PRF
Platelet – rich Fibrin (PRF) is a new advanced form of platelet – rich plasma. It is regenerative aesthetics used for beauty enhancement, skin rejuvenation and restoration of damaged skin for a refreshed appearance. PRF leverages the body’s natural healing processes by using the patient’s own blood to promote tissue regeneration and repair. This technique is increasingly popular for its versatility, safety, and effectiveness in enhancing cosmetic outcomes.
PRF is a cocktail of naturally-occurring growth factors derived from your blood that repair aging cells and tissues. It is the next generation of Platelet – rich plasma (PRP), that harnesses the growth factors in your blood which are released slowly over a few days making them ideal for tissue regeneration.
Aging skin is caused by a combination of a gradual decline in skin cell function and cumulative damage caused by the sun, smoking, and environmental factors, resulting in loss of elastic tissue and reduced skin resilience. PRF activates collagen-producing cells, called fibroblasts, within the treated skin to produce more collagen, essential to rejuvenating aging and sun damaged skin.
- The process begins with drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, usually from the arm. This is a routine and minimally invasive procedure.
- The collected blood is spun to concentrate white blood cells, platelets and stem cells creating a matrix of dense fibrin. This matrix is rich in growth factors and cytokines, small proteins critical for healing and tissue regeneration.
- The collected fibrin layer is extracted and applied via injection directly into the skin or scalp or applied topically in combination with microneedling.
PRF works by releasing growth factors and cytokines that stimulate cellular proliferation, collagen synthesis, and the formation of new blood vessels. This accelerates the healing process and promotes the regeneration of healthy tissue. The fibrin matrix acts as a scaffold, supporting cell migration and the sustained release of growth factors over time. PRF is a natural way to fight aging, stimulating collagen and elastin production and improving circulation resulting in a natural radiance and glow.
- Natural Healing: The patient’s own blood is used making it natural and biocompatible. This minimizes the risk of allergic reactions and adverse effects.
- Enhanced Skin Quality: By simulating collagen production, PRF helps improve skin tone, texture and elasticity. It has been shown to significantly improve the appearance of skin spots and enlarged pores.
- Reduces Signs of Aging: Treatment can potentially reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
- Scar Treatment: PRF is also effective in improving the appearance of acne and surgical scars. It promotes regeneration of healthy tissues.
- Hair Restoration: PRF can be injected into the scalp to simulate hair growth for patients experiencing hair thinning or loss. The growth factors encourage the hair follicles to enter the active growth phase.
- Minimally Invasive: Treatments are minimally invasive. Most patients experience only mild redness and swelling which subsides within a few days.
- No Downtime. Patients can resume normal activities
- Results: It can take one to two months for results to be noticeable as the new collagen is formed.
What PRF is not: It is not a substitute for fillers. It will not treat under eye hollows, but studies show that it provides noticeable improvements in deep, fine and small wrinkles, hyperpigmentation around the eyes, and overall skin freshness. The number of treatment sessions varies depending on the areas to be treated and whether the goal is skin rejuvenation or hair loss treatment. Results last one to two years.
Contact Ironwood Dermatology in Oro Valley or Tucson, Arizona to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists to learn how PRF can help you look younger and healthier today.
References
- Mahmoodabadi RA, Golafshan HA, Pezeshkian F, Shahriarirad R, Namazi MR. Evaluation of the Effect of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix in the Correction of Periorbital Wrinkles: An Experimental Clinical Trial. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2023 Jan 1;13(1):e2023050. doi: 10.5826/dpc.1301a50. PMID: 36892335; PMCID: PMC9946120.
- Majewska L: Platelet-rich fibrin as an effective method of skin revitalization. Dermatologic Therapy. 19 April 2023.
- Mohale S A, Thakare P V, Gaurkar S S, et al. (June 11, 2024) Effectiveness of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin Therapy in Alopecia and Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review. Cureus 16(6): e62198. DOI 10.7759/cureus.62198
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