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Platelet Rich Fibrin Therapy (2nd generation PRP)
Platelet Rich Fibrin Therapy (PRF) is second generation Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP), with a 20-fold increase in concentration of growth factors due to the scaffolding effect provided by fibrin. This also significantly increases the duration of action of the growth factors.
PRF consists of two elements: plasma, or the liquid portion of blood which contains the fibrin and platelets, a type of blood cell that plays an important role in healing throughout the body.
Platelets are well-known for their clotting abilities, but they also contain growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue regeneration or healing in the treated area.
PRF contains 3-4 times the concentration of platelets compared to the unprocessed blood. To create platelet-rich fibrin, a blood sample is taken from the patient and is placed into a device called a centrifuge that rapidly spins the sample, separating out the other components of the blood from the platelets and concentrating them within the plasma.
After creating PRF from a patient’s blood sample, it is then injected into the target area. This leads to an increased concentration of specific growth factors in the target area accelerating the rejuvenation, restoration or healing process.
Not all PRF is the same. The quality is highly dependent on the centrifuge system used, which will dictate treatment success. At our clinic we use the Arthrex® Horizon centrifuge system, which has proven scientific results.
PRF has been used successfully for many years in the treatment of medical conditions in orthopaedics such as joint problems and osteoarthritis, in plastic surgery and the treatment of burns. In the last few years its use in aesthetic practice is commonly used for hair loss treatment, skin rejuvenation (also known as vampire facial), hyperpigmentation and acne and scar reduction.
Hair loss treatment
There is growing evidence that PRF has significant positive effects in people suffering with receding and thinning hair as well as those with hair loss. 80% of men and 40 % of women will suffer from this during their lifetime. In men it can start as early as their 20’s and in women it is more profound around the menopause. In both groups this can lead to low self-esteem, psychological issues and a lack of confidence.
PRF contains different growth factors which stimulates new hair growth and reduces hair loss. The treatment involves taking a sample of your blood, processing it using a centrifuge to create a high concentration of platelets in plasma and injecting it back into the scalp. It works by improving blood supply to the hair root and stimulating the dormant hair follicles leading to healthier hair.
The number of treatments is 3-4 initially, 4 weeks apart with a maintenance treatment every 6-12 months. It will take up to 4-6 months to see the benefits of PRF in hair loss treatment.
The use of PRF prior to and after hair transplant is now showing to be advantageous.
Facial rejuvenation
PRF stimulates collagen production which makes up of 80% of skin, but stops being produced by our body by the time we reach our late 20’s to early 30’s. The collagen helps the skin become firmer and look more youthful.
It also enhances skin elasticity by increasing both elastin and collagen production leading to a reduction to both fine lines and wrinkles. This procedure is also known as a 'vampire facial'.
PRF in skin rejuvenation is regenerative rather than corrective, so it promotes long term skin health and natural regeneration. The PRF from the patient's own blood is administered by a series of small injections into all areas of the face including the forehead, under eyes and across the face. This can be combined with microneedling.
The overall effect of PRF results in thickening of the skin, a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, brightening under the eyes and glowing, youthful looking skin.
The number of treatments is dependent on several factors, and ranges from 1-3 initial treatments, 4-6 weeks apart with maintenance treatments recommended every 6-12 months. The effects following PRF treatment are most noticeable after 3-4 months. The treatment regime will be discussed at the first consultation.
Hyperpigmentation, scarring and blemish reduction
PRF has also been shown to significantly reduce skin hyperpigmentation which can be present in all skin types but is more prevalent in darker skin types from the South Asian subcontinent and the Afro Caribbean region.
As described with skin rejuvenation, the release of growth factors helps in the skin healing process reducing the hyperpigmentation. Similarly, scarring (acne associated or other scarring) and blemishes can be reduced with the use of PRF.
