Which is better, PRP or PRF? Over the past years, repairing and rejuvenation treatments using the individual’s blood plasma have been introduced as one of the safest and most efficient regenerative medicine techniques. In this field, there are two main techniques including Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF). Both methods are based on extracting natural growth factors from blood. Despite some similarities, the structure, formulation, the process of releasing substances, results, and durability are different. In the Amada research team, we have examined these differences between PRP and PRF.
Now, we aim to discuss the merits, limitations, skin applications, and some other features to find out which is better, PRP or PRF. This content is another piece of the puzzle of studying injectables in Marietta. Finally, you will obtain a comprehensive perception about these approaches. Subsequently, you are able to choose the proper option. Let’s go to learn about the novel skincare methods.
What is the difference in performance between PRP and PRF?
First, to know the differences, we need to take a look at the mechanism of these two techniques. In the following, we explain the procedures separately.
PRP
In this method, the blood drawn from one’s vein is centrifuged at high speed. The plasma enriched with platelets is separated. This solution is in the liquid phase and injectable immediately. In this method, anti-coagulation is used to maintain the phase unchanged. In the first days, a huge amount of growth factors is released by platelets; however, the process is short-term.
PRF
In this technique, the blood is centrifuged at lower speed with no additives. Then, a natural fibrin matrix is formed. The growth factors will be trapped in a gel-fiber structure. This causes them to be released gradually. In this process, no chemical or external substance is involved. This method constructs better tissues in a longer period.
This is one of the answers to the question that asks which is better, PRP or PRF.
PRP applications for the skin
Over the past years, PRP has been used in the field of beauty, skincare, and tissue repair. The main applications for this method are as follows.
Skin rejuvenation
PRP technique improves the tissue quality, color, and firmness of the skin. It increases the production of collagen types I and III. Also, this method enhances blood circulation. The other effect of PRP is increasing the skin humidity.
Removing fine wrinkles
PRP affects fine, superficial wrinkles. The deep lines need combining the technique with dermal filler injection, RF, or microneedling.
Darkness of tear trough
This is one of the best applications of PRP for skincare. This technique increases blood circulation. In addition, melanin production is reduced. On the other hand, the skin is thickened.
Healing superficial acne scars
Alongside subcision, laser, and microneedling, PRP shows remarkable results. It removes acne scars efficiently. Initially, these techniques prepare the surface of the skin. Then, the PRP procedure supplies the material needed for deep, sustainable repair. The final result is softer skin with high firmness.
Hair loss
This is one of the most known applications for PRP. The method results in a good outcome, especially for androgenic, telogen effluvium, and hair loss after stress or surgery. This method stimulates follicle growth and anagen phase increase.
Knowing these features, you could find which is better, PRP or PRF.
PRF applications in the skin
PRF is perceived as a more novel, advanced version of PRP. The applications of this technique are as follows.
In-depth, durable rejuvenation
Due to its gel-like structure, in the PRF method, the growth factors are released gradually. Also, the tissue stimulation lasts longer. Thereby, the in-depth collagen construction increases. In addition, the skin firmness improves. This method brightens the skin and reduces the deep wrinkles.
Darkness of tear trough
Today, PRF is considered the best biologic method for the tear trough. The reason is that it is more durable. This technique is able to reduce wrinkles. Due to the fibrin structure, it has a kind of filling capability. The brightening effect of this method is higher than PRP. This point is a good clue to decide which is better, PRP or PRF.
Healing superficial acne scars
In repairing atrophic scars, the PRF technique is more efficient than the PRP. Especially when this method is combined with subcision, microneedling, or fractional RF, the results improve remarkably.
Biological volume boosting
Sometimes, PRF technique is used as a biological filler because it has a gel-like form. Therefore, it could create a very mild volume.
Combined applications
Similar to the PRP technique, this method is used in combination with dermal filler injection, mesotherapy, laser treatment, and Botox. This combination affects the skin quality and the results’ durability.
Advantages and limitations of PRP and PRF
Both PRP and PRF have merits and limitations. Knowing these advantages and constraints helps you to determine which is better, PRP or PRF. In the following, we explain these items in detail.
Advantages
Preparing PRP is easier and the injection process is more convenient. Also, this technique is more appropriate for large areas. The results emerge faster in this method. In addition, PRP has extensive application in treating hair loss.
On the other hand, PRF is a fully natural technique with no additives. It releases the growth factors gradually and over a long period. The collagen production and skin tissue reconstruction are stronger than PRP. The results of this approach last longer. In addition, this technique is proper for tear trough and in-depth rejuvenation. Finally, this solution could be turned into gel for biological filler applications. To decide which is better, PRP or PRF, you could compare these advantages.
Limitations
PRP technique needs anti-coagulation compounds. The growth factors are released fast in a short-term period. Also, the durability of the results is shorter than PRF. It should be noted that the PRP method responds weaker to in-depth skin problems.
For the PRF solution, the injection process is harder due to gel-like thickness. This technique is more complicated; therefore, it needs higher skill. It may cause a little bit more bruises. To be injected in the areas with thin skin, PRF needs high expertise.
Which method has more lasting results?
Durability of results is another key factor to decide which is better, PRP or PRF. Scientifically and medically, PRF technique lasts longer. There are a bunch of reasons for this feature. First, the fibrin structure causes the growth factors to be released gradually. Second, the cell stimulation in the PRF method is longer. Also, a deeper and more extensive collagen production happens with PRF technique. Generally, PRP effects last for 1 to 3 months, while this time for PRF is about 3 to 6 months. For sensitive areas like tear troughs, PRF technique is almost the common choice.
Additional Important Factors to Consider
Finding the answer to the question of which is better, PRP or PRF, does not happen only by considering the technical differences. There are other factors directly affecting the result, session numbers, patient’s satisfaction, and even the safety of treatment. These factors include age, skin quality, the problem, drug history, lifestyle, treatment expectations, and even the doctor’s skill. Here, we discuss the factors thoroughly.
The age and skin condition
Usually, the younger patients between 20 and 35 years old have a good collagen and elastin reservoir. The reconstruction response with PRP is sufficient and acceptable. This technique has a desirable performance for treating simple problems like mild darkness, fine wrinkles, and initial hair loss. Also, the recovery period is shorter in this age range.
On the other hand, for patients older than 35, the skin gets thinner, and fibroblasts work weaker. Now, the wrinkles are deeper and the old scars respond less to the ordinary treatments. For this group, PRF technique provides much better and more durable results. The reason is that the skin is stimulated longer by this method. In addition, the fibrin structure increases the tissue slightly and naturally.
The treatment goals
To find which is better, PRP or PRF, the treatment goals play a key role. Most of the doctors meet the following concept. They use the PRP and PRF for superficial problems and in-depth ones, respectively. The superficial skin problems include skin dryness, shallow wrinkles, and pale hyperpigmentation. While in-depth problems consist of tear trough darkness and sink, deep lines, old scars, and slight drooping.
Waiting time for results
Sometimes, due to some reasons like attending an important ceremony or traveling, the patient needs to reach the results quickly. Here, PRP is more proper because it releases the growth factors faster. Subsequently, the skin gets brighter and fresher in the first 5 to 10 days. On the other hand, PRF technique is recommended if the patient expects a durable result. The reason is that the repair effects take place gradually in 1 to 2 months.
The cost and needed sessions
Usually, PRP has a lower cost. It needs 3 to 4 sessions, while the gap between sessions is 4 weeks. However, PRF techniques are more costly than PRP. But it is completed in 1 to 2 sessions. Also, the gap between the successive sessions is 6 to 8 weeks. Therefore, considering the longer-lasting results, the final cost is lower than the PRP method. Of course, cost is a determining factor to know which is better, PRP or PRF.
Lifestyle and body metabolism
People who do heavy exercises like athletes, those with fast metabolism, high caffeine and alcohol consumption, and smokers usually consume growth factors faster. Therefore, the results of PRP technique last shorter. In such a condition, doctors essentially suggest PRF or a combination of PRP and PRF for achieving the best results.
Medicine and medical condition
Some drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, anti-coagulation, and anti-inflammations affect the platelets adversely. Therefore, the quality of PRP treatment deteriorates. In these conditions, PRF technique is a better choice because it has no additives. Also, having a fibrin structure, it performs more sustainably. In addition, some problems like severe anemia or lack of platelet (Thrombocytopenia) affect the quality of both methods. However, the PRF technique is less dependent on platelet concentration. To know which is better, PRP or PRF, these cases must be considered.
Injections history and former treatments
If the patient has been treated by PRP with medium results, it is recommended to test PRF technique. It is usually more efficient. Also, in the case of former dermal filler injection, PRF is suggested for achieving a uniform, natural tissue.
The thickness and type of skin
For thin skins like tear trough, PRF is the best option because it brightens the area and boosts the volume mildly. On the other hand, for thicker skins or skin with wide open pores, PRP technique outperforms the PRF method.
The injection technique
Due to the gel-like thickness, PRF injection needs higher skill. If the doctor is not experienced enough to inject PRF correctly, it is possible that the desired outcome is not realized. This is why choosing an authorized, well-known beauty center and professional team is so crucial.
The patient’s expectations
PRF technique is recommended for those who like to achieve a more natural, gradual result. For fast outcomes like skin freshness and brightness, PRP method is suggested. Today, in many modern clinics, both approaches are implemented for their synergic effects.
All of the abovementioned items affect our perspective about which is better, PRP or PRF.
Safety and side effects
Since the individual’s own blood is used in both techniques, they are highly safe and reliable. However, the common side effects are slight swelling, bruises, mild pain, feeling heaviness, or sensitivity in the area of injection. The main advantage of PRF over the PRP technique is that due to lack of chemicals or anti-coagulation substances, it is more proper for people with allergy.
PRP and PRF, which one should be chosen?
Finally, you know everything about both PRP and PRF techniques. We discussed different aspects of these methods. Nevertheless, you may have doubts about your decision and cannot determine which is better, PRP or PRF. Do not worry! The best way is to contact us to guide you. Amada possesses a professional team of doctors and specialists to offer a variety of skincare services including PRP and PRF techniques. Take advantage of our free consultation session to make the best decision.
| Feature | PRP | PRF |
| Speed of Growth Factor Release | Fast and high during the first 2–3 days | Gradual release over 7–14 days |
| Longevity of Results | Shorter-lasting | Longer-lasting |
| Clot / Structural Formation | No clot; liquid form | Forms a gel-like or fibrin matrix |
| Effect on Collagen Production | Moderate | Stronger and deeper collagen stimulation |
| Angiogenesis (New Blood Vessel Formation) | Good | Much better |
| Ability to Stimulate Tissue Repair | High | Higher |
