PRP vs. PRF: Understanding the Differences

Sometimes, we get a scrape and don’t think much of it. Other times — usually in the case of more serious injury — we marvel at the body’s regenerative ability. Your blood clots, your skin stitches itself back together, and your internal tissues go to work repairing any damage. 

Over the years, scientists have gotten a better handle on how the body’s healing processes work. Now, they’re bringing it to the masses in the form of regenerative medicine. Basically, this relatively new medical field taps into the body’s ability to heal itself. 

And it extends beyond healing. Here at Hanami Medspa in Fort Worth, Texas, Elaine Phuah, DO, MBA, FACOI, and our team capitalize on regenerative medicine to drive cosmetic results. Specifically, we offer fillers and hair restoration with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). 

This is similar to another, more widely known form of regenerative medicine called platelet-rich plasma (PRP). To help you understand what PRF can do for you, it helps to start with an understanding of its predecessor, PRP. 

Starting with the basics: PRP

Platelet-rich plasma first gained notoriety as a treatment to help injured athletes. It starts by taking a small sample of the patient’s blood. Using a centrifuge, doctors separate the platelets in the blood from the other components. Once they have the PRP ready, they inject it where it can benefit the patient.

Once injected, the platelets deliver growth factors, which the body uses to stimulate and support its healing activities. In injured athletes, those growth factors can help damaged tissue heal faster.

Researchers realized that PRP could have other uses as well and began applying it cosmetically. They discovered that when applied to dormant hair follicles, for example, it supported hair restoration. 

As the field of regenerative medicine expands, researchers have discovered an even more effective way to get platelets where the body needs them: platelet-rich fibrin.

The difference with PRF

PRF builds on the same principles as PRP: it uses a small sample of your blood to arrive at a treatment that’s rich in platelets. The main difference with PRF is that it contains a fibrin matrix. This fibrin naturally develops when Dr. Phuah spins the blood at a lower speed in the centrifuge. 

The fibrin matrix helps the PRF retain more growth factors for a longer period of time. That means your body can use this resource over a more extended period for even more dramatic results. 

When applied as a filler, the fibrin matrix helps build structure in the treated area, stimulating collagen production there. That makes it a natural way to replenish lost volume, particularly under your eyes. 

For hair restoration, the fibrin matrix helps to provide a sustained release of growth factors. This supports ongoing regeneration in your hair follicles. 

In short, PRF builds on the promise of PRP and regenerative medicine, helping you arrive at even better results. To explore this natural way to replace lost hair or volume in your face, call our team at Hanami Medspa or make an appointment online today.