What is Platelet Rich Fibrin?
Platelet Rich Fibrin or PRF is a second-generation form of Platelet Rich Plasma where platelets and white blood cells from the patient’s own blood are present in a complex fibrin matrix which can be used to accelerate the healing of many types of tissues. The most common applications of PRF includes skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, and wound healing.
Let’s find out more about Platelets and Fibrin…
The basic building blocks of PRF include platelets and fibrin. Platelets are important cells in our blood that help to form blood clots. When a person gets a cut, platelets travel to the wound and begin forming a barrier to keep the blood from exiting through the wound. Importantly, platelets contain special growth factors and other proteins which help then do their job and create healing and tissue regeneration in wounds.
Despite all their abilities, platelets are not strong enough to form a clot all on their own. They also need fibrin! Fibrin is a protein that is also found in our blood, and, when activated, fibrin helps platelets stick together to form an effective barrier. The fibrin matrix basically creates a sticky network, which combined with platelets forms a solid barrier to minimize blood loss and promote healing.
Can we then use the body’s own powerful tools to create better skin and help tissues heal?
Absolutely, we can! In order to accomplish this effective and natural rejuvenation, we have to remove the platelets, fibrin and the rejuvenating proteins and factors, then concentrate them to high levels with a centrifuge, and place them where these are needed most!
As you can see, using this technology is pretty straightforward in treating wrinkles, facial volume loss, deep facial folds, and other aesthetic flaws. It’s also great for hair restoration! Platelets with their abundant growth factors promote tissue regeneration and the fibrin matrix can provide volume to fill out deflated aging areas.
Platelet Rich Fibrin: The basics
The PRF used in your rejuvenation procedure will come from your body. To obtain the Platelet Rich Fibrin, we draw a sample of your blood and place it in a special centrifuge. The centrifuge is equipped with the ability to spin at the most ideal speed to separate the components we want more effectively: Platelets and Fibrin. This speed turns out to be slower than the centrifuge we used for Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). When the spin cycle is completed, the platelets and fibrin are separated from the rest of your blood’s components.
Once the PRF has been isolated from the rest of the blood, it is transferred to several syringes for injection. Unlike PRP, the resulting compound of Platelet Rich Fibrin is free of any chemicals or other anti-clotting agents. PRF is a completely natural mix of growth factors. Therefore, when injected into the target area, most patients experience almost no pain or mild discomfort.
PRF has other advantages, such as improved anti-aging benefits over PRP, skin- healing properties, and contrast when compared to using dermal fillers or surgery to enhance your appearance. The bottom line is PRF is for the patient who desires a more natural method of rejuvenation, with a painless experience, and almost no downtime in the recovery period.
When to consider Platelet Rich Fibrin?
Injections of PRF can treat a wide range of aesthetic flaws which occur with natural aging, and without the need for invasive surgery. During consultation, we will assess your overall facial aging and skin condition, as well as, your aesthetic goals, and we may recommend PRF injections. PRF can be used alone or in combination with dermal fillers to address:
- Fine facial and lip lines.
- Unwanted facial wrinkles.
- Unwanted age spots.
- Sun damage or sunspots.
- Dark circles or pigmentation around the eyes.
- Mild to moderate facial volume loss.
- Under eye depressions or tear troughs.
- Mild to moderate facial folds.
- Facial scarring, including as a result of Acne.
The average patient may need 2-3 treatments to achieve the desired results.
To learn more about the process of PRF injections and what to expect during and after treatment, we recommend you stay tuned to part II of PRF, in our next blog. If you’re ready for PRF now, call our office, at (480) 571-7625.