What is a "Rejuva Shot"?
A "Rejuva shot" is not a standardized medical term or FDA-approved treatment, but likely refers to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) injections marketed for facial or genital rejuvenation—procedures that have limited high-quality evidence and, in the case of vaginal applications, are explicitly not recommended by major medical societies.
Understanding the Term and Common Applications
The term "Rejuva shot" appears to be marketing terminology rather than a medical designation, potentially referring to:
Facial Rejuvenation with Autologous Platelet Concentrates
- PRP/PRF injections show promising but preliminary evidence for facial skin rejuvenation, particularly for perioral wrinkles, lip enhancement, and overall skin texture improvement 1.
- These treatments involve microinjections of the patient's own concentrated platelets to stimulate collagen production and improve skin quality 1.
- Treatment protocols typically involve 3 monthly sessions with maintenance recommended every 6 months 1.
Vaginal "Rejuvenation" Applications
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explicitly states that vaginal "rejuvenation" procedures are not medically indicated and lack safety and efficacy data 2.
- ACOG advises avoiding the term "vaginal rejuvenation" as it conflates legitimate medical conditions with unproven cosmetic procedures 3.
Evidence Quality and Safety Profile
For Facial Applications:
- Mild adverse effects are common but generally self-limited: pain during injection, temporary swelling, and bruising 1.
- Studies report high patient satisfaction scores (average 4.4/5) after three treatment sessions 1.
- Critical limitation: Large, multi-center randomized controlled trials are lacking; current evidence is preliminary 1.
- PRP improves skin moisture, collagen fiber content, and elasticity when used topically or via injection 1.
Safety Concerns:
- No major safety concerns documented for dermatological PRP applications when performed properly 4.
- However, complications can include infection, altered sensation, adhesions, and scarring when procedures are performed without proper medical oversight 2.
What Patients Should Know
If Considering Facial PRP/PRF:
- Results are modest and primarily address fine lines and texture, not deep wrinkles or significant volume loss 5.
- Combination approaches may be more effective: PRP with fractional CO2 laser or radiofrequency microneedling shows enhanced benefits 5.
- Maintenance is required: Effects are not permanent, with retreatment needed every 6 months 1.
If Considering Genital Applications:
- Evidence-based alternatives exist for legitimate medical conditions:
Critical Caveats
- Beware of marketing terminology that obscures the lack of standardization and robust evidence 6, 7.
- No FDA-approved "Rejuva shot" exists—this is commercial branding, not a regulated medical product.
- Treatment protocols vary widely between providers, making outcomes unpredictable 5, 7.
- For any rejuvenation procedure, patients should discuss the reason for their request and undergo proper evaluation for physical signs or symptoms that may indicate need for intervention 2.
Recommended Approach
If a patient inquires about a "Rejuva shot," clarify what specific concern they wish to address, then guide them toward evidence-based treatments:
- For facial aging: Consider FDA-approved botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid fillers, or laser resurfacing, which have stronger evidence than PRP 8, 7, 9.
- For vaginal concerns: Use established treatments like vaginal estrogen, pelvic floor therapy, or moisturizers rather than unproven "rejuvenation" procedures 3.
- If PRP is chosen for facial rejuvenation: Set realistic expectations about modest improvements, need for multiple sessions, and maintenance requirements 1, 5.