PRP Treatment for Skin Rejuvenation and Hair Loss | Board-Certified Dermatologist
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment that uses a concentrated portion of your own blood to support the body's natural healing and tissue-repair processes. Depending on the treatment area and goals, PRP may be used as part of a cosmetic treatment plan for concerns such as skin texture, acne scars, and signs of aging, or for certain types of hair thinning and hair loss.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., Dr. Holmes provides personalized evaluation for patients considering PRP in Washington, DC. As a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience, Dr. Holmes evaluates your skin or scalp, medical history, concerns, and treatment goals to determine whether PRP may be appropriate for you.
Platelet-rich plasma, commonly called PRP, is prepared from a small sample of your own blood.
During treatment, blood is collected and processed to separate the plasma and platelets from other components of the blood. The resulting platelet-containing preparation can then be used in the selected treatment area.
Platelets contain proteins and growth factors involved in the body's natural healing processes. PRP is used in various medical and cosmetic applications with the goal of supporting tissue repair and regeneration.
Because PRP is prepared from your own blood, it is an autologous treatment.
PRP is not a permanent treatment, and results vary depending on the condition being treated, the treatment approach, and individual response.
PRP may be considered for certain cosmetic skin and hair concerns, including:
PRP is not appropriate for every skin or hair concern.
A dermatologic evaluation is important to determine the underlying cause of the concern and whether PRP may be an appropriate treatment option.
PRP may be used as part of a cosmetic treatment plan for patients seeking to improve the overall appearance and texture of their skin.
The growth factors and other components within platelet-rich plasma may support the body's natural healing response following treatment.
Depending on the patient's concerns, PRP may be considered for:
Results develop gradually and vary from patient to patient.
PRP may also be considered in combination with other cosmetic procedures when appropriate.
Acne scars can leave behind depressions and uneven skin texture long after active acne has resolved.
PRP may be incorporated into an acne scar treatment plan for selected patients. The goal is to support the skin's healing and remodeling processes and improve the overall appearance of the treated area.
Because acne scars vary in type and severity, PRP is not necessarily the best treatment for every scar.
Depending on the type of scarring, Dr. Holmes may recommend PRP alone or in combination with other treatments such as microneedling or subcision.
Learn more about Acne Scars Treatment →
PRP may also be used as a treatment option for certain types of hair thinning and hair loss.
When PRP is used for the scalp, the treatment is intended to support the hair follicles and may help improve hair density in appropriately selected patients.
However, hair loss can have many different causes, including genetic hair loss, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, inflammatory conditions, medications, and other medical conditions.
For this reason, diagnosing the cause of hair loss is an important part of determining whether PRP is appropriate.
Dr. Holmes can evaluate your scalp and hair loss pattern and discuss available treatment options based on the underlying condition.
Learn more about Hair Loss Treatment →
PRP treatment begins with a small blood draw.
The blood is processed to concentrate the platelets and plasma. The resulting PRP preparation is then placed or injected into the selected treatment area, depending on the treatment being performed.
Platelets contain signaling proteins and growth factors that are involved in tissue repair and healing.
When PRP is used for cosmetic purposes, the goal is to support the body's natural regenerative processes.
The exact treatment approach depends on whether PRP is being used for the skin, scalp, or another selected area.
Before treatment, your provider will evaluate your skin or scalp and discuss your medical history, concerns, and treatment goals.
If PRP is appropriate, a small amount of blood is collected from your arm.
The blood is then processed to prepare the platelet-rich plasma.
The PRP is subsequently applied or injected into the selected treatment area according to your treatment plan.
A topical anesthetic or other comfort measures may be used when appropriate.
The length of the appointment varies depending on the treatment area and whether PRP is being used alone or as part of a combination treatment.
PRP treatment may involve mild discomfort during the blood draw and injections.
If PRP is being injected into the skin or scalp, you may experience pressure, pinching, or brief discomfort at the injection sites.
A topical numbing medication or other comfort measures may be used when appropriate.
Individual experiences vary depending on the treatment area and the number of injections performed.
PRP results generally develop gradually rather than immediately.
For skin treatments, improvement may become more noticeable as the treated area heals and undergoes remodeling.
For hair-loss treatments, changes in hair density and growth can take longer because hair grows through a natural cycle.
The timing and degree of improvement vary depending on:
Your provider can discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.
The number of PRP treatments depends on the condition being treated and your individual treatment goals.
Some patients may undergo a series of treatments rather than a single session.
Patients being treated for hair loss may require a different treatment schedule than patients receiving PRP for skin concerns.
Your treatment plan will be determined based on your individual needs and response to treatment.
PRP results vary and are not permanent.
For skin treatments, the benefits of collagen remodeling and improved skin appearance may continue over time, but the skin continues to age naturally.
For hair loss, ongoing treatment or maintenance may be recommended depending on the underlying cause of hair loss and your response.
Your provider can discuss whether maintenance treatments may be appropriate for your goals.
PRP may be appropriate for adults who are interested in a treatment using their own blood and who have a skin or hair concern that may respond to PRP.
Potential candidates may include patients seeking treatment for:
A consultation is important because PRP is not appropriate for every condition.
Dr. Holmes will evaluate your concerns and determine whether PRP or another treatment may be better suited to your needs.
PRP may not be appropriate for everyone.
Treatment may need to be postponed or avoided in certain circumstances, including some conditions that affect blood clotting, platelet function, healing, or the ability to safely undergo the procedure.
An active infection or significant inflammation in the treatment area may also affect whether treatment should be performed.
Your medications, medical history, and overall health will be considered before treatment.
Dr. Holmes will determine whether PRP is appropriate for you during your consultation.
Because PRP involves a blood draw and injections or application to the treatment area, temporary side effects may occur.
Possible effects include:
When PRP is used on the scalp, temporary tenderness or swelling may occur at the injection sites.
More serious complications are uncommon but can occur with any procedure involving injections or skin penetration.
Dr. Holmes can discuss the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of PRP based on your individual circumstances.
PRP generally involves limited downtime, although recovery varies depending on the treatment area and how PRP is administered.
You may experience temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising following treatment.
You will receive specific aftercare instructions based on the procedure performed.
You may also be advised to temporarily avoid certain activities, skincare products, or treatments depending on the treatment area.
Following your individualized aftercare instructions can help support proper healing.
PRP may be used in patients with a wide range of skin tones.
However, treatment should still be individualized based on your skin characteristics, pigmentation concerns, and the condition being treated.
Patients with darker skin tones may be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following certain procedures that cause inflammation or injury to the skin.
Dr. Holmes considers these factors when developing an individualized treatment plan for patients with skin of color.
Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →
PRP is one of several treatment options that may be considered for skin rejuvenation, acne scars, or hair loss.
Depending on your condition and treatment goals, Dr. Holmes may recommend PRP alone or another treatment such as:
The most appropriate treatment depends on the underlying condition and your individual goals.
A dermatologist can help determine whether PRP is an appropriate treatment or whether another approach may provide greater benefit.
Learn more about Microneedling →
PRP and microneedling may sometimes be incorporated into the same cosmetic treatment plan.
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate the body's natural healing response, while PRP provides a platelet-containing preparation derived from the patient's own blood.
Whether combining these treatments is appropriate depends on the patient's skin concerns, medical history, and treatment goals.
Dr. Holmes can determine whether a combination approach is appropriate during your consultation.
PRP should not be considered a universal treatment for hair loss.
Different types of hair loss require different approaches, and some may require medical evaluation and treatment before or instead of PRP.
If you are experiencing increased shedding, thinning, or changes in hair density, a dermatologic evaluation can help identify the likely cause.
Dr. Holmes can then discuss appropriate treatment options based on your diagnosis and individual needs.
Learn more about Hair Loss →
Before-and-after photographs may provide examples of changes seen following PRP treatment for selected skin or hair concerns.
Individual results vary based on the condition being treated, treatment plan, and individual response.
View PRP Before & After Results →
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Board-Certified Dermatologist
with 34+ years of experience
Personalized Dermatologic Evaluation
based on your skin, scalp, medical history, and treatment goals
Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology Expertise
with an understanding of both skin health and aesthetic concerns
Experience With Skin of Color
with individualized consideration of skin characteristics and pigmentation concerns
Individualized Treatment Planning
with recommendations based on your specific condition and goals
Convenient Washington, DC Location
1737 20th Street NW, Washington, DC
Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.
She provides personalized medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care for patients with a wide range of skin and hair concerns.
Dr. Holmes evaluates each patient's medical history, skin or scalp condition, concerns, and treatment goals when determining whether PRP or another treatment may be appropriate.
Learn more about Dr. Holmes →
If you are considering PRP for skin rejuvenation, acne scars, hair thinning, or other concerns, a personalized consultation can help determine whether this treatment is right for you. Dr. Holmes can evaluate your skin or scalp and discuss whether PRP or another dermatologic treatment may best address your goals.
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