Platelet-Rich Fibrin

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a natural, rejuvenating solution that uses the body’s own healing ability. Derived from a sample of the patient’s own blood, PRF can be reintroduced to improve fine lines, wrinkles, volume loss, and thinning hair. These are common cosmetic concerns, and it’s frustrating when we feel that they’re masking our vitality! But, too many products and procedures expose our skin to a barrage of harsh chemicals, limited results, and lengthy downtimes. PRF is for those interested in a more natural approach. 

By harnessing the power of your body’s own premier healing response, PRF strategically repairs and remodels dermal structures, reviving that youthful glow. To experience PRF for yourself, schedule an initial consultation at one of DermFx’s Southern California locations! 

About PRF

The body’s wound healing response is complex. When we experience an injury, it triggers a chain reaction to rebuild and regenerate tissue, manage blood flow, and restore the function of damaged cells. Every time you get even the tiniest nick or scrape, the body activates this repair process. And in each stage of these processes, fibrin is handily at work. Fibrin is responsible for the scab over a wound. While this may be fibrin’s main mechanism of action, scientists have discovered that it does much, much more. 

Fibrin begins in the blood as a soluble protein: fibrinogen. At a moment’s notice, it is quickly converted to semisolid fibrin and assembles an extended network of fibers to clot bleeding. Fibrin keeps the wound healing response centered and on track. But how? Fibrin fibers divert blood flow while catching and releasing restorative properties like stem cells, growth factors, and white blood cells around the wound. When joined with other platelet-derived compounds, fibrin creates a molecular scaffold for the growth factors, white blood cells, and cytokines to slowly release into the surrounding tissue.^[1]

What’s The Difference Between PRP & PRF?

You may have heard of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). It’s used in the infamous Vampire Facial, as well as injected for other effective regenerative and anti-aging treatments. Both PRF and PRP are autologous compounds, that is, from the patient’s own body, and are extracted from a blood sample that has been spun in a centrifuge. An anticoagulant is used in PRP to keep the blood from clotting. PRF is spun at a slower speed, and the anticoagulant is purposely omitted. This allows for the fibril network to quickly take shape. This way, more of the valuable regenerative properties can be harnessed in the treatment area! In research studies, PRF showed a significantly greater ability to induce collagen synthesis, which enhanced tissue regeneration and promoted greater skin rejuvenation.^[2]

Treatable Conditions

Aging comes with some very notable and common changes to our skin. But these signs of aging don’t happen overnight: they’ve been developing under the skin’s surface since adolescence. 

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

When it comes to wrinkles and fine lines, collagen is the culprit – more specifically, your skin’s existing collagen fibers. Collagen fibers are rope-like protein molecules that tether to the top and bottom of the dermis. They keep the overlying skin supported and smooth. When we’re young, these fibers are strong and tensile, and continually replenished in an organized network. When fibers break, fibroblast cells readily produce fresh collagen molecules to repair and replace them. This process keeps our skin wrinkle-free. But like many other of our body’s processes, fibroblast cells slow down as we age, and gradually lose their ability to fortify our collagen stores. 

Luckily, PRF stimulates new collagen synthesis! Over time, collagen fibers are restored or regenerated and the overlying skin is rejuvenated from the inside out. 

Volume Loss

Many people lose definition around their cheeks, jawline, eyes, and nose. Much like fine lines and wrinkles, volume loss can be chalked up to waning collagen production. As collagen-loss causes skin to lose its youthful tension, subcutaneous fat pads shift. These thin pads of tissue naturally rest around our cheeks, under our eyes, and around our jawline. When this tissue falls or changes placement, under-eyes appear sunken and cheeks contourless. Though some men suffer from facial volume loss, this process is predominantly endured by post-menopausal women because it is exacerbated by changes in estrogen levels, which also change the density of older women’s bones.^[3] 

PRF provides the skin with the necessary materials to generate tissue and build noticeable definition. The fibrin network produces a concentrated effect in the treated areas while the platelet-rich compounds revive the skin’s youthful glow.  

Brown Spots, Sun Damage, & Acne Scars

Throughout life, our skin picks up all different kinds of blemishes. Too much sun exposure can cause little, uneven brown spots on our skin. Acne outbreaks can leave behind scars and rough skin texture. PRF works to repair these damaged skin cells and generate healthy tissue in the treated areas. We commonly combine PRF with microneedling or skin-resurfacing lasers to enhance results. The PRF solution invigorates the physiological process that replaces or restores damaged skin cells. So, over time, blemishes like sunspots and acne scars fade after PRF sessions. 

Hair Loss

Hair loss affects patients of all ages. A large number of men start seeing thinning or balding hair as early as their late teens. In their lifetimes, 50% of women and 80% of men will notice some degree of hair loss.^[4] Though many contributors cause hair loss, poor follicular health is often to blame. Follicular health can be improved with the help of PRF. The platelet-rich compounds fortify damaged cells and follicles to regrow thicker, longer hair. This pain-free process allows patients to look younger with a fuller head of hair. 

Benefits

When you choose PRF for all your skin rejuvenating needs, you receive these added benefits!

If you are interested in choosing PRF for addressing your cosmetic concerns, please contact us by filling out this online form. 

Candidates

Aging affects all of us differently. PRF is ideal for those who are interested in using a natural product. Many patients turn to PRF because they don’t have time in their schedule for involved procedures and prolonged downtimes. PRF is safe for all skin types and doesn’t require much in terms of preparations. We often add PRF to enhance other procedures. We will discuss adding PRF to your treatment during your initial consultation. 

Personal Consultation

If this is your first time with us, we will begin with a new patient intake interview and a physical examination. We’ll listen to your cosmetic concerns and note your skin’s current condition. Many patients see us with more than one treatment in mind. After listening to your desired results, our aesthetic experts will craft a personalized treatment plan. 

This plan will address each of your concerns and outline each step of rejuvenation. Next, we will give you a list of instructions to follow before your procedure. These will include avoiding harsh makeups and topicals like retinoids and discontinuing blood-thinning medications.

Procedure

All PRF procedures begin with a simple blood draw. We take the vial and run it through a centrifuge. At high velocities, the blood splits into plasma, platelets, and red blood cells. We formulate the plasma and platelets into a serum. Because this serum was spun at lower velocities and was not treated with an anticoagulant, the fibrin network is still intact. 

Fillers

Allergies to popular fillers and cosmetic injections are common. PRF injections are safe, natural alternatives to facial fillers. The fibrin network in the PRF solutions adds volume to the treated area, which smooths away wrinkles and builds out better-defined contours. 

Hair Restoration

For hair restoration, we take the PRF serum and strategically inject it around patchy areas on your head. Over time, the platelets, white blood cells, and growth factors repair damaged follicular cells. This process leads to patients growing longer, thicker hair. With a carefully formulated treatment protocol, patients can begin to notice a significant difference.  

Microneedling & Scarlet RF

Traditional microneedling and Scarlet Radio-Frequency Microneedling both create micro-abrasions in the skin. This process triggers a wound healing response, and the body sends restorative properties and compounds to the treated areas. PRF is meant to enhance that response. The PRF serum is applied topically over the treated areas and seeps into the micro-abrasions. This simple addition to a microneedling session remarkably improves results. The fibrin network induces a greater collagen response, which diminishes many cosmetic concerns. 

Fraxel Laser

The Fraxel Laser uses laser energy to trigger a wound-healing response under the skin’s surface. When we add PRF to this process, we intensify that response and add extra resources the body can use to brighten and tighten your skin. Ask how PRF can enhance your Fraxel results during your initial consultation. 

How Much Does PRF Cost in Southern California?

Since we add PRF to many different procedures, we will need to calculate your personalized treatment plan to determine an exact price. We’ll discuss this during your personal consultation. To learn more about our pricing, go to our pricing page. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly. 

References

1. Pavlovic, V., Ciric, M., Jovanovic, V., Trandafilovic, M., & Stojanovic, P. (2021). Platelet-rich fibrin: Basics of biological actions and protocol modifications. Open medicine (Warsaw, Poland), 16(1), 446–454. https://doi.org/10.1515/med-2021-0259
2. Dashore, S., Chouhan, K., Nanda, S., & Sharma, A. (2021). Platelet-Rich Fibrin, Preparation and Use in Dermatology. Indian dermatology online journal, 12(Suppl 1), S55–S65. https://doi.org/10.4103/idoj.idoj_282_21
3. Windhager, S., Mitteroecker, P., Rupić, I., Lauc, T., Polašek, O., & Schaefer, K. (2019). Facial aging trajectories: A common shape pattern in male and female faces is disrupted after menopause. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 169(4), 678–688. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.23878
4. Piraccini BM;Alessandrini A. (2014). Androgenetic alopecia. Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia : Organo Ufficiale, Societa Italiana Di Dermatologia E Sifilografia, 149(1). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24566563/