PRP Injections

• PRP injections use your own blood to renew and refresh your skin.
• It reduces signs of aging by encouraging collagen production in the skin.
• This treatment can be performed alongside microneedling for a vampire facial.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is a cutting-edge treatment that uses a special preparation of your blood to rejuvenate your skin. Used originally to accelerate wound healing and treat sports injuries, PRP injections have quickly become a popular med spa treatment because of their skin-repairing potential. This procedure addresses many of the most common signs of aging by accelerating the skin’s healing process.

PuraVida MedSpa provides safe, effective PRP injections to patients in the Fulton, MD and greater Baltimore area. Curious to find out what PRP injections can do for you? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Leslie Apgar. We offer both virtual and in-person appointments!

PRP Injections at PuraVida MedSpa

Here’s how PRP injections work: your blood is composed of three types of solids (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets) suspended in a liquid called plasma. Platelets help your blood clot, which is the first step in the healing process when skin is injured.

PRP therapies use a special preparation of your blood from which the red and white blood cells have been removed, leaving just the platelet-rich plasma. The PRP can be injected directly into your skin, or, when paired with microneedling for a “vampire facial,” applied topically at the site of the needling to be absorbed into the microwounds. 

Whether injected or absorbed, the platelets get to work, encouraging collagen production and regenerating tissues for a healthier, younger-looking complexion.

Before and After Photos

Please note that the patients featured in these images may have undergone other treatments in conjunction with PRP injections. This photo gallery does not guarantee that everyone who receives PRP injections will obtain these or similar results.

After your treatment, you’ll start to see an improvement in your skin in just a few days. The full results will appear in 1–2 months after your skin has had time to fully recuperate. You’ll gradually notice less hyperpigmentation, fewer acne scars, a more even skin tone and a brighter, smoother overall complexion.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate for PRP?

Because PRP injections treat such a wide range of issues, there’s no single type of best candidate. Almost anyone is eligible! 

However, there are a few contraindications. PRP might not be for you if you:

• Smoke
• Drink excessively
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are taking corticosteroid injections, blood thinners or NSAIDs

What Can You Treat with PRP Injections?

PRP therapy can improve a variety of skin conditions just about anywhere on the body. When injected directly into the skin or used in conjunction with microneedling, it treats:  

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Stretch marks
• Uneven skin tone
• Enlarged pores
• Acne breakouts and scarring
• Hyperpigmentation
• Irregular skin texture

Solely as an injection, it can also address the following concerns:

• Hair loss
• Tear trough deformation
• Under-eye bags
• Vaginal dryness and laxity

What to Expect During Your PRP Treatment

Your PRP treatment begins with our team drawing a small vial of blood. The vial is then placed in a centrifuge machine, which spins rapidly to separate the different solids in your blood, isolating the platelets from the red and white blood cells. The result is a preparation of plasma with a high concentration of platelets.

If you’re having direct injections of PRP, the doctor then injects the preparation into the treatment areas.

If you’re also undergoing microneedling—the vampire facial—the doctor first performs this procedure using tiny, sterile needles. The needles create microscopic holes in your skin, kickstarting the production of new, healthier skin cells. The PRP is then smoothed over your face to accelerate the healing of these microwounds.  

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

If PRP injections don’t feel right for you, we offer many other treatments to improve your skin’s texture and quality. These procedures can also be performed in conjunction with PRP injections. In fact, we have found that combining approaches is often more effective than performing a single type of therapy.

You might consider some of the following options:

• Microneedling stimulates collagen production without requiring blood be drawn
• Chemical peels treat minor skin issues and promote collagen production without needles
• Laser treatments may be more effective for older skin, as the lasers penetrate deeper
• Microdermabrasion is even gentler than a peel, with similar skin-resurfacing benefits

PRP Injections FAQ

What’s the difference between a PRP facial and traditional microneedling?

The only difference between a vampire facial and traditional microneedling is the use of PRP on the skin after the needling session. Practitioners have discovered that microneedling with PRP is more effective than microneedling alone; however, medical spas continue to offer both treatments separately.

Are PRP injections safe?

PRP injections are autologous, meaning they consist of substances from your own body. Therefore, unlike other injections such as Botox or dermal fillers, they pose no risk of an allergic reaction. However, the safety of your PRP treatment depends entirely on the expertise and good lab techniques of the person administering it. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a qualified doctor like Dr. Leslie Apgar.

Are there any side effects?

After your appointment, you may experience some redness, swelling or bruising. These symptoms typically clear up 4–6 days after treatment. During this period, it is not recommended to take NSAIDs or any blood-thinning medication, as these can worsen any side effects.

How do I care for my skin after treatment?

To calm swelling, you may take Tylenol or cool off the treated area by covering it with a thin cloth and placing an ice pack over it. You may also find it helpful to sleep with your head slightly elevated.

For the 72 hours following your PRP injection, there are a few things to avoid:

• Cleansers and exfoliants
• Saunas, steam rooms, hot showers or any high heat
• Strenuous exercise or swimming
• Wearing makeup
• Drinking alcohol
• Direct exposure to sunlight

Will I need multiple treatments?

The effects of your PRP injections can last up to a year, at which point you may wish to undergo treatment again.