PRF Microneedling | Platelet Rich Fibrin

While microneedling is a highly effective treatment on its own, using it in combination with Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) is taking skin rejuvenation to a new level. PRF Microneedling can address a wide range of age-related skin concerns, including hair restoration, dark spots, wrinkles, and under-eye bags. But what makes this different from your typical vampire facial? We discuss below the benefits of Microneedling with PRF and what makes this treatment more effective.

• What Is PRF Microneedling?
• What is PRF?
• The Benefits of Microneedling with PRF
• PRF vs PRP
• How Does Microneedling With PRF Work? 
• Is Microneedling With PRF Safe?
• How Long Does It Take To See The Results?
• Final Tip

What Is PRF Microneedling?

Microneedling or collagen induction therapy is a minimally invasive treatment used to combat anti-aging and skin-related issues generally caused by our body’s decreasing level of collagen. The procedure involves creating micro-wounds in the skin with tiny, sterilized needles to trigger your body’s natural repair processes.

Adding PRF after micro needling allows this serum to absorb deep within the skin channels to increase elastin and collagen production, the vital proteins responsible for maintaining elasticity and firmness within the skin.

Microneedling PRF is generally used to rejuvenate facial skin, treat under-eye dark spots, or on the scalp for hair restoration. Multiple sessions are generally required to obtain long-lasting results. 

What is PRF?

PRF or platelet-rich fibrin is a new and improved second-generation version of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). Just like PRP, when combined with microneedling it can be used to promote hair growth, wound healing, and skin rejuvenation.

PRF is a complex fibrin matrix containing platelets and white blood cells that speeds up the healing of both the hard and soft tissue. The matrix is obtained by drawing the required quantity of blood into test tubes without a blood thinner or anticoagulant.

The blood is centrifuged and applied post-treatment to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. This allows the PRF with its combination of proteins and growth factors, to absorb into the newly created microchannels. 

PRF was created after research emerged showing that a platelet product with white blood cells, stem cells, and a higher concentration of platelets can more effectively promote healing than traditional PRP. 

The Benefits of Microneedling with PRF

The main benefit of PRF is that it contains a higher concentration of platelets and growth factors that can provide more effective healing factors when compared to typical PRP.

Microneedling is a skin-rejuvenating procedure that boosts the production of collagen and elastin to improve skin texture, vitality, and tone. Platelet-rich fibrin is combined with microneedling to fortify your body’s natural healing qualities.

Here’s what microneedling with PRF does for your skin:

• Stimulates cell regeneration and regrows skin
• Improves skin elasticity and firmness
• Improves skin tone and texture and restores radiance
• Reduce Under Eye Circles, Dark spots, Acne Scars, Fine Lines, and Wrinkles
• Restore Hair Growth

PRF vs PRP

In general terms, PRF is a more effective growth factor serum that can provide better results than PRP. PRF also contains a higher platelet count and a rich concentration of fibrin because it is collected from a slower centrifuge process. PRP is spun at a higher speed, often resulting in lost beneficial nutrients.

PRF and PRP are concentrated sources of blood plasma that contain several sources of growth factors to help wound healing and tissue regeneration. When combined with microneedling, the patient is basically using their own natural source of rich growth factors and proteins to promote healing.

How Does Microneedling With PRF Work?

Microneedling with PRF is very much similar to microneedling with PRP. Both procedures use ultra-fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin which stimulate your body’s natural healing processes. During the procedures, the centrifuged samples are injected or applied topically into these micro-wounds to provide nourishment to the cells and expedite healing.

Preparation for the Procedure

There are several drugs that are contraindicated for platelet-rich fibrin and you must avoid taking them for a few days before the procedure. Your doctor will provide you with a list of medications that should not be used before the microneedling treatment.

AHAs, BHAs, and retinol are some of the topical products that you must stop using a few days before the treatment. Your doctor will tell you when you can start using them again after the treatment. 

You must also refrain from taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen on the day of your treatment. Remove make-up and other cosmetics before they apply numbing cream to your face. 

Post-Procedure Effects

After microneedling with platelet-rich fibrin, your skin may appear burned or inflamed. Redness, tightness, burning, tenderness, itching, and peeling are some of the common post-procedure effects that usually go away within the first 24 hours.

However, in some people, they can last for up to 2 days. You may experience more adverse and severe side effects if you have sensitive skin or have undergone an aggressive treatment.

Is Microneedling With PRF Safe?

Microneedling with PRF is both relatively safe and fast as it uses your own platelets to promote skin healing. Though there is no risk of disease transmission, you may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising after the procedure. It’s important to follow the post-care regimen prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist to avoid these side effects. 

How Long Does It Take To See The Results?

Multiple sessions of microneedling with PRF treatment are required for effective results. The results of the procedure depend on the skin concern being addressed. Treatment for dark spots normally delivers noticeable results after the first session, while fine lines, acne scars, and wrinkles take longer to disappear. Most patients require about three to four sessions, spaced six to eight weeks apart. 

Final Tip

While further research is warranted on the combination of PRF with microneedling, the benefits and results seem promising. This treatment is still considered a vampire facial, just with a different and more powerful component of your blood. This treatment allows for the patient to get the absolute best source of growth factors to rejuvenate and gain significant measurable results.