PRP vs PRF

Understanding PRP and PRF
Among the many treatments available for aesthetic rejuvenation, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) stand out as prominent options. Both utilize components derived from your own blood to enhance skin quality, but they differ in their preparation and benefits. Understanding these differences is very important to be able to make an informed decision about which treatment is best for your personal aesthetic goals.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a well-established treatment that has gained popularity for its ability to promote healing and rejuvenation. To create PRP, blood is drawn, mixed with anticoagulant (heparin, sodium citrate, CPD – Citrate Phosphate Dextrose-, or ACD – Acid Citrate Dextrose) and then spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma, which is rich in platelets. These platelets contain growth factors that stimulate collagen production and tissue regeneration.

PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) is a newer advancement in regenerative medicine. PRF is also derived from your blood, but it is processed differently. The key distinction lies in the spinning equipment and process: PRF is collected in special tubes without any additive and spun using a special centrifuge at a much lower speed, which results in a fibrin matrix that traps more platelets, white blood cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. This natural composition, without any additives, allows for a more sustained release of growth factors, providing longer-lasting effects (see links to published papers at the bottom of this page).

Advantages of PRF for Aesthetic Enhancements
While PRP has its merits, PRF offers some distinct advantages that are rapidly gaining recognition in the field of aesthetics. PRF is an advancement of PRP, utilizing a similar process to extract growth factors from the patient’s blood. However, thanks to the lower centrifugation speed, the majority of usable cells remain in the upper portion of the tube with the PRF and can thus be collected for the treatment.

Thus, unlike PRP, PRF does not contain any chemical additives and instead contains a larger amount of growth factors (3x that of PRP), some white cells (anti-inflammatory) and mesenchymal cells promoting better overall skin health and rejuvenation and includes a fibrin matrix that allows for a slower release of growth factors for enhanced, prolonged healing and rejuvenation effects.

The white blood cells and stem cells in PRF play a critical role in tissue repair and regeneration. These elements work synergistically to improve skin tone, texture, and hydration, leading to a more vibrant and youthful complexion. Because PRF is entirely natural, without any additives, it reduces the risk of allergic reactions and other side effects, making it a suitable option for those with sensitive skin or allergies. In addition, because PRF does not contain chemical additives, it provides for a much more comfortable experience for the patient, without the typical harsh sting of the anticoagulants in PRP.

Another great advantage of PRF is that its special equipment also allows for the production of a gel-like natural substance (our own protein Albumin), which – when injected back into the skin, acts as a filler, with the obvious advantage of being your body’s own organic product, a natural filler with no chemical components.

Be aware that some providers may say they provide PRF treatment when they use ‘activated PRP’. This product is made by adding a coagulant (usually Calcium Chloride) to the PRP processed in the traditional manner. While this addition obviously provides clotting in the injected PRP, the composition is still very different from the real PRF, which is only produced using specific tubes and centrifuge. Thus, the growth factors and content of this ‘activated PRP’ is still inferior to that of PRF, and the activated PRP contains even more chemical additives, first an anticoagulant, and then a clotting agent, working against each other. It thus remains far from being the natural organic filler provided by PRF.

To summarize, the Key Benefits of PRF over PRP are:

1. Natural Composition: PRF contains a more holistic blend of growth factors, cytokines, stem cells, and other important components essential for healing and regeneration. This can enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

2. Sustained Release of Growth Factors: The fibrin matrix in PRF allows for a gradual release of growth factors, which tends to provide longer-lasting results compared to the rapid discharge seen with PRP treatments.

3. Less Processing: Since PRF requires less manipulation of the blood components and does not involve any additives, it is seen as a more “natural” approach, minimizing potential risks associated with chemical additives.

4. Improved Cellular Response: With the inclusion of white blood cells and growth factors, PRF may stimulate a stronger immune response, leading to enhanced tissue regeneration and rejuvenation.

5. Versatile Applications: Like PRP, PRF can be beneficial in various aesthetic procedures, including facial rejuvenation, hair restoration, and treatment of scars, but with a more effective and prolonged result.

Some published studies:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27587367

Optimized Platelet-Rich Fibrin With the Low-Speed Concept: Growth Factor Release, Biocompatibility, and Cellular Response: The findings from this study demonstrate modifications to centrifugation speed and time with the low-speed concept favor an increase in growth factor release from PRF clots. This, in turn, may directly influence tissue regeneration by increasing fibroblast migration, proliferation, and collagen mRNA levels.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31280847

The Benefits of Platelet-Rich Fibrin: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a next-generation autologous platelet therapy with immense potential in several medical fields. In cosmetic medicine, for example, PRF is useful in wound healing and skin rejuvenation as a primary and a supplemental technique owing to its fibrin matrix, cellular components, and prolonged release of growth factors.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28351189

Effects of an injectable platelet-rich fibrin on osteoblast behavior and bone tissue formation in comparison to platelet-rich plasma: results from this study favored the use of the naturally-formulated PRF when compared to traditional PRP with anti-coagulants.