What is Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)?

PRF, or platelet-rich fibrin, is the next generation treatment of platelet concentrate. PRF is a fibrin matrix comprised of platelet cytokines, growth factors and cells used to help promote skin rejuvenation, hair growth and wound healing.

How is PRF obtained?

1. First, we do a simple blood draw into tubes.
2. The tubes are then centrifuged for 5 minutes.
3. The tubes are taken out of the centrifuge and the top portions of the centrifuged tubes are drawn up to obtain the PRF for clinical treatment.

More Cells=More Growth Factors

FIBRIN SCAFFOLD = LONGER RELEASE OF GROWTH FACTORS

The blood that is collected for PRF is spun in a special low-speed centrifuge – the EZMINISPIN – to isolate the platelets and white blood cells from the red blood cells. In order to obtain PRP, on the other hand, it is necessary to spin the tubes at up to 6x the G-Force of the EZPRF process. The reason the centrifuge is spun at much higher rate to obtain the PRP is to eliminate all Red Blood Cells (RBC) by pushing them down with gravitational force. This is a good idea; however, by spinning the tube too fast for too long will also eliminate the good cells that we DO want.

The tubes are 100% Natural and devoid of any anticoagulant or additives. As a result, fibrinogen molecules can be converted to thrombin into fibrin during the blood clot formation.

Because there is no anticoagulant in the tube that the blood is collected, the plasma actually forms a platelet and white blood cell-rich fibrin scaffold once injected into the treatment area. The fibrin clot allows for a much slower and longer release of the growth factors and cytokines (up to 1 week versus few hours with PRP), again resulting in more clinical results.

Because the blood is spinning at very low g-force to obtain the PRF, the platelet recovery is close to 100% with the PRF.  We are also using only 1/10th of the volume collected. Hence, PRF contain more platelets per mcL than PRP. Additionally, PRF also has leukocytes (WBC) & mesenchymal stem cells, unlike PRP, resulting in more potential clinical results.

How Does PRF Work?  Fibrin is a biological scaffold that forms in response to an injury anywhere in the body. Platelets circulating in the blood will bind to a scaffold of fibrin. When platelets bind to the fibrin scaffold, they become activated and release growth factors, which start the wound healing process by creating new skin cells, collagen and blood vessels. By injecting PRF into an area on the face or scalp, a controlled inflammatory response is created, which kick starts new cell growth and collagen production.

How Is PRF Used?  PRF is used to address many of the same issues as PRP, but PRF releases growth factors for much longer, up to one week, versus PRP which releases growth factors for few hours. This means that PRF could have better longer-term benefits. The growth factors are what stimulate the stem cells to improve collagen and elastin in the skin. The platelets in PRF are thought to be more robust than those in PRP, and to therefore promote faster healing.

The prepared PRF is immediately ready for injection into the face to fill facial folds and wrinkles, to plump the hollows under the eyes and dark circles, and to improve skin tone and texture. The PRF can also be injected into the scalp to aid with hair restoration and growth.  

How Does PRF Treat The Under Eye Loose Skin And Dark Circles?  The skin under the eyes is one of the thinnest skin on our body. It can be one of the first areas that show signs of aging.  PRF is one of the ideal treatments that improves this area and can be a better option than heat-based skin tightening devices.
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PRF can also enhance the results of fillers under the eyes. Injecting fillers under the eyes, like Vollure, can instantly improve the hollowness under the eyes and is a fabulous treatment to instantly rejuvenate this area. However, too much fillers under the eyes can make the eyes look puffy or cause a bluish tinge if injected too superficially. Also, it can be very difficult to treat the dark circles only with fillers. Injecting PRF in additional to the fillers can significantly enhance the results of the fillers by tightening the loose skin under the eyes and improving the dark circles.

Ananya Aesthetics LLC, DBA Ananya Aesthetics is the MSO for ZKN Medical Corporation.  Medical director Luani Lee, M.D.