PRF Treatment

Platelet therapy is quickly becoming an integral aspect of cosmetic treatments. Most notably, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used topically or as an injection to stimulate collagen production and enhance the efficacy of procedures such as fat transfer, hair loss, lasers and microneedling. Harvested PRP has platelets, fibrin and white blood cells, which contribute to wound healing, collagen production and improved elasticity. PRF is the next generation of PRP and contains very high concentrations white blood cells, fibrin and a small amount of stem cells found circulating in our bloodstreams. PRF becomes a gel after 15 to 20 minutes of being isolated and immediately upon being injected into the face or body. This allows it to be used for cosmetic volume restoration in addition to topical indications.

PRF is harvested from our very own blood. Prior to the treatment, one vial of blood is drawn to fill a 13 ml tube, which is a little less than a tablespoon. Next, the blood is placed inside a specialized centrifuge designed to separate PRF from other blood components. After spinning, the PRF is harvested from the top of the vial into a syringe. Once the PRF is ready, there is a delicate window of approximately 15 minutes before the PRF forms into a gel-like consistency. Meanwhile, your skin is numbed using a strong, prescription-grade lidocaine.  The skin area is cleansed, prepped and and injected with your body’s own PRF, the natural healing cells our bodies use to recover from injury.

PRF has been most commonly used in conjunction with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers to enhance facial volume and improve the quality of the surrounding skin. We have had excellent success using a combination of PRF and Redensity II to rejuvenate under-eye hollows.

The great thing about PRF is that most people are good candidates for treatment, depending on the patient’s individual concerns. For example, when patients are seeking filler treatment but have thin skin, PRF can actually thin the hyaluronic acid filler and allow for a smoother, more natural-looking injection.

Many seek this treatment due to volume deficient areas of the face which include but are not limited to: under eyes, the corners of the mouth and the temples. At times, patients seem hesitant toward other products to be used as injectables, as it is not their own. The fact that PRF is comprised from the patient’s own blood is the driving factor for which patients seem interested in this specific treatment. It acts as a temporary volumizer, however the true advantage of this treatment is the rejuvenation of skin quality.

PRF is performed in a series of treatments, spaced six to eight weeks apart. Results typically last one to three weeks and the volume will essentially dissipate. Long-term effects, such as skin tightening, collagen production and enhanced skin quality, may take up to three to four months to be noticed and can last from six to 12 months. The visibility of expected benefits and results of the PRF treatment is typically seen after six weeks from initial treatment.

Injectable fillers serve the single purpose of addressing volume deficiency. While PRF does give temporary volume enhancement (this effect does subside within a couple of weeks after treatment), the purpose of PRF injections is highly directed toward skin rejuvenation: skin tightening, improved skin texture and quality, and collagen stimulation. On the one hand, this does present some overlap to the benefits of PRF versus synthetic fillers, but in terms of longevity, it varies depending on the type of dermal filler used and how much of it is placed.

The skin under the eyes is one of the thinnest skin on our body. It can be one of the first areas that show signs of aging.  PRF is one of the ideal treatments that improves this area and can be a better option than heat-based skin tightening devices.

PRF can also enhance the results of fillers under the eyes. Injecting fillers under the eyes, like Redensity II, can instantly improve the hollowness under the eyes and is a fabulous treatment to instantly rejuvenate this area. However, too much fillers under the eyes can make the eyes look puffy or cause a bluish tinge if injected too superficially. Also, it can be very difficult to treat the dark circles only with fillers. Injecting PRF in additional to the fillers can significantly enhance the results of the fillers by tightening the loose skin under the eyes and improving the dark circles.

The skin is numbed prior to the treatment and some small discomfort is normal.  The area may be swollen for approximately 2 days after treatment. There is also a chance of bruising but this should also subside in a few days as well.  We are able to offer Tylenol at your appointment at your request to help with the discomfort, though this is rarely needed.

Due to those healing cells working their magic under the skin, improvement begins at the time of treatment.  The full results are gradual and continue to improve due to the slow release of growth factors (the PRF treatment results) that occurs. Therefore, full results arise around 2-3 months after each treatment. Good things take time…

This differs from PRP where results were not as long or effective- they don’t have the great growth factors PRF contains (Rajani, 2022).   PRF results continue to improve over weeks and last up to a year.  Annual treatment is recommended to maintain results.

• Hydrate! A couple days before or even better, three days before with ~2L water daily
• Exercise, we would encourage a good workout before your appointment to increase circulation and blood flow (not necessary, but can help).
• Nutrition: Getting a good dose of vitamins beforehand can help your blood to rejuvenate your skin- healthy fruits, vegetables and lean proteins (grilled chicken, lean turkey, protein drinks etc.).

• Exercise, sauna, hot tubs. (any activity that would increase your temperature).
  • This increases risk of infection.
• Avoid alcohol before treatment!
  • This causes increased swelling and bruising and also decreases the amount of PRF we are able to collect.

Yes, for patients looking to maintain or increase volume and achieve benefits of PRF, they can be combined in the same treatment day.

For best results, we recommend 3 to 5 treatments 4-6 weeks apart.  After this time and discussion with your provider, most will need annual re-treatment to maintain the rejuvenation.

We are happy to answer any of your questions about PRF in the clinic as well as give you a complimentary consultation about PRF or any of the mentioned cosmetic treatments.