Platelet-rich fibrin of ‘PRF’ is a skin boosting and rejuvenating treatment which harnesses the power of your own blood cells to stimulate collagen growth. The platelet-rich fibrin is then injected into the skin in small amounts using a very fine needle.
It can be used on the face, neck and hands to improve thin, crepey skin and fine lines.
Your blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma (the liquid part). Platelets form a vital part of the body’s healing process, when they release growth factors which stimulate collagen production and cell renewal.
PRF is plasma which the red and white blood cells have been removed, and the platelets concentrated. It is then injected into the skin to stimulate collagen production and to re-energise your cells into rejuvenating themselves.
The product injected is 100% your own blood by-product. PRF is a natural cell stimulator, not a filler. It works to increase collagen and thicken your skin to give a firmer and younger looking appearance. The effectiveness of PRF is determined by a number of things, including the existing condition of the skin and your overall health.
PRF can readily be combined with many other treatments for added benefits – laser, IPL, HIFU, wrinkle relaxer and filler treatments may individually be recommended depending on your circumstances.
After your consultation, local anaesthetic cream is applied to your skin for 30 minutes. Just before your treatment a small amount of your own blood will be taken (about 10-20mls). This is then placed in a centrifuge to separate out the plasma and platelet portion. The platelet-rich fibrin component is injected into your skin in small amounts using a very fine needle. Most people find this treatment very comfortable.
After the treatment the skin will appear swollen pink and you will feel some warmth in the area. This will settle over the next 12 – 24 hours. Bruising can occur, particularly around the eyes. Results take up to 2-3 weeks to see, with improvement continuing over several months. Great results can also be seen by combining PRF with Fraxel Laser, IPL Rejuvenation or Plasma Pen Fibrolift treatment.
This will be dependent on your age and the health of your skin. For best results, we recommend three treatments, four weeks apart. Results are long lasting, but will differ from person to person. After your initial course of treatments we recommend a “birthday” treatment once a year to maintain results.
PRF and acne scarring
PRF has shown significant benefit for the treatment of atrophic (divot-like) acne scarring with either injection into scars, or by adding PRF into a skin needling program. 3 treatment sessions at 2 week intervals were performed (Nofal et al, 2014).
PRF and photoageing
Improvements in skin elasticity, texture, hydration, wrinkles and micropigmentation have been reported in a number of trials of PRF, with the most common protocol being for injected PRF performed monthly for 3 treatments.
PRF and dark eye circles
Improvement was also noted in two studies for dark circles under the eyes.
PRF in Knee Arthritis
PRF has shown good results in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.
At Skin Resus we have treated knee OA with both PRF and glucose 30% injections (prolotherapy) for over 10 years with very favourable outcomes and no complications.
PRF in Tendon Injuries
It has also been shown to be very useful in tendon injuries – for example Achilles tendinopathy and extensor tendinopathy of the elbow (tennis elbow).
Dr David Main has also used PRF for treatment of low back and sacro-iliac area pain and injury.
The price for PRF depends on the area treated and the number of vials used.
