How does PRF and PRP work?

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is the second generation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and the injections rejuvenate skin. PRF injections come from your blood and produce a protein matrix called fibrin. Once harvested, it becomes a gel made up of a high concentration of white blood cells, fibrin, and stem cells (growth factors). Platelet-rich fibrin injections help stimulate healing. This specific platelet mixture helps build tissue (fibrin is known to stimulate stem cells and improve collagen and elastin in the skin). PRF can help skin heal at the cellular level as fibrin responds positively to an injury, making procedures such as PRF under eye treatment very effective.

The process of spinning PRF is slower, which allows the layers of the blood to not separate as distinctly. This slower speed does not harshly disrupt the cells, resulting in more pure cells within the plasma. The centrifuge process allows leukocytes (white blood cells) and mesenchymal stem cells to remain within the platelet layer, creating a higher-quality plasma. PRF contains about ten times the platelet concentration found within the body. PRF differs from PRP with the fibrin matrix. When PRF goes over treated tissue, it stimulates a fibrin matrix and induces a slower release of growth factors (GF) over time. The gradual release of GF further promotes healing and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, unlike PRP, PRF does not require added anticoagulation. The fibrin matrix is formed naturally without adding heparin or sodium citrate to the test tubes, facilitating a pure, higher-quality plasma.

PRP has 1/3 platelet “rich” plasma and 2/3 platelet “poor” plasma. A contributing factor is the high centrifugal force put onto the blood. PRP spins much faster, causing higher levels of cell disruption and platelet “poor” plasma. PRP only contains about 2-5 times the body’s platelet concentrate. A PRP plasma facial — also known as a PRP vampire facial — still produces excellent results; PRP for scars and PRP for acne also assist with skin rejuvenation and smoothing.

Length of treatment

Treatments take 45 minutes to an hour due to the time it takes to extract plasma and fibrin from the blood. If microneedling with PRP (aka the vampire facial), three treatments are typically recommended, with annual maintenance treatments afterward to keep the results fresh.
With PRF as filler, treatments can either be singular or span over 6-8 weeks for longer-term effects that last six to twelve months. Your doctor will consult you to determine the length of treatment for your specific needs!