Are you obsessed with all-natural skincare and anti-aging? Have you thought about dermal fillers but aren’t quite ready to take the plunge? Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is an effective, natural alternative to help you up your skin rejuvenation game, and it’s already pumping through your veins.
What is PRF?
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is a new generation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), both of which are found in your bloodstream. Unlike PRP, PRF has the added benefit of being 100% natural with no additives or added anticoagulants. This allows for a high concentration of anti-aging and skin repairing cells, which aid in healing and regeneration of cellular damage.
PRF vs PRP
In simple terms, PRF is far more potent than PRP, offering platelets plus:
- Growth factors
- Stem cells
- White blood cells (such as leukocytes)
When extracted via a blood draw and then refined and concentrated, platelet-rich fibrin packs a powerful rejuvenating punch when injected or applied topically.
How PRF Works
We start by performing a blood draw. This is very similar to what you’ve experienced when having routine lab work done. After the blood draw, we put the tubes through a low-speed centrifuge to separate the PRF from the rest of the blood.
Once the PRF is extracted, we can apply it topically during a microneedling treatment or inject it into facial wrinkles and folds. The PRF does the rest, doing as nature intended: healing and regeneration.
The PRF also allows for a few weeks of volume enhancement, similar to how dermal filler fills certain areas of volume loss in the face. After about 4-6 weeks, this volume will gradually go down, while leaving your skin with the rejuvenation benefits, such as skin brightening and tightening.
Microneedling with PRF: The Topical Approach
Microneedling uses a series of micro-needles to penetrate into the various dermal layers to stimulate natural collagen growth while triggering rapid skin cell turnover. During a microneedling treatment, we often apply a topical serum. This allows the micro-pen to glide across the skin while providing channels in which the nourishing ingredients can penetrate more deeply. With PRF, just like with PRP, we simply replace the serum with the PRF extracted from your own blood. The combination of microneedling and PRF gives you an all-natural skin rejuvenating procedure, which targets and corrects:
- Brown spots
- Fine lines
- Hyperpigmentation
- Scars
- Sun damage
…and more.
PRF Facial Injections
Platelet-rich fibrin can be injected in lieu of fillers to treat facial wrinkles and folds while also providing facial contouring. We can inject PRF just like a dermal filler into the:
- Cheeks
- Chin
- Jawline
- Nasolabial folds
- Temporal hollows
- Under eyes
…and more.
Once injected, it creates a scaffold beneath the skin, plumping up the area and stimulating natural tissue regeneration, such as collagen and elastin growth.
PRF FAQ
Who is a good candidate for Platelet-Rich Fibrin?
Anyone who wants to rejuvenate their skin naturally is likely a good candidate for a platelet-rich fibrin treatment. However, some people with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinners should avoid these procedures. We will discuss your health history during a consultation to determine if PRF is right for you.
What should I expect during my treatment?
After performing a blood draw, we will extract PRF using a centrifuge, which spins the blood vial, separating the PRF from heavier cells, allowing it to be drawn out and prepared for use. This will then be applied topically during a microneedling treatment or put into a syringe for injections. We will ensure your skin is comfortably numb using topical anesthetic. Ice may also be used to ensure comfort during your procedure. Once finished, we will review your aftercare instructions with you for best results and schedule a follow-up appointment.
How often will I need to receive treatment?
It depends on the application of the platelet-rich fibrin and your unique needs. For best results, Topical PRF with microneedling is performed in a series of treatments followed by routine treatments to maintain results. With injections, it depends on the treatment area. We will discuss results and expectations during your consultation.
When will I see results?
This varies, as PRF is applied topically and via injections, the results will depend on your needs and goals. We will discuss expectations and results during your consultation and develop a personalized treatment plan.
How do I prepare for my first PRF treatment?
During your consultation, we will provide you with pre- and post-care instructions. It’s very important to follow these guidelines to ensure the best outcome. The instructions will vary depending on whether you are receiving PRF topically or via injections. Please discuss guidelines with your aesthetic provider during your consultation.
Is there any downtime?
Whether applied topically or via injection, there is little to no downtime following PRF treatment. With injections, you will experience some redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. With microneedling, your skin will be red and swollen and will likely peel. It’s important to avoid direct sun exposure and wear a high-quality sunscreen.
Are there any side effects?
As with any aesthetic procedure, there are mild, common side-effects including mild swelling, redness, and bruising. However, the risk associated with platelet-rich fibrin is much lower than with other treatments, as the PRF is derived from your own blood. Certain people with blood disorders or who take certain medications may not be able to do PRF treatments. We will discuss your health history, medications, and supplements during your consultation to ensure you can safely and effectively do PRF for facial rejuvenation.
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About Skin by Lovely™
Skin by Lovely, the number one Botox® clinic in Oregon, specializes in FDA-approved, natural-looking, non-surgical, medical facial aesthetics, and rejuvenation treatments. With practices in Santa Monica, CA, Portland, OR, and Lake Oswego, OR, Skin by Lovely is certified by Allergan, the makers of Botox® and Juvederm®, as a Top 10 facial aesthetic practice in the United States and the Top 25 account for Galderma, the makers of Dysport® and Restylane®. Get the treatment you deserve at Skin by Lovely.
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