PRP Skin Treatment

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) — also known as the Vampire Facial when combined with microneedling — is an autologous skin rejuvenation treatment that uses your own blood’s concentrated growth factors to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture and restore a naturally youthful radiance. Because it uses your body’s own biology, there is virtually zero risk of allergic reaction, making it one of the safest and most versatile treatments in regenerative aesthetics.

PRP is used for facial skin rejuvenation, scar reduction, hair restoration, and overall skin quality improvement. For more on how collagen renewal supports long-term skin quality, see our guide on how to restore collagen in aging skin.

The Vampire Facial is the popular name for a treatment that combines PRP with Dermapen microneedling. After your blood is drawn and processed to isolate platelet-rich plasma, the PRP is applied to the skin while thousands of micro-channels are created by the Dermapen device. This allows the concentrated growth factors to penetrate directly into the dermis — far deeper than topical application alone.

The term “Vampire Facial” gained widespread recognition through social media, but the treatment itself is a well-established clinical protocol backed by peer-reviewed research. It is particularly effective for:

• Improving overall skin radiance and skin hydration
• Reducing acne scarring and post-blemish marks
• Softening fine lines and improving skin elasticity
• Enhancing texture and pore refinement
• Treating dull, tired-looking skin

The Vampire Facial is available at Dr Azra Vaziri’s clinics in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as a standalone session or as part of a multi-treatment skin rejuvenation programme.

PRP results develop progressively — unlike injectable fillers or Botox, the changes emerge gradually as new collagen matures and skin cellular renewal takes effect. Most patients notice initial improvements in radiance and hydration within the first week, with texture, firmness, and scar reduction continuing to improve over 4–8 weeks.

• Day 1–3: Mild redness, slight warmth. Skin may feel tight.
• Days 3–7: Redness resolves. Early glow and improved hydration appear.
• Weeks 2–4: Smoother texture, more even tone, skin feels firmer.
• Months 1–2: Collagen remodelling deepens — fine lines soften, scars reduce visibly.
• Months 2–3: Full results from a single session. Best outcome after 3–4 sessions.
• Months 6–18: Results sustained with maintenance sessions every 6–12 months.

• Brighter, more radiant skin tone
• Smoother skin texture and refined pores
• Reduction in acne scars and post-blemish marks
• Softer fine lines and improved elasticity
• More hydrated, plumper-feeling skin
• Natural-looking — no sudden change in appearance

Individual results vary. Before-and-after outcomes depend on skin condition, age, number of sessions, and lifestyle. Results discussed at consultation.

PRP hair treatment uses the same platelet-rich plasma technology to address thinning hair and early-stage hair loss. The concentrated growth factors are injected directly into the scalp at the level of the hair follicle, where they may stimulate dormant follicles, improve blood supply to the follicular unit, and promote thicker, stronger hair growth.

PRP for hair restoration is most effective in patients experiencing early to moderate thinning — particularly androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) in both men and women. It is not a cure for advanced baldness, but it can help slow progression and improve density when follicles are still active.

PRP hair treatment is available at Dr Azra Vaziri’s clinics in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A scalp assessment during your consultation will determine whether PRP is appropriate for your type and stage of hair loss. For a full overview of hair treatments in Dubai — including PRP, exosomes, and mesotherapy — see our dedicated guide.

Patients researching platelet-based treatments will often encounter both PRP and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin). Both are derived from your own blood, but they differ in preparation, composition, and how they deliver growth factors.

PRP is produced by centrifuging blood at high speed to isolate a concentrated layer of platelets in plasma. It can be injected precisely and delivers a concentrated burst of growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF) to the treatment area. PRP has a well-established evidence base with over a decade of clinical use in both aesthetic medicine and orthopaedics.

PRF is produced by centrifuging blood at a lower speed without anticoagulants, resulting in a fibrin matrix that traps platelets and white blood cells. This matrix may release growth factors more slowly over time, creating a sustained-release effect. PRF is a newer approach and, while early results are promising, its evidence base in dermatology is still developing relative to PRP.

Dr Azra Vaziri currently uses PRP for its established evidence base, injection precision, and versatility across skin and hair treatments. PRF may be considered for specific applications where a sustained-release matrix is advantageous. The choice between PRP and PRF is discussed during your consultation based on your treatment goals.

Before undergoing PRP treatment, follow these guidelines to ensure optimal results and minimise potential risks:

1. Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba and garlic for at least a week before treatment.
2. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment to ensure good hydration — this improves blood draw quality and platelet concentration.
3. Avoid alcohol and tobacco for a few days before PRP treatment, as these can impair healing and platelet function.
4. Inform your provider about any medications and medical conditions, including allergies, autoimmune disorders or blood disorders.
5. Avoid vigorous exercise and activities that increase blood flow to the face for at least 24 hours before treatment.
6. During your consultation, discuss your expectations for results and any concerns about the procedure or recovery process.

After receiving PRP treatment, follow proper post-treatment care to ensure optimal results and minimise potential side effects:

1. Avoid touching, rubbing or applying makeup to the treated area for at least 24 hours.
2. Skip intense exercise, saunas, hot tubs and hot showers for 24 hours after treatment.
3. Apply cold compresses if you experience swelling or discomfort.
4. Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen daily — sun protection is critical during the healing phase.
5. Stay hydrated and use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser.
6. An initial glow often appears within the first week. Full collagen remodelling continues over 4–8 weeks.
7. A course of 3–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart is typically recommended for optimal, lasting results.
8. Attend scheduled follow-up appointments to assess results and address any questions.
9. Be patient — the full results of PRP develop progressively as new collagen matures.
10. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects such as persistent swelling, redness, pain, or signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

A same-day treatment typically completed within 60–90 minutes:

1. Consultation & Skin Assessment (15–20 min) — Your practitioner examines your skin, discusses goals and reviews medical history to confirm PRP is appropriate. A bespoke plan is created for your unique concerns.
2. Blood Draw & Processing (15–20 min) — A small venous blood sample (10–20 ml) is drawn and placed into a medical-grade centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma layer containing concentrated growth factors.
3. Topical Anaesthesia (20–30 min) — A numbing cream is applied to the treatment area and left to take effect, ensuring comfort during the treatment phase.
4. PRP Application (20–30 min) — Concentrated PRP is delivered via precise micro-injections, or applied topically during a Dermapen microneedling session (Vampire Facial) for enhanced absorption through the micro-channels.
5. Post-Treatment Care (5–10 min) — A soothing serum or mask may be applied. You receive aftercare instructions and can leave immediately — most patients resume normal activities the same day.

Explore our educational articles for a deeper understanding of skin rejuvenation and the science behind regenerative treatments.