Vampire facial (PRP facial): what it is, what the evidence says and the risks

A vampire facial is the popular name for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment of the face. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says there is little evidence that it works, or that it doesn't.¹

Here is how it is done, what the AAD and a 2025 review of studies say, what the FDA says about microneedling devices and PRP, and what to ask. Whether to have it is for you and a clinician.

What it is

PRP is a three-step procedure. Your blood is drawn, spun in a machine called a centrifuge to separate out the platelets, and then the part of your blood with a high concentration of platelets is put back into your skin.¹ A dermatologist injects it into the face or scalp with a syringe or with microneedling, and may inject a filler as well, for immediate results.¹

The AAD says PRP is used by orthopedic surgeons to help athletes recover from injury, is being tested in dermatology for hair loss and may speed wound healing. A few dermatologists use it for younger-looking skin.¹

What the evidence says

The AAD says few studies have been done, because the FDA classifies PRP as a medical device, for which the rules are less demanding than for new drugs. It lists the questions still unanswered: why it works for some people and not others, how many treatments, how far apart, how much, where to inject and which equipment gives the best effect, and whether there are long-term side effects.¹

A 2025 systematic review pooled 20 articles on 514 patients. Significant improvements were reported in 80% of studies that measured skin thickness, 75% on elasticity, 40% on wrinkles, 33% on texture and 17% on skin color changes, and in none of the studies that measured hydration. Every study that asked about patient satisfaction reported significant improvement, and no serious adverse events were reported.³

The two sources differ in tone, and the review is a summary of other studies of varying quality. Ask your provider what they expect for your skin, and what that is based on.

Microneedling and PRP

The FDA says microneedling devices are not approved for delivering cosmetics, topical medications, vitamin solutions, drugs or blood products, such as PRP, into the skin.² The AAD describes PRP with microneedling as something dermatologists do.¹ The FDA's statement is about what the devices are authorized for, so if you are offered a microneedling and PRP treatment, ask about it. Our microneedling page covers the device side, and the PRP vs PRF comparison covers the two kinds of blood product.

Visits, results and risks

The AAD says that if you get results, the full effects appear within a few weeks to months. Most people who get results have 3 or more treatments, and results can last as long as 18 months.¹ You may have a bit of pain, bruising and swelling that tends to go away within a few days.¹

The AAD says the biggest risk comes from the way your blood is handled. It has to stay sterile, or you could develop an infection. The facility should also follow the process transfusion centers use, so that your own blood is the blood returned to you. If you received someone else's blood by mistake, you could become very sick.¹

The AAD says PRP isn't recommended for people with hepatitis C, HIV or AIDS, any type of blood cancer, cardiovascular disease that requires a blood thinner, or skin cancer in the area to be treated. These conditions affect platelets, making them unable to deliver the expected results.¹

Which licensed professionals may draw blood and inject depends on your state. See our guide to who may inject.

Here is what to bring to a consultation.

Cost

We don't give prices on this page. The AAD says medical insurance doesn't cover PRP given to improve appearance.¹ See our guide to paying for med spa treatments.

Common questions