PRF and PRP are both regenerative processes offered by plastic surgeons. These procedures are for patients who want to improve the appearance of their skin, combat tissue damage and overall rejuvenate their complexion.
Both are non-surgical procedures. However, the process of obtaining PRF differs a bit from that of PRP. It is also a more prudent choice of procedure, the benefits of which are explained below.
What is PRF?
PRF stands for Platelet-rich Fibrin. It is a plastic surgery treatment used to treat areas in the face showing signs of aging to give the skin a softer, younger look. The PRF platelet concentrate is achieved by extracting blood from the patient and then centrifuging it. The fibrinogen converts into fibrin after making contact with the thrombin in the blood, and the platelets are preserved in the meshes of fibrin. No anticoagulant is used when the blood is processed.
What is PRP?
PRP stands for Platelet-rich Plasma. It is also a process in cosmetic surgery; however, it requires more blood to be extracted from the patient than PRF does and then spins it at a higher speed in the centrifuge. This process causes the layers of the blood to disperse, with the white blood cells and stem cells gathering at the bottom of the test tube, separated from the platelets and plasma left at the top. The slower spinning of PRF means that the healing white blood cells and stem cells remain with the platelets used as filler.
Why PRF is a Better Choice than PRP
- PRF is a multifunctional treatment proven to help with texturing, wrinkles, and bringing in stem cells. By repairing damaged skin cells, fostering collagen production, and boosting stem cell rejuvenation, PRF fillers improve the skin’s texture and brighten the face’s complexion.
- Skin treated with PRF looks tighter and brighter because PRF contains approximately ten times the platelet concentration that the body has due to the centrifugation process. PRF can also be used for treating hair thinning and enhancing fat graft volume retention.
- The retention of the white blood cells and stem cells in PRF gives it more healing factors than PRP. The slower spinning in the centrifuge stage causes less trauma to the individual blood cells overall.
- PRF can be used as a filler by itself or blended with Sculptra (an injectable cosmetic filler) to form plasmasculpt.
- PRF is less processed than PRP, has gentler centrifugation, and no anticoagulant is used.
- The benefits of PRF and PRP are the same. Still, PRF releases more growth factors over time, so it continues to work for you even after the procedure is complete. These growth factors aid skin rejuvenation and increase skin volume.
- Platelet-rich fibrin is a natural, less processed alternative to PRP. The anticoagulant used in PRP is acid citrate dextrose, which stops the blood from clotting too quickly. The lack of anticoagulants in PRF allows the fibrinogen in our blood to convert to fibrin, creating a matrix that holds the platelets for the slow release of growth factors. This process avoids bringing external cosmetic substances into the procedure. It starts the tissue healing process in the skin using only the patient’s blood cells.
- PRF is a beneficial, non-surgical cosmetic procedure that anyone thinking about getting fillers should consider.
It is vital to make sure that you completely understand the process before booking an appointment, which means seeking advice from a specialist.
Dr. Effie Politis conducts her practice Politis Plastic Surgery in Tampa, Florida. She specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgeries, including PRF.
Check out her website for more in-depth information about this procedure.
