The Future of Bio-Stimulators: What is Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)?
Bio-stimulators refer to substances that are injected into the skin to gradually stimulate new tissue growth. In aesthetics, there are several bio-stimulator fillers, such as Sculptra®, that promote the production of new collagen, improving upon lost volume in areas of the face and minimizing signs of aging. There’s also a new treatment you may have heard about called PRF (platelet-rich fibrin), which is believed by many to be an upgraded version of the traditional PRP treatments. So exactly what is platelet-rich fibrin? Our Madison, WI-based Radiance Skin Therapy & Laser Center team knows that many patients who want to improve the look of their skin are curious about what this advanced skin treatment can do.
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, involves injecting a processed version of a patient’s own plasma to stimulate collagen growth for a dramatically improved skin health.
Platelets are one of the four elements of blood, and they have many functions: They heal damage, reduce inflammation, and encourage collagen-building in the skin, among other benefits. PRP contains a high concentration of platelets to promote the release of growth factors and other proteins that support healing.
PRF is another treatment that promotes healing. Just as with PRP, some of the patient’s blood is drawn, then spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the blood plasma. The platelets, a fibrin matrix, and white blood cells are some of the elements that are separated.
A PRF treatment is similar to PRP and has the same goal. However, there are some key differences, including the fact that PRF contains white blood cells in addition to platelets and stem cells. It also has a higher percentage of platelets: 10 times the concentration compared to PRP, which contains.
The fibrin matrix in PRF holds onto the growth factors and slowly releases them over time so the results can last for up to one year. With a product known as ezGEL, the PRF is processed to give it a thicker consistency, then injected into areas that need rejuvenation.
Contact our team at Radiance Skin Therapy & Laser Center for more advice about what PRF can do for your skin. Call us at (608) 240-0088 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation to learn more about bio-stimulators.
Anne Pientka