Today, plenty of skin-rejuvenating treatments are available, but if you want to reap the benefits of the best possible results without resorting to synthetic ingredients or injectables and fillers, consider a platelet-rich treatment. The two main types of platelet-based skin rejuvenating treatments to choose from include PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin). While both can work wonders to naturally revamp tired and dull-looking skin, there are plenty of differences between the two.
What is PRP?
PRP is a treatment that involves injecting a specialized concentration of platelets taken from your own blood and then putting them back into the skin either topically or via injections. Platelets, which are found within blood, contain growth factors that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. An anticoagulant is used in PRP so that the natural clotting process does not start immediately. With PRP treatments, the skin texture and tone improve for a healthy glow.
What is PRF?
PRF is similar to PRP in that it uses your own blood, but it uses a different plasma preparation process and doesn’t require additives, resulting in a more all-natural skin-rejuvenating matrix rich in platelets and growth factors. PRF also contains fibrin, a protein that helps to support tissue repair and regeneration. This supercharged preparation can be used as a liquid applied topically, a liquid injectable, and as a gel injectable called bio-filler to address skin concerns, common signs of aging in the face, and stimulate hair growth.
The Similarities Between PRP and PRF
PRP and PRF rely on putting the plasma, growth factors, and fibrin (respectively found in each preparation) back into the body for good use. Both PRP and PRF are derived from a blood draw and then spun down to extract either the plasma or fibrin materials (the process does differ somewhat between the two). They both work towards improving the skin for a natural, rejuvenating effect. Both platelet-based treatments are effective for:
- Overall skin rejuvenation
- Reducing the appearance of scars and acne scars
- Improving the overall skin tone and texture
- Minimizing the appearance of pores
- Reducing wrinkles and fine lines
- Creating new collagen and elastin
- Stimulating new hair growth
With PRP and PRF, there is no downtime after a treatment. You’ll be able to resume your normal activities. However, there may be some mild soreness, bruising, itching, or scabbing in the treated area for about one day. The results are not immediate, but after a series of treatments over a few months, the skin will emerge brighter, healthier, and smoother. If the scalp is treated to regrow thinning hair, thicker hair can be seen after a few treatments, too.
The Differences Between PRP and PRF
One of the main differences between PRP and PRF is how the two are prepared during the centrifuge stage. PRP involves adding an anticoagulant to the blood before it is used in a treatment to help kick off the release of growth factors, whereas PRF does not require this since the growth factors are released immediately. PRF also has the added advantage that once the solution is prepared, it can either be used in liquid format both topically in the treatment area or injected. Unlike PRP, PRF can also be made into a gel format called bio-filler that is then injected into areas of the face where volume loss occurs to increase volume and achieve visible changes in the face similar to what filler can achieve. PRF bio-filler injections slowly release the growth factors for a longer activation period, which improves the duration of action of the process.
For hair restoration in particular, the additives needed to prevent clotting in PRP are also what cause significant pain during PRP Hair Restoration injections. By using PRF injections for Hair Restoration here at CARE, we significantly reduce the pain levels for our patients. When PRF is combined with our evidence-based treatment protocol we provide life-changing results for those experiencing unwanted hair loss.
Although both PRP and PRF contain eight different growth factors to improve the skin and hair growth, PRF contains far more natural elements and collagen-producing factors than PRP, which significantly affects collagen and tissue regeneration. PRF also features fibrin, which creates a matrix for better rejuvenation and wound healing. The 100% all-natural (no additives needed) PRF is an all round more effective solution for hair restoration, fine lines/wrinkles, volume loss, and overall skin rejuvenation.
Choosing Between PRP vs PRF
Deciding between PRP and PRF shouldn’t be a complicated decision, especially when the team at CARE Esthetics is here to help guide you through your journey. Although both PRP and PRF are beneficial and made from biomaterials derived from your blood plasma, we find PRF to be a far more advanced treatment and highly recommend it over PRP to dramatically improve the texture and tone of your skin, improve acne scars, jumpstart the hair growth process, and stimulate collagen for a volumizing effect that enhances the appearance of the skin. PRF has unparalleled abilities in healing and rejuvenating the skin by improving cell quality and longevity. It also contains a more significant amount of growth factors, stem cells, white blood cells, and fibrin, for better results that last longer. Plus, the scientific evidence behind PRF proves its benefits far superior to PRP, which is why PRF ranks as one of the most popular treatments at CARE Esthetics–and one of our favorites, too!
During a consultation with the CARE Esthetics team, you can learn more about your specific needs and goals, which will help you determine the benefits of each treatment to make the proper selection for you.
