Skin

PRP Therapy for Skin Rejuvenation in San Diego: What to Expect, Cost & Results

Dr. Saami Khalifian explains PRP skin rejuvenation at SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas - what it treats, how many sessions you need, and what results to realistically expect.

PRP - platelet-rich plasma - is one of the most requested treatments at our Encinitas clinic, and for good reason. It uses your own biology to stimulate collagen, accelerate healing, and improve skin texture with minimal downtime. But there is a lot of confusion about what PRP can and cannot do. Let me be direct with you about the science, the experience, and what results you can realistically expect.

What Is PRP Therapy for Skin?

PRP is derived from your own blood. We draw a small sample, spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then apply or inject the plasma back into target areas of your skin. Platelets are rich in growth factors - proteins that signal your skin to repair itself, build new collagen, and improve vascularity.

What Skin Concerns Does PRP Treat?

  • Fine lines and early skin laxity
  • Uneven skin texture and enlarged pores
  • Post-acne scarring (especially when combined with microneedling)
  • Dull, fatigued-looking skin
  • Under-eye hollowing and thin skin
  • General skin quality improvement and prevention

How Many PRP Sessions Do You Need?

Most patients at SOM Aesthetics see optimal results with a series of 3 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Maintenance treatments every 6 to 12 months help sustain results. I often see meaningful texture improvement after just the first session, with the full collagen remodeling payoff visible at the 3-month mark.

PRP Combined with Microneedling: Why We Often Pair Them

At our San Diego clinic, we frequently combine PRP with microneedling - sometimes called a Vampire Facial. The microneedling creates controlled micro-channels in the skin, allowing the PRP growth factors to penetrate more deeply. Clinical evidence shows the combination outperforms either treatment alone, particularly for acne scarring and skin texture.

Is PRP Therapy Worth It?

PRP is not the most dramatic rejuvenation treatment available - that title goes to ablative laser resurfacing. But it excels as a natural, low-downtime option with a strong safety profile across all skin tones. For patients concerned about hyperpigmentation risk with laser, PRP is an excellent alternative — as are carefully selected chemical peels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does PRP skin treatment cost in San Diego?
A: At SOM Aesthetics, PRP skin rejuvenation sessions range from $600–$900 depending on the area treated and whether it is combined with microneedling.

Q: Is PRP painful?
A: Most patients describe mild discomfort. We apply topical numbing cream 30 minutes before treatment, which makes the experience very tolerable.

Q: How long do PRP skin results last?
A: Results typically last 12–18 months. Annual maintenance sessions keep the results going.

Q: Can PRP be used on all skin tones?
A: Yes - this is one of PRP's major advantages over laser treatments, which carry higher hyperpigmentation risk in darker skin tones.

Schedule a PRP consultation at SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas →

Dr. Saami Khalifian, MD, FAAD — Harvard-trained, board-certified dermatologist and founder of SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas, San Diego.
Saami Khalifian
Verified writer
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