What Is PRF?
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is an autologous treatment, meaning it is prepared from your own blood. It is used to stimulate skin or scalp regeneration in a gradual and natural way.
Unlike PRP, PRF releases its growth factors slowly over several days. This results in a more sustained tissue stimulation rather than a rapid but short-lived effect.
PRF was developed in the mid-2000s to overcome certain limitations of PRP. Its key characteristic is that no chemical additives are required. The blood coagulates naturally during preparation, forming a fibrin matrix that traps and progressively releases platelets and their growth factors.
In practical terms for patients, PRF is not a filler and does not produce immediate effects. It is a biological approach that works over several weeks by stimulating the body’s own tissue repair mechanisms.
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What Is the Difference Between PRF and PRP?
PRP Acts Faster, PRF Acts Longer
PRP releases its growth factors rapidly after injection. PRF, by contrast, releases them gradually over a period of approximately 7 to 10 days.
Practical implication:
- PRP may be preferred when a rapid effect is needed, for example to accelerate healing after a laser procedure.
- PRF is more suitable for treatments requiring prolonged stimulation, such as deep skin rejuvenation or androgenetic alopecia.
PRF Contains No Additives
PRP requires the addition of an anticoagulant (usually sodium citrate) in the collection tubes and often activation with calcium chloride before injection. PRF contains neither anticoagulants nor external activators. Coagulation occurs naturally.
In practice: this reduces the risk of reactions to chemical additives and simplifies preparation.
PRF Forms a Natural Fibrin Matrix
During preparation, PRF forms a fibrin network that acts as a biological scaffold. This network retains platelets and gradually releases growth factors—something that does not exist in liquid PRP.
Neither treatment is inherently “better.” The choice depends on treatment goals, individual patient factors, and practitioner experience. There is no scientific consensus demonstrating systematic superiority of one over the other. A well-indicated and properly performed PRP remains a valid treatment today.
How Does PRF Work Biologically?
PRF is obtained by centrifuging the patient’s blood using a low-speed protocol without anticoagulants. Low-speed centrifugation (typically 1300–1500 rpm for 8–12 minutes) allows progressive separation of blood components while preserving cellular integrity.
This process produces three distinct layers:
- Red blood cells at the bottom of the tube
- An intermediate layer rich in platelets and leukocytes
- Acellular plasma at the top
The intermediate layer contains the fibrin matrix, which traps platelets, leukocytes, and growth factors within a three-dimensional network.
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Why Does Slow Release Change the Results?
Studies measuring growth factor kinetics show that PRP releases approximately 95% of its content within the first 60 minutes, with a peak around 15 minutes. PRF, on the other hand, provides a progressive release of TGF-β1 and PDGF over several days, with higher cumulative levels over approximately 7 to 10 days.
This prolonged release is explained by the gradual remodeling of the fibrin matrix. As fibrin naturally degrades, it continuously releases cytokines and growth factors, stimulating cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis in a sustained manner.
For patients, this means that skin or hair stimulation does not occur within hours but unfolds over several days, better matching natural tissue regeneration cycles.
Injectable PRF (i-PRF): A Liquid Variant
Injectable PRF (i-PRF) is a more fluid form of PRF, prepared using an even shorter and lower-speed centrifugation protocol (approximately 700 rpm for 3–5 minutes). This variant remains liquid and can be injected directly into the skin or scalp.
For patients, this facilitates superficial facial injections and hair treatments while preserving PRF’s regenerative properties. i-PRF contains:
- A platelet concentration 2 to 3 times higher than baseline
- A higher leukocyte concentration compared with conventional PRP
In vitro studies show that i-PRF induces greater cell migration and higher type I collagen expression than PRP.
What Is PRF Used For? Indications and Expected Results
Facial, Neck, and Décolletage Rejuvenation
PRF is used to improve overall skin quality, including texture, radiance, firmness, and tone uniformity. It also acts on fine superficial lines and may reduce pore size.
Patients typically notice denser, brighter, better-hydrated skin rather than a volumizing effect. Changes are gradual and sometimes subtle.
Clinical studies have shown significant improvement in pigmentation and pore size after three monthly i-PRF sessions, measured by objective skin analysis systems. Patient satisfaction scores also improved significantly.
Under-Eye Area Treatment
In the periorbital region, PRF is used to improve skin quality, fine lines, and the appearance of dark circles. Patients generally describe denser, less tired-looking skin rather than a filling effect.
A clinical study reported improvements in periorbital wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and overall freshness, with visible results lasting up to 12 weeks.
Atrophic Acne Scars
PRF is used to improve the appearance of depressed acne scars. A comparative study between PRF and PRP demonstrated a significantly superior therapeutic response with PRF, both on scar assessment scales and patient satisfaction.
The combination of PRF and microneedling produced the best results.
Androgenetic Alopecia
PRF is used in the treatment of hormonally driven hair loss in both men and women and may also be proposed for certain forms of diffuse hair thinning.
A systematic review of five clinical studies reported that 73% of patients in one study showed clinically visible improvement in hair growth. Patients generally experience increased hair density and improved hair shaft diameter.
Compared with PRP, PRF presents biological differences that may influence clinical outcomes. However, direct comparative studies remain limited, and preparation protocols are not yet standardized.
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What PRF Can — and Cannot — Do
PRF is not a miracle treatment. Results vary depending on:
- Age
- General health
- Blood quality
- Severity of the condition treated
PRF does not replace surgical lifting procedures and cannot tighten severely sagging skin.
PRF does not restore volume and does not replace dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid.
PRF does not produce immediate transformation. Changes are progressive and sometimes subtle, reflecting its natural biological mechanism.
PRF stimulates biological tissue regeneration and is most often part of a global skin or hair care strategy, sometimes combined with other treatments. Proper indication and honest information are essential to avoid unrealistic expectations.
How a PRF Session Is Performed
Preparation
Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen) for 5 to 7 days before treatment, as they may impair platelet function. The treatment area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. For facial injections, a topical anesthetic cream may be applied 30–45 minutes beforehand.
Blood Collection and PRF Preparation
A venous blood sample of 10 to 20 ml is drawn into tubes without anticoagulants. This is essential to allow natural fibrin matrix formation.
The blood is immediately centrifuged:
- Classic PRF: approximately 1300–1500 rpm for 8–12 minutes
- i-PRF: lower speed (around 700 rpm) for 3–5 minutes
After centrifugation, the platelet- and leukocyte-rich fraction is carefully collected. It may be used in liquid form (i-PRF) for injections or in solid form for combination with microneedling.
Preparation takes approximately 15–20 minutes. The product must be used quickly to preserve biological activity.
Injection
i-PRF is injected using mesotherapy techniques with multiple superficial intradermal microinjections for facial rejuvenation. For hair treatment, injections are performed into the scalp at a depth of 2–3 mm.
Solid PRF may be cut and applied directly to skin areas previously treated with microneedling.
Total session duration, including blood draw, preparation, and injections, is typically 45–60 minutes.
Aftercare and Recovery
Mild redness, transient swelling, and small bruises may appear at injection sites and usually resolve within 24–48 hours.
Normal daily activities can be resumed immediately, but direct sun exposure, intense physical exercise, and heat sources (sauna, steam room) should be avoided for 48 hours.
PRF Results: When and How Long?
Onset of Results
- Skin: first improvements after 3–4 weeks; maximal effect after the initial treatment series, usually around the third month
- Acne scars: progressive improvement, optimal after 3–4 monthly sessions
- Hair: first density improvements generally observed after 3–6 months
Recommended Protocol
- Initial phase: 3–4 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart
- Maintenance: one session every 6–12 months
Duration of Effects
Data on long-term PRF effects remain limited. Short-term studies (3–6 months) show maintained results, but data beyond 12 months are scarce.
A periorbital study reported maintained results at 12 weeks. Without maintenance sessions, PRF effects may diminish after several months.
PRF Treatment Cost in Belgium
The cost of a PRF session in Belgium generally starts at around €450 per treated area. The higher price compared with PRP reflects greater technical complexity and preparation time.
A full protocol of 3–4 sessions represents a minimum investment of €1,350–€1,800 per area. Maintenance sessions are billed at the same rate.
Prices typically include consultation, blood draw, PRF preparation, and injections. Some practitioners offer discounted rates for complete protocols.
PRF is not reimbursed by INAMI when performed for aesthetic purposes. Partial reimbursement by supplementary insurance plans is rare.
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PRF vs PRP: Summary
Key Differences
- PRP acts faster; PRF acts longer
- PRP releases most growth factors within hours; PRF provides gradual release over 7–10 days
- PRF contains a natural fibrin matrix absent from liquid PRP
There is no scientific consensus establishing systematic superiority of one treatment over the other. Both have specific indications, and choice depends on therapeutic goals, individual context, and practitioner expertise.
Technical Differences
- Preparation: PRP requires anticoagulants and often activation; PRF does not
- Centrifugation: PRP usually involves high-speed, two-step centrifugation; PRF uses single-step, low-speed centrifugation
- Composition: PRF contains higher leukocyte concentrations
- Growth factor release: PRP releases ~95% within hours; PRF releases gradually with higher cumulative output
- Biological effects: in vitro studies show stronger late-stage cell proliferation and collagen expression with PRF
PRF Combined With Other Treatments
PRF often delivers better results when combined with other procedures.
PRF and Microneedling
Studies show superior results compared with either treatment alone. Microneedling creates microchannels that enhance PRF penetration and triggers a controlled inflammatory response that potentiates growth factor action. This combination is particularly used for acne scars and skin texture improvement.
PRF and Lasers
PRF may be applied after fractional laser treatments (CO₂, erbium) to accelerate healing and optimize outcomes.
PRF and Hyaluronic Acid
Some studies have evaluated PRF combined with hyaluronic acid for facial rejuvenation. One study reported improvement in 100% of participants at 6 months, with 90.7% still reporting improvement at 2 years.
In these combined protocols, it is difficult to isolate PRF’s specific contribution. Long-term effects may be more attributable to hyaluronic acid than PRF alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRF
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