. The treatment works with your body’s own processes to provide improvements that are both natural-looking and long-lasting.

If you are curious about how PRP could benefit you, scheduling a consultation is the best next step. During this appointment, a qualified provider can evaluate your needs, answer your questions, and create a personalized treatment plan.

It is important to remember that PRP results are subtle and gradual, giving you natural enhancements rather than dramatic changes. Many patients find that these improvements boost confidence and overall well-being, making PRP a rewarding choice for anyone looking for gentle, effective care.

Encouragement and Next Steps

Conclusion

PRP injections use your body’s own healing power to restore, rejuvenate, and repair skin and tissues, providing a natural, minimally invasive approach with lasting benefits. This treatment gradually enhances appearance and supports the body’s healing processes, making it a versatile option for a range of concerns. At Skin Select, our experts work with each patient to create a personalized evaluation and treatment plan, helping you achieve your goals safely and effectively.

What patients appreciate most about PRP is that it works with the body rather than around it. There are no synthetic substances involved. The growth factors drive real tissue remodeling, which is why results look natural and improve over time rather than appearing all at once.

Jinli Wu, PA-C  ·  Skin Select, Brentwood Los Angeles

Who should not have PRP injections PRP uses your own blood, which eliminates the risk of allergic reaction or rejection — but it is not appropriate for everyone. Tell your provider before booking if you:
  • Take blood thinners (warfarin, heparin, aspirin therapy, or newer anticoagulants like Eliquis or Xarelto)
  • Have a history of cold sores or herpes simplex — microneedling can trigger an outbreak without prophylactic antiviral medication
  • Have an active infection, open wound, or rash in the treatment area
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have a platelet disorder or blood dyscrasia
A thorough intake at your consultation will cover your full medical history and confirm whether PRP is appropriate for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions can PRP injections treat?

PRP is used for skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, scar improvement, and under-eye hollows. It is also used alongside microneedling for enhanced collagen stimulation.

How many sessions are typically needed?

Most patients complete three to four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart for optimal results. Skin rejuvenation and hair restoration protocols may vary based on individual response.

Does PRP hurt?

Numbing cream is applied before treatment. Most patients describe mild pressure at the injection site. Discomfort is brief and well tolerated.

When will I see results from PRP injections?

Subtle improvements typically appear within four to six weeks. Results continue to develop over several months as collagen production and tissue regeneration progress.

Are there side effects?

Side effects are generally mild: temporary redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site. Because PRP uses your own blood, allergic reactions are extremely rare.

How is PRP different from PRF Gel?

PRF Gel contains a fibrin matrix that allows slower, sustained release of growth factors over 7 to 14 days. Standard PRP releases growth factors more quickly. Both use your own blood. Your provider can advise which approach suits your goals and treatment area.

Ready to Get Started?

Dermatology-trained providers in Brentwood. Transparent pricing, no surprises.

Book a Consultation
Back to blog