PRF vs PRP

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has become a very popular procedure for a variety of skin and body conditions. PRP is used in Orthopedics for tendon, ligament, muscle and joint injury, and arthritis, and other disciplines as well for its ability to induce regeneration of tissues. 

In aesthetics, PRP has become a staple procedure. PRP is rich in growth factors such as endothelial cell growth vascular, vascular growth factor and fibrin which help induce growth, repair and healing.  It is a great stand-alone procedure and also an excellent combination approach procedure.  

PRP is made by collecting 10-15 cc's of blood from one of your vessels via a small needle.  Once in a specialized tube, it is spun in a centrifuge which separates the PRP from the red blood cells.  What remains is a golden colored fluid which is rich in the above factors and has amazing reparative qualities.

PRP has shown effectiveness in helping to regrow hair.  Patients who experience hair loss due to any reason, whether it is androgenetic (genetic male pattern or female pattern hair loss) alopecia, alopecia areata (autoimmune induced hair loss), or telogen effluvium (stress related hair loss), PRP can help.  We also suggest checking for anemia and making sure you have a properly functioning thyroid gland to support healthy functioning of your body.  PRP injections are done once a month for 3-4 months, followed by a maintenance regimen of one treatment every 3 months.  PRP treatments can be combined with an at-home use medical professional grade red light source to greater enhance hair regrowth.  Alternately, at Nusculpt, we also have a medical grade much more intense light source at the office which is excellent and recommended for patients who don't mind visiting the office for this higher intensity treatment.  Vitamins such as silica, zinc, biotin, selenium are also important for supporting hair growth and recommended.  In those with androgenetic alopecia, we suggest also using topical minoxidil if applicable.  Some patients might also benefit from Propecia oral medication to prevent further hair loss.  PRP is also suggested post hair transplant surgery to enhance results and maintain hair growth.  

PRP may also be used with laser treatments radiofrequency treatments and microneedling, especially al those procedures which cause tiny wounds in the skin.  The PRP further improves collanagenesis and wound healing, which results in better outcomes in the condition being treated.  

PRP is also used as a supplement to dermal fillers or in place of dermal fillers.  One excellent place to use it as a filler is for the undereye hollows.  However, it can be a great subsitute for anywhere on the face or body where a filler would be used.  It is also beneficial to inject PRP around any filler that is used to further enhance the filler's longevity and force your skin to make new collagen, which lasts longer than the filler materials injected.  When it comes to aging, maintenance is key.

The new kid on the block is now Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF).  PRF has created a name for itself recently. The collection procedure is the same as PRP, but the way in which the blood is spun is different.  There is no anticoagulant in the tubes and the spin time is longer with a slower spin speed.  The fibrin in PRF helps keep these cells more active and allows the growth factor properties to be released at a slower more beneficial rate for healing and rejuvenation of tissues in comparison to PRP. 

At Nusculpt, we are offering both PRP and PRF but have been gravitating more towards PRF for its added benefits.

We are excited to see you as a patient and welcome you to contact us.