Healthy skin and hair can be indicators of our overall health and can sometimes be one of the first things people notice. Environmental factors and lifestyle choices continually impact our skin and hair, so finding effective solutions to maintain their health and appearance is more important than ever.
At Believe Image in Greenville, SC, we stay at the forefront of cosmetic treatments to offer you the best solutions we have. One of these treatments is platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). This treatment uses amazing healing properties that can enhance your skin’s texture and volume, as well as your hair’s vitality.
What Is Platelet-Rich Fibrin?
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a material that is extracted from the patient’s blood. This substance has many beneficial components. The most prominent component is platelets, which help with clotting, wound healing, and accelerating tissue repair. It also includes fibrin, which is a protein that is involved in the blood clotting process. Fibrin forms a natural scaffold that helps with tissue regeneration. It also contains growth factors that promote cell proliferation and tissue regeneration.
How PRF Is Extracted
The extraction of PRF starts with a blood draw to collect the blood. Then it is spun to separate the different parts. Your blood is drawn and then spun in a centrifuge at a lower speed so that some of the white blood cells and fibrin stay in the sample. Once the PRF is separated, it is manually taken out and placed in a syringe where it can be used wherever needed.
How Is PRF Different From PRP?
While both platelet-rich fibrin treatment (PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) harness the power of your body’s platelets to rejuvenate and heal, there are differences in how they work. PRF uses a slower centrifugation process which preserves more platelets, white blood cells, and fibrin. This allows PRF to release growth factors over time for a longer-lasting effect compared to PRP. PRF is also created without anticoagulants or other additives for a 100% natural treatment.
What Is PRF EZ Gel?
PRF EZ Gel is PRF that goes through a special type of processing where it is cooled and then heated to give it a more gel-like consistency. This allows for it to behave more like a dermal filler when it is injected, remaining in place and providing volume rather than being quickly absorbed. Both PRF and PRF EZ Gel offer long-term benefits through collagen stimulation.
What Are the Uses of PRF?
Facial Rejuvenation
Platelet-rich fibrin treatment can be injected into the face as an alternative to a dermal filler to help boost volume, restore texture, and provide overall rejuvenation. Some of the areas we can target with this treatment include:
- Cheeks: For adding volume and contour
- Lips: To provide a fuller, more defined appearance
- Under Eyes: Reducing the appearance of dark circles or hollows
- Jawline: For a more defined and sculpted look
- Facial Folds: Minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and lines
Hair Restoration
The use of platelet-rich fibrin in hair restoration involves injecting PRF into the scalp, which can help stimulate hair growth and strengthen hair follicles. This approach is particularly beneficial for those experiencing hair thinning or loss who want to either boost the effects of their current hair loss treatments or who want to find a non-medicated method of stimulating hair growth.
What Are the Benefits of PRF?
A More Natural Solution
PRF therapy stands out for its use of the body’s own natural healing elements. By using components that come from your own body, it offers a more organic approach to tissue regeneration and cosmetic enhancement.
Enhanced Healing
Because of its rich concentration of growth factors and white blood cells, PRF can help expedite tissue repair and regeneration. This makes it a valuable tool in both aesthetic and medical treatments, where enhanced healing means better results and faster recovery.
Long-Lasting Results
With PRF treatments, the benefits extend beyond immediate improvements. The gradual release of growth factors from the PRF matrix leads to more sustained and enduring effects, which can be particularly desirable for cosmetic applications.
Minimally Invasive Treatments
PRF injections are a minimally invasive option for patients looking to improve skin texture, stimulate hair growth, or accelerate healing. We use small needles to make the treatment as painless as possible. With no additives and minimal downtime, these treatments are a convenient choice for aesthetic and medical concerns.
Pre-Treatment Care for Your Skin
To prepare for your PRF treatment, avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, or vitamin E, for at least 5-7 days unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. These can negatively impact the results of your treatment and may cause more bruising at injection points. Stay well-hydrated and eat a healthy meal the day of your treatment—this helps us draw the most robust sample of blood for processing. Refrain from alcohol or smoking for at least a week before and after your appointment since these can hinder your body’s healing processes.
Your PRF Treatment: Step-By-Step
The blood draw is similar to a routine lab test. Once collected, the centrifuge will take less than ten minutes to separate the components of your blood. Once these have been separated, the PRF is placed in a syringe for topical application or injections, depending on what was decided in your consultation. Next, the skin will be prepared for the treatment, and we will inject the PRF into different areas. Once the injections are complete, you can go back to your routine!
Post-Treatment Care
While aftercare for PRF treatments is simple, it’s still important to take a few steps to support your body’s healing. Avoid touching the area or applying makeup for at least 24 hours to reduce the risk of irritation or infection. You should also skip strenuous exercise, saunas, or hot baths for a day or two to minimize swelling and promote optimal healing. While you may notice some redness or mild swelling at the injection sites, this is normal and should resolve within a few days after the treatment. For the best long-term results, we recommend staying hydrated, following a nutrient-rich diet, and protecting your skin with SPF every day, even if you plan on staying indoors. If you have specific questions or concerns after your treatment, we’re here to help.
PRF Frequently Asked Questions
Platelet-rich fibrin has no additional ingredients besides those that your blood supplies. While dermal fillers can offer long-lasting results, PRF can stimulate collagen and elastin. This natural process helps improve skin elasticity and texture, giving it a more youthful and balanced appearance. Dermal fillers are typically made from synthetic hyaluronic acid and are often used to add volume to the treated area.
While both PRF injections and Botox can rejuvenate the skin, we use them for different applications. Platelet-rich fibrin injections restore the texture and tone of the skin, resolving many types of wrinkles and some loss of volume. Botox is used to relax the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles such as forehead lines, frown lines, or crow’s feet.
Sensations during PRF injections can vary, but the pain is minimal. We can make the treatment as painless as possible with comfort measures such as numbing agents. Each injection may feel like a quick pinch.
The duration of PRF therapy results is variable but can be long-lasting. The initial filling results typically last around three months. However, during this time, PRF therapy stimulates your body’s natural regenerative processes, which can contribute to longer-lasting results. The longevity of these benefits may vary depending on individual factors and the treatment areas involved.
The frequency of platelet-rich fibrin injection treatments depends on individual goals and the specific treatment plan. Typically, a series of injections spaced several weeks apart is recommended at first, followed by maintenance treatments as desired to sustain results.
Individuals seeking a natural approach to skin rejuvenation or hair restoration may find platelet-rich fibrin an ideal choice. PRF treatments are particularly suitable for those who prefer to use their body’s own healing elements. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine individual suitability based on overall health and specific aesthetic goals.
RF therapy is suitable for all skin types. Because it uses components derived from your blood, it minimizes the risk of adverse reactions, making it a good option for almost everyone. Whether your skin is sensitive, oily, dry, or a combination, PRF works to rejuvenate and repair from within. It is also suitable for all skin tones from dark to light.
PRF therapy pairs well with other treatments to enhance results. One popular combination is microneedling with Dermapen®, which creates microchannels in the skin to allow topical products to penetrate more deeply. PRF helps boost even more collagen production and can speed up healing after cosmetic treatments. During your consultation, we’ll let you know which treatments may be right for you.
Platelet-rich fibrin can be a great way to treat acne scars, other types of scars, and other textural concerns like large pores or stretch marks. The growth factors in PRF stimulate tissue regeneration and collagen production which can repair damaged skin. For deeper scars, PRF may be combined with other treatments for even better results.
The cost of PRF treatments can vary depending on the areas being treated and the number of sessions needed to reach your desired results. Larger treatment areas or combination treatments may influence pricing. During your consultation, we’ll review your specific goals and provide a customized treatment plan, including a detailed breakdown of costs.
Why Choose Us for PRF Injections?
At Believe Image, we bring a unique combination of professional expertise and personal passion to every treatment. As a husband-and-wife team, Dr. Darren West and Kennedy West blend medical precision with an understanding of aesthetics to help patients achieve their goals. Dr. West’s background in emergency medicine coupled with his enthusiasm for rejuvenating procedures like PRF injections means you’ll receive expert care that considers your unique needs.
Kennedy’s lifelong experience in beauty and customer service creates a welcoming and supportive environment where your concerns and aspirations are truly valued. We will spend time with you during your appointment because we care about you, your health, and the results of our treatments. We are also in a great central location and all of our treatments are done by physicians. We have concierge-style services and we limit our patient base so that we have more time to dedicate to each person.
Regenerate Your Skin and Restore Your Hair With PRF in Greenville, SC
At Believe Image in Greenville, SC, we offer PRF as a natural and innovative option for those seeking rejuvenation in skin and hair health. If you’re considering the benefits of PRF, we invite you to explore further and discover how this treatment can be part of your wellness routine. For more information or to schedule a consultation, feel free to contact us at (702) 635-5912 or reach out through our online form.