PRF Injections: The Next Generation Natural PRP

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been around since the 1970s and became widely used in dentistry in the 1980s. Since then, the next generation of PRP, called platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), was discovered in the early 2000s. It has gained much popularity recently for its enhanced results over PRP. Many use it to treat various medical and cosmetic conditions.

What is PRF?

PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) is a more advanced, next-generation PRP (platelet-rich plasma). It has been used for decades in dentistry and orthopedics to treat various conditions. PRF contains white blood cells, fibrin, platelets, and stem cells.

How is PRF manufactured?

PRF is created by placing tubes of your blood in a centrifuge machine. Centrifuges spin the blood at high speeds to separate the blood into layers containing the different components (white blood cells, red blood cells, plasma, and platelets). Once the blood is separated into different layers, the layer with the PRF components can be extracted with a needle and syringe.

PRP vs PRF: what's the difference?

PRF differs from PRP in two ways: manufacturing and contents. PRF is spun in the centrifuge at slower speeds and for a shorter amount of time than PRP to collect more growth factors and cells. It also contains no anticoagulants, making it 100% natural, unlike PRP.

PRF contains different ingredients than PRP. PRF has more growth factors than PRP, yielding better results. Growth factors help increase collagen production and regenerate tissue. PRF contains stem cells and white blood cells to help regenerate and repair tissue. It also contains fibrin which is critical to keeping the growth factors and cells exactly where you inject them, so they do not move away. Fibrin acts as a scaffolding for PRF contents. By keeping PRF where you inject it, you will be able to keep the PRF in place to work longer at repairing and regenerating the skin and hair that need it most.

What is PRF used to treat?

PRF is used to treat many of the same skin and hair conditions that PRP treats. PRF helps renew hair growth in patients suffering from androgenic alopecia (patterned hair loss in men and women) and alopecia areata (autoimmune hair loss). It takes several sessions to see results and will require future maintenance treatments to keep the results.

PRF can also help rejuvenate and repair skin. It can increase fibroblast's production of collagen and elastin, which improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, decreases pore size, and smooths the skin's texture. It has also been shown to help heal wounds and ulcers.

Is there downtime with PRF treatments?

Patients should rest for the next 24 hours and avoid strenuous activities or exercise. However, you can resume normal activities immediately. You must avoid consuming NSAIDS and applying ice to the area for three to five days. Be sure to hydrate well before and after the treatments. These instructions do not apply to those receiving additional procedures, like micro-needling or laser, with PRF.

PRF is a remarkable treatment that can help patients with various medical and cosmetic issues. It is 100% natural and does not contain any additives. There are very few side effects, and the procedure is well tolerated. Oftentimes, the results can be augmented by combining PRF with other treatment options.

Who should not receive PRF?

Some patients are not good candidates for PRF because there is less chance for success. This includes:

• Active cancers;
• Chemotherapy;
• Smokers;
• Unrealistic expectations;
• Older age.

What are the side effects of PRF?

PRF is a safe procedure. There is little chance of allergic reactions since the ingredients are 100% natural, and all made from your blood. Most side effects are usually transient, including redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness which fade in a few days up to two weeks. Rare, but more severe side effects include infection and bleeding.