Both PRP and PRF have a wide range of applications in both medical and aesthetic fields. Examples of aesthetic uses include: treating thinning hair, “Vampire Facials”, facial injections to boost collagen, and body injections for cellulite reduction.
Medical indications encompass: joint injections, trigger point injections for muscle pain or strains, and wound healing.
What is the difference between platelet rich plasma (PRP) and platelet rich fibrin (PRF)?
PRF, often referred to as “the new generation” of PRP, is produced at a slower pace resulting in a solution with a higher concentration of healing cells. PRF is completely natural, contrasting with PRP tubes that generally contain an anti-coagulant.
In the body, PRF transforms into a gel-like substance that degrades slower, allowing for a longer release of healing cells. In aesthetic medicine, this gel provides a temporary filler-like effect that eventually dissipates, replaced by new healthy cells and collagen.
PRF stands out as a more advanced and potent form of PRP, predominantly endorsed at EMA.
Are PRF Injections better than PRP?
Many medical experts consider PRF superior. PRF takes a longer time to degrade, usually several weeks, as compared to PRP that breaks down faster during facial treatments. This extended degradation period supplies more healing cells to invigorate the skin, enhancing its quality and texture.
In addition to the prolonged effectiveness of PRF, studies have shown that PRF injections can also lead to less inflammation and swelling post-treatment compared to PRP. This can result in a more comfortable recovery process for patients.
Furthermore, PRF has been found to have a higher concentration of growth factors compared to PRP, which can further enhance the rejuvenating effects on the skin. The combination of these factors makes PRF injections a preferred choice for many individuals seeking skin revitalization treatments.
How does PRF work to help my skin?
Fibrin forms a framework in the body for platelets to attach and release growth factors, stimulating the production of new cells, blood vessels, and collagen.
PRF is derived from blood and utilized for controlled wound healing or rejuvenation procedures like microneedling for a PRF facial or injections to stimulate collagen under the skin.
What is a PRF facial?
A “Vampire Facial,” or PRF facial, is a treatment where blood enriched with platelets is applied back onto the skin to promote healing and rejuvenation.
What is Microneedling with PRF?
Combining PRF with microneedling rejuvenates the skin for a more impactful enhancement in tone and texture.
Does PRF work for hair loss?
PRF presents an excellent choice for male or female pattern baldness, increasing blood circulation to the hair follicles for thicker hair shafts.
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) therapy has been shown to be effective in promoting hair growth and improving the thickness of hair in individuals experiencing hair loss.
PRF works by using the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma to stimulate the hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. This natural treatment option can help both men and women with pattern baldness regain thicker and fuller hair.
PRF is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in a medical office setting. It typically requires multiple sessions for optimal results, but many patients have seen significant improvement in their hair growth after undergoing PRF therapy.
Is PRF safe?
PRF is safe being sourced from the patient’s blood, making it a safer option than synthetic alternatives for medical or aesthetic purposes. Side effects are minimal, and precautions are taken to prevent them.
Additionally, PRF is biocompatible and reduces the risk of allergic reactions or rejection by the body. It promotes natural healing and tissue regeneration due to the high concentration of growth factors present in the blood. PRF has been used successfully in various medical procedures, such as dental bone regeneration, skin rejuvenation, and hair restoration.
Overall, PRF is considered a safe and effective treatment option with proven benefits for patients seeking natural and long-lasting results.
Do PRF procedures hurt?
A blood sample is necessary for PRF, akin to regular lab work. Drinking extra water aids in the blood draw process. Discomfort during facial or injection procedures is expected to be minimal.
How long until I’ll see results from PRF?
Results enhance over time as collagen production increases during aesthetic procedures. Immediate effects subside over a few weeks but improve gradually over months, especially when combined with fillers.
It is important to note that individual results may vary based on skin type, age, and overall health. Maintenance treatments may be necessary to sustain the desired results over time. It is recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your specific goals and expectations from PRF therapy.
How much does PRF Cost?
PRF facials are priced between $500 and $1500+ depending on the provider and technique used. Multiple sessions are recommended for optimal outcomes.
Are payment plans available for PRF treatments?
Special rates are available for package deals or combination procedures booked together in light of the COVID19 pandemic. Payment plans can be discussed and arranged during your consultation.
Schedule a consultation below to explore the best solution for your needs!
What is a PRP treatment good for?
PRP/PRF injections foster skin health and recovery, delivering healing cells for muscle injuries, tendon problems, arthritis, and cosmetic treatments such as male pattern baldness or “Vampire facials”.
What are the side effects of PRP?
PRP for cosmetic purposes boasts minimal downtime and a low risk of allergic reactions, with common side effects outlined.
However, some potential side effects of PRP treatment may include:
- Temporary redness or bruising at the injection site
- Mild swelling
- Discomfort or pain at the injection site
- Itching
- Small risk of infection
- Changes in skin pigmentation
It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of PRP treatment.
How long do PRP injections last?
The scientific data on the long-term effects of PRP/PRF injections on the skin is limited but displays improved skin vitality and wellness.
While individual results may vary, many patients report seeing the benefits of PRP injections last anywhere from 6 months to over a year. Regular maintenance treatments may be recommended to sustain the results over time.
How often should you get PRP?
To achieve optimal outcomes, consider receiving PRP injections once a month for three months as needed. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your specific condition.
Does PRP/PRF really work?
Research on PRP and PRF underscores their effectiveness in wound healing and aesthetic treatments for skin rejuvenation.
Microneedling with PRF accelerates the healing process and results in radiant skin. Clients value the natural essence of PRP/PRF treatments.
Is PRP the same as stem cells?
PRP injections differ from stem cells. PRP utilizes concentrated platelets from the individual’s blood to boost healing and enhance skin health.
Stem cell therapies address joint pain by using stem cells sourced from bone marrow or adipose tissue.
PRP injections are commonly used in cosmetic procedures to improve skin texture and tone, promote hair growth, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Stem cell therapies have shown promise in treating conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, and other musculoskeletal issues.
Both PRP and stem cell therapies are considered regenerative medicine treatments, but they work in different ways to promote healing and improve overall health.
Are there payment plans for PRP/PRF?
We provide Cherry Payment Plans and discounted packages for multiple treatments. Elite Medical and Aesthetics in Lone Tree, CO focuses on producing natural results with a proficient nursing team of NPs and RNs.
Book a consultation to learn more about PRF in Lone Tree, CO below.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as one of the most popular facial fillers. We examined four patients treated by cosmetologists with PRP injections who suffered from permanent blindness due to inadvertent obstruction of the ophthalmic artery; immediately after the injection in the glabellar region in three cases and in the nasolabial fold in one case. Following the injections, the fundi of all patients revealed central retinal artery occlusions and choroidal occlusions. Subsequently, two patients developed retinal pigment dispersion, with one displaying a pigmented optic disc. The marks on the skin exhibited similar features in all patients, potentially serving as a crucial indicator in the suspected diagnosis of complications associated with PRP injections.
KEYWORDS: Platelet-rich plasma, optic nerve pigmentation, ophthalmic artery occlusion, blindness
Introduction
The use of dermal fillers is prevalent in cosmetic facial rejuvenation. This minimally invasive procedure employs various types of fillers such as autologous fat, hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, polymethylmethacrylate-collagen, and silicone. While side effects are uncommon, complications may include the formation of foreign body granulomas, allergic reactions, bruising, infections, dermal necrosis, and migration of filler material. Severe complications like blindness or cerebrovascular incidents can occur due to material embolism into circulation.
Understanding the mechanism behind vision loss resulting from embolisms entails consideration of the anatomy. Dermal fillers can induce blindness through direct damage to the globe or high-pressure injections leading to embolus formation. The type and quantity of filler, as well as the size of particles, can impact the risk of embolization.
Platelet-rich plasma has been devised for tissue rejuvenation, specifically for addressing wrinkles and dark circles on the face. Users report its safety and minimal side effects.
In this report, we detail the cases of four patients who suffered sudden vision loss following PRP injections.
This study adheres to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Unidad Oftalmológica de Caracas.
Report of cases
Case 1
The initial case involves a 61-year-old woman who underwent PRP injections. Post-treatment, she experienced sudden vision loss, dizziness, and nausea. Examinations revealed retinal embolism, with subsequent tests returning normal results. She developed bruising in the glabellar region and hypoesthesia along the distribution of the trigeminal nerve.
Case 1: Left eye
Case 2
Case 2: Right eye
Case 3
Figure 5.
Case 4
Figure 6.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Use
There have been suggestions put forward to prevent and address vision loss caused by facial injections, however, there is no guarantee of their effectiveness.
Consensus Guidance
Suggestions for avoiding and managing vision loss from cosmetic procedures.
| Measures to Avoid |
|---|
| Tips for Success: |
| Understanding the structure of blood vessels in the face |
| Informing patients about the risk of vision loss |
| Identifying Early Signs of Blockage |
| Steer clear of dangerous locations |
| Methods of administering injections: |
| Employ gentle pressure |
Platelet-rich plasma injections in the face can lead to serious complications. It is crucial that only trained professionals perform these procedures, who have full knowledge of the associated risks, and that patients are properly informed in advance.
Declaration of interest statement
The authors declare that they do not have any conflicts of interest.
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