PRF vs PRP

What it is:  I originally trained in PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments. Recently I began including PRF (platelet-rich fibrin). Both are produced from an individual’s own blood: After a blood sample is obtained from a patient, the blood is put into a centrifuge, which is a tool that separates the PRP or PRF from the blood. PRP and PRF microneedling have a lot of similarities, but there are also some big differences. I’ve been using both, but what I’ve noticed clinically is PRF has better results—patients have said that their skin elasticity greatly improved and their skin healed more quickly with PRF.

How it works: With either procedure, you apply the PRP or PRF directly onto the skin, then the serum is microneedled into the skin; this stimulates the natural healing process and the creation of collagen. It gets your own platelets to induct the collagen further, sending messages down to the fibroblasts that say, “Okay, we need to pick it up here; we need to increase collagen production.” Your skin becomes extremely dry because it’s trying to repair. You want that—dry, red, swollen, and inflamed are all signs that the skin is injured, and collagen production is going to increase as the skin repairs itself.

Aftercare: No exercise for twenty-four to forty-eight hours, no steam room, no sauna, no one can lick your face (especially a dog!). You’ve opened up microchannels, so don’t touch your face; just keep it really lubricated. Stay away from alcohol, because your skin is really dehydrated. Taking a good vitamin c is important in collagen induction and repair. I love Liposomal C and Goops Glow powder.