What Are PRP and PRF?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) are both prepared from a small sample of the patient’s own blood. Because they’re autologous, meaning they come from your own body, they’re considered a different category of material than synthetic fillers.
How PRP and PRF Are Prepared
Both start with a blood draw, processed in a centrifuge. For PRP, the blood is drawn into a tube containing an anticoagulant additive, then spun at a higher speed to separate the plasma and platelets from the red blood cells. For PRF, the blood is drawn into a tube without an anticoagulant additive and spun at a lower speed, which produces a fibrin matrix that holds the platelets together.
Because PRF is collected without an anticoagulant, it needs to be used within a short window after collection, typically around 15 minutes. PRP’s anticoagulant allows for more flexibility in timing during the appointment.
How PRP and PRF Are Used
At CARE Esthetics, both PRP and PRF are used as part of personalized, physician-directed facial esthetic treatments, often alongside microneedling, and sometimes alongside injectable treatments. Which one your physician recommends, or whether a combination makes sense, depends on your skin, your goals, and what you discuss during your consultation.
What the Treatment Process Looks Like
Whether you and your physician choose PRP or PRF, the process starts with a blood draw and centrifuge processing, followed by application to the treatment area. Some patients need a single session to address a specific concern, such as fine lines or skin texture, while others discuss a series of sessions with their physician, often spaced three to six weeks apart.
What to Expect
Changes to the skin’s appearance after PRP or PRF treatment develop gradually rather than all at once, and outcomes can differ from patient to patient based on factors like age, skin condition, and at-home skincare routine. Individual results vary, and your physician can walk you through a realistic timeline during your consultation.
