Platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin are not new to the medical community. These autologous serums have been used extensively in specialties such as orthopedics and sports medicine to accelerate patient healing and recovery after injuries or surgeries.

Made from the patient’s own blood, PRP and PRF contain properties to encourage the body to naturally repair and rejuvenate itself. At Facial Aesthetic Concepts, we harness the healing capabilities of PRP and PRF to help patients who want to enjoy fresher, younger-looking skin or thicker hair.

PRP and PRF are extremely versatile and used to treat a wide variety of aesthetic concerns, including the following:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Acne scarring
• Uneven skin texture or tone
• Generally dull-looking skin
• Hair loss

There are several different ways to administer PRP and PRF. The blood products can be applied topically or injected directly into the skin or scalp. Our team often incorporates PRP or PRF into laser, microneedling and filler treatments. PRP or PRF as treatment add-ons speed up healing and enhance and extend the longevity of the results.

PRP and PRF both contain higher-than-normal amounts of platelets, which are parts of the blood with natural healing properties and other regenerative materials. Platelets trigger cellular turnover, tissue regrowth and collagen and elastin production.

PRF is considered the “second-generation” of platelet therapy because it contains a higher number of platelets than PRP as well as additional elements, including white cells, growth factors and stem cells. Higher concentrations of platelets offer more effective skin rejuvenation. And, unlike PRP, which contains an anticoagulant to prevent blood from clotting too quickly, PRF is completely natural and contains no anticoagulant agents.

The processes to collect and produce PRP and PRF are similar. Both require a simple blood draw. The blood is then processed through a centrifuge, which separates its distinct parts.

The blood is spun at different speeds to create the separate serums. Higher speeds separate the heavier white blood cells and stem cells from the lighter platelets and plasma, and lower speeds do not separate the parts of the blood as distinctly.

To create PRP serum, the blood sample is spun through the centrifuge at higher speeds, separating out the plasma and platelets. To create PRF serum, the blood sample is spun at lower speeds, leaving some of the white blood cells and stem cells within the platelet layer. The serums are then drawn into syringes for use.

Because PRF does not contain any clotting agents, the blood product must be used quickly after collection and processing. The anticoagulant agent in PRP allows for some wiggle room between the time the blood sample is collected and processed and the time it must be injected or applied to the skin or scalp.

How Long does the PRP or PRF Procedure Take?

Your platelet-rich plasma or platelet-rich fibrin treatment will take about  one hour at our offices. During this time, we will draw a sample of your blood and process it through a centrifuge to isolate the PRP or PRF, which may take 30 minutes or longer. A topical numbing cream or nerve block may be used to limit your discomfort and may take 15 minutes to take effect. The PRP or PRF is then re-introduced into your body by an injection into the treatment area.

Afterward, you can return to your everyday activities with no required downtime. Some patients may experience some mild bruising at the injection site.

Do PRP or PRF Treatments Hurt?

You could experience some discomfort when the PRP or PRF is injected back into your tissues. Some patients report a tingling or burning feeling during their treatment, which subsides after a few minutes. Our skincare experts will work to make sure you are as comfortable as possible throughout the PRP or PRF process. Patients have the option to apply topical numbing cream to the injection area prior to treatment. Ice or a cool compress may ease your discomfort after your treatment.

When Will I See Results After PRP or PRF?

PRP and PRF work to accelerate your body’s natural healing process to repair tissues damaged from aging, sun exposure, acne and other factors. How long it will take to see your results from PRP or PRF will depend on the cosmetic concern.

Someone with fine lines and wrinkles may notice some improvement right away, while someone with scarring, texture or tone irregularities may not have visible results for several weeks. It will take up to six months to see the results of PRP for hair loss. If you combine your PRP or PRF with dermal fillers, laser treatment or microneedling, you will see more dramatic results sooner.

You may need several treatment sessions for your specific cosmetic issue, but you should notice some improvement around one to three weeks after your first appointment. Your results will continue to improve for up to six months.

What Should I Expect After PRP or PRF Treatment?

You can go back to work or your regular schedule after your PRP or PRF injections, but you may have some redness and swelling in the treated area. These side effects typically subside within a few hours but may last up to 24 hours. You can schedule your appointment at Facial Aesthetic Concepts for the end of your workweek, so you can take the weekend to heal.

If your PRP or PRF treatment is paired with another procedure such as laser treatments, dermal fillers or micro-needling, your recovery may be longer and require specific care.

Our skincare experts will tell you what to expect after your PRP or PRF injections, and you can reach out with any questions or concerns you may have before or after your session.

How Long Will My PRP or PRF Results Last?

The longevity of your PRP or PRF results depends on the treated issue and location. The healing properties of these platelets can provide remarkable improvement, but they will not stop the aging process or prevent sun or environmental exposure from damaging your skin.

PRP for hair loss may last one year or longer, and you can choose to have maintenance treatments to lengthen your results.

Facial Aesthetic Concepts is proud to offer the latest and greatest techniques to rejuvenate your skin or address hair loss. If you are interested in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) — either as standalone treatments or in conjunction with other procedures — our team is happy to tell you more about their similarities and differences. We will customize a treatment plan to your specific needs, goals and preferences.

Call or email us today to request a consultation with our skin care experts.