For many years, the medical community has been acutely aware of the body’s natural regenerative qualities. Physicians across all fields, including orthopedics, dentistry, and sports medicine, have implemented protocols that work synergistically with the body. The use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is common for promoting joint recovery and managing degenerative disease. It was only a matter of time before science discovered the value that PRF held for the body’s largest organ: the skin.
We are pleased to offer PRF treatments to help our patients address their cosmetic concerns.
Why PRF?
Maybe you have heard of PRP. So what is PRF and why?
PRP originally gained popularity in the 1990’s, but since 2001, PRF has since become the superior product due to how it’s derived, its composition, and the benefits it offers.
PRF is derived from you, the patient! PRF is extracted from a simple, basic blood draw and here at Eclipse we are experts at blood draws. Unlike PRP, PRF does not require any additives, namely blood thinners, to be added to it for injections. It is 100% naturally derived (from you!).
PRF is composed of different cell types: platelets (10x more than PRP!), leukocytes, red cells, an extracellular fibrin matrix, and many bioactive molecules, mainly growth factors.
The benefits of PRF include a fibrin scaffold (think protein) and longer presence of growth factors. The fibrin scaffold that forms helps support the tissue regeneration process and also extends the presence of growth factors longer than that of PRP, generally about 3 months. Additionally, PRF has a concentration of mesenchymal stem cells of 0.5-2% which further augments the regenerative process.
What Does This Mean?
It means that PRF is more potent than PRP. Once injected beneath the skin in the targeted areas, it stimulates collagen proliferation through which a number of benefits occur. PRF injections add volume to areas of the face that have begun to droop or atrophy. The cheeks can be rounded out and under eye hollows that cause dark circles and bags can be softened as can wrinkles and folds. Due to ongoing collagen remodeling, PRF injections also promote softer, smoother, tighter skin over time. These wonderfully natural results do require visits typically every 3 to 4 months.
What are the benefits of platelet-rich fibrin injections?
The growth factors contained in platelet-rich fibrin are involved in almost every regenerative process in the body. When PRF is injected just beneath the skin, it stimulates collagen proliferation through which a number of benefits occur. PRF injections add volume to areas of the face that have begun to droop or atrophy. The cheeks can be rounded out and under eye hollows that cause dark circles and bags can be softened. Due to ongoing collagen remodeling, PRF injections also promote softer, smoother, tighter skin over time.
Injections of platelet-rich fibrin are also beneficial because they are safe for all skin types and tones. The organic nature of treatment, using your own blood product, significantly reduces the potential for side effects such as allergic response.
How does PRF work for aesthetic rejuvenation?
Platelet-rich fibrin is used in two ways to improve the appearance and overall vitality of the skin. The product may be injected beneath wrinkles, hollows, and areas of deflation and it may also be applied topically in a gentle microneedling procedure.
The way that PRF improves texture, volume, and radiance is by inducing numerous regenerative processes. The various growth factors that exist within blood plasma provide essential proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and other nutrients to the skin. Proteins are integral to the formation of fibrin polymer which lays a strong foundation for firm, youthful tissue. Platelets within the plasma naturally respond to injuries in the body, prompting accelerated tissue regeneration through vascular and cellular regrowth.
How long do PRF injections take?
PRF treatment with injections takes only slightly longer than an average injectable treatment. We begin with a standard blood draw. If desired, a topical numbing cream can be applied to the treatment area while blood is processed in the centrifuge. This takes just a few minutes. The provider carefully observes the face and may mark areas where injections are recommended. The entire process is typically complete within 15 to 20 minutes. Microneedling with PRP is also brief, taking approximately 30 minutes from start to finish.
What happens after the PRF Procedure?
Patients can resume normal activity immediately following their PRF procedure. Slight redness and swelling should be expected. Some patients notice minor bruising. These side effects typically disappear within the first day after treatment.
How long will it take to see results?
Patients who undergo microneedling with PRF may notice an immediate boost in the radiance and softness of their skin. PRF injections work beneath the surface to restructure the collagen matrix in superficial tissue, so results from injections alone become more noticeable after a few weeks.
As healing mechanisms increase, patients notice improvements such as:
- Smoother texture due to improved collagen formation.
- More radiance due to new blood vessel formation.
- Fresher, younger-looking skin due to the influx of vital nutrients.
What are the advantages of PRF vs. other injectables?
Studies have indicated that patients treated with platelet-rich fibrin facials and facelifts find that their results continue to improve over time. Several months after treatment, the effects of cellular regeneration may be even more noticeable than they are right after microneedling or injections. This is because fibrin stimulates cellular activity in which collagen and elastin are remodeled.
From research, we can recognize that Platelet-rich fibrin progressively improves the skin while other injectables gradually degrade as the body metabolizes the foreign substance. The results of PRF treatments may continue to improve for more than a year, providing results that last up to two years or more. Furthermore, research suggests that the cellular stimulation achieved with annual PRF treatments could offset the natural degenerative aging process.
What risks are associated with PRF?
PRF treatments, even when performed for aesthetic gains, fall into the category of regenerative medicine. The growth factors and nutrients within platelet-rich fibrin literally stimulate cellular regeneration wherever the organic product is introduced. PRF supports the body’s natural healing mechanisms and does not include any foreign substances or chemicals. Therefore, there is virtually no risk of allergic reaction to the product.
An important note about PRF injections and microneedling treatment: patients should obtain care from a trained professional. While the risk of prolonged swelling and infection are very low, the manner in which treatment is performed can affect outcome. Our team has been educated in the safe, effective and comfortable performance of PRF treatments.
Your body has incredible regenerative power, and we know how to harness it. Contact us today to learn more about our PRF services.
