The techniques and technology used in aesthetic medicine are constantly advancing for the better. One of the most interesting developments in cutting edge aesthetic practices is actually the use of our body’s most healing substances, extracted and applied for specific outcomes. In other words, we keep learning more and getting better at healing, nourishing, and rejuvenating the skin with the natural healing abilities of the body.
We talk about 'loving your perfect' a lot. But with these treatments, which literally use your body’s inner perfect to reveal your outer perfection, we’re taking our PFAM mantra to a whole new level.
Enter PRP
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma.
Wanting youthful glowing skin is not a new trend. But wanting youthful skin that both looks natural and is achieved through natural means is definitely on the up and up. And although it may seem a little intimidating, the secret to this natural glow is found in the blood.
Our blood is made up of two main components - red blood cells and plasma. The plasma contains water, electrolytes, proteins, white blood cells and platelets. Platelets are integral to our body’s healing process. They are loaded with growth factors, which act as messengers to signal many different kinds of cells to grow, proliferate, migrate and function. They accumulate at sites of injury and initiate and mediate the body’s own healing processes. So, through the use of your own platelets, which can be isolated from the other components of blood and applied anywhere (including your perfect face), a strong response for healing and repairing is stimulated. Put another way, applying PRP to your face creates a healing boost that tightens, brightens, and smooths the skin.
For years, athletes have been utilizing PRP treatments to accelerate injury recovery, but in recent years it has been adopted into the aesthetic medicine category (and thank goodness for that!).
The Evolution of PRF
PRF stands for platelet-rich fibrin.
Think of PRF like the new generation of PRP. With time and study, this family of treatments keeps getting better and better. In a very similar fashion to PRP, PRF is created by spinning blood in a centrifuge to separate the substance used for treatment. Whereas PRP treatment uses separated plasma, PRF uses the same separated plasma portion but with an important distinction, a protein called fibrin. In simple terms, fibrin is the substance that platelets bind to, meaning PRF has a very high platelet count (even higher than PRP) without the need for any artificial binding agent (aka as all natural as it gets!).
PRF is also processed at a slower speed than PRP. This makes it possible for white blood cells and stem cells to also be included in this natural healing serum. More healing factors mean better results and brighter glow.
The final, key differentiator of PRF is the slow release of growth factors that allow your results to keep improving post treatment. PRF is a matrix of fibrin, including bound platelets. Over time, the fibrin releases growth factors for continued production of collagen, blood vessels, and skin cells.
What are the benefits of PRP and PRF treatments?
These treatments seem to do it all:
- Increase dermal collagen levels
- Increase the thickness of the skin’s superficial layer
- Accelerate tissue repair
- Boost skin tightness, firmness and smoothness
- Boost skin GLOW
- Minimize the appearance of fine lines
- Minimize acne scarring
- Shrink blemishes
- Treat hyperpigmentation
- Create thicker and stronger hair follicles
- Boost the effects of other treatments
Finally, since PRP and PRF use your own blood for a glowing, youthful complexion, it is incredibly safe when compared to other treatments.
Choosing Between PRP and PRF
Both PRP and PRF can have all of the above effects on your skin, but as PRF is a slightly more evolved version of PRP, sometimes one or the other will better fit your aesthetic goals and skin dreams.
PRF, with its fibrin matrix, has been shown to improve volume loss, definition, and facial shape with long lasting and natural looking results. PRF treatment can target very specific areas of concern to elevate your perfect.
PRP is a wonderful addition to PFAM treatments such as layering on after CO2 laser skin resurfacing or even RF Microneedling where the activation of healing and recovery enhances results and minimizes downtime associated with these treatments.
As with all PFAM treatments, your expert provider will help and guide you towards the option that will give you the best results and experience. Consultations are a great place to start if you are interested in exploring an individualized treatment plan for your skin dreams.
What’s a PRP treatment like?
PRP and PRF treatments can be administered in a variety of ways depending on your goals: topical injections, microneedling, in an AquaGold facial treatment, or combined with laser resurfacing.
While it can seem confusing or scary (ahem, Kim Kardashian’s bloody vampire selfie), these services are actually fairly straightforward and pain free.
All PRP and PRF treatments begin with a standard blood draw (typically, from the arm). The blood is placed in a special centrifuge and spun to separate the components and create either PRP or PRF. The growth factor rich serum is then drawn up from the test tube after centrifugation. Preparation takes approximately 10 minutes.
Once the PRP or PRF is prepared, it can be injected for hair restoration, used as a serum for microneedling, or included in the AquaGold facial. PRF can also be mixed with dermal filler and injected into areas of concern on the face as well.
When PRP or PRF is administered, cells receive a strong “wound” message - even without a wound. The skin naturally turns up the cell repair mechanisms which produce additional collagen. As we know, collagen is key for firmer, glowier skin.
After your treatment, minimal downtime is needed. In fact in most cases, combining PRP or PRF with your service will decrease your downtime. Most importantly, consistency is key. Depending on your area of concern, multiple sessions may be required. Since the effects of PRP or PRF rely on your body’s response and collagen stimulation, peak results can be expected in the following weeks to months after treatment. .
No Vampires Here
There’s dozens of online images of celebrities with bloody faces, like Kim Kardashian, floating around the Internet. However, these pictures show an older method of applying whole blood to the skin while microneedling. With recent advancements in treatment, only the PRP component from the blood, which is actually GOLD in color, is applied to the face. Needless to say, no scary selfies here!
What’s Next?
There are so many ways to explore the healing power of PRP and PRF at PFAM.
- Combine with microneedling
- Add to AquaGold facial
- Combine with laser resurfacing
- Injection like a dermal filler
- Injections for hair restoration
- Use as a substitute for dermal filler
- O-shot injection (increased sensitivity for better pleasure response, yes please!)
And with ever-evolving technology, who knows what’s next in the world of PRP and PRF. One thing we know for sure, the results of applying your body’s healing power to your skin is unmatched. Seeing clients achieve a completely natural looking, absolutely perfect glow with these treatments will never get old.
Your turn next?
Book your PRF or PRP appointment today.
