PRP Therapy Benefits Explained
PRP Therapy Benefits Explained
Reviewed by Otto R. Garcia MD Board Certified Internist at Hermosa Medical and Diagnostic Center. Last updated October 2026
About the reviewer: Dr Otto R Garcia is a board certified internist who sees patients at Hermosa Medical and Diagnostic Center on Pulaski Road in Chicago. His practice covers internal medicine and general adult care for the Hermosa Belmont Cragin Humboldt Park Logan Square and Austin communities.
A cosmetic specialist byline will replace this general medical review once a credentialed cosmetic provider is confirmed by the clinic.
Key takeaways
-
PRP uses a concentrated portion of your own blood to support tissue renewal.
-
Common uses include facial rejuvenation and hair thinning support.
-
A typical PRP session takes about 45 to 60 minutes start to finish.
-
Results build gradually over several weeks after treatment.
-
A consultation confirms whether PRP fits your specific goal.
A patient from Belmont Cragin came in asking about options for thinning hair after trying several over the counter products without much change. During the consultation the provider explained how PRP works and what a realistic timeline for results would look like. She decided to move forward and returned for her follow up sessions on the recommended schedule.
What PRP actually is
PRP stands for platelet rich plasma which is a concentrated portion of your own blood containing growth factors that support tissue repair. The process starts with a small blood draw which is then processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet rich portion from the rest of the sample. This concentrated plasma is then applied to the treatment area.
What PRP is used for
PRP is commonly used for facial rejuvenation to support skin texture and for scalp treatments aimed at supporting hair density in early stage thinning. It is also used in some orthopedic and sports medicine settings though the cosmetic and hair applications are the most requested at Hermosa Medical and Diagnostic Center.
|
Option |
Cost in Chicago |
Time to result |
How long it lasts |
Best for |
Risk or downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PRP facial treatment |
Priced per session ask at consult |
Several weeks |
Multiple months with maintenance |
Skin texture and tone support |
Requires a small blood draw |
|
PRP scalp treatment |
Priced per session ask at consult |
Several weeks to months |
Ongoing with maintenance sessions |
Early stage hair thinning |
Best results need multiple sessions |
|
Topical hair serum |
Lower cost |
Weeks to months |
Ongoing with use |
Mild thinning as a starting step |
Slower and more limited results |
|
No treatment |
No cost |
None |
Not applicable |
Those not ready to start treatment |
Thinning may continue to progress |
How the treatment process works
After the blood draw and processing step the plasma is applied to the target area through injection or microneedling depending on the treatment goal. Numbing cream is typically used beforehand to keep the process comfortable. Most sessions take about 45 to 60 minutes from start to finish including preparation time. Wondering if PRP fits your goals. A short consultation gives you a real answer. Call 773 772 8876.
What results actually look like
PRP results build gradually rather than appearing overnight since the treatment works by supporting your body's own renewal process. Most patients notice initial changes within a few weeks with continued improvement over the following months. A series of sessions spaced several weeks apart is often recommended for the best outcome rather than a single treatment alone.
What happens at your appointment
Your visit starts with a conversation about your goals and a review of your health history to confirm you are a good candidate. After the blood draw and processing the treatment itself is applied to the target area. Most patients return to normal activities the same day with only mild redness at the treatment site.
What Medicaid and Medicare cover for PRP in Chicago
Illinois Medicaid and Medicare generally do not cover PRP when used for cosmetic purposes such as facial rejuvenation or hair thinning since these are considered elective treatments. Certain medical uses of PRP in other specialties may be covered when medically necessary and properly documented. What can be bundled into a covered visit includes the evaluation tied to a documented medical need. Coverage varies by plan so always call to confirm. We accept Medicaid and Medicare. Call 773 772 8876 to confirm your plan before the visit.
Ready to come in
Call 773 772 8876 or book online now (hermosamedicalcenter.com/appointment). Walk ins are welcome at Hermosa Medical and Diagnostic Center on Pulaski Road. No referral is needed for most visits.
Preparing for your PRP session
Staying well hydrated in the days before your appointment can make the blood draw step easier and more comfortable. Avoiding blood thinning medications when possible before treatment is also commonly recommended though you should always confirm with the provider first based on your specific health history. Eating a light meal before your visit helps some patients feel more comfortable throughout the process.
Visiting from Hermosa or nearby neighborhoods
Patients from Hermosa Belmont Cragin Humboldt Park Logan Square and Austin can reach the clinic on Pulaski Road for a PRP consultation. The clinic also offers Botox (hermosamedicalcenter.com/services/Hermosa-Cosmetic) and other cosmetic options if you want to compare approaches before choosing a treatment path.
Who tends to see the best results
Patients in the early stages of hair thinning or those looking to support overall skin texture rather than reverse advanced changes tend to see the most noticeable results from PRP. This does not mean PRP cannot help in other situations but setting expectations based on where you are starting from helps avoid disappointment. The provider will discuss what a realistic outcome looks like for your specific situation during your consultation.
Maintaining your results over time
Because PRP works with your body's own renewal process rather than adding an external substance the results are not permanent and typically benefit from periodic maintenance sessions. Many patients settle into a schedule of a session every several months once their initial series is complete. This maintenance approach helps sustain results rather than seeing them fade back to the starting point.
Comparing PRP to other options you may have heard about
Patients sometimes ask how PRP compares with other treatments they have researched online for similar concerns. Unlike treatments that rely on an external product PRP uses your own blood which some patients prefer for that reason alone. The right choice still depends on your specific goal and the provider can walk through how PRP compares with other options during your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How many PRP sessions do I need This depends on your goal. The provider will recommend a schedule based on what you are treating and how your results progress.
Is PRP painful Numbing cream is used beforehand so most patients describe the process as mild discomfort rather than significant pain.
How soon will I see results Most patients notice initial changes within a few weeks with continued improvement over the following months.
Is PRP safe since it uses my own blood Because PRP is derived from your own blood the risk of an allergic reaction is lower than with many other treatments though a consultation confirms your specific candidacy.
Related reading
Botox Benefits and Risks What to Know Before You Book (hermosamedicalcenter.com/blog/botox-benefits-and-risks) Microblading What to Expect Before and After (hermosamedicalcenter.com/blog/microblading-before-after)
Next step
Read more about Cosmetic Services at Hermosa Medical (hermosamedicalcenter.com/services/Hermosa-Cosmetic) or book a visit directly (hermosamedicalcenter.com/appointment).
Visit Hermosa Medical and Diagnostic Center
Hermosa Medical and Diagnostic Center 2004 N Pulaski Rd Chicago IL 60639 Phone 773 772 8876 Walk ins welcome. Medicaid and Medicare accepted. Se habla espanol. Book an appointment (hermosamedicalcenter.com/appointment)
Hermosa Medical and Diagnostic Center welcomes patients from Hermosa Belmont Cragin Humboldt Park Logan Square and Austin. The clinic sits on Pulaski Road with street parking available near the entrance. The Pulaski bus line and the Blue Line both stop within walking distance of the building.
Map: https://www.google.com/maps?q=2004+N+Pulaski+Rd+Chicago+IL+60639
Hablamos espanol. Llame al 773 772 8876 para programar su cita.
Follow Hermosa Medical and Diagnostic Center: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hermosa.care/ | Facebook https://web.facebook.com/Hermosa.Medical | TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@hermosamedicalcenter | YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HermosaMedicalCenter_Chicago | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/hermosa-medical-center-us/