How Long Do PRP Injections Last? Understanding the Duration and Effectiveness of Treatment
When it comes to facial rejuvenation, the line between expectations and reality can often blur. Many patients considering PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy naturally wonder: How long will the results last? While the initial effects are noticeable, their longevity depends on several factors — and the answer isn’t always straightforward.
Unlike dermal fillers or neuromodulators like Botox, PRP therapy stimulates the body’s natural regeneration processes. It’s not about masking imperfections, but about restoring healthy skin function. For this reason, PRP is considered a bioregenerative treatment — one that activates your skin’s own healing mechanisms.
How It Works — And Why the Results Aren’t Permanent
Platelet-rich plasma contains a high concentration of growth factors that trigger cellular repair and renewal. When injected into targeted facial areas, PRP stimulates:
Natural collagen and elastin production
Increased cellular metabolism
Improved blood circulation
Endogenous (natural) hyaluronic acid synthesis
These processes deliver visible improvements in tone, texture, and skin vitality. However, like all biological responses, the effect is time-limited. Skin aging is ongoing and influenced by genetics, environment, and lifestyle — and PRP cannot override those factors permanently.
Once the active stimulation from PRP subsides, the skin gradually returns to its baseline renewal rate. This explains the limited duration of results following a single treatment or even a short course.
How Long Do PRP Results Last?
Clinical experience and patient data show a wide variation — results typically last between 4 to 18 months. The range depends on several individual factors:
Metabolic rate and overall health
Skin condition before treatment
Number and frequency of sessions
Injection technique and depth
Platelet concentration in the PRP preparation
Post-treatment care and adherence to professional recommendations
At our Vancouver-based regenerative aesthetics clinic, patients often ask about how predictable their outcome will be. Even experienced professionals can only offer general guidance, as responses vary case by case.
A 2023 study by Canadian dermatologists found that the most consistent and durable results occurred in patients who underwent 3–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
Different Facial Areas, Different Longevity
It’s important to know that PRP results don’t last equally across all parts of the face. The thinner and more mobile the skin, the faster the results may fade:
Under-eye area: 4–6 months
Lips and nasolabial folds: 6–8 months
Cheeks and midface: 8–12 months
Forehead and temples: up to 12–14 months
These differences relate to the anatomy, skin thickness, and the level of facial muscle activity in each zone. This is why PRP therapy should be carefully personalized. An experienced provider will create a targeted injection plan to match each area’s regenerative needs.
How to Extend PRP Results
While the quality of the procedure is critical, patient lifestyle and skincare habits play a major role in extending the visible benefits. To maintain results longer, follow these key guidelines:
Apply daily SPF, even in overcast weather
Stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake
Use medical-grade skincare, as recommended by your provider
Sticking to these simple steps can prolong your PRP results by 25–30% and improve overall skin health.
Maintenance Protocols for Long-Term Skin Renewal
To preserve the improvements from PRP therapy, most practitioners recommend a maintenance plan — rather than waiting for all effects to wear off.
The standard protocol includes:
An initial series of 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart
Follow-up sessions every 6–8 months thereafter
This approach supports cumulative collagen stimulation and long-term improvements in skin tone, elasticity, and hydration.
It’s also worth noting that PRP is a preventive rejuvenation treatment. It is most effective not for reversing deep age-related changes, but for slowing the aging process and preserving a youthful, natural appearance.
Interested in PRP treatment Vancouver? Book your free consultation with Dr. Aron Heroux, an experienced physician specializing in advanced aesthetic medicine. He’ll assess your skin, explain the treatment in detail, and create a personalized plan to help you achieve natural, long-lasting results.