Treatments and supplements · Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

Does PRP (vampire facial) actually work?

What we can tell you today: how thoroughly this has been studied.

Thoroughly studied

14 studies, of which 8 bring together the results of several trials in people. This is as strong as evidence gets.

5 Repeated evidence 8 studies

4 Large controlled trial 1 study

3 Small study in people 5 studies

This says how thoroughly something has been studied — not whether it works for you. What each study actually found is in the study itself, and in the plain-language write-ups we are adding.

Appears under: Hair and nails · Skin aging

The studies

5 Repeated evidence Platelet-rich plasma and its utility in medical dermatology: A systematic review.
2020 · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
5 Repeated evidence Platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
2023 · Blood transfusion = Trasfusione del sangue · 1,117 participants
5 Repeated evidence The Role of Platelet Concentrates and Growth Factors in Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review with Case Series.
2025 · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
5 Repeated evidence Rejuvenating the periorbital area using platelet-rich plasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
2022 · Archives of dermatological research · 455 participants
5 Repeated evidence Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Facial Rejuvenation.
2025 · Annals of plastic surgery · 514 participants
5 Repeated evidence Autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy for pattern hair loss: A systematic review.
2021 · Journal of cosmetic dermatology
5 Repeated evidence The Physician's Guide to Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatologic Surgery Part I: Definitions, Mechanisms of Action, and Technical Specifications.
2020 · Dermatologic surgery : official publication for America
5 Repeated evidence Platelet rich plasma for treatment of non-scarring hair loss: systematic review of literature.
2018 · The Journal of dermatological treatment
4 Large controlled trial Platelet-rich plasma as a new and successful treatment for lichen planopilaris: A controlled blinded randomized clinical trial.
2024 · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2,023 participants
3 Small study in people Comparing the Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma Alone Versus Combined With Microneedles or Radiofrequency for Neck Wrinkle Treatment.
2025 · Journal of cosmetic dermatology
3 Small study in people Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of female patients with chronic telogen effluvium: A randomised, controlled, double-blind, pilot clinical trial.
2023 · Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprolog · 30 participants
3 Small study in people Effect of Topical Human Platelet Extract (HPE) for Facial Skin Rejuvenation: A Histological Study of Collagen and Elastin.
2024 · Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD
3 Small study in people Evaluation of efficacy of follicular unit extraction versus follicular unit extraction with platelet rich plasma in treatment of cicatricial alopecia.
2022 · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 10 participants
3 Small study in people Enhanced effect of platelet-rich plasma containing a new carrier on hair growth.
2012 · Dermatologic surgery : official publication for America · 26 participants