PRP, PRF & PRFM Sherman Oaks
Are you noticing age-related changes in your skin? Has your hair become thin and sparse? While there are many over-the-counter products designed to address these issues, they may not be as effective as you want or need them to be. Treatments like PRP, PRF, and PRFM are effective treatments for addressing these concerns.
Cosmetic Injectables Center provides PRP, PRF, & PRFM treatments to treat some of the most common aesthetic concerns, including wrinkles, sagging skin, adult acne, age spots, hollow under-eyes, thinning of the skin, and hair loss. Read on to learn what PRP & PRF treatment consists of and how it can help you feel like your best self.
What Is PRP/PRF/PRFM Treatment?
You’ve likely heard of a popular cosmetic treatment called the “Vampire Facial,” but you may not have fully understood what that meant. The Vampire Facial is a facial treatment that utilizes PRP or PRF, two methods of extracting plasma (the yellowish part of the blood) from your own body to be re-injected and produce several aesthetic benefits. If you’ve ever scraped your knee, you may have seen how a yellow serum (which is your PRP) oozes from your wound, then a scab is formed, and over time, new skin grows to cover your wound and heal your skin back to its original strength and appearance.
We harvest that yellow plasma responsible for healing the skin directly from your blood. By re-injecting them into the area of concern, those healing proteins work to rejuvenate new skin with new collagen, fibrin, and skin tissue. PRP and PRF are also used in innovative hair restoration procedures by acting as fertilizer for the hair follicles. If you’re not familiar with the differences between PRP, PRF, and PRFM, learn more about each here:
Difference between PRP vs. PRF vs. PRFM:
PRP
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. As the name insinuates, the injected liquid is plasma with a high platelet concentration. These platelets are highly sought after because these little cell fragments seep out of arteries when they detect damage (i.e., wounds) and summon healing proteins to come over and regrow the skin.
By isolating and injecting this “liquid gold,” we can bypass the need for cellular damage to call over healing proteins that improve our skin for their anti-aging and other beneficial effects directly. Since it’s derived from your own body, PRP is one of the most natural ways to stimulate new and healthy cell growth and induce collagen production. We draw one vial of blood from the patient’s vein and spin it in a centrifuge to separate the plasma and platelets from the red blood cells to extract PRP.
Inside the vial, an anti-coagulant plug prevents the blood from clotting and helps derive the maximum amount of plasma from blood collection. The separated yellow liquid (plasma) is then drawn out of the tube and re-injected into the patient’s problem areas, typically the face or scalp. The platelets can then do what they do best: initiate a healing cascade of interactions to call over stem cells to create new cell growth and collagen induction. This process helps improve issues like wrinkles, acne, pigmentations, thinning of the skin, sagging skin, loss of volume, and hair loss.
PRF
PRF refers to platelet-rich fibrin. Platelet-rich fibrin is very similar to PRP (see above). Still, as its name indicates, it is derived in a slightly different manner that results in more fibrin collection and platelets. Some say that this fibrin creates an infrastructure that holds the platelets in place longer and prevents them from dispersing, allowing more release of beneficial factors for a longer duration than PRP. Others believe that the difference is not significant as platelets don’t wander from the area that quickly anyway.
Just as with PRP, PRF is also extracted from the patient’s blood and placed into a tube. One difference is that the tube doesn’t contain any form of anti-coagulant or enzymes. A second difference is the speed at which the tube spins is much slower than with PRP. These differences reduce the amount of plasma that’s derived from the blood. Therefore, less yellow liquid, fewer platelets, and more fibrin concentration. This difference is why some people prefer PRP (for the higher number of platelets and amount of plasma) while others prefer PRF (which is a higher amount of fibrin that, in theory, might hold the platelets in place longer.)
The benefits of PRF treatment are the same type of mechanism of action as PRP. Platelets summon magical healing proteins such as growth factors, collagen production, and stem cells to boost cell growth in the area and result in thicker, healthier skin. One more difference that is sometimes discussed is that the slower spinning speed of PRF (compared to PRP) may reduce platelet rupture.
Again, this is a controversial benefit as PRP has more platelets anyways, and the released insides of some of these platelets can have beneficial effects. It may sound a bit confusing, but in reality, both PRP and PRF are very effective treatments, and their differences are just a matter of preference. This liquid golden serum derived from either one can reduce aging signs and resolve thinning hair.
PRFM:
PRFM stands for Platelet Rich Fibrin Matrix. It is the result of PRP mixed with calcium chloride. This activation of PRP creates a matrix. This matrix behaves like PRF in that it keeps the platelets around longer and allows for a longer duration of platelets’ beneficial effects. For those offices that only carry PRP devices, this is how they achieve results that are a bit closer to those from PRF.
However, remember that the vial’s spinning centrifuge in PRP and PRFM is still faster than in PRF. Some argue that PRF has the best of both worlds- more gentle spinning to keep the cells intact and a matrix to allow the platelets to hang around. Others believe that PRFM is just as good because it allows for more yellow plasma to be harvested from each vial of blood.
Pros of PRP
More volume of golden plasma and platelets harvested from one vial of blood
Anti-coagulant allows more time for the provider to inject the product before clotting
Pros of PRP
More volume of golden plasma and platelets harvested from one vial of blood
Anti-coagulant allows more time for the provider to inject the product before clotting
PRP/PRF/PRFM
To summarize, all these modalities of PRP, PRF, and PRFM are effective treatments and have wonderful beneficial results. One of the most common uses for PRP, PRF, and PRFM treatment is to resolve certain age-related changes to the skin. Cosmetic Injectables Center provides PRP and PRF treatments to help combat these skincare concerns. When used in a Vampire Facial with microneedling or as an injection, PRP & PRF offers the following benefits:
- Boosts collagen and elastin production
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduces skin pigmentation and age spots
- Adds volume to thin lips
- Improves acne
- Improves all scars including acne scars
- Tightens and tones skin
- Plumps hollow cheeks or under-eyes temporarily
- Rejuvenates dull, tired skin
- Increases hair growth and thickness
PRP & PRF dermal filler injections are a natural way to resolve common aesthetic concerns without using chemicals or surgical treatments. Once extracted and placed outside of your veins, the growth factors in your own blood provide results that products often fail to produce, no matter how high-end or expensive.
How Are PRP/PRF Performed?
When receiving PRP/PRF treatment, you will be able to sit or lie back comfortably. To start, one of our cosmetic medicine professionals will retrieve a small amount of your blood to create your PRP/PRF serum. This blood sample will be spun down in a centrifuge so that the platelet-rich plasma and fibrin can be extracted and blended into your serum. The only difference between PRP and PRF isolation is the type of vial used, the speed of the centrifuge, and the amount of time the vial is spun.
Topical numbing cream is applied to the areas receiving treatment while you are waiting for your PRP/PRF serum to get ready. The areas that numbing cream is applied may include the cheeks, chin, under eyes, lips, neck, scalp etc. Then, our provider will carefully administer the PRP/PRF serum into the treatment areas.
In some of our “Vampire Facial” procedures, the microneedling procedure is used as a part of the process. This involves using tiny needles to prick the skin, stimulating a healing response that provides additional skincare benefits as well as allowing the applied PRP/PRF to seep into your outer layer of the skin.
After Your Treatment
After your PRP/PRF treatment, you will be able to resume normal activity. There is no downtime or recovery involved. We recommend returning for at least four sessions to achieve optimal results, spaced anywhere from two to six weeks apart. Once you’ve completed this initial round of treatment, you can return one to two times a year to maintain your results.
PRP/PRF Hair Restoration
Hair loss affects so many men and women, whether it be from age, medication use, or underlying health conditions. When you notice thinning hair on your scalp, you might turn to commercial products or supplements to restore your hair growth but see little to no results. This is why Cosmetic Injectables Center provides PRP & PRF hair restoration therapy. Hair restoration methods that use PRP/PRF can stimulate new and thicker hair growth, leading to a healthier, fuller head of hair.
How Is PRP/PRF Hair Restoration Performed?
During PRP & PRF hair restoration treatment, our cosmetic medicine professionals will retrieve a small amount of your blood for a supply of platelet-rich plasma and fibrin. This PRP and PRF is a beneficial serum rich in your very own growth factors and stem cells. Our providers may apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment areas beforehand in order to minimize any discomfort. The custom serum is then injected or microneedled into areas of the scalp where hair loss or thinning hair has occurred. The PRP and PRF will then get to work, stimulating new hair growth and nurturing your hair follicles in the treatment areas.
After Your Treatment
After your PRP/PRF hair restoration treatment, you will be able to resume normal activity. We typically recommend a series of four sessions, spaced anywhere from two to six weeks apart for optimal results. After this initial round of treatments, patients report seeing new growth in as little as one to three months!
PRP, PRF, & PRFM at Cosmetic Injectables Center
Our office specializes in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures and hence we have all of the different varieties of PRF, PRP, and PRFM for you to choose from. In other words, you choose the procedure that’s right for you and not the one procedure the office has. In addition, we have the vast experience gained from performing thousands of these platelet-related procedures to help you customize the perfect regiment for you. When you find yourself struggling with thinning hair, acne, scars, pigmentations, or age-related changes such as wrinkles and thin skin, PRP, PRF, & PRFM treatments can be an excellent option for you! Cosmetic Injectables Center provides PRP & PRF procedures to treat many skin issues including signs of aging and hair loss.
Our professionals perform the famous “Vampire Facials” to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and more. We also perform PRP/PRF hair restoration to help patients restore a head of thick, healthy hair when hair loss has occurred. To learn more about our PRP & PRF treatment or schedule a consultation, call us today at 818.322.0122 to speak with one of our friendly specialists!
PRF, PRP, & PRFM in conjunction with Microneedling
Just as microneedling can be performed with or without PRP and PRF, these golden platelet-rich plasma liquids can also be used with or without microneedling. After PRP or PRF are harvested, there are two ways to use them. They can either be injected into the area of concern, like under the eyes or scalp, to induce their beneficial effects underneath the skin. Conversely, they can be laid on top of the area and “tattooed” (microneedled) into the outer layer of the skin. The choice depends on the results you are seeking and the layer that needs the most help. When injected deep, 100% of the plasma is administered into each site, which is useful for deeper structures such as hair follicles of the scalp, or small, focused areas such as the under eyes. When the goal is to improve a larger area (entire face) or the outer layer of the skin (for thin skin and wrinkles), microneedling can create microscopic punctures to allow the PRP and PRF to incorporate into that outer layer of the skin and help induce collagen and elastin production. This, combined with the added benefits of microneedling can result in a healthier, thicker, firmer, glowing, rejuvenated skin with more elasticity.
Reviews
“I have been going to this place for over a year now and I have been injected by all of the master nurse injectors from Catherine to Ellen – they are both SO TALENTED!! Dr. Soleiman, the medical director is the best at her craft, as she balances science and art perfectly. What’s wonderful is that Nurse Ellen & Catherine we’re both trained by Dr. Soleiman herself, so you need to get your Injectables or other treatments from them! Also ask about what other services they offer, as they also have laser treatments, and facial treatments like microneedling with PRP (aka Vampire facial!) and Oxygen facials! I actually had a microneedling treatment with PRP and I really enjoyed the experience! You won’t find a warmer Injectables place that makes you feel like you’re just dropping into an old friend’s house! Prices are most reasonable in LA too!”
Christine R.
Yelp
Get the results you’ve always wanted from the nation’s leading physician for Cosmetic Injectables!
PRP & PRF FAQs
What is the difference between PRP & PRF & PRFM?
The difference between PRP and PRF is that one is platelet-rich plasma and the other is platelet-rich fibrin. They are harvested differently in different tubes. PRP: anticoagulant plug in the tube and the high spinning speeds extract the highest amount of plasma (yellow liquid) filled with platelets and good white blood cells. PRF: is spun at a much gentler speed and do not contain any enzymes to separate the red blood cells. As a result, there is smaller amount of yellow plasma derived but more organic and with more fibrin. Though there is less liquid harvested and injected with PRF, some feel that PRF is more efficacious than PRP due to less trauma to the platelets and higher fibrin constituant. Although, both have been shown to be helpful in skin rejuvenation. PRFM is just an activated version of PRP which creates a matrix that behaves like PRF (keeping the platelets trapped in the area for a longer period of time to increase longevity of results). See more details in the paragraphs above.
What is PRF used for?
PRF is used for hair growth, skin rejuvenation, collagen induction, elastin induction, increase in cell turnover to reveal more youthful skin underneath, less pigmentation, thicker skin with more elasticity and less blemishes. It is also great for improving acne and acne scarring, especially when used alongside with microneedling.
Is PRF better than PRP in hair growth?
Yes and No. PRP extracts more liquid plasma and hence more platelets can be extracted from the blood sample. However, the higher concentration and greater longevity of platelets remaining trapped in the fibrin in the injected area using PRF makes it competitive in results. Therefore, the number of platelets in PRP is going to be higher. Whereas, PRF has longer and more concentrated platelet longevity. Both have their own benefits and are efficacious. (see more detailed descriptions of differences above.)
Does PRF treatment work?
Yes – Many patients here at our office have noticed great results while doing PRP and PRF treatments (with or without microneedling) throughout their face and scalp, including near their lips for fine wrinkles. Not only did their blemishes, fine wrinkles and skin quality improve, but they even began to see more hair growth within the area being treated. We have many referrals from patients who are thrilled with their results. Some of the additional benefits however may not be visible. These added benefits are preventative for skin deterioration through maintaining and increasing collagen and elastin proteins which are microscopic and not always apparent unless visualized under microscope.
How many PRF treatments are needed for hair?
We recommend anywhere between 2 and 6 PRP or PRF treatments, 2 to 4 weeks apart for skin benefits and for hair growth. Keep in mind that hair growth will start 3 months after and may not be visible until it has grown out.
What does PRF do to the face?
PRF helps improve skin rejuvenation, collagen induction, elastin induction, increase in cell turnover to reveal youthful glow, less pigmentation, blemish reduction, more sheen, improvement of texture, improvement on old and new acne scars, under-eye darkness/texture rejuvenation and increase of hair growth.
Is PRF safe?
PRF is harvested from your own bodily fluids with zero enzymes or additives added. It is very safe even during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How long does PRF last for face?
The collagen induction from PRF can last about 2 years depending on your age, how well you have treated your skin in the past in regards to your nutrition, smoking habits, skin care regiment, etc.
Does PRP work better than botox?
They do different things. Botox relaxes muscles while PRP induces collagen & elastin production. PRP tends to work more on the texture and quality of skin (the real origin of the skin problem that’s slow), whereas Botox works on reducing muscle movement that bunches up the skin (the reveal of the skin problem). They work best in conjunction.
How can I prepare for my PRP/PRF appointment?
Certain herbs can help increase your platelets. Intake of papaya, papaya leaf extract, or boiled papaya leaf can be helpful. Proteins AKA amino acids from any source, as well as iron, zinc, pomegranate, pumpkin, vitamin A (ie in carrots), folate (ie in spinach, oranges, asparagus, beans, raisons), and wheatgrass are all helpful not just prior to your visit, but as a part of your regular dietary regimen. In order to reduce risk of bruising, try to avoid medication or foods that thin your blood for 5 days prior to your visit. Most pain medication (except Tylenol and codeine), fish or fish oils, Omega 3 tablets, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and alcohol are common culprits for increasing risk for bruising.
Get the results you’ve always wanted from the nation’s leading physician for Cosmetic Injectables!