When considering PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) treatments, it's important to understand their similarities and differences. Both treatments use growth factors from your own blood to stimulate skin rejuvenation and repair. Popularly known as vampire facials, these treatments have key differences that may influence your choice.
What are PRP and PRF?
PRP and PRF are derived from your blood and are rich in platelets, white blood cells, and fibrin (in the case of PRF). They help stimulate collagen, elastin, and new skin cell production. Both are effective for treating fine lines, wrinkles, improving skin tone and texture, and fading dark spots.
How Do They Work?
Both PRP and PRF kickstart new cell growth and collagen production by activating the platelets in your blood. This process creates new skin cells, collagen, elastin, and blood vessels, resulting in firmer, plumper skin and reduced fine lines and dark spots.
What's the Difference?
Collection Method:
PRP involves spinning your blood in a centrifuge at high speed, which separates the plasma layer completely. PRF, however, is spun at a lower speed, retaining some white blood cells, stem cells, and fibrin in the platelet layer. PRF contains approximately 10 times the platelet concentration found in the body, compared to 2-5 times in PRP.
Anticoagulants:
PRP treatments include anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting during injection, while PRF does not. This results in a spongy fibrin matrix in PRF that releases growth factors slowly, leading to more robust, longer-lasting results.
Usage:
PRP is typically used for facial or microneedling sessions, while PRF is used like a filler due to its ability to build volume in the skin.
Which Treatment is Right for Me?
PRP
is ideal for uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, or fine lines and wrinkles. It improves skin texture and reduces scarring and dark spots within a month. PRP requires 3-4 treatments, 4 weeks apart for optimal results. However, it is less effective on deep wrinkles or hollows.
PRF
is suitable for deeper wrinkles, hollows, or more advanced signs of aging. It acts as a natural filler, effectively building volume. Results are noticeable 2-3 weeks after treatment, with significant improvements by 4-6 weeks. PRF typically requires at least 2 treatments, 6 months apart.
Both treatments are safe with a low risk of adverse reactions. However, if you have a blood or bleeding disorder or are on anti-clotting or blood-thinning medications, you are not a suitable candidate for these treatments.