Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a further development of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The use of PRF is becoming increasingly popular and is often used to regenerate skin and hair. With increasing age, the volume of the face, especially under the eyes, on the cheeks and around the mouth, decreases due to the loss of collagen and elastin.
Non-surgical options are available to stimulate collagen production, tighten sagging skin and restore volume to the face, including dermal fillers, thread lifts, laser treatments, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an innovative, natural solution for treating commonly affected areas that are beginning to show signs of ageing and hair loss.
What is PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin)?
PRF injections used for skin rejuvenation are made from your own blood and a protein matrix called fibrin. After collection, it is processed into a gel that contains a high concentration of white blood cells, fibrin and stem cells (growth factors).
What is the difference between PRF and PRP (autologous blood therapy with platelet rich plasma)?
When manufacturing PRF products, a lower centrifugation speed is used, which means that the blood layers do not separate as clearly from each other. This allows some of the white blood cells and stem cells to remain in the platelet layer, which is collected for treatment.
PRF therefore contains more healing factors than PRP. In addition, the individual blood cells are less stressed due to the lower centrifugation speed, which means that more of the body’s own stem cells can be preserved in the end product of PRF.
What are the advantages of PRF?
PRF is safe because the blood used comes from your own body, eliminating the risk of transmitting diseases or allergies. In addition, PRF contains more healing factors and the body’s own stem cells compared to PRP.
PRP vs. PRF - Explained by Dr. Rod J. Rohrich (plastic surgeon in Dallas, Texas, USA)
Fat grafting is an indispensable tool in plastic and reconstructive surgery. In this video, Rod J. Rohrich, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, explains the differences between platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and their benefits in fat grafting.
What do I have to consider before the treatment?
Before treatment: Avoid excessive sun exposure for one week and pause the use of retinol for one week. On the day of treatment: Cleanse your face thoroughly and refrain from using make-up, sunscreen, cosmetic products or lotion. Exercise 15 minutes before the treatment to activate your own stem cells and thus optimize the result of the PRF treatment.
Drink enough water. For hair growth treatments: Do not use shampoo for two days before the treatment and use a mild shampoo (for example baby shampoo) for two weeks after the treatment. A precise hair analysis or hormone clarification is recommended before the first plasma treatment.
Which treatments can be carried out with PRF?
PRF treatments are generally suitable for all age groups and skin types. They can either be injected or applied to the face after micro-needling. Popular areas of application include the eye area (tear troughs, dark circles, crow’s feet), forehead wrinkles, lip wrinkles, laugh lines, cheeks and marionette lines as well as the back of the hand, neck area or décolleté.
PRF is also injected into the scalp and eyebrows to stimulate hair growth. It can also be used for wound healing and scar treatment, for example to improve surgical scars or acne scars.
Which treatments could be combined with PRF?
The PRF treatment is ideal in combination with an autologous fat treatment to significantly reduce the resorption rate. PRF treatment can also be carried out in combination with laser treatment, radiofrequency microneedling, peeling or thread lifting.
How is the treatment carried out?
Before the treatment, the area to be treated is prepared with an anesthetic cream for 30 to 45 minutes. Alternatively, a local anesthetic can be injected. The treatment is carried out with the finest needles available on the market and is barely noticeable.
There is only a short downtime due to the therapy. After treatment, there may be slight redness and swelling, which usually disappears after 24 to 36 hours. It can take up to a week for the swelling and redness to subside completely.
When should PRF treatment not be carried out?
You should not undergo PRF treatment or mesotherapy if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should also postpone treatment if you are suffering from active infections, skin or immune disorders or are taking blood-thinning medication. Please inform us about your medication, allergies or cold sores.
As with any injection treatment, we recommend that you refrain from excessive alcohol consumption and physical exertion 24 hours before the treatment to reduce the risk of bruising. You should also drink plenty of water before and after the treatment.
What do I have to pay attention to after the treatment?
After the treatment, you should refrain from using tonics containing alcohol for two weeks. We also recommend gently massaging the treated area for 5 days, 4 times a day for 3 minutes at a time from the inside out with a face cream, similar to lymphatic drainage. You can also cool the treated area.
To reduce swelling, we can give you a light cream containing cortisone and antibiotics or, after a few days, treat you with LPG.
Excessive physical activity, sauna or sun exposure should be avoided for one week. However, light physical activity (walking) immediately after the treatment is actually desirable to improve the result (stem cell activation). Use sun protection SPF 50+ every 4 hours. Any treatment with retinol can be resumed after one week.
How often does the treatment have to be carried out?
The number of treatments varies from person to person. In principle, 3 – 5 treatments should be carried out at intervals of 4 – 6 weeks. To maintain the result, the treatment should be repeated every 6 to 12 months.
When will I see the first results?
Immediately after treatment of the lower eyelids, you will see an immediate effect, which then slowly diminishes over the next few days as the swelling subsides. The first differences are then visible after 6-8 weeks. Long-term effects such as skin tightening, collagen production and improved skin quality can only be seen after three to four months and can last for six to 12 months.
The benefits of PRF therapy can be permanent, although the skin continues to age and deteriorate after treatment, so wrinkles may appear 9-18 months later. Refresher treatments are possible and recommended every 6-12 months.
What are the risks?
There is no risk of intolerance with autologous blood treatment and the risk of infection is minimal. In the case of pre-existing illnesses, infections, circulatory or blood clotting disorders, autologous blood therapy must be discussed on an individual basis.
As a rule, there is no downtime and you are immediately socially acceptable. Minor bruising is possible and usually disappears after 5-7 days. Discreet swelling is usually visible for 2-3 days.
What are the costs?
The cost of a treatment is agreed in advance depending on the region and severity. As a rule, packages of 3-5 treatments are agreed, sometimes an annual flat rate is also useful.