PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment is the application of platelet-rich plasma obtained from the patient’s own blood in order to support skin renewal and tissue repair. Thanks to its natural growth factors, this method stimulates cell renewal and increases the skin’s elasticity and vitality.
PRP applications are widely preferred in areas such as facial rejuvenation, hair loss treatment, and wound healing. The biologically active substances contained in platelets provide tightening and radiance in the skin by increasing collagen synthesis. The procedure is minimally invasive and offers natural results.
Before PRP treatment, a small blood sample is taken from the patient, and platelet-rich plasma is separated by centrifugation. The obtained plasma is applied to the targeted area by microneedling or injection. This process initiates the renewal and repair cycle in the skin.
Although mild redness and edema may be seen after the treatment, they disappear in a short time. Since PRP does not contain chemical substances, the risk of allergic reactions is extremely low. Sessions performed at regular intervals provide a long-term rejuvenating effect and preserve the skin’s natural texture.
| What You Need to Know | Information |
| Definition | PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is a natural renewal treatment applied by separating the blood taken from the person into platelet-rich plasma through a special process and reinjecting this plasma into the skin. |
| Working Principle | Platelet-enriched plasma increases the renewal of skin cells and boosts collagen production thanks to the growth factors it contains. This creates a rejuvenating, tightening, and revitalizing effect on the skin. |
| Application Areas / Purposes | It is used in many areas such as skin rejuvenation, reduction of fine wrinkles, elimination of loss of elasticity, balancing skin tone, reduction of acne scars, hair loss treatment, and strengthening hair follicles. |
| Application Procedure | Approximately 10–20 ml of blood is taken from the patient and the plasma is separated by centrifugation. The obtained PRP solution is injected under the skin with the help of micro-needles. Generally, 3–4 sessions at intervals of 3–4 weeks are recommended. |
| Advantages / Why It Is Preferred | Since the person’s own blood is used, the risk of allergy or infection is low. It is a natural, safe, and biological treatment. It provides natural rejuvenation by initiating skin renewal from within. |
| Suitability / For Whom | It may be preferred as a supportive treatment in individuals with signs of aging, moisture loss, dullness, lack of elasticity, or fine lines on their skin; and also in people experiencing hair loss. |
What Is Prp (Platelet – Rich Plasma) Treatment?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment is a natural regenerative treatment method applied by injecting plasma rich in platelets (thrombocytes) obtained from the person’s own blood into the skin or scalp. Since platelets contain growth factors responsible for tissue repair, they increase collagen production in the area where they are applied, support cell renewal, and provide a rejuvenating effect. It is used in many areas such as hair loss, skin aging, and scars.
How is plasma obtained for PRP treatment?
The PRP obtaining process is a simple and safe procedure performed in the clinic. This process, which our patients are most curious about, takes approximately 30-45 minutes and consists of several steps.
The procedure steps are as follows:
First, just like giving a normal blood test, a small amount of blood (usually 10-20 cc) is taken from the patient’s own arm.
This blood is transferred into sterile (germ-free) tubes containing a special anticoagulant.
These tubes are placed into a device called a “centrifuge.” This device spins the blood tubes at a very high speed.
Thanks to this centrifugal force, the components of the blood separate into layers according to their weight. The heaviest, the red blood cells (erythrocytes), sink to the bottom of the tube.
At the upper part, the yellowish, clear liquid of the blood, the plasma, remains.
The platelets gather densely in the very thin layer called the “buffy coat,” right in the middle where the red blood cells and plasma meet.
The doctor separates the red blood cells at the bottom of the tube and carefully collects this middle layer where the platelets are concentrated together with the plasma above it.
This obtained liquid is “Platelet-Rich Plasma,” that is PRP, containing many times more platelets than normal blood (4 to 8 times depending on the protocol).
What do the ‘growth factors’ inside PRP do?
The real “magic” of PRP lies in the growth factors we just mentioned, stored inside the platelets. When this rich plasma is injected into the skin or scalp, these growth factors are released into the environment and give various repair commands to the tissues.
The main of these commands are:
- Stimulation of cells called fibroblasts.
- Production of new collagen and elastin (the main building blocks of the skin).
- Triggering the formation of new capillaries.
- Ensuring the proliferation of stem cells in the area.
- Increasing the skin’s speed of self-repair and renewal.
Thanks to these factors, a powerful “restructuring” process begins in the area where PRP is applied. This is different from an external filler or vitamin injection; this is a biological stimulus that activates the body’s own repair mechanisms.
Is every PRP treatment of the same quality?
This is one of the most critical questions for patients, and the answer is clearly “No, it is not.”
The success of PRP treatment is directly related to how “rich” the prepared plasma is. For an effective treatment, the platelet concentration in the obtained plasma must be far above that of normal blood.
A liquid prepared with low speed, insufficient centrifugation, or non-standard tubes will not be “platelet-rich”; it will only be “platelet-poor” or “normal” plasma. Injecting such a liquid does not create the expected biological effect.
Therefore, the quality of the kit (tube system) used in PRP treatment, the protocol of the centrifuge device (rotation speed and duration), and the experience of the physician performing the procedure directly determine the outcome. For effective PRP, platelets must be obtained at the highest level of viability and concentration.
Why is PRP used so frequently in hair loss?
Perhaps the most popular and evidence-based use of PRP treatment in dermatology is in the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia (genetic male or female pattern hair loss).
In this type of hair loss, the hair follicles weaken over time, shrink (miniaturize), and the hair strands they produce become thinner, shorter, and eventually fall out. The “growth” (anagen) phase of the hair shortens.
When PRP is injected into the scalp, it shows the following effects thanks to its concentrated growth factors:
- It stimulates weakened and miniaturized hair follicles.
- It enables the formation of new capillaries that increase blood circulation in the area.
- It supports better nourishment and oxygenation of the follicles.
- It helps prolong the hair’s “growth” phase (anagen).
- It contributes to the thickening and strengthening of the existing hair strands:
- It slows down the rate of hair loss.
PRP is especially effective in cases where hair loss has just begun or the hair has weakened but the follicles have not yet died. It does not regrow hair in a completely bald (shiny) area, but it is a powerful option for “awakening” and revitalizing weakened follicles.
Can PRP hair treatment be used together with other methods?
Yes, and in fact the best results are generally achieved with combination treatments. PRP can be a standalone weapon in hair loss treatment, but it also works wonderfully as a “support force” that strengthens the effects of other treatments.
The methods most frequently used together with PRP in hair loss are:
- Minoxidil (Topical Spray/Foam): While Minoxidil increases the blood supply of the hair follicles, PRP provides reparative signals. When used together, they strengthen each other’s effects (synergistic effect) and provide a more significant increase in hair thickness and density.
- Finasteride/Dutasteride (Oral Medications): While these medications block the hormonal causes of hair loss (DHT), PRP provides mechanical repair and revitalization.
- Hair Mesotherapy: Alternating the application of mesotherapy solutions containing vitamins, minerals, and amino acids needed by the hair follicles with PRP maximizes follicle nourishment.
- Hair Transplantation: Applying PRP before or after hair transplantation procedures is a frequently used method to both increase the retention rate (graft survival) of the transplanted follicles in their new locations and strengthen the existing weak hair.
How does PRP work for skin rejuvenation (anti-aging)?
The main purpose of using PRP in skin rejuvenation is not to “add volume” to the skin or “fill wrinkles.” Fillers do that. The purpose of PRP is much more fundamental and biological: to improve the quality of the skin.
As we age, the production of collagen and elastin in our skin slows down. The skin becomes thinner, loses its elasticity, becomes dull, and fine lines become more pronounced.
When PRP is injected into the lower layers of the skin, it stimulates the main cells called “fibroblasts” thanks to the growth factors it contains. Fibroblasts are the factories that produce collagen and elastin, which provide the skin’s elasticity and firmness.
PRP sends the signal “Start production again!” to these factories. This process is slow and natural:
- Collagen production in the skin is triggered.
- The skin’s blood supply and nourishment increase.
- Over time (usually within a few weeks or months), the skin gains a brighter, more vibrant, firmer, and healthier appearance.
- A reduction in fine lines and the appearance of pores is observed.
PRP does not create an instant “plumping” effect like a filler; it provides a more natural and long-term improvement by enabling the skin to repair itself.
Is PRP effective for acne scars and scars?
Yes, the reparative effect of PRP is a very valuable support especially in the treatment of “atrophic” (depressed) acne scars. Acne scars are actually pits formed as a result of the skin healing in that area with damaged collagen.
When PRP is applied to these depressed areas, it triggers the repair of the damaged tissue in the area and its filling with new, healthy collagen.
However, in acne scar treatment, PRP is rarely used alone. It is generally used together with other methods that create controlled damage in the upper layer of the skin:
Fractional Laser: The laser triggers collagen production by opening microscopic channels in the skin. Applying PRP onto the skin immediately afterward through these channels both increases the effectiveness of the laser and significantly shortens the post-laser recovery time (redness, edema).
Microneedling (Dermapen): Like laser, microneedling also opens small channels in the skin. When combined with PRP, it provides a much more significant improvement in the appearance of scars.
Gold Needle (Radiofrequency): Using PRP together with this system, which stimulates collagen by delivering heat energy under the skin, maximizes skin tightening and scar repair.
Is PRP used in the treatment of skin spots (melasma)?
Skin spots (hyperpigmentation), and especially melasma, are among the most difficult dermatological problems to treat. Although the use of PRP in this field is not as common as in hair loss or anti-aging, it is promising.
Some studies have shown that certain growth factors contained in PRP (especially TGF-β1) can suppress the production of melanin pigment, which gives the skin its color.
In spot treatment, PRP can generally be preferred not alone but as a supportive method together with laser treatments (such as Q-switch), chemical peels, or spot-lightening creams to enhance treatment and increase the skin’s resistance.
Is PRP treatment a safe procedure?
One of the greatest advantages of PRP treatment is that it is extremely safe. The main reason it is safe is that it is “autologous.”
- “Autologous” means using material taken from the person themselves.
- No foreign, synthetic substances or drugs are given from outside.
- Since the person’s own blood is used, there is no risk of allergic reaction.
- There is no risk of tissue incompatibility or the body rejecting the substance.
- There is no risk of disease transmission (when performed under sterile conditions).
These features make PRP an ideal option for patients prone to allergies or worried about foreign substances.
Does PRP treatment have any side effects or risks?
The fact that PRP is safe does not mean “zero side effects.” However, almost all of these side effects are related to the procedure itself (the injection) and are not serious complications.
The most common temporary effects seen after the procedure are:
- Mild to moderate pain or burning at the injection sites.
- Temporary redness.
- Mild swelling (edema) in the treatment area.
- Small pinpoint bruises at the needle entry sites.
All of these effects are expected conditions and usually disappear completely on their own within 24 to 48 hours.
Serious risks (such as infection or vascular occlusion) are almost always related to the procedure being performed under non-sterile (aseptic) conditions or by people with insufficient anatomical knowledge. As long as the procedure is performed by a trained physician, in a clinical environment, and with sterile materials, these risks remain at a minimum level.
Who are not suitable candidates for PRP treatment?
Since PRP uses the person’s own blood and healing mechanisms, it is not recommended or may be inappropriate in certain conditions that impair these mechanisms.
PRP treatment is generally not performed in the following conditions:
- Blood Diseases: Those with low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) or platelet function disorders (because the main substance of the treatment is platelets).
- Active Infection: If there is an active infection in the body or treatment area (e.g. febrile illness, herpes), the procedure should be postponed.
- Use of Blood Thinners: In those using intensive anticoagulants, the risk of bleeding and bruising may be high.
- Cancer History or Active Cancer: It is not applied especially in patients undergoing oncological treatment.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Since studies conducted during these periods are insufficient, it is generally not preferred.
- Severe Autoimmune Diseases: Care should be taken in some uncontrolled systemic immune system diseases.
What should be considered before or after PRP treatment?
Some simple precautions can be taken to increase the effectiveness of the treatment and reduce possible side effects.
Before Treatment:
- Blood thinners (such as aspirin) or anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) may be requested to be stopped a few days before the procedure under the doctor’s supervision (these drugs may affect platelet function).
- Alcohol should not be consumed on the day of the procedure.
- Drinking plenty of water positively affects blood collection and plasma quality.
After Treatment:
- The treatment area (scalp or face) generally should not be washed or brought into contact with water that day.
- It is recommended not to apply makeup to the area during the first 24 hours.
- During the first few days after the procedure, excessively hot environments such as Turkish baths, saunas, and steam rooms should be avoided.
- Use of sunscreen (if applied to the facial area) is very important.
Frequently Asked Questions
PRP treatment stimulates cell renewal by injecting platelet-rich plasma obtained from the patient’s own blood into the skin. This procedure restores the skin’s firmness, radiance, and elasticity by increasing collagen production.
PRP treatment is effective in many aesthetic problems such as acne scars, wrinkles, sun spots, scars, hair loss, and irregularities in skin tone. It provides overall rejuvenation by naturally renewing the skin tissue.
The first changes are generally seen within 2-3 weeks after treatment. However, 3-4 sessions are recommended for maximum results. Skin renewal varies according to personal factors, and the effects may last around 6-12 months.
PRP injections stimulate the cells in the hair follicles and activate growth factors. In this way, the hair strands become stronger, hair loss decreases, and new hair formation is supported. With regular applications, hair density increases.
PRP is not recommended in conditions such as blood diseases, cancer, infection, clotting disorders, or pregnancy. In addition, a doctor’s evaluation should be performed before treatment in people with active skin infections.
While mesotherapy is performed with vitamin and mineral cocktails, PRP is carried out with natural plasma obtained from the person’s own blood. For this reason, the risk of allergy is low in PRP and tissue renewal is more effective.
After the application, the skin should not be washed, makeup should not be applied, and sun exposure should be avoided for 24 hours. Mild redness or edema may occur on the skin; these symptoms disappear on their own within a few days.
The obtained rejuvenating effect generally lasts 8-12 months. However, the results may vary depending on the person’s lifestyle, skin type, and care habits. The duration of the effect can be prolonged with regular sessions.
PRP does not replace surgical procedures but supports them. It may accelerate post-operative recovery by improving skin quality or reduce the need for surgery by delaying early signs of aging.
Since PRP uses personal blood, the risk of allergy is very low. Mild swelling, redness, or bruising may be seen after the application. These effects are generally temporary and disappear within a few days.
