PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Sitnitsky, M.D. · Last reviewed July 2026
Avita MD offers PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy at our clinics in Los Altos, Mountain View, and Los Gatos. PRP uses growth factors from your own blood and is used to support facial rejuvenation, hair restoration, and healing of joint and soft tissue injuries. The strength of the evidence varies by use, results are individual, and PRP is not right for everyone. All treatments are performed by experienced medical providers in a clinical setting.
We are a physician-owned practice with on-site phlebotomy at every location, which means your blood draw and PRP preparation happen in the same office. Same-day appointments are available.
How PRP Works
Platelet-Rich Plasma is exactly what it sounds like: a concentration of your own platelets in a small volume of plasma. Platelets contain growth factors that play a central role in tissue repair and regeneration. Here is the process:
- We draw a small amount of blood from your arm (similar to routine lab work).
- The blood is placed in a centrifuge, which spins it to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the blood components.
- The concentrated PRP is injected into the treatment area or applied topically after microneedling.
Because PRP comes from your own body, the risk of an allergic reaction is very low. The growth factors in PRP are thought to support collagen production and the body's natural healing processes. The strength of the clinical evidence varies by use, and results are not guaranteed.
PRP for Facial Rejuvenation
PRP facial treatments, sometimes called the "vampire facial" when combined with microneedling, aim to improve skin texture, tone, and firmness. The growth factors are thought to encourage your skin to produce new collagen, which may gradually improve fine lines, acne scars, uneven texture, and dullness. Results vary from person to person.
Results develop over weeks as collagen remodeling occurs, with skin improvements typically beginning around one month after treatment. Most patients see noticeable improvement after two to three sessions. PRP is a good option if you want to improve your skin quality using your body's own biology rather than synthetic products. It can be used alone or combined with dermal fillers and Botox for a more comprehensive rejuvenation plan.
PRP for Hair Restoration
Hair thinning affects both men and women and can be frustrating to treat. PRP injections into the scalp deliver growth factors directly to the hair follicles, which can slow thinning, strengthen existing hair, and stimulate new growth. PRP for hair restoration is most effective in the early to moderate stages of hair loss, when the follicles are weakened rather than completely dormant.
A typical treatment plan involves three to four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, with maintenance treatments every six to twelve months. Hair results usually begin around three months as the follicles respond. Your Avita MD provider will evaluate your hair loss pattern and discuss realistic expectations before starting treatment.
PRP for Joint and Soft Tissue Healing
PRP is also used in regenerative medicine for joint pain, tendon injuries, and ligament strains. The growth factors in PRP may help reduce inflammation and support tissue repair in areas like the knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle. PRP for these orthopedic uses is not FDA-cleared, the clinical evidence is still developing, and results are mixed. While PRP is not a replacement for surgery in severe cases, it can be one non-surgical option to discuss for mild to moderate joint issues or chronic tendon problems. Your provider will help you decide whether it is appropriate for you.
What to Expect During Your PRP Treatment
The entire process takes about 45 to 60 minutes. After your blood draw, centrifuge processing takes about 10 to 15 minutes. For facial PRP, we apply topical numbing cream during this time. The injection or microneedling portion takes another 15 to 30 minutes depending on the treatment area.
After treatment, mild redness and swelling are normal and typically resolve within one to two days. For facial treatments, you should avoid makeup and direct sun exposure for 24 hours. For scalp treatments, avoid washing your hair for the remainder of the day. Your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions.
Why Choose Avita MD for PRP
PRP quality depends on proper preparation and precise injection technique. At Avita MD, your PRP is prepared using clinical-grade equipment in a medical office setting. Your provider evaluates your overall health, reviews your labs (if available), and tailors the treatment to your specific needs. If you are interested in PRP as part of a broader health and wellness strategy, we can integrate it with our executive wellness, longevity medicine, or aesthetic services.
Schedule Your PRP Consultation
Call Avita MD at (408) 495-5770 or book online. Same-day appointments are available at our clinics in Los Altos, Mountain View, and Los Gatos. If you are considering PRP for the first time, we start with a consultation to evaluate your goals and determine whether PRP is the right approach for you.
This page is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. Talk with an Avita MD provider about your specific health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Therapy
What is PRP therapy?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy uses your own blood to promote healing and rejuvenation. A small blood sample is drawn and processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which contain growth factors. The concentrated plasma is then injected into the treatment area. At Avita MD, we offer PRP for facial rejuvenation, hair restoration, and joint and soft tissue healing.
How does PRP work for facial rejuvenation?
When PRP is injected into the skin or applied after microneedling, the growth factors are thought to support collagen production and improve skin texture and tone. Results vary from person to person. Many patients notice gradual improvement in the weeks and months after a series of treatments, and your provider will discuss realistic expectations beforehand.
Can PRP help with hair loss?
Yes. PRP injections into the scalp can stimulate hair follicles, slow hair thinning, and promote new hair growth. At Avita MD, we offer PRP for hair restoration as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies. It is most effective for patients with early to moderate hair thinning.
How many PRP sessions do I need?
Most patients at Avita MD see best results with a series of three to four treatments spaced four to six weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every six to twelve months. Your provider will recommend a schedule based on your specific goals and treatment area.
Is PRP therapy painful?
Discomfort is generally mild. At Avita MD, we apply topical numbing cream before facial PRP and use other comfort measures for scalp and joint injections. Most patients describe the sensation as a series of small pinches. The blood draw itself is similar to routine lab work.
Does insurance cover PRP therapy?
PRP for cosmetic purposes (facial rejuvenation, hair restoration) is typically self-pay. PRP for certain orthopedic conditions may have partial coverage depending on your plan. Avita MD will provide pricing information before scheduling your treatment.
How long does a PRP session take?
A PRP session at Avita MD takes about 45 to 60 minutes. We draw a small amount of your own blood, spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and re-inject the platelet-rich plasma into the treatment area. The blood draw is similar to routine lab work, and the in-office preparation happens during your appointment.
How soon do PRP results appear?
PRP results appear gradually as your body regenerates tissue. For facial skin texture and fine lines, improvement typically begins around one month after treatment. For scalp hair thinning, results usually begin around three months. A typical course is three to four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, with maintenance every six to twelve months.
Ready to Schedule?
Book online, call us at (408) 495-5770. Same-day and next-day appointments are available.