PRP Therapy in Chicago: 2026 Prices, Results and What the Research Says

By Elite Med Spa | Berwyn, just west of Chicago | Updated October 2026

PRP therapy in Chicago usually costs about $300 to $900 per session at the clinics we checked in October 2026. At Elite Med Spa, just west of the city in Berwyn, PRP for the face or hair starts at $250, and a series of three saves 15 percent.

PRP is one of the most talked-about treatments in aesthetics, and one of the most misunderstood. This guide gives you the real numbers: what PRP is, what it costs across Chicago, what clinical studies actually show for hair and skin, what results look like month by month, and who should skip it.

Quick Answer

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is made from a small sample of your own blood. It is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, then injected into your scalp or face, or applied during microneedling. Platelets release growth factors that help your skin and hair follicles repair. Most people need 3 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Skin results build over 8 to 12 weeks. Hair results take 3 to 6 months. Research shows a real but modest benefit, best for early hair thinning, acne scars and skin firmness.

¿Qué es la terapia con plasma rico en plaquetas (PRP)?

PRP therapy uses a concentrate of your own platelets to support skin and hair repair. Nothing is added from outside your body, which is why people call it a natural or regenerative treatment. You may also see it called the “vampire facial” when it is paired with microneedling.

How PRP is made

1. Blood draw. We take about 10 to 20 mL of blood from your arm. That is about one tablespoon, similar to a routine lab test.
2. Spin. The tube goes into a medical centrifuge for 5 to 10 minutes. Spinning separates the blood into layers by weight.
3. Separate. Red blood cells sink to the bottom. The clear, yellow plasma on top holds the platelets. This platelet-rich layer is drawn off.
4. Apply. The PRP is injected into the scalp or face with a very fine needle, or spread on the skin during microneedling.

What makes it “platelet-rich”

Normal blood has about 150,000 to 400,000 platelets per microliter. Research reviews suggest PRP works best at roughly 2 to 6 times that level. Platelets carry growth factors, including:

• PDGF, which helps with tissue repair
• VEGF, which supports new blood vessel growth
• TGF-beta, which supports collagen production
• EGF and FGF, which support skin cell and hair follicle activity

Not all PRP is the same

The spin speed, the time, and the kit used all change how many platelets end up in the final product. Studies use many different methods, which is one reason results vary from clinic to clinic. Ask any Chicago provider what system they use and how they prepare it.

Is PRP FDA approved?

The FDA clears the devices used to prepare PRP. Using PRP for hair loss or skin rejuvenation is an off-label use, which is legal and common when a licensed medical provider performs it. No PRP product is FDA-approved specifically for cosmetic results.

What Does PRP Treat?

Elite Med Spa uses PRP for two main goals: healthier, firmer skin and thicker-looking hair. Here is where it is used and how.

PRP for hair thinning

PRP is injected into the scalp where hair is thinning. It is used most for androgenetic alopecia, the common pattern hair loss in men and women. It works best when follicles are still alive, so early thinning responds better than bald areas. PRP does not grow hair on a fully bald scalp.

PRP for the face

PRP injections or PRP with microneedling can help with:

• Fine lines around the eyes, mouth and forehead
• Dull, tired-looking skin
• Rough texture and enlarged pores
• Mild loss of firmness
• Mild sun damage and uneven tone

PRP for acne scars

Acne scars are where the evidence is strongest. PRP is applied during Microneedling con SkinPen so it soaks into the tiny channels the needles make. We break this down in PRP With Microneedling vs Microneedling Alone: Is PRP Worth It?

PRP with Morpheus8

PRP can be added to Morfeo8 RF microneedling, which uses heat to tighten deeper layers. At Elite, Morpheus8 with PRP starts at $450.

Under-eyes

Some providers inject PRP under the eyes for thin, crepey skin. The research here is small and early. If your main concern is hollowness, rellenos dérmicos add volume and PRP does not.

What PRP will not do

• It will not add volume like filler
• It will not relax expression lines like Botox
• It will not lift sagging skin
• It will not regrow hair where follicles are gone

What Does the Research Say About PRP?

The research shows PRP gives a real, measurable benefit for hair density, acne scars and skin firmness. It also shows the benefit is moderate and the studies vary in quality. Here are the key numbers from recent reviews of clinical trials.

What this means in plain English

• For hair: PRP helps thinning hair look fuller for many people. It works best as part of a plan, often with minoxidil, not as a stand-alone cure.
• For acne scars: adding PRP to microneedling makes a clear difference. This is where PRP has its best evidence.
• For aging skin: PRP is best at making skin thicker and firmer. It is less reliable for deep wrinkles, dark spots or hydration.
• For safety: across these reviews, no serious side effects were reported.

The honest limits

The authors of these reviews point out real problems. Many trials were small. Clinics prepared PRP in different ways. Some studies had a high risk of bias. The 2024 hair review called the evidence low quality and asked for better trials. That is why we never promise a set number of new hairs, and why we tell you which treatment has stronger proof for your concern.

How Much Does PRP Cost in Chicago?

PRP at Elite Med Spa starts at $250 per session for the face or hair. We checked published prices at Chicago clinics in October 2026. Most charged about $300 to $900 per session, and some quoted up to $1,500 depending on the area.

Prices come from each clinic’s public website, checked October 2026. They change often, so confirm when you book.

Elite Med Spa PRP prices

Save 15 percent on any series of three. New clients also save 20 percent on the first visit with code NEW25. See every price on our menu and prices page and current deals on our special offers page.

What a full plan costs

PRP is a series, not a one-time visit, so plan for the full cost:

• 3 sessions at Elite: $750 at the starting price, or about $638 with the 15 percent series savings
• 3 face sessions at the West Loop example: $1,800
• 3 hair sessions at the West Loop example: $2,700
• Maintenance: 1 or 2 sessions a year to hold results

What changes the price?

• Area. A full scalp or full face takes more PRP than a small area.
• Add-ons. Microneedling, Morpheus8 or vitamins add cost.
• Prep system. Clinics that use pricier kits or spin twice may charge more.
• Who injects. Physician-led offices can charge more.

Comparing more treatments? Read Chicago Med Spa Prices: Is the Drive to the Suburbs Worth It?

What to Expect at Your PRP Appointment

A PRP visit at Elite Med Spa takes about 45 to 60 minutes from blood draw to finish. Here is how it goes:

1. Consultation. We look at your skin or scalp, review your health and medications, and confirm PRP is the right fit. For hair, we ask how long you have been thinning and what you have tried.
2. Numbing. We cleanse the area and apply numbing cream to the face. Scalp numbing depends on your comfort.
3. Blood draw. A few minutes, about 10 to 20 mL from your arm.
4. Spin. The sample spins in the centrifuge for 5 to 10 minutes while the numbing cream works.
5. Treatment. PRP is injected with a very fine needle or applied during microneedling. This takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
6. Finish. We clean the area and go over aftercare.

Does PRP hurt?

Most people feel pressure and quick pinches. Numbing cream helps a lot on the face. The scalp can feel more tender than the face, and the blood draw feels like any lab test.

Falta del tiempo

Expect redness and mild swelling for 1 to 3 days. Some people get small bruises. Most people go back to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. If you have an event, book PRP at least a week ahead.

PRP Before and After: Results Timeline

PRP results are slow and build over a series, because your body does the work. Skin changes show first. Hair takes longer because hair grows slowly.

Skin results

Hair results

How many sessions do you need?

Who gets the best results?

• People with early hair thinning, not long-term baldness
• People who stick with the full series and maintenance
• People who pair PRP with a proven home routine, like minoxidil for hair or retinoids and sunscreen for skin
• Non-smokers. Research reviews list tobacco use as a factor that can weaken PRP.

About before and after photos

Ask to see photos of the clinic’s own patients, taken in the same light and from the same angle, at least 3 months apart. For hair, ask for photos with the hair parted the same way. We take your own before photos at your first visit so you can compare honestly.

PRP vs PRF vs Exosomes

PRP has two newer cousins that Chicago clinics now advertise. Here is how they compare.

Our take: PRP has the most research behind it. PRF is a reasonable option some providers like for under-eyes. Be careful with exosome treatments. In a public safety notice, the FDA stated that there are no FDA-approved exosome products.

PRP Trends in 2026

The big shift in 2026 is toward treatments that help your own skin and hair work better. PRP fits right in. Here is what is changing.

1. Regenerative aesthetics goes mainstream

The president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery describes the field in 2026 as moving from surface correction to biologic restoration. In plain terms, more people want to improve skin health over time, not just cover problems. PRP is one of the original regenerative treatments.

2. Hair shedding on GLP-1 weight loss drugs

A 2026 meta-analysis of more than 1 million patient exposures found that GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide were linked to about a 40 percent higher risk of non-scarring hair loss. Telogen effluvium, a temporary shedding, was the main type.

The honest part: this kind of shedding usually improves on its own within 3 to 6 months after weight levels off. A 2026 review did not list PRP as a treatment for it. If you are shedding on a GLP-1, start with your prescriber and good nutrition. If thinning lasts past 6 to 9 months or looks like a pattern, PRP may be worth a conversation.

3. Combination plans

PRP is often paired with another treatment. The best-supported combos pair PRP with microneedling for acne scars and with minoxidil for hair. At Elite, PRP also pairs with Morfeo8 for deeper tightening.

4. Better prep, better questions

Researchers and patients are paying more attention to how PRP is made. Expect more clinics to name their prep system and explain their process.

5. Natural over dramatic

The 2026 trend is subtle results and long-term skin quality. PRP will never give a dramatic change in one visit. It gives a gradual improvement that looks like you on a good day.

Is PRP Safe? Side Effects and Who Should Skip It

PRP has a strong safety record because it comes from your own blood. There is no risk of an allergic reaction to the PRP itself. In the clinical reviews above, no serious side effects were reported.

Common, mild side effects

• Redness and mild swelling for 1 to 3 days
• Small bruises at injection points or the blood draw site
• Tenderness, especially on the scalp
• Mild headache after scalp treatment
• Brief itching as the skin heals

Rare risks

• Infection, which is why a sterile setup matters
• Bruising that lasts longer in people on blood thinners
• Lightheadedness during the blood draw

Who should not get PRP

PRP may not be right for you if you:

• Have a low platelet count or a platelet or bleeding disorder
• Take blood thinners
• Have an active skin or scalp infection, cold sore or open wound in the area
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have an active cancer, especially a blood cancer
• Are sick or have a fever

Research reviews also list these as reasons to wait or adjust: anti-inflammatory pain pills like ibuprofen in the past 48 hours, steroid shots in the area in the past month, oral steroids in the past 2 weeks, anemia, and smoking.

PRP and Illinois rules

In Illinois, PRP is a medical treatment. The blood draw and injections must be done by licensed providers or properly delegated under state rules. Before you book anywhere in Chicago, ask:

1. Who will draw my blood and inject me, and what is their license?
2. Is a doctor overseeing the treatment?
3. What system do you use to prepare PRP?
4. Is the kit sterile and single-use?
5. How many sessions do you recommend, and what is the total cost?

At Elite Med Spa, licensed medical professionals perform or supervise every PRP treatment. Read our safety standards.

How to Prepare for PRP and Aftercare

Good prep helps your platelets do their job. Good aftercare protects the result.

Before your visit

• Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of. It makes the blood draw easier.
• Eat a normal meal before you come in so you do not feel lightheaded.
• Skip ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin for 48 hours, unless your doctor prescribed them. Never stop a prescribed blood thinner on your own.
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before.
• Tell us about fish oil, vitamin E or other supplements that can raise bruising.
• For hair PRP, come with clean, dry hair and no styling products.
• For face PRP, skip retinol and acids for 2 to 3 days before.

After your visit

Face:

• Do not wash your face for at least 4 to 6 hours, or as your provider directs
• Skip makeup for 24 hours
• Use a gentle cleanser and plain moisturizer for 2 to 3 days
• Wear sunscreen every day
• Skip retinol, acids, scrubs, saunas and hard workouts for 48 hours

Hair:

• Wait at least 4 to 6 hours before washing your hair, or as your provider directs
• Skip hair dye, chemical treatments and hot tools for 48 to 72 hours
• Skip hard workouts and saunas for 24 to 48 hours
• Ask before restarting minoxidil. Many providers pause it for a day or two.

Both: keep avoiding ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory pain pills for a few days if you can. They may blunt the healing response PRP is meant to trigger. Acetaminophen is usually fine for soreness, but check with your provider.

Why Chicago Clients Come to Berwyn for PRP

Elite Med Spa offers PRP for the face and hair at 6203 Cermak Rd in Berwyn, about 8 miles west of the Loop. Here is why city clients make the trip:

• Lower price per session. PRP starts at $250, while the Chicago clinics we checked charged about $300 to $900.
• Series savings. Save 15 percent on a series of three, which is how PRP is meant to be done.
• Honest advice. We will tell you if PRP is not the best tool for your concern, and point you to the treatment with stronger proof.
• One place for a full plan. PRP pairs with Microneedling con SkinPen, Morfeo8, HydraFacial MD y rellenos dérmicos, all under one roof.
• Free parking. No meters and no garage fees.
• Easy to reach. Cermak Road runs straight west from Chinatown, Pilsen and Little Village. From I-290, exit at Austin Boulevard or Harlem Avenue and head south. The Pink Line ends at 54th/Cermak, about 1 mile east of us.
• Saturday hours. Saturday 9 AM to 2 PM, plus weekdays 9 AM to 4 PM.
• Se habla espanol.

We also serve nearby suburbs, including Cicerón, Parque de roble, Parque forestal, Orilla, Lyons, Campo, Cumbre y Maywood. See all the areas we serve, or compare every treatment in our Med Spa Chicago Guide.

PRP Therapy Chicago FAQs

How much does PRP cost in Chicago?

At the Chicago clinics we checked in October 2026, PRP cost about $300 to $900 per session, and some quoted up to $1,500. At Elite Med Spa in Berwyn, PRP for the face or hair starts at $250, and a series of three saves 15 percent.

Does PRP really work for hair loss?

For many people with early pattern thinning, yes. A 2024 review of 13 randomized trials found about 27.5 more hairs per square centimeter than placebo. Results vary, the evidence quality is mixed, and PRP does not regrow hair on fully bald areas.

How many PRP sessions do I need?

Most people start with 3 sessions spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart. For hair, sessions are often monthly at first. Maintenance is usually 1 or 2 sessions a year.

How long does PRP take to work?

Skin starts to look better in about 3 to 4 weeks, with peak results at 8 to 12 weeks. Hair takes longer. Studies first measured more hair density than placebo at about 3 months.

How long do PRP results last?

Skin results can last up to 12 to 18 months after a full series with maintenance. Hair results need ongoing maintenance, because pattern hair loss keeps progressing over time.

Does PRP hurt?

Most people feel pressure and quick pinches. Numbing cream helps on the face. The scalp can feel more tender. The blood draw feels like a routine lab test.

Is PRP FDA approved?

The FDA clears the devices used to prepare PRP. Using PRP for hair or skin is an off-label use, which is legal when a licensed medical provider performs it.

What is the difference between PRP and PRF?

Both come from your own blood. PRF is spun more slowly without an anticoagulant, so it is thicker and releases growth factors more slowly. PRP has more research behind it.

Can PRP help hair loss from Ozempic or other GLP-1 drugs?

GLP-1 hair loss is usually temporary shedding that improves within 3 to 6 months after weight levels off. Start with your prescriber and good nutrition. If thinning lasts past 6 to 9 months or looks like pattern loss, PRP may be worth discussing.

How far is Elite Med Spa from downtown Chicago?

About 8 miles west of the Loop, at 6203 Cermak Rd in Berwyn. Cermak Road runs straight there from Chinatown, Pilsen and Little Village, and parking is free.

Book Your PRP Consultation

Ready to find out if PRP is right for your skin or hair? Elite Med Spa is at 6203 Cermak Rd, Berwyn, IL 60402, with free parking and Saturday hours. New clients save 20 percent on the first visit with code NEW25.

Reserva una consulta gratuita or call 855-293-1033.

Elite Med Spa 6203 Cermak Rd, Berwyn Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM Saturday, 9 AM to 2 PM