PRP and PRF: Which Plasma Concentrate Is Best for You?

February 22, 2024

Ask SKN,Injectables

The benefits of plasma in collagen production, skin treatments, and even hair restoration cannot be overstated. Both platelet concentrates are full of bioactive factors, namely growth factors, that aid in tissue repair and regeneration. There are two primary ways of using plasma: PRP, platelet-rich plasma, and PRF, platelet-rich fibrin. While each have their own strengths and weaknesses, both provide excellent results.

The PRP and PRF Process

To get PRP and PRF, blood is drawn from the patient, spun down in a centrifuge, and then drawn back up into syringes. The “liquid gold” is then injected into the desired area or microneedled into the skin for SkinPen.

PRF vs. PRP: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Choosing the Right Fit

The question then is: Why have two different plasma concentrates? Which is best for me? PRF is newer and stronger than its predecessor, PRP. It contains a denser network of growth factors and a longer release time of those growth factors. PRF is also completely autologous, meaning, from the individual. There are no additives to PRF; it is completely natural. While this is something that sets PRF apart, it is also its main weakness. Due to the lack of anticoagulants, PRF has a higher chance of congealing into an impossible-to-inject gel faster than PRP. Because it is completely autologous, it also means that some people are not good candidates for this treatment. People on hormone therapies, who vape or smoke, or on certain diets are not suitable candidates for this treatment plan.

A more suitable treatment for some patients is PRP. This injection is older, but still a fantastic treatment. It is not autologous as it contains certain anticoagulants and requires a dose of calcium chloride to form the necessary fibrin matrix. Because of this, PRP has fewer restrictions and can be used by almost anybody.

Favorite Applications of Platelet Concentrates

Some of our favorite uses of platelet concentrates are:

• Tear troughs: PRF is a fantastic treatment to help thicken the skin and improve texture under the eyes.
• Facial injections: PRF has proven to help smooth our skin texture in all zones on the face.
• Hair Restoration: PRP helps to kick start hair growth, reduce shedding, and improve hair health.
• SkinPen: When used in combination with SkinPen, PRP can help reduce your recovery time and increase your results exponentially.

Book your next appointment with us and let’s talk all things plasma!