What’s the secret to NEVER needing undereye filler? PRF ladies and gentleman! But what is it? and whats the difference from PRP? All your questions answered, here!
PRP and PRF, two very popular buzzwords circulating in the aesthetic industry. But what are they? And what’s the difference? We’re here to answer ALL your questions!
PRP vs PRF? Whats the difference?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) are both components of your own blood. We draw your blood in the office, spin it down and separate the Red Blood Cells from the Platelets. PRP is the more popular of the two, it was the first of the two to become popular and has thus, been around longer so you have likely heard of it before. Better known as “The Vampire Facial,” it was popularized and marketed all over social media after Kim Kardashian posted a selfie after her treatment. As science would have it, it was found that when you spin the blood at a slower speed, for a finite period of time, you get something a little different and a little more powerful, now better known as PRF. The first real difference is that PRF has 2000% more growth factors than PRP. What does that mean for you skin? More growth factors means more collagen production and collagen is the fountain of youth. The other main difference is the way in which the blood is spun in the centrifuge to create either PRP or PRF. PRF needs a slower speed time and a specific angle to create the extra magic and most PRP centrifuges cannot spin PRF, so it’s important that your provider has the ability to correctly centrifuge your blood to create the PRF. When PRF is spun, it creates less volume but more growth factors, rich in white cells and fibrin matrix, which play a very important role in stimulating collagen.
This is important, especially when treating the delicate under eye area, which is the most popular area to treat with PRF. Less volume means, less swelling, but more bang for your buck, in terms of the amount of collagen being produced. Yes please! The other important difference between PRP and PRF is that the slower speed time needed for PRF, also does not disrupt the cells as much, creating more pure growth factors which means, more pure and simply more collagen production. Another reason most are moving away from PRP is that in order to separate the red blood cells, from the PRF, the PRP tube has a plastic barrier that, when drawing up the PRP, plastic also makes its way into the injections, meaning when you are receiving a PRP treatment, you are also being injected with microplastics. YUCK!
Which areas can I treat with PRF?
The most popular uses for PRF injections are to rejuvenate the undereye area, for hair growth/the hairline, it can be applied topically after microneedling, injected into the lips for a more subtle lip plump, if you aren’t ready for fillers and has also become increasingly popular for joint rejuvenation and injuries.
What to expect
A PRF treatment, from start to finish takes about an hour, with numbing time included. Our practitioner will numb your skin for about 20 minutes and then thoroughly cleanse your skin prior to the treatment. While you are numbing, your provider will draw your blood and spin it in the centrifuge. The great thing about PRF with an advanced practice medical provider, at our clinic, is that they can treat to the deepest layers of your skin, so you get the most out of your treatment.
After the treatment your skin will be red and swollen, but because of the numbing time, you are very comfortable during the treatment. PRF itself, is a liquid, so most patients enjoy the swelling after treatment, as it fills in any hollowing that you may have underneath the eyes. In the week after your treatment, the growth factors are absorbed and the magic starts to happen.
What is my recovery like?
After the treatment, you will want to avoid exercise, use of the sauna or any heat of any kind for the rest of the day. Heat can damage the growth factors and honestly, with this treatment, the more swelling means more collagen stimulation! The next day, the swelling is improved, and may be worse on the side that you sleep on, but as you get moving and hydrated, swelling improves as the day goes on. You can resume your retinol and any active products the day of your treatment.
When will I see any results?
The majority of patients see results immediately after treatment, and claim that their skin looks smoother, plumper and more hydrated with a natural glow. Depending on your skin concerns, you may need multiple treatments, for example if your skin has any scarring from acne, darker pigment or extensive sun damage, you’ll likely need multiple treatments. Your practitioner will come up with a treatment plan for you to address any and all concerns you may have.
Interested in learning more about PRF? Schedule your complimentary consultation with our Board Certified Nurse Practitioner to learn more about PRF and see if it could be the right treatment for you. Ready to experience the benefits of PRF? Book Now!
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