PRF Therapy
What is prf?
PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin) is a concentrate of your own blood rich with platelets, white blood cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. This combination leads to cell rejuvenation, including wound healing, collagen production, and improving elasticity of skin. It also works in restoration, which is why it is used for hair rejuvenation treatments.
What are the benefits?
Increase collagen and elastin production, resulting in improved skin tone and texture, leading to smoother and refreshed skin.
PRF can be used similarly to dermal fillers such as to correct under eye hollow or add volume in the lips.
Stimulate hair follicles to achieve hair growth.
Tell me more about the procedure
The treatment itself generally takes about 45 minutes, but including application of numbing and aftercare, the appointment is scheduled for an hour.
Numbing cream is applied to the area of treatment to reduce discomfort.
A few tubes of blood will be drawn (just like when you get blood work) and immediately processed in the centrifuge to get the platelet rich PRF. The PRF is then injected in the treatment areas — depending on the area, needle, cannula, or a microinfusion device such as Aquagold may be used.
It is common to have redness afterwards, but this usually improves by the next day.
When do I see the effects?
Generally, because of how PRF therapy works — stimulating your own cells — it may take several sessions to see the full benefit of treatment. Some patients might see much improvement after one session of Aquagold facial with PRF. However, initially, three sessions spread out every 4-6 weeks would be recommended, especially when used for hair rejuvenation. Afterwards, repeating treatment once or twice a year would be beneficial to continue the positive effects.
What are the side effects?
PDO thread treatment is a safe aesthetic procedure. At Mi by Lee, we only use FDA approved threads, mainly MINT PDO threads. Common reactions after the treatment include swelling, redness, bruising, and tightness of the skin that all generally resolve within 1 week. Some patients can have dimpling of their skin, which usually resolves within a few weeks (and if not, can be addressed at your follow-up visit).
How is PRF different from PRP?
You might have heard of PRP (platelet rich plasma) and wonder how PRF is different. PRF is a newer version of PRP, think of it as a second-generation product. The basic method of collecting the two are similar (both from patient’s own blood that are spun in a centrifuge). However, due to the different speed and tubes used, the resulting concentrates are different.
PRF collection tubes don’t have any anticoagulants or additives, making them 100% natural. As the PRF tubes do not have anticoagulants, the plasma forms a “fibrin” scaffold mixed with platelet and white blood cells. This fibrin clot allows for a slower and longer release of growth factors and cytokines, leading to higher regenerative qualities.
How Much does it cost?
PRP therapy can be used in a wide variety of ways, so reach out for specific costs. Common treatment areas and costs are:
Hair Rejuvenation: $500 per session ($1200 for 3-sessions)
Targeted use for face (such as under eye) or neck: $500
* when combined with filler: ranges $600 - 700