PRF injections are a ground-breaking new therapy that utilizes the growth factors in your blood to heal and rejuvenate. It’s similar, but different, to PRP injections. Both PRF and PRP stimulate the production of skin cells, tissues, collagen, elastin, and hair follicles. Let’s dive in and explore how to harness your body’s natural healing capabilities with this next-generation therapy.
What Are PRF Treatments?
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) therapy harnesses the regenerative power of your blood platelets to promote healing and rejuvenation. When you cut yourself, your body activates its natural healing response. It sends growth hormones through your blood directly to the wound or injury.
This therapy extracts a small amount of blood to create a growth hormone-rich injection that catalyzes and expedites tissue repair and regeneration. It’s one of Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa’s restorative treatment options, but it’s also used in orthopedics and dentistry.
Key benefits include:
- A natural, non-surgical, and minimally invasive method of regeneration.
- Since the injection is formulated from your blood, there is minimal risk.
- It provides fast-acting, but slow-release growth factors for long-lasting results.
- Pain is typically minimal, and we may apply a numbing agent beforehand.
How Is Blood Extracted for PRF?
The process of preparing PRF injections is simple. A small vial of blood is drawn, comparable to what’s required for a routine blood test. The blood is placed in a centrifuge machine, where it’s spun at high speeds. This spinning process isolates the plasma, a concentrated mix of platelets and other growth factors.
Once separated, the platelet-rich plasma is collected and further processed to form a fibrin matrix. This matrix, which is a natural scaffold-like substance, acts as a reservoir for the platelets and growth factors. Once it’s ready, it’s injected at the treatment site.
The growth factors within include:
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF).
- Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β).
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
The entire process is performed in-office and takes between 60 and 90 minutes. An average of 4 treatments are required, spaced about 1 month apart. Results last for an average of 12 months. For acne scarring or new areas of hair loss, more frequent treatments may be required.
How Is PRF Different From PRP?
PRP and PRF injections are both advanced regenerative treatments, PRF is generally more robust and longer lasting. The primary difference is that PRP separates platelets into a plasma solution, while PRF retains the potent clotting and healing elements within fibrin. PRF is spun slower in the centrifuge, so it retains approximately 10 times the platelet concentration that is found in the body. PRP contains roughly 2 to 5 times the platelet concentration found in the body.
Depending on the treatment area, more than one vial of blood may need to be drawn for PRP therapy. Which treatment is right for you varies depending on your individual needs.
- PRP requires the addition of an anticoagulant, while PRF is 100% natural.
- PRF has a higher concentration of growth factors and stem cells.
- Anticoagulants are added to PRP, releasing the growth hormones within hours.
- Without added anticoagulants, PRF slowly releases over the next 7 to 10 days.
- Both treatments can be utilized as an alternative to traditional dermal fillers.
What Conditions Do PRF Injections Treat?
Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa provides targeted PRF injections for hair loss, anti-aging, acne scars, and other aesthetic objectives. However, there are a variety of health and wellness applications.
#1 Skin Rejuvenation
This treatment stimulates collagen and elastin production, improves skin texture, minimizes dark circles, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to treat acne scars (pock marks) and promote overall skin health.
#2 Hair Loss
PRF treatments have emerged as a promising option for individuals experiencing hair loss. When injected into the scalp it reactivates hair follicles, promote hair growth. It can also stimulate thicker and fuller hair.
#3 Musculoskeletal Injuries
Orthopedic surgeons use this therapy to treat musculoskeletal injuries such as ligament and tendon tears, sprains, and strains. When injected directly into the affected area, it promotes faster healing, reduced pain, and decreased inflammation.
#4 Dental Procedures
Dentists and oral surgeons apply these injections for tooth extractions, dental implants, bone grafting, and sinus lift procedures. It accelerates healing, reduces the risk of infection, and enhances tissue healing and regeneration in the oral cavity.
#5 Chronic Wounds
Chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, bed sores, and other pressure sores, can be challenging to heal. A concentrated injection of your body’s growth factors promotes wound healing and reduces the risk of infection. This treatment can be used in conjunction with traditional wound care methods to enhance the healing process.
Now that we’ve covered the most common uses of platelet-rich fibrin, let’s dive a bit deeper into the aesthetic options we offer at our Med Spa.
PRF For Hair Loss
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Harvested from your blood
- Restores hair follicles
- Activates natural hair growth
- Reverses hair thinning
- Promotes healthier hair
PRF For Rejuvenating Your Skin
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Harvested from your blood
- Helps regenerate collagen
- Corrects lines, wrinkles, and creases
- Smooths away superficial scarring
- Improves skin tone and texture
- Combats enlarged pores
- Helps replace youthful facial volume
- Minimizes dark undereye circles
- Alternative to dermal fillers
How Many Treatments Are Required?
As with all our aesthetic offerings, we tailor your treatment plan to your individual objectives. Each PRF treatment session requires one or more targeted injections. To ensure maximum results, you will need to schedule a minimum of 4 sessions spaced out approximately 1 month apart.
Results last an average of 12 months. When utilized for acne pock marks, more frequent injections may be required. If hair loss develops in a new area of your scalp during the 12 month period, we will advise on your best options.
Are PRF Treatments Right for You?
During your consultation, we’ll discuss your aesthetic objectives and full range of options. This might include PRF injections, other treatments, or a combination of treatments. PRF is generally safe for most, but it’s not for everyone.
- Patients who are smokers will not derive the best results from PRF injections.
- If you’ve stopped smoking, its healing properties may help to rejuvenate your skin.
- If you’re pregnant or nursing, we can discuss other treatment options.
- You’re not eligible if you have a bleeding disorder, cancer, or liver disease.
- If you can’t commit to at least 4 sessions spaced 1 month apart, it’s not the right treatment for you.
Are There Any Side Effects?
One of the exciting things about PRF treatments is that the risk of side effects is minimal.
- Since it’s derived from your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is minimal.
- The pain of the injections is comparable to receiving a shot, but we can numb the injection site first.
- The most common side effects are temporary redness, bruising, and swelling.
- A mild headache may occur after scalp and face injections.
- When injected under or around the eyes, there may be temporary puffiness.
Want to Learn More About PRF Injections?
Want to learn more about PRF and our other aesthetic treatments? Schedule a consultation to discuss what therapies are right for you. Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa has 3 convenient locations in Phoenix, Tempe, and Glendale. Let’s get started!
