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Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is the rising advanced treatment for skin rejuvenation and tissue healing. Developed as the new version of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), PRF treatments can be used as a cosmetic therapy for a wide variety of skin conditions including hair loss, under eyes, acne, wrinkles, and scarring. Due to its tissue regeneration benefits, people with hair loss (1) can also greatly benefit from PRF therapy. Additionally, it can be a promising new option for patients who struggle with erectile dysfunction (ED), especially if they haven’t responded to previous treatments.
Platelet-rich fibrin is collected from the patient’s own blood so it is completely safe. A typical blood sample contains red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and various proteins in a fluid called the plasma. After the blood sample is taken, it goes through a process called centrifugation. When the blood is centrifuged, it is spun at very high speeds to separate its individual elements into distinct layers based on density.
This is the same process that produces platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Both PRP and PRF contain a very high concentration of platelets, up to 1,000,000/μL; this is much higher than the platelet concentration in the bloodstream so it enhances tissue healing and regeneration. In the centrifuged blood, platelets have the lowest density so they accumulate at the top of the sample. This is the layer that is taken then injected into the patient’s skin to stimulate skin rejuvenation.
Both PRP and PRF are collected from the patient’s own blood but the methods of collection and centrifugation are different. To collect PRP, the patient’s blood sample is spun at a very high speed to separate the platelets in the top layer. Afterwards, an anticoagulant is added to prevent any blood clotting.
On the other hand, the centrifugation process for PRP is conducted at a lower speed. Spinning the sample at a lower speed has two main advantages: it maximizes the number of healthy platelets because less platelets get damaged during the process and it allows some heavy blood cells including stem cells, red blood cells, and white blood cells to stay in the platelet layer. Because stem cells are known to have therapeutic properties, their presence in PRF injections accelerates tissue healing. PRF contains double the amount of platelets found in PRP (2) so its power to trigger skin rejuvenation and tissue healing is much higher (3), offering patients more effective results.
Another major difference between PRP and PRF is that no anticoagulants are used to prepare the PRF injection. This means that the blood retains a blood clotting factor called fibrin. The fibrin matrix amplifies the benefits of platelets by the activation of growth factors. Growth factors are natural additives that boost the healing power of platelets. While the effects of PRP therapy last 3 months, growth factors prolong the effect of PRF therapy up to 6 months.
The method of administration is also different. PRP treatments are typically administered via microneedling whereas PRF injections act as fillers.
PRF injections work by stimulating collagen production in the microenvironment surrounding the injection point. It also increases the elastin in the skin, resulting in a more youthful look. Patients seeking a safe, effective de-aging treatment can rely on PRF injections for a smooth, firm look. Younger patients are also eligible for PRF therapy as a preventive option, to make sure their collagen and elastin levels remain high and avoid the formation of wrinkles and fine lines that develop with progressing age.
Due to its regenerative benefits, PRF therapy is ideal for connective tissue problems that commonly affect the skin and hair. Skin irregularities like fine lines and wrinkles are frequent in older patients experiencing the effects of aging. But aging is not unstoppable. Through the power of PRF injections, patients can restore their youthful skin once again. They can also benefit from PRF to enhance hair restoration and growth. Due to their wound healing properties, PRF treatments are also used in dentistry (4) e.g. dental implants.
PRF injections act as biologic dermal fillers to enhance skin quality. Because it is sourced from the patient’s own blood, it is a 100% safe and natural therapy for skin rejuvenation. Unlike cosmetic fillers, PRF injections do not have any external chemicals or additives so there’s no risk of allergic reactions or side effects. The injection’s high platelet concentrate along with the release of growth factors make it very effective in promoting collagen production which boosts skin quality.
Similar to the effect of cosmetic fillers, PRF injections reduce wrinkles by giving the skin a more tight, smooth appearance. The fibrin triggers stem cells which boost the production of collagen and elastin, making the skin more plump and firm. They are also used to fill under-eye creases and reduce dark circles.
Patients with hair loss can choose to undergo PRF injections to stimulate hair growth. The injection is given in the scalp. To maintain the hair growth effect of PRF treatment, injections are repeated every 6 months. It is important to protect the scalp area after PRF injections so patients should wear a hat to prevent scalp exposure to sunlight and UV radiation.
PRF has been shown to be a safe therapy (5) option for patients with urologic conditions like erectile dysfunction (ED). ED patients often have decreased blood flow to the penis which can make it difficult to achieve or maintain erections. In addition to their healing properties, PRF injections also promote blood flow so they have a good therapeutic potential for ED patients with impaired penile blood supply.
PRF injections for under eyes is a new treatment that helps improve dark under eye circles and hollowness often seen with aging. In this PRF treatment, platelet rich fibrin is injection directly under the eyes or may be applied with a micro needling procedure.
This procedure is often tolerated well with little or no side effects. Cytokines and growth factors in PRF as well as the microneedling procedure help in the production of elastin and collagen. The result is decrease dark circles and and more fullness under the eyes.
PRF injections are performed over the course of 8 weeks, with 4 sessions scheduled 2 weeks apart. For hair loss patients, the sessions are scheduled 1 month apart. Since the effect of PRF treatment typically lasts for 6 months, some patients may choose to schedule a consultation for more appointments afterwards to maintain their skin quality for a longer time.
There are some key tips to prepare for your PRF treatment. During the week before your appointment, make sure to stay hydrated (up to 6 cups of water every day). Smoking and drinking reduce the therapeutic effect of PRF treatment so it is important to avoid cigarettes and alcohol before the injection. If you regularly use blood thinners and pain killers, you should avoid these medications in preparation for your PRF injection as well.
To find out more about Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) – Hair and Skin Treatment, book an appointment at PRP Treatment Beverly Hills and set up your consultation with one of the medical providers. Our healthcare providers can perform a full physical examination and guide you through the PRP treatment process. PRP Treatment of Beverly Hills is the medical practice to trust for Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) – Hair and Skin Treatment for a variety of conditions.
We are conveniently located in Beverly Hills and serve patients throughout the Los Angeles area including; Bel Air, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Silverlake, Echo Park, and many more.
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9301 Wilshire Blvd Suite 405
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
References
1. Sclafani AP. Platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) for androgenetic alopecia. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2014 Apr;30(02):219-24.
2. Elghblawi E. Platelet‐rich plasma, the ultimate secret for youthful skin elixir and hair growth triggering. Journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2018 Jun;17(3):423-30.
3. Wang X, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Miron RJ. Fluid platelet-rich fibrin stimulates greater dermal skin fibroblast cell migration, proliferation, and collagen synthesis when compared to platelet‐rich plasma. Journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2019 Dec;18(6):2004-10.
4. Ruga E, Gallesio C, Boffano P. Platelet-rich fibrin and piezoelectric surgery: a safe technique for the prevention of periodontal complications in third molar surgery. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2011 Sep 1;22(5):1951-5.
5. Matz EL, Pearlman AM, Terlecki RP. Safety and feasibility of platelet rich fibrin matrix injections for treatment of common urologic conditions. Investig Clin Urol. 2018 Jan;59(1):61-65. doi: 10.4111/icu.2018.59.1.61. Epub 2017 Dec 21. PMID: 29333517; PMCID: PMC5754585.
