PLATELET RICH FIBRIN (PRF) AND PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP)
Facial aesthetics is moving towards a more naturalistic and holistic approach. People want to look younger and rejuvenated without artificial substances being injected and without the need to go “under the knife.” The good news is that this is exactly where aesthetics is transitioning, and more treatments are being targeted to provide excellent results taking all-natural approaches with minimal downtown, less risk and side effects.
Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet rich plasma (PRP) use in regenerative medicine is rapidly growing in popularity because of the many beneficial outcomes these self-generated factors offer. In particular, the natural healing properties of these biomaterials are becoming increasingly sought-after with facial and body rejuvenation in the beauty and aesthetics industry. Both can be used to treat various skin conditions, including hair loss (Pietruszka et al., 2021). Some benefits seen with plasma therapies in aesthetics include reductions in eye puffiness, wrinkle reduction, smoothed skin texture, improved skin tone, firmer and tighter skin, acne and acne scar reduction, definition in cheeks and jawline, and increase in hair fullness (Platelet Rich Fibrin PRF Treatment, n.d.).
PRF VS. PRP
Let’s talk a bit more about the latest and greatest natural approaches to rejuvenation and wellness, especially when it comes to beauty and aesthetics. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet rich plasma (PRP) biomaterials are being used more and more with microneedling or as injectables to help improve skin quality, tone, and texture. The question is what is the difference between PRF and PRP and is one better than the other?
So, what is PRF and PRP and what is the difference between the two? Plasma retrieval is a very simple process which includes drawing blood from an individual and spinning the blood to separate the “heavy” red blood cells from the “light” platelets and plasma. The plasma portion is then harvested and used in several different ways to promote healing and renewal. PRF and PRP plasma concentrates both contain platelets, which, when activated, release eight different growth factrs. PRF differs from PRP in that it produces a greater cumulative release of growth factors, includes more white blood cells, and also contains a fibrin matrix for longevity and beneficial healing processes. (Diab et al., 2022) Unlike PRF, blood tubes used to collect PRP are coated with anticoagulant, preventing the release clotting factors therefore blocking the the formation of a fibrin clot important in the release of growth factors seen with PRF. The initiation of the clotting cascade seen in PRF provides a controlled release of growth factors throughout the healing process, more new cell proliferation and greater collagen synthesis than is seen with PRP. (Diab et al., 2022). Lastly, PRF releases growth factors for longer periods of time in comparison to PRP. PRP can release growth factors for hours to days while the fibrin matrix of PRF allows these benefits to last days to weeks.
When it comes down to it, both PRF and PRP are beneficial biomaterials made naturally from YOU. However, PRF wins by a landslide when it comes to its cell quality and longevity. Its clotting ability plays a huge role in its ability to heal and rejuvenate. That is why it is our favorite and its uses are continuing to expand in the aesthetics and health care industry. There is evidence to support its benefits and we love treatments and services supported by real evidence and research. You can sleep well at night knowing you are getting the very best CARE because we CARE about YOU!
