PRP Therapy in Chicago: Your Guide to Natural Skin & Hair Rejuvenation

If you’ve been searching for ways to refresh your skin or address thinning hair without jumping straight to surgery or harsh chemicals, platelet-rich plasmater known as PRPmigh be exactly what you’re looking for. PRP therapy uses your body’s own concentrated platelets to stimulate repair, collagen production, and healthier hair growth.​

At a Lincoln Park med spa in Chicago, PRP fits perfectly into a modern, holistic approach to aesthetics: natural-looking results, minimal downtime, and treatments that work with your body instead of against it. This guide breaks down how PRP works, what it can treat, and what you can expect if you decide to try it.

‍

What Is PRP Therapy?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, a concentrated portion of your own blood that’s packed with platelets and growth factors. These growth factors play a key role in wound healing, collagen production, and tissue repair.​

To create PRP, a small amount of your blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge, which separates the platelet-rich layer from red and white blood cells. The resulting plasma has a much higher concentration of platelets than normal blood, making it a potent “boost” for targeted areas like the skin or scalp.​

Because PRP comes from your own body, it’s considered biocompatible and carries a low risk of allergic reaction or rejection when used appropriately.​

‍

How PRP Benefits Skin

When injected into or applied over the skin, PRP’s growth factors signal your body to repair and regenerate. Over a series of treatments, this can lead to:​

• Increased collagen and elastin production
• Smoother, more refined skin texture
• Softening of fine lines and some shallow wrinkles
• Improved tone and mild scar appearance
• Healthier, more radiant-looking skin overall

PRP is often combined with microneedling, sometimes nicknamed a “vampire facial", because micro-channels created by microneedling allow PRP to penetrate more effectively and stimulate a stronger collagen response.​

‍

Common skin concerns PRP can help with include:

• Acne scars and mild textural acne marks
• Early fine lines around the eyes, mouth, and cheeks
• Dull, tired-looking skin after stress or sun
• Mild crepey areas on the face, neck, or décolletage​

‍

How PRP Helps Thinning Hair

PRP can also be injected into the scalp to support hair follicle health and growth. The concentrated growth factors in PRP:​

• Increase blood supply to the follicles
• Prolong the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle
• Help revive miniaturized follicles that produce thinner hairs
• Support thicker, stronger hair growth over time​

PRP hair therapy is most effective for people in the earlier stages of hair thinning—such as male or female pattern hair loss—when follicles are still present but less active. Many clients notice decreased shedding and improved density after a series of treatments, with ongoing improvement over several months.​

‍

The PRP Process: What to Expect

Step 1: Consultation

At a Chicago med spa, your PRP journey starts with a consultation. Your provider will:

• Review your medical history and medications
• Discuss your skin or hair goals
• Examine your face or scalp
• Decide whether PRP (alone or combined with other treatments) is a good fit​

Step 2: Blood Draw

A small amount of blood, usually one or two vials, is drawn from your arm, similar to routine lab work. This is used to prepare your PRP.​

‍

Step 3: Centrifuge Preparation

The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate its components. After a few minutes, the platelet-rich plasma layer is isolated and prepared for injection or topical use.​

‍

Step 4: Treatment

For Skin:

• Your skin is cleansed, and numbing cream may be applied.
• PRP is either injected into targeted areas or applied topically over freshly microneedled skin, depending on your treatment plan.​

For Hair:

• Your scalp is cleansed.
• PRP is injected into thinning areas using small needles in a grid-like pattern.​

Most PRP appointments take about 45-90 minutes from start to finish.

‍

Step 5: Aftercare

After PRP, you may experience temporary redness, swelling, or mild tenderness at injection or microneedling sites. These symptoms usually settle within a couple of days, and most clients return to normal activities right away, following specific aftercare instructions.​

‍

PRP for Skin: Common Treatment Areas

PRP is especially popular for:

• Full-face rejuvenation (with or without microneedling)
• Under-eye crepiness and dark circles (in select candidates)
• Acne scars on cheeks, temples, or forehead
• Fine lines on the neck or chest
• Hand rejuvenation and texture improvement​

Chicago clients often pair PRP with other treatments like SkinPen microneedling, light chemical peels, or laser resurfacing to address tone, texture, and collagen from multiple angles over time.

‍

PRP for Hair: Who It Helps Most

PRP hair therapy tends to work best when:

• You’re noticing thinner ponytails, widening part lines, or more visible scalp
• You have early to moderate male or female pattern thinning
• You still have hair present in the area (even if it’s fine or weak)​

It may be less effective if follicles are completely lost or scarring is present, in which case a hair transplant or different approach might be needed. During your consult, your provider will evaluate your pattern of hair loss and set realistic expectations.​

‍

How Many PRP Sessions Will You Need?

Most PRP plans involve a series of treatments for best results.

For Skin:

• Often 3 sessions spaced about 4-6 weeks apart, with maintenance sessions 1-2 times per year depending on goals.​

For Hair:

• Commonly 3-4 initial sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance every 4-6 months.​

Because collagen remodeling and hair cycling take time, results build gradually over several months - PRP is not an overnight “quick fix,” but a progressive, natural boost.

‍

Results: What You Can Expect

For Skin

Over time, many clients notice:

• Smoother, more even texture
• Softening of fine lines and some shallow scars
• Brighter, more radiant tone
• Skin that looks healthier and more resilient​

‍

For Hair

With a full, consistent series, typical improvements include:

• Reduced shedding
• Increased hair density in thinning areas
• Thicker, stronger-feeling strands
• A healthier scalp environment overall​

Individual results vary based on genetics, age, overall health, and how early you start treatment.

‍

Is PRP Safe?

Because PRP is made from your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is extremely low. The main side effects are:​

• Temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at injection or microneedling sites
• Mild tenderness or tightness in treated areas
• Rare infection or complications if aftercare isn’t followed

Choosing an experienced, medically supervised Chicago med spa that uses sterile technique and FDA‑registered PRP kits is crucial for safety and consistent outcomes.​

‍

PRP vs. Other Rejuvenation Options

PRP vs. Fillers

• PRP: Stimulates your own collagen and tissue quality; great for texture, fine lines, and general improvement.
• Fillers: Add volume and structure; best for deeper folds, contouring, and more immediate change.

Many clients benefit from both - PRP for skin health, fillers for shape.

‍

PRP vs. Laser Resurfacing

• PRP: No heat; works well across many skin tones; shorter downtime.
• Laser: Can deliver more dramatic resurfacing or pigment correction but often with more downtime and limitations for some deeper skin tones.

They’re often combined in a long-term plan for complementary benefits.

‍

PRP vs. Hair Transplant

• PRP: Non-surgical; best for early to moderate thinning.
• Transplant: Surgical; relocates follicles; used for advanced hair loss.

PRP is sometimes used to support transplant results and ongoing hair health.

‍

Why Chicago Clients Love PRP at a Lincoln Park Med Spa

City life can be tough on both skin and hair - think harsh winters, radiant summers, urban pollution, stress, and long workdays. PRP appeals to Chicago clients who want:

• A more natural, regenerative approach
• Minimal downtime around full schedules
• Treatments that pair well with other med spa services
• A way to address both skin and hair in a coordinated plan​

For those near Lincoln Park, being able to pop in from Lakeview, Old Town, Bucktown, or the DePaul area makes it much easier to complete a full PRP series and maintain results.

‍

FAQs About PRP Therapy

Does PRP hurt?
Most treatments are very tolerable. Topical numbing is used for skin treatments, and scalp injections are often described as pressure or brief stings. Discomfort usually resolves quickly after the session.​

How long does a PRP appointment take?
Plan on about 45–90 minutes total, including consultation check-in, blood draw, preparation, and treatment.​

When will I see results?
Most clients start to see early skin or hair changes within 1-3 months, with continued improvement over 3-6 months as collagen or hair growth cycles respond.​

Can I combine PRP with other treatments?
Yes. PRP is commonly paired with microneedling, lasers, chemical peels, neuromodulators, fillers, or hair medications as part of a larger plan. Your provider will help you sequence treatments safely.

Is everyone a candidate for PRP?
PRP may not be appropriate for people with certain blood disorders, active infections, or those on strong blood thinners. A medical consultation will determine if it’s a good option for you.​

‍

Ready to Explore PRP in Chicago?

If you’re curious about harnessing your own biology for smoother skin or fuller hair, PRP therapy offers a powerful, natural path forward. At a Lincoln Park med spa, you can expect:

• Thoughtful consultation and assessment
• Medical-grade PRP preparation
• Personalized treatment plans for skin, hair, or both
• A friendly, modern environment tailored to Chicago lifestyles

Booking a consultation is the best way to discover whether PRP fits your goals and how it can be combined with other treatments to create a long-term plan you feel confident about.

‍

The content provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health or medical conditions. We strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, but outcomes and experiences may vary. Our med spa is not responsible for any actions taken based on this blog. If treatments, products, or procedures are mentioned, please consult with a licensed professional to determine if they are appropriate for you.