At Clinic Copenhagen on Amager, we're often asked about PRP and PRF, what social media calls the “vampire facial”, but which in clinical reality is one of the most gentle regenerative treatments we offer. Clients are curious because it uses their own body, not foreign substances.
What are PRP and PRF?
PRPstands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. It's a part of your own blood where we've concentrated the small blood cells (platelets) that contain growth factors. Growth factors are proteins your body normally uses to heal wounds and regenerate tissue.
PRFstands for Platelet-Rich Fibrin. It's an evolution of PRP where we also preserve fibrin (a natural network substance) and white blood cells. PRF has a more gel-like consistency and releases growth factors more slowly over time.
Neither treatment introduces foreign substances. We use only your own blood, separated and concentrated. That's the reason for the very high safety profile and low side-effect risk.
For a direct comparison of the two variants, see our PRP vs PRF guide.
How the treatment works, from blood draw to injection
The whole treatment typically takes 60 minutes and consists of three steps:
Step 1: Blood draw (5 min)
We take a small blood sample from your arm, typically 10-20 ml depending on the treatment area. It's the same procedure as a regular blood test at the doctor. Most clients describe it as a light prick. We use sterile, single-use blood tubes specifically designed for PRP/PRF preparation.
Step 2: Centrifugation (10-15 min)
The blood is placed in a centrifuge and spun at high speed. This process separates the components into layers:
- Red blood cells sink to the bottom (we don't use these)
- Middle layer (PRP) contains plasma with concentrated platelets and growth factors
- White blood cells + fibrin (PRF) form a separate layer (in PRF protocol only)
We extract the relevant layer in a sterile syringe and prepare it for injection.
Step 3: Injection (20-30 min)
We clean the treatment area and apply numbing cream. The injection itself depends on what we're treating:
- For the face: micro-injections distributed evenly and deeper deposits at fine lines
- For the scalp (hair loss): systematic pattern, typically 30-50 injections per session
- For specific areas (dark circles, scars, neck): technique adapted to the area
What PRP and PRF can treat
1. Hair loss and thinning
PRP is one of the most well-documented treatments for androgenetic hair loss, postpartum hair loss after pregnancy, and general thinning. Growth factors stimulate hair follicles to produce thicker, stronger hair. Treatment course: 4-8 sessions with 4-week intervals, then maintenance every 6-12 months.
2. Facial skin rejuvenation
PRP/PRF stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture, tone, and elasticity. It's especially good for clients who don't want filler or Botox but seek a more rested-looking skin. Treatment course: 3-5 sessions with 4-6 week intervals.
3. Dark circles under the eyes
The under-eye area is thin and delicate. PRF (with its gel-like consistency) is often the first choice here because it integrates softly and gives more lasting effect than ordinary filler in the same area.
4. Scars and stretch marks
PRP injected directly into acne scars, surgical scars, or stretch marks stimulates tissue remodelling over several months. Results are typically best with combination treatment with microneedling.
5. Neck and décolletage
Areas often forgotten in facial treatments. PRP/PRF here gives skin firming and improved texture without risk of uneven volume distribution.
When do you see results?
PRP and PRF work slowly, because they don't “add” anything, they stimulate your own body to regenerate tissue.
Realistic timeline:
- Week 2-4: Skin feels firmer, tone improves
- Week 6-8: Visible improvement in texture, fine lines, hair thickness
- Month 3-6: Full result, especially for hair loss and deep skin rejuvenation
- Maintenance: 1-2 times per year to maintain the result
If you expect dramatic change after the first session, PRP/PRF isn't the right choice. If you expect gradual, natural improvement that builds upon itself, this is exactly that.
Side effects and safety
Because we use your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is essentially eliminated.
Common side effects:
- Mild redness for 1-3 days
- Mild swelling for the first 1-2 days
- Possible small bruises where the needle was placed
- Mild tenderness in the area
What to avoid for the first 24-48 hours:
- Intense exercise, sauna, hot yoga
- Sun exposure and tanning beds
- Facial makeup (the first 12 hours)
- Massage on the treated area
Pricing
- PRP/PRF, first treatment, 60 min, 2,000 DKK
- PRP/PRF, subsequent sessions, 60 min, 1,500 DKK
Hair loss course: 4-8 sessions. Skin course: 3-5 sessions. The final plan depends on your starting point and goals, we review it at your free consultation. See full price list.
Frequently asked questions
Does it hurt?
Numbing cream significantly reduces discomfort. The injections themselves are typically described as a light prick or pressure. Scalp injections can be slightly more uncomfortable than the face, but we adapt and use more numbing cream if needed.
How many sessions do I need?
It depends on what we're treating. Skin: 3-5 sessions. Hair: 4-8 sessions. Specific areas like scars or dark circles: 2-4 sessions. We make a realistic plan at your consultation.
Can I combine it with other treatments?
Yes. PRP/PRF is often combined with microneedling (SkinPen), it boosts the regenerative effect. Botox can be done the same day or a few days before. Filler is typically done after PRP/PRF.
Is it safe?
PRP/PRF has one of the highest safety profiles in aesthetic medicine because we use your own blood. We are registered with the Danish Patient Safety Authority (STPS), work under sterile conditions, and have a responsible physician, Dr. Per, attached to the clinic.
How long do results last?
For skin: 12-18 months with maintenance. For hair: as long as you continue maintenance treatments 1-2 times per year. If you stop treatments, the hair gradually returns to its original state over 6-12 months.