
Platelet Rich Plasma Services (Click On Name To Learn More)
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PRP Under-Eye Injections
Learn MorePRP injections that use a patient's own blood to improve the appearance of the under-eye area by stimulating and rejuvenating cell growth and health.
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PRP Hair Restoration
Learn MorePRP injections in our patients scalp that using their platelet rich plasma to restore hair at the cellular level, leaving a thicker healthier hair follicles.
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Microneedling with PRP
Learn MoreMicroneedling collagen induction therapy with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to enhance skin rejuvenation, promote collagen production, and improve skin texture.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Dermal Injections in St. Louis, MO
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years, touted for its wide range of benefits—from rejuvenating the skin to supporting hair growth and aiding in joint healing. PRP is a more natural process than most other aesthetic rejuvenation methods by using your own body’s blood platelets to regenerate and stimulate the cells in the treatment area.
What Is PRP?
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. It’s a concentrated portion of your own blood that contains a higher-than-normal number of platelets. Platelets play a crucial role in wound healing and tissue repair, releasing growth factors that help stimulate cell regeneration.
To create PRP, a medical professional draws a small amount of your blood and separates the platelets and plasma (the liquid portion of blood) from the red and white blood cells. The end product is a concentrated plasma solution loaded with growth factors, ready to be used in a variety of therapeutic and cosmetic treatments.
How Is PRP Made?
- Blood Draw: A healthcare provider takes a small sample of your blood—typically from a vein in your arm.
- Centrifugation: The vial of blood is placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins at high speed. This process separates the components of your blood based on weight.
- Isolation of Platelets: The platelet-rich portion is carefully extracted. This portion contains a higher concentration of platelets, which release growth factors important for healing and regeneration.
- Preparation for Treatment: The PRP solution is loaded into a syringe or used in a sterile manner depending on the type of treatment (injection or topical application).
What Is PRP Used For?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has a wide range of applications, both medical and cosmetic. Some of the most common include:
- Hair Restoration - PRP injections in the scalp are popular among individuals experiencing hair thinning or hair loss. The growth factors can help stimulate dormant hair follicles and promote thicker hair growth.
- Skin Rejuvenation (Face, Neck, and Other Areas) - PRP is often used in facial rejuvenation, sometimes known as the “vampire facial.” It can be microneedled or injected into the skin to help improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and promote a youthful glow. It may also be used in the neck and décolletage areas to minimize signs of aging.
- Joint and Soft Tissue Injuries - PRP injections can be used in areas like knees, shoulders, and elbows to help reduce inflammation and support the healing process for joint or tendon injuries. It has been used to assist in the treatment of conditions like osteoarthritis or chronic tendonitis.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Platelet Rich Plasma PRP?
- Hair Loss: Individuals with early hair thinning or moderate hair loss often benefit most from PRP therapy for the scalp.
- Skin Rejuvenation: Those looking to address fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, or improve overall skin texture.
- Sports Injuries or Joint Pain: Athletes or active individuals with chronic joint or tendon injuries.
- General Health & Healing: People who want a regenerative boost for post-surgical or injury recovery.
However, PRP may not be ideal for everyone. Patients with active infections, low platelet counts, or certain blood disorders may not be good candidates.
What Are the Potential Side Effects?
Since PRP uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is minimal. However, as with any injection-based procedure, some potential side effects and risks include:
- Mild Pain or Discomfort: Common at the injection or application site.
- Swelling or Redness: Temporary irritation is possible.
- Bruising: In the area where blood was drawn or where PRP was injected.
- Infection: Rare but possible if proper sterilization and injection techniques are not followed.
- Temporary Worsening of Symptoms: In joint applications, some individuals may experience increased soreness initially before noticing an improvement.
Benefits of PRP
- Natural & Autologous: Because PRP comes from your own blood, the risk of rejection or allergic reaction is very low.
- Minimally Invasive: PRP therapy usually involves only a simple blood draw and targeted injections.
- Short Recovery Time: Most PRP treatments have minimal downtime, allowing you to resume daily activities quickly.
- Versatile: From cosmetic treatments to aiding in joint healing, PRP can address multiple concerns in different parts of the body.
- Long-Term Results: For some treatments, such as hair restoration or joint support, PRP can lead to lasting improvements over time, especially with a series of treatments.
General Questions:
- How many PRP sessions do I need? The number of sessions varies based on the treatment area and individual goals. For hair restoration or joint therapy, patients often undergo 3–4 sessions spaced several weeks apart. Skin rejuvenation protocols may involve fewer or more sessions depending on the desired outcome.
- Is PRP treatment painful? Patients often describe mild discomfort during injections. Many clinics use numbing agents or local anesthetics to minimize pain. Post-treatment soreness or tenderness is typically mild and resolves quickly.
- How soon will I see results? Results vary. In hair restoration, most notice improvement within a few months as hair cycles progress. Skin treatments can yield a noticeable glow within a few weeks. Joint or tendon issues might take several weeks or months, depending on the body’s healing process.
- Are there any precautions before a PRP session? It’s generally recommended to avoid alcohol, smoking, and certain medications (like anti-inflammatory drugs) in the days leading up to treatment, as they may interfere with platelet function. Always follow the pre-procedure instructions provided by your practitioner.
- Can I combine PRP with other treatments? Many people combine PRP with microneedling, dermal fillers, or laser treatments for enhanced cosmetic results.
- Is PRP safe for all ages? While there’s no strict age limit, PRP is typically performed on adults 18 and older.
- What is the downtime after PRP? Most individuals can resume normal activities immediately or within a day. Some swelling or soreness may last a few days depending on the injection area (e.g., scalp, skin, or joint).
PRP therapy harnesses your body’s own healing powers to address a variety of concerns from hair loss to aging skin to joint pain. With minimal downtime and a relatively straightforward procedure, it’s no wonder PRP has garnered so much attention. While it can yield significant benefits, it’s important to consult with The Saint Louis Med Spa’s team of nurse injectors to ensure PRP is the right fit for your specific needs and goals.

Benefits of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Growth Factor Release: PRP is derived from your own blood, containing a concentrated number of platelets that release growth
factors. These growth factors stimulate the body’s repair mechanisms, leading to tissue regeneration and accelerated healing. - Reduced Risk of Allergic Reaction: Because PRP is autologous (from the patient’s own blood), there is minimal risk of adverse or allergic reactions.
- Collagen Production: PRP encourages collagen synthesis, which helps enhance skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and improve
overall skin tone and texture. - Skin Rejuvenation: PRP is often used in combination with microneedling (“vampire facials”) or laser treatments to maximize collagen induction and improve scarring, hyperpigmentation, and dull skin.
- Thicker & Fuller Hair: When injected into the scalp, PRP can improve blood supply to hair follicles, which may help reduce hair shedding and promote new growth.
- Quick Procedure: A standard PRP treatment can be done in an hour or less (blood draw, centrifugation, and injection/topical
application). - Minimal Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities shortly after treatment, although mild redness, swelling, or soreness may occur.
- Synergistic Results: PRP is frequently combined with microneedling, fractional lasers, fillers, or other aesthetic modalities to boost their effectiveness.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is PRP?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a concentrated solution of platelets derived from your own blood. Platelets contain growth factors and proteins that can help stimulate tissue healing, decrease inflammation, and support regenerative processes when injected into a target area.
What Conditions Can PRP Address?
PRP is often used for facial rejuvenation (commonly known as the “vampire facial”), hair restoration, and scar reduction.
Is PRP Therapy Safe?
Yes. Because PRP is derived from your own blood (autologous treatment), the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is extremely low.
How Many PRP Sessions Are Needed?
Treatment protocols vary based on the condition being addressed, but most services range between 3-4 sessions.
When Will I See Results?
Typically 2-4 weeks for skin rejuvenation and 3-6 months for hair restoration.
How Long Do the Effects Last?
It depends on the treatment as well as the quantity injected. Most treatments last 4-12 months depending on factors.
Can PRP Be Combined with Other Treatments?
Yes. It is often combined with microneedling, laser treatments, and many other services.