INJECTABLE PLATELET RICH FIBRIN (IPRF)
PRF captures the most powerful regenerative components of your own blood with a simple injection. It is a fantastic treatment for many areas of the body such as the face for anti-ageing and scalp for hair thinning. PRF is similar to the widely known PRP but much more potent due to its different composition.
Injectable platelet rich fibrin or (PRF) uses the patient’s own blood plasma which contains:
- platelets (they store growth factors)
- fibrin (organizes the tissue for healing and keeps the growth factors ‘trapped’ in the area )
- stem cells (potent cells that initiate cascades for healing and rejuvenation).
WHAT CAN IT TREAT?
- Skin rejuvenation
- Eye bags
- Scarring
- Stretch marks
- Hair loss/thinning
- Acne scars
This technology was invented by Dr. Joseph Choukroun in 2016. We use his original equipment which yields much better PRF than ordinary centrifuges and use ultrapure vials with no coating whatsoever. Therefore you will see minimal inflammation following the treatment. We isolate the PRF from whole blood taken with small vials (between 20ml and 40ml per session) and inject it with very small needles back into the skin to activate healing and regeneration. The concentration of healing factors leads to vast improvements of skin texture via a natural process, just accelerated and multiplied.
PRF intensifies the functioning and reproduction of cells. The effect is accumulative and long lasting without any considerable side effects. As a result, new fibroblasts, collagen and elastin are produced. You will notice better skin elasticity and complexion will improve, fine lines will diminish and the skin will appear better hydrated. Even pigmentation and Rosacea can reduce.
PRF treatment is usually administered as a course of 3 or 4 treatments with a 2-4 week interval. After your initial treatment you might want to have a single session once to twice a year to maintain the results.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have any of the following, you may be advised to postpone any PRF treatment:-
- Pregnancy or breast-feeding
- Undergoing anticoagulant therapy, such as Warfarin
- Any medical condition having a significant effect on platelet function
- Unwell because of any recent blood-loss or infection
PRF intensifies the functioning and reproduction of cells, thus having a gentle, gradual yet long lasting and accumulative effect. Of course, i-PRF results are all the more impressive when incorporated into a treatment plan with hyaluronic acid fillers, wrinkle-relaxing treatments and other skin treatments. Producing virtually no downtime, this clinic based treatment can be used for skin and hair rejuvenation as well as treating problematic melasma and acne scars.
Dr Choukroun explains that Fibrin functions as a matrix that traps the platelets and controls their release of growth factors “very slowly and continuously over a time period of more than one week”. Growth factors release rate into the target tissue is important for tissue receptors to respond over a prolonged period of time following treatment.
This is an all-natural non-surgical therapeutic option for patients who suffer from hair loss or thinning. iPRF can enhance the growth of hair follicles by stimulating the stem cells and other cells in the microenvironment of the hair follicle. These special platelet cells promote healing and accelerates the rate and degree of tissue regeneration, resulting in new hair growth and thickening of existing hair. It can only help with recent hair loss where the follicles are still present but dormant. It can not help with growing hair that has been lost for a long period of time.
A scar is basically repaired tissue where the collagen has been deposited in a very dense pattern. Therefore the skin appears to look whiter and tougher and shows dips, dents or little bumps. iPRF will help the cells in the skin to reorganize the scar tissue and make the scar look softer and more like the original skin.
STAGES OF IPRF TREATMENT
We will apply a topical anaesthetic to the area of concern; we will then take a sample of blood. This is then spun in a centrifuge. We take your enriched PRF from the top of the vial and use a small needle to inject into the areas of concern. Depending on your treatment plan we might also use a microneedling pen to cover a larger area of skin and distribute the PRF better. The procedure takes approximately 1 hour. After the treatment you can expect a little inflammation and redness for 24 – 72 hours, on the odd occasion bruising can occur. It is usually possible to go back to work the day after.
You will notice some mild swelling and reddening of the skin. A few small bumps might be visible where the PRF has been injected. Some of the liquid will be massaged over your skin and will dry on the surface. This should not be removed until the evening and you will not be able to apply make-up immediately after. The skin should be washed gently in the evening ideally just with water. From the day after you can resume your usual skincare regime.
- Avoid sun or other prolonged UV exposure for 14 days post treatment. SPF must be worn post-treatment. You will be advised on suitable aftercare products
- Avoid vigorous exercise, sauna/steam room/hot baths, and any other heat treatments for 24 hours post treatment
- Avoid touching the treated area without washing your hands thoroughly, especially in the first 48 hours.
PERFORMED BY MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS
