You may have heard of the celeb-touted vampire facial, widely renowned for skin rejuvenation, but what exactly does this treatment entail? The vampire facial is a microneedling treatment that uses PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) to boost your skin’s regenerative growth factors and healing proteins for the ultimate youthful glow.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) are skin and hair-renewing elixirs extracted from your blood. But what’s the difference between the two, and which one is best?
In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about these regenerative substances, including their use in the well-known vampire facial, their ability to be injected for anti-aging results, and their ability to promote hair regrowth. Keep reading to discover how PRP or PRF can boost your confidence in your complexion!
What is the difference between PRP and PRF?
Firstly, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) are blood-derived platelet concentrates that we extract from your body to promote skin healing and regeneration. Upon injection, the growth factors in PRP and PRF boost skin’s renewal abilities, leading to a firmer, clearer, and more youthful-looking complexion.
PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) is simply a newer, more advanced version of PRP (platelet-rich plasma). Think of it as “PRP 2.0.” While more studies are needed to define exact statistical differences, PRF has been shown to perform marginally better when it comes to skin regeneration.
The main difference between PRP and PRF is how they’re prepared. While both substances are extracted from your blood and placed in a centrifuge for processing, some details of the preparation process differ. One difference is the speed of the centrifugation or the rate of processing. Another is the fact that PRP uses an anticoagulant, or a substance to decrease clotting, derived from bovine or cattle, while PRF does not.
Let’s break down these preparation differences in more detail:
PRP Preparation
PRP undergoes two “spins” in the centrifuge machine at a faster rate than PRF. This process separates the skin-renewing growth factors of the PRP from the red blood cells. Your injector will collect the PRP growth factors and mix them with an anticoagulant derived from bovine to create an injectable gel. This process leaves your injector with a concentrated platelet-rich plasma solution ready for use.
PRF Preparation
PRF, on the other hand, is processed using only one round of centrifugation at a slower rate than PRP. This results in a gel-like substance rich in growth factors. Because of the unique properties of the PRF, there’s no need to use the bovine-derived anticoagulant, and your injector will immediately collect the PRF to inject.
Should I choose PRP or PRF?
While PRF has been shown to provide slightly better results in terms of skin rejuvenation than PRP, more studies are still being conducted. For the time being, it’s certainly safe to say that both PRF and PRP are excellent options for anti-aging, acne scarring, and hair restoration. During your consultation, your provider will select the best option for you based on your unique concerns and goals.
Book your PRP/PRF Consultation with Cult Aesthetics Team in Atlanta, GA.
PRP Microneedling Treatment
PRP Microneedling stimulates collagen, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves hyperpigmentation (including melasma), and reduces acne scarring. During PRP Microneedling Treatment, your blood is drawn, processed in the centrifuge, and then microneedled into the skin. The PRP’s growth factors and healing proteins boost the already-excellent benefits of microneedling.
For more photodamaged skin that requires extra care, we can even use technology like Sylfirm X, a combination of microneedling and radiofrequency treatment. With SylfirmX, we can combine the power of microneedling, PRP, and dual-wave radiofrequency for maximum healing and regeneration.
Book your Microneedling Consultation with Cult Aesthetics Team in Atlanta, GA.
How many PRP Microneedling Treatments will I need to see results?
While every patient is different, we typically recommend a series of four treatments spaced four weeks apart for best results.
What is the downtime for PRP Microneedling Treatment?
While there is minimal downtime for PRP Microneedling, redness, swelling, and peeling are common, so we recommend scheduling your treatments around your social schedule.
You may resume work immediately post-treatment. However, avoid applying makeup for the remainder of the day of your procedure. Avoid any high-intensity physical activity, including saunas and excess sun exposure for 24 hours. Remember to continuously use a mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ to protect your skin and see the best results!
Schedule your PRP Microneedling Treatment with Cult Aesthetics Team in Atlanta, GA.
PRP Microneedling Aftercare
Boost your PRP Microneedling results by keeping your skin hydrated and nourished. Use Avène Cicalfate+ Hydrating Skin Recovery Emulsion to help protect and restore skin’s barrier function and provide maximum hydration post-procedure.
Shop Avène Cicalfate+ Hydrating Skin Recovery Emulsion at Squeeze Skin.
PRF Injectable Treatment
We can inject PRF in the undereye and/or cheek areas for soft and natural anti-aging and skin-firming results. Once injected in the undereye and upper cheek area, the PRF slowly releases growth factors that reduce signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.
Book your PRF Injectable Treatment with Cult Aesthetics Team in Atlanta, GA.
What is the downtime for PRF Injectable Treatment?
You may resume work immediately post-treatment. However, you may experience swelling and/or bruising in the few days following your injections. You can decrease the risk of swelling and bruising by discontinuing NSAIDs (after consulting with your doctor) and avoiding alcohol and caffeine before your appointment.
After your PRF Injectable Treatment, avoid intense physical activity for the first 24 hours following treatment, and remember to treat the injected area with extra TLC.
Pair your PRF undereye injections with Tensage Stem Cell Eye Cream for the ultimate healing boost.
Tensage Eye Cream contains unique CellPro™ Technology extracted from the egg of the cryptomphalus snail (no snails are harmed in this process) to boost healthy skin cell function.
Because Tensage Eye Cream contains retinol, use it in the evening after cleansing for the best regenerative results.
Shop Tensage Stem Cell Eye Cream at Squeeze Skin.
PRF Hair Restoration
PRF Hair Restoration is a treatment where we inject PRF into the hair follicles to encourage hair regrowth. The regenerative components of the PRF stimulate hair follicle regeneration by positively influencing the hair cell growth process.
How many PRF Hair Restoration Treatments will I need to see results?
Typically we recommend a series of four treatments spaced four weeks apart for the best hair regrowth results.
What is the downtime for PRF Hair Restoration Treatment?
You may return to normal activities immediately following PRF Hair restoration. However, avoid high-intensity physical activity, excess heat, and sun exposure for 24 hours post-treatment.
Book your PRF Hair Restoration Treatment with Cult Aesthetics Team in Atlanta, GA.
Does PRP work for hair loss?
Yes, PRP has been shown to be beneficial in treating hair loss. Studies continue to emerge comparing PRP to PRF in terms of which is better for hair regrowth. If you’re wondering whether PRP or PRF is right for you, book a Consultation with Cult Aesthetics Team in Atlanta, GA.
Final thoughts on PRF vs PRP
Both PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) are platelet concentrates that we obtain from your own blood to promote skin restoration and hair regrowth. The growth factors and healing proteins in both PRF and PRP boost your body’s natural healing abilities, whether used for skin or hair regeneration.
PRF is a newer version of PRP with marginally better restoration abilities, but studies are still being conducted to determine more details of the exact regenerative differences. Whether you choose PRP or PRF, you’ll be getting all of the growth-factor goodness from your body’s healing proteins to boost your skin and hair’s natural abilities.
