PRP Facial Before and After One Treatment: Evidence-Based Review

Dr. Naheed Ali, MD, PhD
Apr 16
7 min read

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments—commonly known as vampire facials—are an advanced, non-surgical technique used to restore and improve skin structure, offering minimal downtime for patients. This whitepaper explores the science behind PRP facials, with a focus on their role in stimulating collagen production. It also reviews clinical research demonstrating significant visible improvements after just a single treatment session.

What Does PRP for the Face Do?

PRP facial treatments harness autologous plasma enriched with a high concentration of concentrated platelets to enhance the skin's inherent capacity for repair and renewal [1]. The procedure starts with venipuncture, whereby a small volume of blood sample is extracted and eventually subjected to centrifugation. This process isolates the platelet-rich plasma, which contains bioactive molecules such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) [2][3][4]. Upon reintroduction into the dermal layers via PRP microneedling or targeted injections, these growth factors activate cellular pathways critical for tissue repair and neocollagenesis [5].

The fundamental biological process involves stimulating dermal fibroblasts, which release collagen and elastin, two essential extracellular matrix components (ECM). This cascade not only stimulates the production of new collagen fibers but also increases cell turnover, improving skin texture and minimizing photodamage [1][4][6][7].

PRP facials activate the skin's intrinsic repair and remodeling pathways, culminating in a refreshed, more resilient cutaneous surface.

The Relationship to Collagen Production

Collagen, a pivotal structural protein, confers tensile strength and elasticity to the skin. With advancing age, the physiological decline in collagen production manifests as dermal thinning, wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity. PRP treatments are engineered to counteract this decline and boost collagen production by upregulating the natural collagen synthesis pathways, which are vital in combating aging.

Following treatment, the growth factors in PRP drive fibroblast proliferation and metabolic activity, resulting in a significant increase in collagen formation [1]. Empirical findings show that even a single session of PRP may significantly increase collagen density in the dermis, restoring the skin's ECM integrity. This biochemical modulation can lead to mild discomfort and mild swelling, but it is not only vital for cosmetic enhancement; it also supports the structural resilience of the skin [4]. However, several studies found no substantial improvement in skin elasticity, nasolabial fold, or patient satisfaction [8][9][10].

The Relationship to Collagen Production — Image Courtesy: Annals of Dermatology

PRP under eye before and after in women 40–49. Post-treatment shows boosted collagen density by 89% versus pre-treatment, resulting in brighter skin and achieving a 1.93:1 improvement over saline (p<0.001) [4].

Empirical Evidence: Before and After Outcomes

Robust clinical investigations have substantiated the efficacy of PRP facial treatments. Multiple studies have documented substantial “before and after” transformations, emphasizing the treatment's capacity to enhance natural skin, repair skin tightness, and ameliorate textural irregularities. In addition to that, PRP has also shown potential to treat issues like acne scars. Studies show that the growth factors present in PRP treatment stimulate collagen production, which can significantly reduce the appearance of scars and promote smoother, more even skin [11][12].

Key Findings:

Dermal Remodeling:

Patients exhibit a significant reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, particularly in periorbital and perioral regions, attributable to accelerated collagen deposition.

Improved Skin Tone and Texture:

The stimulation of fibroblast activity results in a more uniform and radiant complexion, especially noticeable during the healing period, as observed in the clinical case series.

Enhanced Under-Eye Dark Circles Appearance:

Research focusing on periorbital restoration has demonstrated that PRP under-eye before and after comparisons reveal diminished puffiness and a reduction in dark circles in the deeper layers of the skin.

In a study of 20 melasma patients treated with autologous PRP via microneedling or intradermal injections, TGF-β expression in lesional skin significantly increased from 1.26 ± 0.41 to 2.15 ± 0.44 post-treatment (p < 0.05), approaching levels seen in healthy skin.

Single treatment led to visible facial improvement—fuller fat compartments, reduced nasolabial folds, and a 1.5× boost in skin density lasting 3 months. A small sample size (n=10) and no control group were noted.

In this single-center proof-of-concept study (n=20, ages 30–60), participants received three treatments over 4–6 weeks. Ultrasound revealed significant skin density improvements in the forehead (p=0.0001), cheeks (p=0.0003–0.0116), and lower eyelids (<40s: p=0.0351–0.0238). Limitations include a small sample size and a lack of detailed baseline characteristics.

PRP Facial Procedure: Methodological Overview

The PRP facial protocol is meticulously structured to optimize patient outcomes while minimizing procedural risks. A typical session encompasses the following phases:

Initial Consultation and Assessment: A full dermatological assessment is performed to evaluate the patient's skin type, medical history, and cosmetic goals. This phase confirms that PRP is appropriate for the patient's clinical profile [1][6].
Venipuncture and PRP Extraction: A minimal amount of blood is extracted under sterile circumstances. The sample is centrifuged, which separates the platelet-rich fraction from the erythrocytes and plasma proteins [2].
Administration Technique: Concentrated PRP is delivered intradermally through microneedling, which creates transient microchannels to enhance plasma absorption, or via precise injections into target areas. This dual approach ensures maximal bioavailability of growth factors at the site of dermal repair [5][13][14].
Post-Treatment Protocol: Patients may experience transient erythema, edema, or mild bruising at injection sites. Adherence to post-procedural guidelines—such as avoiding ultraviolet exposure and utilizing gentle skincare regimens—is imperative for optimal healing and sustained results [4][7][13].

PRP FAQ

Does PRP work after 1 treatment?

Empirical evidence indicates that a single PRP session can initiate a measurable enhancement in dermal collagen content and skin texture. While the immediate post-treatment improvements are evident and contribute to a refreshed facial glow, the healing process and spectrum of benefits may manifest progressively as neocollagenesis continues over subsequent weeks [4][15].

Is one PRP treatment enough for the face?

For individuals presenting with mild to moderate dermal laxity and photodamage, one session may yield appreciable improvements [1][4][6][15][16][17]. However, for more pronounced skin aging, a series of 3–4 sessions is typically advocated to achieve a cumulative and sustained restorative effect [5][7][18][19].

Is one session of PRP effective?

Yes, one session of PRP is demonstrably effective in stimulating the skin’s restorative processes. The procedure effectively enhances fibroblast activity, leading to an increase in collagen synthesis and helping to reduce fine lines, resulting in smoother skin texture and overall improved skin radiance. Efficacy is contingent upon individual biological variability, including age and baseline skin condition, and often involves the use of a mild cleanser post-treatment to maintain skin health [1][4][6][15][16][17].

How many PRP treatments are needed for the face before and after?

The ideal treatment regimen generally involves multiple sessions, typically 3–4 treatments spaced at intervals to allow progressive collagen remodeling. Subsequent maintenance treatments may be administered to preserve the restorative benefits [5][7][18][19][20][21].

Conclusion

PRP facial treatments represent a sophisticated, biologically driven approach to facial treatments. By harnessing the autologous restorative potential inherent in platelet-rich plasma, this modality effectively stimulates collagen and elastin production, resulting in significant improvements in skin texture, elasticity, and overall appearance, contributing to a refreshed-looking skin. The empirical data and clinical studies reviewed herein substantiate that even a solitary session can yield discernible “before and after” transformations, particularly in cases of early dermal aging.

The biochemical mechanisms that underpin PRP therapy, such as fibroblast stimulation and subsequent neocollagenesis, provide a convincing basis for its use in aesthetic medicine. While several sessions improve the therapy's effectiveness, the early advantages shown after only one treatment offer a solid foundation for its widespread clinical acceptance.

PRP shows promise as a minimally invasive option for facial treatment, with studies reporting improvements in skin quality and hydration, ensuring that the skin is hydrated effectively. However, variability in outcomes, small sample sizes, and limited long-term data highlight the need for further research before it can be widely recommended as an alternative to traditional cosmetic procedures.

About the author: Dr. Ali is a medical journalist and copywriter.