Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)/PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

What is Platelet Rich Fibrin?

Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is a natural and advanced healing concentrate derived from the patient's own blood. It is an autologous biomaterial, meaning it comes from the individual's body, which makes it highly biocompatible and reduces the risk of allergic reactions or infections. PRF is created by drawing a small amount of blood from the patient and then spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the blood components. The result is a fibrin matrix rich in platelets, leukocytes (white blood cells), and growth factors, all of which are crucial for tissue regeneration and healing.

PRF is often referred to as the next generation of platelet therapy because it offers longer-lasting benefits than Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP).

Who is Suitable for Platelet-Rich Fibrin?

PRF is suitable for many patients due to its natural origin and minimal side effects. Ideal candidates include:

• Dental Patients: Patients undergoing dental implants, extractions, or periodontal surgeries can benefit from PRF, which promotes faster healing and better tissue regeneration.
• Orthopaedic Patients: PRF's healing properties may benefit individuals with joint, tendon, or ligament injuries.
• Aesthetic Patients: such as those seeking facial rejuvenation or treatment for hair loss, can utilise PRF for its regenerative effects.
• Wound Care Patients: Patients with chronic or difficult-to-heal wounds can benefit from PRF to enhance healing.

Benefits of Platelet-Rich Fibrin

PRF offers several advantages:

• Enhanced Healing: The high concentration of growth factors accelerates tissue repair and regeneration.
• Natural and Safe: PRF is derived from the patient's blood, so it reduces the risk of immune reactions and infections.
• Improved Tissue Quality: PRF promotes better tissue quality and integration, especially beneficial in dental and orthopaedic procedures.
• Reduced Pain and Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of PRF can help reduce pain and swelling after procedures.
• Minimally Invasive: The procedure to obtain PRF is simple and minimally invasive, involving just a blood draw.

Types of Platelet-Rich Fibrin

• L-PRF (Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin): This form includes leukocytes and is often used in dental and orthopaedic procedures for its enhanced healing properties.
• A-PRF (Advanced Platelet Rich Fibrin): This newer form has a higher concentration of platelets and growth factors, making it suitable for more intensive regenerative treatments.
• i-PRF (Injectable Platelet Rich Fibrin): A liquid form of PRF that can be injected into tissues, commonly used in aesthetic medicine for skin rejuvenation and hair restoration.
• PRGF (Plasma Rich in Growth Factors): Similar to PRF, this form promotes healing and tissue regeneration in various medical fields.

Alternative Options to Platelet-Rich Fibrin

If PRF is not suitable or you wish to combine treatments, other options include:

• Anti-wrinkle injections to soften expression lines
• Dermal fillers for restoring volume
• Skin boosters or hydrating injectables to improve moisture and elasticity
• Medical micro-needling or laser resurfacing to stimulate collagen
• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), which provides a quicker release of growth factors for some applications

What to do Before a PRF Treatment?

Good preparation ensures the best results:

• Provide your full medical history and list of medications
• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and anti-inflammatory medicines (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) for a few days prior, if approved by your doctor
• Keep skin healthy—avoid sunburn, harsh peels, or waxing a week before treatment
• Stay well-hydrated and eat a light meal before your appointment

What Happens During a PRF Treatment?

The in-clinic procedure usually takes about 45–60 minutes:

• A small sample of blood is drawn
• The sample is gently spun in a special centrifuge to create a platelet- and fibrin-rich concentrate
• The PRF is injected or applied to the chosen area, often after a numbing cream for comfort

No chemicals or additives are used. The process is simple and minimally invasive.

What to Expect After a PRF Treatment?

Recovery is generally quick:

• Mild redness, swelling, or small bruises may appear and settle within a few days
• Avoid heavy exercise, saunas, or swimming for 12–24 hours
• Use gentle skincare and avoid makeup on the treated area for the first day
• Gradual results appear over several weeks as collagen production and tissue healing continue
• Maintenance treatments are often suggested every 6–12 months for lasting benefits

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a natural regenerative treatment made from your own blood. A small sample is collected and gently spun in a centrifuge to separate platelets and plasma from red blood cells. PRP is rich in platelets, growth factors, and plasma proteins, which help repair tissue, stimulate new collagen, and support skin and hair health. When injected, PRP delivers a higher concentration of these healing components directly to the area needing rejuvenation.

Who is Suitable for Platelet-Rich Plasma?

PRP may be suitable if you want to refresh your skin or support hair growth using your body’s own healing power. It is often chosen by people who:

• Want to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, or early skin sagging
• Have acne scars or dull, uneven skin tone
• Experience hair thinning or increased hair shedding
• Prefer a natural treatment without synthetic fillers

A pre-treatment consultation is essential to check your medical history, medications, and expectations, and to rule out conditions such as blood disorders, active infections, pregnancy, or recent steroid use.

Benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma

PRP works by stimulating natural healing and regeneration. Key benefits include:

• Skin rejuvenation: Improves texture, elasticity, and tone, and reduces fine lines and scars
• Collagen production: Encourages fibroblasts to create new collagen for firmer, smoother skin
• Hair regrowth: Enhances blood supply to hair follicles, supports hair density, and can extend the hair growth phase
• Minimal allergy risk: As PRP is drawn from your own blood, the risk of reaction is very low
• Complementary effects: Can be combined with micro-needling, laser treatments, or dermal fillers to improve outcomes
  PRP course

Types of Platelet-Rich Plasma

PRP can be used in different ways depending on your needs:

• Facial and neck rejuvenation: Multiple micro-injections to refresh the skin
• Under-eye treatment: Softens fine lines and brightens the delicate eye area
• Scalp therapy: Helps reduce hair shedding and stimulates thicker regrowth
• Combination procedures: Works alongside micro-needling or fractional laser to boost collagen and shorten recovery time
  PRP course

Alternative Options to Platelet-Rich Plasma

If PRP is not right for you, or to enhance results, other treatments may be suggested:

• Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), which offers slower, longer-lasting release of growth factors
• Anti-wrinkle injections for expression lines
• Dermal fillers for restoring lost volume
• Skin boosters, micro-needling, or laser resurfacing to improve skin structure and glow

What to do Before a Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment?

Good preparation improves comfort and results:

• Provide a full medical history and list of medications
• Stop non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and certain supplements such as fish oil or garlic tablets about 5–7 days beforehand, only with your doctor’s approval
• Drink plenty of water (2.5–3 L the day before) and have a light meal
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and heavy fatty foods before treatment
• Keep skin or scalp clean and avoid direct sun or tanning
  PRP course

What Happens During a Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment?

The in-clinic session usually takes about 60 minutes:

1. Blood collection: A small blood sample is drawn into sterile PRP tubes.
2. Centrifugation: Tubes are spun to separate the platelet-rich plasma from red cells.
3. PRP preparation: The concentrated plasma is drawn up into fine syringes.
4. Injection: After cleansing and applying numbing cream, PRP is injected into the target area using a fine needle or micro-needling technique.

Protective measures and strict sterile technique are followed throughout.

What to Expect After a PRP Treatment?

Recovery is usually quick and straightforward:

• Mild redness, swelling, or small bruises may appear for 1–3 days
• Avoid washing, makeup, or hair dye on the treated area for at least 24 hours
• Protect the area from direct sun and use gentle skincare
• Hair dyeing can resume one week after scalp treatment
• Noticeable improvement typically develops over 1–2 weeks, with collagen stimulation continuing for several months
• A typical plan involves three facial sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, or six scalp sessions over three months, followed by maintenance treatments every 6–12 months.

PRF vs PRP: Key Differences

Both treatments use your own blood to rejuvenate skin and hair. The primary difference lies in the preparation and release of growth factors. PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) is processed at a lower speed without anticoagulants and creates a fibrin network, which slowly releases growth factors over time. PRP provides a faster release and may be preferred when a more immediate boost is desired.