Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)

Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)

Description
Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) treatments may be combined with certain facial procedures to enhance results. In particular, PRF is used as an adjunct to fat transfer procedures and certain skin resurfacing procedures.

Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) treatment uses your own blood plasma that has been processed to concentrate those components beneficial to healing and rejuvenation. As a concentrated source of your own platelets, PRP contains numerous growth factors and cytokines (cellular messengers or signaling molecules) that can help stimulate rejuvenative processes.

The Aging Process
As part of the normal aging process, the face undergoes multiple changes concurrently including the loss and redistribution of facial volume and changes to the skin.

Over time, facial volume depletion leads to a loss of the appearance of facial fullness and the gentle convex contour that accompanies youth. In regions of repetitive facial movement, this volume loss coupled with strong muscle activity contribute to the appearance of wrinkles and lines which may deepen over time. As fat is redistributed from the upper face (midface and cheeks) to the lower face (jowls and neck), the shape of the face gradually changes. A characteristically youthful face that is full, soft, smooth, and bears an inverted triangular-shape appears with age to become increasingly deflated and square-shaped. Volume loss is particularly pronounced around the eyes, cheeks and jaw line. In those locations, Fat Transfer may have the greatest impact.

Concurrently, skin changes contribute to the appearance of facial aging. The outer skin layer (epidermis) thins. The skin appears thinner, more pale, and translucent. Large pigmented spots (called age spots, liver spots, or lentigos) may appear in sun-exposed areas. Changes in the connective tissue reduce the skin's strength and elasticity in a process called elastosis which is especially pronounced in sun-exposed areas (solar elastosis). Elastosis produces the leathery, weather-beaten appearance common to those who spend large amounts of time outdoors. The blood vessels of the dermis become more fragile, which in turn leads to bruising, bleeding under the skin, cherry angiomas, and similar conditions. Sebaceous glands produce less oil making it harder to keep the skin moist, and resulting in dryness and itchiness. There is thinning of the subcutaneous fat layer.

Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)
PRP may be combined with transferred fat to facilitate healing and potential fat survival. Altenatively, PRP may be used during as an adjunct during skin procedures such as dermabrasion or microneedling.

Candidates for PRF treatment
You may be a good candidate for treatment with PRF if you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your face, especially related to skin changes or facial volume loss, and/or the diminishment of softness and/or the gentle convex contour which characterizes a youthful face.

Recovery after PRF treatment
Use of PRP does not increase the duration of recovery beyond the expected recovery relating to the facial procedures to which it was added. PRP treatment may hasten healing and recovery and may enhance collagen deposition and survival of transferred fat. Research into this cutting-edge technology is ongoing and rapidly developing.