Differences between PRP and PRF are a controversial topic that should be examined. Over the past years, skin rejuvenation and repair via natural and minimally invasive techniques has attracted noticeable attention. Among various methods, the two techniques of PRP and PRF have obtained special popularity. Both approaches work based on cells and growth factors that exist in your blood. However, they are essentially different in terms of preparation method, the amount of growth factor, repair capacity, healing speed, and durability. So, this question may be brought to mind: which is better, PRP or PRF?
In this content, all of the essential aspects of these two methods are studied in detail, including the mechanism, applications, and the selection criteria. This helps you to decide about the technique of interest. We especially focus on the differences between PRP and PRF. If you are eager to know about this case of injectables in Marietta, stay with us until the end of this article.
What are PRP and PRF and what are their uses?
Here, we explain these two techniques in detail. Also, we enumerate the main substances that affect the repairing process. In addition, the implementation procedure is elaborated.
PRP
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a solution extracted from the individual’s blood. It contains platelets several times more than the normal level in blood. Platelets have plenty of growth factors, proteins, and other repairing molecules. These factors have a key role in tissue reconstruction, collagen production stimulation, and inflammation mitigation. Over the years, PRP has been used for treating hair loss, speeding up wound healing, skin rejuvenation, treating acne scars, and even in orthopedics to heal tendons.
PRF
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is the modern, advanced version of PRP. This technique uses no anti-coagulation factor. Subsequently, during the separation process, a natural fibrin structure is created, in which the platelets, growth factors, and even stem cells are contained. This structure releases the growth factors gradually over a long time. Throughout this blog, we introduce more differences between PRP and PRF.
The effective substances
There are several effective substances that have key roles in the treating process. Platelet growth factor (PDGF) acts as a repair messenger. After entering this material into the skin, it speeds up tissue repair. Also, it helps the skin to heal itself faster. This substance treats acne scars and wrinkles. Transforming growth factor (TGF-β) has a key role in producing collagen. Thereby, it enhances the skin quality, making it younger and fresher. Another substance is vascular growth factor (VEGF). It causes new veins to be constructed. By constructing new veins, it helps better blood circulation and more feeding to the skin cells. Finally, insulin-like growth factor (IGF) boosts the cell growth rate, making cell reconstruction faster.
The implementation
The process of PRP is short and simple. First, a little amount of blood is drawn and is contained in a tube with an anti-coagulation substance. This sample is placed in a centrifuge machine. The centrifuge stirs with very high speed to separate the blood elements. By this high speed, the red and white globules are separated from each other. Very dense platelets are collected in the upper part of the tube. The doctor separates the thick yellowish part that is full of platelets. Finally, the injection is implemented directly, as mesotherapy, or microneedling.
On the other hand, despite all the similarities in the implementation process, there are some differences between PRP and PRF. First, although the blood drawing is like the PRP technique, the container tube has no anti-coagulation substance. Second, the centrifuge rotates much slower than PRP. It causes lower separation of cells. Therefore, the platelets, growth factors, and fibrin stay together. Because there is no anti-coagulation substance, the blood starts to coagulate in a controlled way. This natural clot is exactly what makes PRF technique special. The growth factors are released slowly and continuously, and it lasts noticeably longer. It is injected in the skin. Due to gel-like thickness, it is a little bit sticky, being absorbed later than the PRP method.
The common usage of PRP and PRF
Both techniques have many applications in common. They are used in general skin rejuvenation. Increasing the firmness, brightness, and strength of the skin are other usages of these techniques. They could remove fine wrinkles on the face. They also help acne scar treatment. Healing dark and sunken tear troughs is possible by both methods. PRP and PRF could decrease signs of aging caused by sunlight. Collagen production stimulation and skin tissue treatment are other applications. Using these methods, the hairs grow again in the case of hair loss.
The main differences in the preparation process of PRP and PRF
Regardless of the common items and applications, there are some differences between PRP and PRF. Now, we enumerate these differences to make you familiar with both techniques in detail.
Centrifuge speed
During the preparation of PRP, usually a centrifuge at high speed is used to separate the platelets from the blood faster. This high speed causes red and white globules to be separated from each other completely. However, in PRF the speed of the centrifuge is significantly lower. Thereby, in addition to platelets, a large amount of fibrin, fibroblasts, white globules, and stem cells still remain in the solution.
Anti-coagulation
In PRP, anti-coagulation is necessarily used to prevent blood coagulation. Also, the doctor could extract the rich plasma easily. Conversely, there is no anti-coagulation substance in the PRF. Therefore, the blood naturally forms a fibrin matrix as a sustainable resource for releasing the growth factors.
The number of cells
Among the differences between PRP and PRF, the number of cells is another factor. In PRP, more platelets are separated, but the number of stem cells and white globules is less. On the other hand, in PRF, more immune cells, precursor cells, and growth factors exist. This enhances the repairing efficiency.
Mechanism
In PRP, the mechanism of growth factor release works fast and short-term. It usually happens in the first days. However, PRF releases the substances slowly and continuously. The repairing effect is applied over several weeks.
Durability
One of the other differences between PRP and PRF is the durability of results. Despite the common features, PRF mostly is more durable with stronger effect. The reason is that it possesses more cells with no chemical substances. The results of PRP usually emerge in 3 to 4 weeks and last for 6 to 9 months. On the other hand, the results of PRF are deeper and more gradual, lasting for 9 to 12 months. Due to the existence of stem cells and fibrin matrix, PRF is more durable and stronger.
Which method has more growth factors?
Apparently, it may seem that PRP technique with more platelets produces more growth factors. Surprisingly, the novel studies have shown that the PRF method releases more growth factors, because there are more cells in its fibrin structure. This is another distinguishing item among the differences between PRP and PRF. Also, PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, and IGF are released continuously, while in PRP, they are released more in the first days. Then, the process decreases. In addition, the existence of fibrin, white globules, and stem cells in PRF makes its repairing effect longer. Therefore, PRF is more prominent than PRP in terms of structural quality and the amount of growth factors over time.
The effect of PRP and PRF on skin rejuvenation and repair
Each of these techniques has its own effects. Some of them are similar, while the others are different. In the following, we explain how PRP and PRF affect the skin.
The effects of PRP on the skin
PRP technique stimulates the fibroblasts, increases the collagen and elastin production, and improves the blood circulation under the skin. This method softens, brightens, and smooths the skin gradually. It affects the darkness of the tear trough, fine lines, and skin freshness fantastically. However, for deeper treatments, it needs more sessions. For example, PRP technique is efficient for superficial scars.
The effects of PRF on the skin
In addition to all of the merits of the PRP technique, the PRF method has an extra advantage; it releases the growth factors more gradually in a longer period. This causes the PRF method to be more effective for the following cases: deep acne scars, slight skin droop, faster damaged skin repair, in-depth and longer rejuvenation, the darkness and sinking under the eyes, and removing deeper wrinkles. Also, due to containing stem cells, PRF improves the skin firmness and density noticeably.
Most of the specialists believe that PRF is the best technique for treating under eyes. It does not create the swelling from PRP. The slow release of growth factors results in gradual improvement of darkness. The fibrin structure remains for a long time under the eyes. Also, deep acne scars respond better to the PRF method. These are some of the differences between PRP and PRF techniques.
How do we know whether PRP or PRF is better?
Choosing the proper method depends on the age, skin type, skin problem severity, and the treatment goal. Here, some items are introduced that determine which technique is suitable for you. It should be noted that the doctor usually suggests the best option based on the complete skin assessment.
PRP
This technique is more proper for younger people with fine lines on their faces. It also removes the slight darkness under the eyes. The minimally damaged skins that need light improvements are good candidates for applying this method. Notably, hair loss in the initial stages could be treated effectively by this approach. Finally, those who want to have more, but lighter sessions could benefit from PRP technique more.
PRF
It is a good solution for deeper, visible wrinkles. Negligible face droop and severe sinking and darkness under the eyes are treated by PRF technique. It is also a good option for acne scars with medium to high depth. Those who look for more durable results and elderly people needing more collagen stimulation benefit from the PRF method.
Possible complications of PRP and PRF
Because in both methods, the blood of one is used, the techniques are very safe. However, slight, temporary side effects are possible. Some of these side effects are as follows: redness and negligible swelling on the injection area, feeling pressure or burning, trivial bruises, temporary inflammation, and relative skin sensitivity in the first days. Severe side effects are so rare, mostly related to improper injection technique or not meeting the aftercare measures.
Aftercare tips
To achieve the best results and to increase the durability of the treatment effects, you should take some measures. Do not wear makeup for 24 hours. Avoid heavy exercises and take a sauna. It is recommended to not expose your skin to direct sunlight. Also, to protect your skin against the sunlight, apply sunscreen. Drink enough water. Do not peel your skin for several days. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking for 48 hours, at least. These actions help mitigate the inflammation and improve the treatment results.
Combining with other techniques
Both techniques could be combined with other approaches to provide a better result. These methods work with microneedling in the best way. The canals made by needles guide the growth factors to the deeper layers. The combination with fractional laser brings faster improvement for scars and skin firming. They boost the skin quality before filler injection, creating more natural results.
PRP or PRF; this is the question
In this blog, we explained the main differences between PRP and PRF. Also, we learned about both techniques and their usages. Contact us to know which technique fits your requirements and goals. Amada, as an authorized beauty center possessing the best team and equipment, is ready to offer the highest level of services in the beauty field.
| Method | Common Applications | Duration of Effect |
| PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) | Skin rejuvenation, hair loss treatment, wound healing, joint injuries. | Quick onset, shorter-lasting (about 1–3 months depending on application). |
| PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) | Facial rejuvenation, hair restoration, dental surgery, tissue regeneration. | Slower but longer-lasting (about 3–6 months due to gradual release). |
