Are you searching for a 100% natural way to restore hair growth, rejuvenate skin, or treat acne scars? Then look no further than Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF) treatment!
PRF treatment harnesses your body’s own healing factors to solve these issues. For instance, it promotes faster recovery, boosts collagen production, and improves overall skin texture and tone.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know before trying PRF treatment, including how it works, its benefits, the procedure itself, and the difference between PRF and PRP treatment.
What is Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) Treatment?
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Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF) treatment, also known as the Hollywood Vampire Facial, are injections which use the patient’s own blood to stimulate tissue healing and regeneration. For example, to restore hair loss, rejuvenate skin, or reduce scarring.
The doctor will first draw a blood sample from you, place the sample in a centrifuge, and spin it at a lower speed. Then, they will extract the PRF gel or liquid and inject it into the selected area (e.g., eyes, cheeks, chin, scalp) to treat the targeted condition.
PRF is a second-generation treatment derived from the Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) treatment. Most researchers see PRF as an improved version of the PRP treatment.
This is because PRF has shown better cosmetic results than the latter, where it’s known to speed up soft tissue and hard tissue healing.
This regenerative treatment is not exclusive to dermatology, as it has been used in other fields such as dentistry and orthopedics, to accelerate and facilitate the healing process.
How PRF Works
Now let’s dive deeper into “How and why does this work?”
Your blood is made up of components such as platelets, white blood cells, and growth factors*. These components promote recovery and accelerate the healing process.
PRF treatment allows us to extract these elements from a patient's blood and inject them at an area of the body that is showing signs of injury, damage, or early aging.
The high concentration of growth factors in PRF products stimulates greater cell migration and cell proliferation, processes which play an important role in tissue renewal and repair.
As a result, this treatment can help you achieve greater hair growth, smoother skin, less blemishes, faster wound healing, and more!
*Note: Growth factors are groups of proteins that encourage the growth of tissues.
What is PRF Used For?
PRF treatment is used in three main areas: hair growth, skin rejuvenation, and scar reduction.
1. Restore Hair Growth
PRF treatment is used to treat thinning hair by stimulating hair follicles naturally. The growth factors in PRF can enhance hair growth and increase hair density.
2. Rejuvenate Skin
In PRF treatment, the growth factors can stimulate fibroblast formation, which increases the collagen and hyaluronic content of skin. These are the key ingredients to achieving smoother, more youthful skin.
Research has found that PRF products can be used to combat skin aging, and improve skin tone and texture. Therefore, they are used to treat cosmetic issues, such as:
tear trough
nasolabial folds
marionette lines
perioral lines
(sagging) skin of the neck, chest, and hands.
3. Treat Acne Scars
PRF treatment helps improve acne scars by supporting tissue healing, and collagen and elastin remodeling. This leads to smoother skin texture and reduced scar visibility.
Did you know that PRF treatment can provide relief for skin conditions like eczema? Learn more in our article on how PRF can treat eczema.
What are the Benefits of PRF Treatment?
Here’s why PRF treatment should be at the top of your list:
No Downtime: PRF treatments usually require no downtime, allowing patients to resume their normal activities immediately after.
Faster Healing Process: PRF accelerates healing thanks to its high concentration of growth factors that stimulate tissue repair.
Minimal Risk of Allergic Reactions: Since PRF uses the patient's own cells, it is very safe. There is a minimal risk of allergic reactions or adverse immune responses.
Prolonged Tissue Healing Support: PRF allows for sustained release of growth factors, supporting ongoing tissue healing and regeneration.
Long-lasting Results: PRF treatment creates long-lasting results by improving natural healing processes and collagen production, maintaining skin texture, hair growth, and acne scar reduction over time.
Compatibility With Other Techniques: PRF can be easily combined with other cosmetic techniques such as hyaluronic acid filler, due to its shape and size.
PRF Procedure
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The PRF procedure is a straightforward and pain-free process. It usually takes around 30-60 minutes per session. You may need 3 to 5 treatments to experience visible results.
Before we start, our doctors will schedule a skin consultation to discuss your skin goals and medical history. This step will help us determine whether PRF treatment is suitable for you.
If it is, we’ll schedule your first session! Here’s a quick rundown of the process:
Step 1: Collection of Blood Sample: We’ll use a needle to draw a small sample of blood from your arm. The sample will be put into test tubes.
Step 2: Preparation of PRF Gel: We place the test tubes in a centrifuge machine. It spins the tubes, separating the platelets and growth factors from the rest of the blood. There are three main layers, which are (from top to bottom):
1.Platelet-poor plasma (PPP) liquid layer.
3.Red blood cell layer.
Step 3: Extraction of PRF Gel: After 15-20 minutes, the blood sample becomes a gel-like product. We then extract this product, rich in platelets and growth factors, from the tube. The PRF gel is now ready!
Step 4: Injection or Topical Application of PRF Gel: The PRF gel is injected into the desired areas of the body, or applied topically via microneedling. (Note: Worried about needles? You can request for a topical anesthetic to numb the area beforehand.).
Step 5: Aftercare: The best part of this treatment is there’s little to no downtime. You may experience needle marks at the injection sites with minimal bruising, but these fade away quickly! Just follow our simple aftercare tips and resume your daily activities as usual.
Step 6: The Results: You’ll start to see results around 6 weeks after your first treatment. We’ll see you 6 to 12 months later for your maintenance dose of PRF.
Preparation & Aftercare Tips For PRF Treatment
To get the best out of your PRF treatment, we’ve prepared a list of tips to practice before and after the procedure.
Preparing for Treatment
To ensure the effectiveness of the treatment, here are a few ways to prepare for your PRF injections:
Avoid blood thinners - For 2 to 4 weeks before treatment.
Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - For 2 to 4 weeks before treatment.
Stay hydrated - Drink at least 1900 ml of water throughout the day, and moisturize the injection area, before your appointment.
Avoid certain medications - For 2 to 4 weeks before treatment (e.g., Omega 3s, fish oil, ibuprofen, vitamin E, garlic supplements, aspirin).
Refrain from using topical retinol or exfoliating acid products - For 3 days before treatment.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol - For at least 7 days before treatment.
Post-Treatment Care
To minimize the side effects of the treatment, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Reduce sun exposure - For at least 48 hours after treatment.
Avoid intense physical activities - For at least 24 hours after treatment.
Avoid pressing or irritating the treated area - For 48 hours after treatment.
Take or apply prescribed medications - According to the doctor’s instructions.
Use cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medication - If you experience any discomfort.
Avoid certain medications and supplements - For at least one week after treatment (e.g., retinol containing products, NSAIDS, nutritional supplements, systemic steroids).
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol - For at least one week after treatment.
Attend follow-up appointments (Note: Be sure to contact your doctor if any pain, bruising, or swelling persists).
What is the Difference Between PRF and PRP?
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Recent research has revealed that a platelet product with a higher concentration of platelets, and a concentration of white blood cells and stem cells, is more effective than Platelet-rich Plasma.
This discovery led to the development of Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF).
PRF treatments share similarities with PRP treatments, such as:
Both require blood drawing blood from the patient.
Both have similar side effects.
Patients report similar satisfaction levels.
Both cause similar pain levels.
However, PRF generally demonstrates better outcomes compared to PRP, and is easier to prepare. The table below summarizes the main differences between these two treatments:
Aspect | PRF Treatment | PRP Treatment |
Amount of Blood | Less blood needed. | More blood needed. |
Presence of Anticoagulant | No anticoagulants. | Anticoagulants are used. For example, Acid Citrate Dextrose (ACD). |
Spinning Speed in Centrifuge | Spun at a lower rate in the centrifuge. | Spun at a much higher rate in the centrifuge. |
Composition | Mainly consists of white cells, stem cells, and platelets. | Mainly consists of plasma and platelets. |
Platelet Concentration | 10x higher than the concentration in our body. | 2-5x higher than the concentration in our body. |
Ease of Preparation | Easier and more straightforward to prepare. | More complicated to prepare. |
Wound Healing | Better wound healing.
| Less effective wound healing.
|
Longevity of Treatment | Longer-lasting
| Short-term
|
Healing Factor | Higher healing factor
| Lower healing factor
|
Benefits |
|
|
For a more detailed comparison of PRF and PRP treatments, check out our other in-depth article on Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF) - The Fountain of Youth.
Rejuvenate and Restore With Dream Clinic
Enhance your body’s natural healing process with PRF treatment today! This approach uses your body’s own platelet-rich fiber to restore hair growth, rejuvenate skin, and reduce blemishes.
At Dream Clinic, we’re committed to providing the best care for beauty seekers. Our team delivers exceptional services and the highest regards of safety in the latest premium medical aesthetic treatments.
Recognised as one of the Top 3 Aesthetic Clinics in Penang, our reputation extends across Malaysia and the wider region, including KL, Johor, Borneo, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Get one step closer to the skin you’ve been dreaming of – schedule a consultation today!
FAQ
Does PRF build collagen?
Yes, the growth factors in the PRF gel stimulate fibroblast formation, which increases collagen production in the skin.
Learn more about how PRF rejuvenates skin in this section.
Who is a good candidate for PRF treatment?
Good candidates for PRF are individuals seeking natural skin rejuvenation, hair restoration or scar reduction, with realistic expectations and no medical issues such as bleeding disorders.
Schedule a skin consultation with our doctors to see if PRF treatment is suitable for you!
How long does PRF treatment last?
Results from PRF treatment can last from 6 months to over a year, depending on individual factors and skincare routine.
How many sessions of PRF are needed?
We recommend 1-3 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, but this can vary based on treatment goals and initial skin condition.
What should I avoid after PRF?
Avoid vigorous exercise, alcohol, smoking, and direct sun exposure for at least 24-48 hours after PRF treatment to achieve the best results.
Learn more about aftercare in this section.
What are the side effects of PRF treatment?
Common side effects include mild swelling and bruising at the injection site. However, these usually resolve within a few days.
References
Atsu, N., Ekinci-Aslanoglu, C., Kantarci-Demirkiran, B., Caf, N., & Nuhoglu, F. (2023). The comparison of Platelet-Rich plasma versus injectable platelet rich fibrin in facial skin rejuvenation. Dermatologic Therapy, 2023, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/3096698
Dashore, S., Chouhan, K., Nanda, S., & Sharma, A. (2021). Platelet-rich fibrin, preparation and use in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 12(7), 55. https://doi.org/10.4103/idoj.idoj_282_21
Donerson, S. (2024, April 26). PRF injections: the benefits, aftercare, and results. Byrdie. https://www.byrdie.com/prf-injections-5214723
PRF Injections Pre and Post Care. (n.d.). Rejuvenation MD. https://www.rejuvenationmdmedspa.com/wp-content/uploads/PRF-Pre-and-Post-Care.pdf
SJS Colorado (2019, January 25). PRP vs. PRF: What’s the Difference? - SJS Colorado. SJS Colorado. https://sjscolorado.com/prp-vs-prf-whats-the-difference/
What is the best protocol for centrifuging blood to prepare PRF? | Blog | LabCentrifuges.net. (n.d.). https://labcentrifuges.net/blogs/blog/what-is-the-best-protocol-for-centrifuging-blood-to-prepare-prf
Wu, Q., Zhang, Q., Fang, F., & Bu, W. (2021b). Clinical application of Platelet-Rich fibrin in dermatology. International Journal of Dermatology and Venereology, 5(3), 160–165. https://doi.org/10.1097/jd9.0000000000000186