What Is PRF?

PRF, or platelet rich fibrin, is a fibrin matrix that promotes wound healing, skin rejuvenation, and hair growth. PRF is composed of platelet cytokines, growth factors and cells that work together to create a three-dimensional tissue matrix to aid in the healing and regeneration of tissue.

Obtaining PRF

To obtain PRF, we will first begin by drawing a standard blood sample which will then be placed in a centrifuge.  The centrifuge spins and separates the various components of the blood.  The result is three separate layers consisting of red blood cells on the bottom, the fibrin layer of PRF in the middle and low platelet plasma on top. The PRF is removed from the tube and prepared for treatment.  Spin cycles and preparation vary depending on the intended use.

Who Is A Good Candidate For PRF Treatment?

Everyone is a good candidate for platelet rich fibrin treatment.   We will just want to know what medications and supplements you are taking, and we may need to talk about those that are anti-coagulants.

PRF in Facial Esthetics

PRF treatment rebuilds the skin’s underlying support structures, releasing growth factors and cytokines as it creates new skin cells, collagen, and blood vessels.  In our office we use it:

• During micro needling for less pain and superior results.
• Under wrinkles, fine lines to lift and repair the folds that have formed in the skin.
• Around thinning hair to restimulate follicles and thicken growth.
• As facial filler.  PRF Bio fillers are regenerative and hold volume for up to 6 months.  Common application areas include: under the eyes,  cheek enhancements, and to shape jaw lines.

PRF in Dental Surgery

In dental surgery PRF provides better blood supply, better recruitment of neighboring bone and soft tissue cells as well and priceless infection fighting properties.

• PRF with extractions reduces pain by 90%.  
• PRF with implants reduces post operative infections and failures.
• PRF bone grafts results in faster healing, better new bone formation, less pain and fewer infections.  
• PRF stimulates healthier gum tissue formation at the surgical sites.

PRF Vs. PRP?

PRF is the next generation in the evolution of blood concentrates.

The number of platelets is far higher in PRF than PRP. In PRP, the platelet count is approximately two to fives times higher than in typical blood. PRF has a platelet concentration that is 10 times higher than normal blood.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP is spun at a high speed, causing many of the cells we wish to collect to be damaged and mixed with the other layers.

Blood that is collected in PRP requires an anticoagulant additive called acid citrate dextrose to keep blood from clotting too quickly. An anticoagulant is not needed for PRF.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)
‍PRF is spun at a lower speed and has an even higher concentration of platelets, white blood cells, growth factors and stem cells. This gives PRF more healing properties than PRP.    

PRF not only has more growth factors but it releases them slower than PRP. This is an important distinction because while PRP reaches its highest amount of growth factors on the first day, and then declines rapidly afterward, PRF reaches its highest amount 14 days after injection, providing the body with a steady supply of growth factors.  The benefit is analogous to having a drip line to water a plant, compared to dumping the same amount of water on the plant in one day.