Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has experienced substantial growth in the aesthetic community over the last few yearsโitโs currently being used to rejuvenate the skin in โvampire facialsโ (itโs also commonly used with microneedling, although itโs still being investigated by the FDA in regards to its skin-perfecting capabilities), in addition to assisting in hair restoration and wound healing.
Now weโre hearing about another type of platelet-rich plasma, called platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), which could be the next generation of the treatment and a valuable tool for plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and even dentists. To find out how it differs from the standard, we turned to the pros.
โFibrin is a biological scaffold that forms in response to an injury anywhere in the body,โ says Westborough, MA, facial plastic surgeon Min S. Ahn, MD. โPlatelets normally circulate within the blood and will bind to a scaffold of fibrin. When platelets bind to the fibrin scaffold, they become activated and release growth factors from tiny โgranules.โ These growth factors start the wound healing process by creating new skin cells, collagen and blood vessels. Scientists have been able to figure out a way to take your blood, spin it in a centrifuge, isolate the contents, and create a platelet- and white blood cellโrich fibrin scaffold ready for use in plastic surgery. The platelet-rich fibrin has been used to fill in facial folds, help fat cells survive better and promote healing after a facelift.โ
Sounds pretty similar to PRP right? We thought the same thing. However, according to New York facial plastic surgeon Dilip D. Madnani, MD, thereโs one key difference that could make PRF a more effective treatment in the future (after itโs been proven in long-term studies). โPRF appears to target the same issues as PRP, but it releases the growth factors over time, which means it could have longer-term benefits. The growth factors are what stimulate the stem cells that improve collagen and elastin in the skin.โ Dr. Ahn adds, โThe platelets in PRF are thought to survive better than those in PRP, and therefore promote faster healing.โ
Both doctors agree it could be some time before PRF is โmainstream,โ but Dr. Madnani says itโs been studied in wound healing trials and shown to be safe. โRight now itโs primarily being used in the dental area for implants and bone healing, but itโs an interesting field and the obvious next step in the evolution of natural rejuvenation.โ
If you are visiting a doctor who offers the treatment, remember that itโs still experimental, so tread lightly. โMake sure your doctor has experience with PRF in facial rejuvenationโdo your homework, ask to see pictures and speak to prior patients,โ says Dr. Madani.