PRP & PRF Platelet-Rich Plasma and
Platelet-Rich Fibrin
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin) are two types of platelet-rich plasma widely used in the fields of cosmetics and medicine. They are applied extensively to promote tissue regeneration and repair, improve skin condition, and address facial volume deficiencies, bringing beauty and health benefits to people. On this page, we will provide detailed explanations of the principles, preparation processes, applications, and precautions of PRP and PRF to help you better understand the functions and usage of these two types of plasma.
PRP
- Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelets are rich in various factors related to tissue regeneration. When activated, they release a large number of growth factors, which adhere to the cell surface, accelerating the repair and healing processes.
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Provides continuous rejuvenation effects
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Rapidly improves skin texture
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Powerful anti-wrinkle and anti-aging effects
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Addresses skin tissue deficiency issues
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Diminishes pigmentation spots
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Alleviates allergic skin problems
PRP for Wound Healing
Skin injuries, whether from burns, lacerations, or other causes, trigger the body's natural healing process. However, some wounds struggle to heal properly. Chronic wounds, prevalent in millions worldwide, pose significant challenges, especially with aging populations and associated conditions like diabetes and vascular issues.
These wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers or pressure ulcers, often linger in the inflammation phase of healing, leading to prolonged suffering, decreased quality of life, and high treatment costs. Addressing this challenge requires innovative approaches.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) emerges as a promising solution. Understanding the wound healing process reveals how PRP facilitates healing:
1. Hemostasis: Immediate response to injury.
2. Inflammation: Chronic wounds often stall here.
3. Cell proliferation: Needed for tissue repair.
4. Remodeling: Restoration of tissue structure.
Chronic wounds present various issues like prolonged inflammation, infections, and cellular unresponsiveness, hindering complete healing. PRP, with its regenerative properties, offers a minimally invasive, cost-effective solution. Research demonstrates its superiority over traditional methods in wound care, including better wound adhesion for grafts, reduced scar formation, and pain relief post-surgery.
Moreover, PRP exhibits antimicrobial activity against common wound pathogens, enhancing infection control—a critical aspect of wound treatment. The PRP process involves drawing blood, separating platelets, and applying the concentrated plasma to the wound site, initiating the body's healing cascade.
Incorporating PRP into wound care protocols alongside standard treatments shows promise in accelerating healing, improving outcomes, and enhancing patient well-being.
PRP for Pain Management
With twenty percent of all adults experiencing chronic pain, you likely have many patients who are searching for effective pain management solutions.
Chronic pain can significantly alter activity level and mobility, resulting in a greatly diminished quality of life. Acute pain, also, can lead to the inability to work, and can even lead to chronic pain if not effectively and promptly treated.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy, or PRP, offers patients an attractive alternative to pain-reducing drugs, corticosteroid injections, and invasive surgeries, and boasts a strong safety profile with no known adverse effects.
But how does it work? PRP relieves pain by stimulating the body’s innate healing cascade. When we experience a soft tissue injury, our body responds by delivering a rush of platelet cells. When these platelets are activated, they release several types of growth factors that play a fundamental role in cell regeneration and tissue healing.
But PRP takes the natural healing response one step further by separating platelets from other blood components and concentrating them. This specially prepared platelet-rich plasma contains 5 to 10 times the concentration of platelets found in whole blood. The concentrated PRP is then delivered into and around the site of injury via injection, stimulating and significantly strengthening the body’s healing response.
Since PRP is an autologous therapy, using the patient’s own blood product, there is no risk of cross reactivity or immune reaction.
Studies have shown that PRP is effective in reducing lower back pain caused by intervertebral disc degeneration and pain from hip osteoarthritis.
PRP often results in long-lasting relief of other painful musculoskeletal conditions including:
- Back and neck injuries
- Pelvic pain and instability
- Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder, and spine
- Tendonitis
- Tennis elbow
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Chronic plantar fasciitis
PRP for Hair Restoration
The pursuit of full, thick hair is often linked with youth and vitality. However, many individuals face challenges with thinning hair and receding hairlines as they age. Despite the frustration and expense associated with finding effective treatments, options can often leave patients dissatisfied.
Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss can range from mild thinning to complete baldness and can stem from various factors:
- Medications like blood thinners or chemotherapy
- Medical conditions such as lupus or thyroid dysfunction
- Physical stressors like surgery or serious illness
- Fungal infections or autoimmune diseases
- Trauma from harsh hair treatments or compulsive hair pulling
- Genetic and hormonal factors leading to androgenic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness)
Treatment Options
Treatment for hair loss varies based on the underlying cause. While some types of hair loss improve over time or with targeted treatment, androgenic alopecia poses greater challenges to reversal.
Standard treatments for androgenic alopecia include medications like minoxidil and finasteride, or surgical options like hair transplants. However, these approaches can carry risks and drawbacks, such as unwanted side effects and ongoing maintenance requirements.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Hair Loss
PRP presents a promising alternative treatment for hair restoration by leveraging the body's natural healing process. Unlike medications or surgery, PRP stimulates hair regeneration without altering hormone levels or invasive procedures.
PRP works by harnessing the healing properties of platelets found in the patient's own blood. Concentrated platelet-rich plasma, containing elevated levels of growth factors, is injected into the scalp's thinning or balding areas. This stimulates hair follicle growth and neovascularization, promoting thicker, healthier hair growth.
PRP is autologous, meaning it uses the patient's blood product, minimizing risks of adverse reactions. Studies show PRP's effectiveness in increasing hair density and prolonging the hair growth cycle, offering hope for individuals with androgenic alopecia.
The PRP Process
Creating a PRP preparation involves the following steps:
1. Blood is drawn from the patient and placed in a specialized tube.
2. Platelets are separated and concentrated using centrifugation.
3. The resulting platelet-rich plasma is injected into the scalp's affected areas.
4. Growth factors in the plasma trigger a mild inflammatory response, initiating the body's healing process.
The entire procedure takes about an hour, including preparation and recovery. Regular treatments may be necessary for optimal results, offering a promising solution for individuals seeking effective hair restoration options.
A: The entire treatment only takes 1-2 hours. You can even complete it during your lunch break. There's no need for hospitalization or medication. You can walk in and out freely, and it won't affect your work or daily life.
A: One session can achieve a very desirable effect. The specific number of sessions may vary from person to person.
A: Generally, there may be slight swelling. Bruising symptoms are rare. Occasionally, minor bruising may occur locally due to individual constitution or seasonal temperature factors, which usually disappear on their own within 2-5 days.
A: Of course, PRF is safe. Since PRP is extracted from your own blood, there's no risk of rejection or infection transmission.
Special Reminder: Children, pregnant women, individuals with a history of stroke, clotting disorders, blood diseases, severe skin conditions, and diabetes should not undergo this treatment.
A: Upper and lower eyelids, crow's feet, forehead lines, neck wrinkles, acne scars, skin texture enhancement, lifting of mouth corners, and overall facial rejuvenation through full-face injections.
A: You can see immediate results after the injection, noticeable effects within 1-2 months, reaching optimal status in 6 months. The effects can last for 3-5 years.
Q & A
PRF
- Platelet Rich Fibrin
PRF is an upgraded version of PRP, with a simplified preparation process and lower risk. Its preparation process utilizes single-step centrifugation technique, simulating the physiological clotting process and collecting natural gel, which has significant advantages. It is suitable for hollows under the eyes and cheeks, and can be used in conjunction with products like youth needles and hyaluronic acid to significantly improve skin quality. In terms of application, it can be used to enhance facial volume, improve skin quality, especially suitable for volume deficiencies in areas like the temples. During the application process, attention should be paid to pre- and post-operative care and doctor's advice.
Treatment Areas
After the procedure:
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After injection, gently apply a damp, cold compress to the injection site for 10-15 minutes for better results.
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Be sure to apply moisturizer thoroughly for 3-7 days after returning home; it will enhance the results.
If bruising occurs around the eyes after injection, it is recommended to apply bruise ointment.
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Avoid high temperatures (such as hot springs), swimming, smoking, drinking alcohol, eating seafood, and spicy foods within one week after treatment.
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Do not take NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or antipyretic analgesics (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen) within two weeks after injection treatment.
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Please make sure to follow up one week after injection.
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Makeup can be applied after injection. Be gentle when washing your face and removing makeup within one week.
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If there is a lump at the injection site, gently apply pressure with your fingertips (do not rub).
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Systemic cancer, chemotherapy, steroid therapy
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Skin cancer (past and present conditions are prohibited)
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Patients who have been taking aspirin or vitamin E for a long time
Preoperative contraindications
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Skin diseases
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Chronic liver Pathology
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Platelet Dysfunction Syndrom
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Hemodynamic Instability
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Acute & Chronic Infections
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Anti-coagulation Therapy
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Pregnant or suspected pregnant women