Not every aesthetic treatment involves the use of surgical procedures or questionable formulas. Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP, is a cutting-edge procedure that involves using your blood plasma to rejuvenate your body. The simplicity and versatility of this treatment allow us to easily apply it to treat several issues, from rough skin texture to hair loss. Discover what all the buzz is about and learn more about PRP by scheduling an appointment at McLean & Potomac Dermatology today.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
Platelet-Rich Plasma is a substance made up of platelets extracted from your blood. Only a small blood sample is needed to retrieve and isolate these nourishing components. When reinjected into your body, platelets release numerous growth factors that respond to tissue injury and promote healing. PRP has been safely used in hundreds of thousands of procedures worldwide.
What Happens During a PRP Treatment?
During a short office visit, a small amount of your blood is drawn into a vacuum collection tube containing a separating gel. The tube is then placed into a centrifuge and spun to isolate the PRP. The red and white blood cells are displaced from the PRP and are located at the bottom of the collection tube.
The PRP that remains on top is ready for clinical use. In some cases, PRP is applied topically, in other cases, it is injected. This procedure takes less than 30 minutes, and only a small amount of blood is required. There are no foreign components, which eliminates the risk of adverse reactions. This procedure is FDA-cleared.
How Can Platelet-Rich Plasma Help?
Platelet-Rich Plasma offers several benefits:
- It improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (can be injected or used topically).
- It improves skin texture, tone, and overall quality.
- It encourages hair growth for individuals with hair loss disorders (a series of treatments recommended).
- It serves as a great option for minor scar revision.
The science behind it
How PRP Works
Your blood carries platelets, tiny cells that rush to any injury and release signals that start the repair process. PRP concentrates those platelets from a small sample of your own blood, delivering a quick burst of these repair signals to the skin or scalp where you want results.
Platelets release growth factors
Growth factors are proteins that tell cells when to repair, renew and build. These are the key ones at work in your treatment.
PDGF
Platelet-derived growth factor
Signals cells to multiply and supports collagen production and small blood vessel repair.
TGF-β
Transforming growth factor beta
Helps guide healing and the formation of new collagen.
VEGF
Vascular endothelial growth factor
Encourages new small blood vessels, improving blood supply to skin and hair follicles.
EGF
Epidermal growth factor
Supports renewal of the skin’s outer layer.
FGF
Fibroblast growth factor
Activates fibroblasts, the cells that make collagen and elastin.
IGF
Insulin-like growth factor
Helps regulate healthy cell growth and repair.
KGF
Keratinocyte growth factor
Supports keratinocytes, the main building cells of the skin’s surface.
Why it is well tolerated
Made from your own blood
Because PRP comes from you, the risk of an allergic reaction is very low.
No fillers or preservatives
Nothing synthetic or animal-derived is added to build volume or extend shelf life.
Matched to your body
It is prepared at your body’s natural pH, which helps keep treatment comfortable.
Mild redness, swelling or bruising can occur and usually settles within a few days. Your provider will review whether PRP is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and how does it work?
Platelet-Rich Plasma is a highly concentrated solution of platelets isolated from a small sample of your own blood. When reintroduced to target areas, these platelets release powerful growth factors that mimic the body’s natural response to tissue injury. This biological trigger accelerates cell repair and intensely promotes localized healing and rejuvenation.
What should I expect during a standard PRP treatment session?
The entire in-office procedure takes less than 30 minutes. First, a small sample of your blood is drawn and placed into a centrifuge, which spins the sample to completely isolate the nutrient-rich plasma from the red and white blood cells. This pure PRP is then either applied topically or precisely injected into the treatment area.
What are the main benefits of PRP, and is there a risk of an allergic reaction?
PRP is highly versatile and effective at smoothing fine lines, improving skin texture and tone, revising minor scars, and stimulating hair follicles to encourage fresh growth. Because the treatment uses exclusively your own blood with no foreign chemical components, the risk of an adverse or allergic reaction is entirely eliminated.
What Patients Say
“
I have been going to McLean and Potomac Dermatology for almost two years for PRP services, and the results have been amazing. The team is very efficient and always gets me checked in and started on time.
Google review · McLean office · 2026
Shared as written by patients in Google reviews. Individual results may vary.
Schedule Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatments in McLean, VA, or Potomac, MD
Platelet-Rich Plasma is a revolutionary treatment that can do wonders for your skin. If you’re interested in a natural option for treating your body, PRP may be just what you’re looking for.
Ready to see what PRP can do for your skin or hair? Book online with our board-certified dermatology team in McLean or Potomac below.