Here we discuss the cosmetic platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin treatments, and how they are used in anti ageing aesthetics as an alternative to dermal fillers.
Following introduction into the field of aesthetic medicine, we believe that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Treatment has revolutionised aesthetic treatments in the area of non-surgical autologous facial rejuvenation. We often come across many patients who are not overly fond with having synthetics injected into their skin, but we are now able to improve skin rejuvenation using effective biological treatments using your own specialist cells. With increasing demand, the indications and uses of PRP are hugely expanding.
Apart from having great properties in healing and rejuvenation recent histology studies have have identified increases in collagenesis (collagen production). One thing it is important to remember that PRP is associated with a Skin Rejuvenation, and the improvement in surface area of the skin, but it does not address volume loss that comes with facial skin ageing, this is where platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) comes in to revolumise the face.
How Does PRF Work?
Platelets have a fundamental role in clotting and tissue healing/regeneration. Platelets secrete bioactive growth factors and fibroblasts (New tissue cells) which are initially signalled to grow and form a new extracellular matrix, along with vascular cells forming new blood vessels to supply the area. During this process remodelling, newly-formed collagen is realigned along tension lines to provide strength and elasticity.
Difference between PRP and PRF
Platelet-rich plasma
The platelet-rich plasma (PRP) consists of a high concentration of autologous platelets in a small amount of plasma following centrifugation of blood from the patient. These platelets present in the PRP release numerous substances that promote tissue repair and affect the behaviour of other cells.
Platelet-rich fibrin
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a more advanced platelet concentration and it is achieved with no biochemical manipulation of blood. This technique does not use anticoagulant. This feature makes the product easily usable, with a low rate of mistakes during the preparation stage. The fibrinogen is initially concentrated in the upper part of the tube but, upon the contact with thrombin, normally present in the blood, it is converted into fibrin. The platelets are retained within this fibrin, this is thought to release a higher amount of growth factors over a longer time period.
Combination of PRP and PRF
Despite having the ability to stimulate new tissue growth, PRP can be limited when it comes to restoring volume and skin augmentation due to PRP being a liquid substance. PRF on the other hand is formed by mixing PRP with liquid fibrin, the presence of this fibrin means that the platelets are held in place for longer. In addition, the the fibrin network adds viscosity to the mixture, turning it gel-like, making it an ideal alternative to dermal fillers for restoring lost volume and providing skin augmentation. PRF is often used in dental surgery and bone grafting, along with wound healing and various other surgical procedures with excellent results. A recent study found that PRF was effective in providing significant long-term diminution of deep nasolabial folds, with results lasting more than 12 weeks.
This does sound easy but it is important that PRP and PRF is combined to a specific protocol. Here, at Dynamic Regenerative Medicine we take a small amount of whole blood, collected into two PRP tubes and one PRF tube. We then centrifuge to split the components of the blood - PRP is extracted from the PRP tubes, and the PRF tube 2 components are present: a plasma clot and liquid Plasma (liquid thrombin serum). The liquid is then mixed thoroughly with the PRP into the syringe. This mixture can then be injected into the desired treatment areas, as an effective alternative to dermal filler treatment, as fast a possible. The treated area can then be massaged and moulded accordingly. PRF provides a 3D structured scaffold for revolumisation.
The platelets are held in place by the fibrin network making PRF. This is thought to provide a gradual growth factor release, thus making it a very effective and safe treatment for skin rejuvenation with a longer-lasting results when compare to PRP, with the addition of the platelet concentration being higher, ultimately providing superior results.
The regenerative process involves your own normal tissues meaning results are natural with no risk of over-filling as the treatment stimulates natural revolumisation. Excessive cell production will undergo cell death and the volume from the fibrin will gradually wear off over a period of time, in similar fashion to a dermal filler, but skin will still have gone through a process of rejuvenation and regeneration. As with PRP treatments, PRF only uses 100% of your own cells, making it a safe treatment choice with no risks of allergies.
Complications and patient selection
Mild side-effects include bruising, swelling, redness and discomfort, which are common for all injectable treatments. As with PRP treatment, the results can vary from patient to patient and some patients may require more than one treatment session after 12 weeks.
Further information can be found here: https://aestheticsjournal.com/feature/volumising-the-face-using-prf
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Don’t let the signs of ageing affect your confidence or get in the way of life. Schedule a consultation with Dynamic Regenerative Medicine today, and let us treat your skin and provide you with full confidence again. We have clinics operating out of Solihull (Henley-In-Arden), Birmingham (Harborne/Edgbaston) & Bromsgrove (Barnt Green).
Call us today 01564 330773