What are PRP and PRF?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) come from your own blood and contain high concentrations of platelets and growth factors that help your tissue heal and grown new cells. It’s obtained by drawing a small amount of blood from your arm into a sterile tube and then centrifuging the tube (at different speeds depending one whether we’re extracting PRP or PRF). What we’re left with is a blood concentrate which, once injected, can help damaged, aging skin grow new collagen and elastin to achieve a beautiful, youthful, rejuvenated look. PRP and PRF have also been shown to be effective as a hair loss treatment. Read below to find out more!
What is the difference between PRP and PRF?
They’re both extracted from your own blood. However, PRF, because it is centrifuged at lower speeds (lower g-force), we recover more platelets per mL than in PRP. Additionally, PRF also has leukocytes (white blood cells) and mesenchymal stem cells, which can result in better results.
When PRF is collected, there is no anticoagulant in the tube into which it’s collected and in result the plasma forms a platelet and white blood cell-rich fibrin scaffold once injected into the treatment area. The fibrin clot allows for a much slower and longer release of growth factors (up to 1 week) as opposed to PRP which releases growth factors within a few hours. This causes PRF to yield a better, more substantial result than PRP.
Benefits of PRP/PRF?
Overall tissue rejuvenation/regeneration
Collagen growth
Hair regeneration/restoration
Smoothing of fine lines/wrinkles
An overall anti-aging/wrinkle effect
Diminishing of pores/pigmentation
Diminishing of acne scars
Diminishing of superficial scars
Cellulite reduction
Stretch mark reduction
Deep scar reduction
Hand rejuvenation
*PRP/PRF can be used in conjunction with microneedling and/or dermal fillers to yield even better results
How do I know if Prp/prf is for me?
If you’re looking for a substantial, gradual improvement and natural results then PRP/PRF is for you. It has been shown to promote facial rejuvenation, improve texture, soften scars, smooth wrinkles and tighten the skin. It has also been used to promote hair restoration.
PRP/PRF can be used for facial rejuvenation as well as the décolleté and thigh area.
Because PRP/PRF is obtained from your own blood, side effects tend to be minimal
PRP/PRF in conjunction with micro-needling
When PRP/PRF is used with micro-needling, it penetrates your skin through the tiny channels the micro-needles create. This procedure is also known as Vampire Facial®, which has been shown to improve skin texture, reduce pores, reduce acne scars, give a youthful glow and smooth skin, and improve the plumpness of skin. Also, after a Vampire Facial®, skin care products are more effective.
PRP/PRF for hair loss
Source: Empire medical training.
PRP/PRF promote hair growth by stimulating the cells (such as stem cells) in the hair follicle’s microenvironment. The platelet cells in PRP/PRF can promote tissue healing and regeneration. Procedures must be repeated and do not stop the hair thinning process. Hair can continue to thicken 6-12 months after treatment. Talk to us to see if PRP/PRF for hair restoration is right for you.
What can you expect during treatment?
Treatment is performed in the privacy and comfort of Alea Aesthetics Medical Spa and administered by a Board Certified nurse practitioner.
No anesthesia required but we can provide topical lidocaine prior to treatment.
Procedure takes 60-90 minutes (or longer) depending on the area being treated
If used in conjunction with micro-needling, you may experience a slight discomfort, although it’s minimized by using a topical anesthetic.
Slight redness and bruising may occur
Side effects are minimized because PRP/PRF are derived from your own blood
Downtime
The downtime is minimal. There might be minor swelling and discomfort at the site of treatment, which is temporary and should go away within a few days. You may apply cold compresses afterwards.
How long does the treatment last?
We recommend that you get 3-6 treatments, which are 4-6 weeks apart and then a maintenance treatment once a year. Improvement in skin texture can be seen within 3-6 months and will continue to improve months after treatment. Full collagen regeneration requires 6 months.
Cost
Depends on the area being injected and whether it’s used in conjunction with micro-needling. Prices range from $500-1500. Special discounts are available if you purchase a treatment package. Contact us for more information.
who is a candidate?
Both men and women over the age of 21 can be candidates for the treatments described above.
PRF/PRP is not for you if you have:
-Skin cancer
-Systemic cancer
-Chemotherapy
-Steroid therapy
-Dermatological diseases affecting the face (i.e. Porphyria)
-Blood disorders and platelet abnormalities
-Anticoagulation therapy (i.e. Warfarin).
*Always talk to us if you have any concerns before a procedure.