PRF hair treatment uses a naturally attained serum known as platelet-rich fibrin, which is injected into the scalp area, showing baldness or hair thinning. PRF contains higher-than-normal amounts of platelets, which are parts of the blood with natural healing properties and other regenerative materials. Platelets trigger cellular turnover, tissue regrowth, and collagen and elastin production.
PRF is considered the “second-generation” of platelet therapy because it contains a higher number of platelets than PRP and additional elements, including white cells, growth factors, and stem cells. Higher concentrations of platelets offer more effective skin rejuvenation. Unlike PRP, which contains an anticoagulant to prevent blood from clotting too quickly, PRF is completely natural and contains no anticoagulant agents.
The processes for collecting and producing PRP and PRF are similar. Both require a simple blood draw. The blood is then processed through a centrifuge, which separates its distinct parts.
The blood is spun at different speeds to create separate serums. Higher speeds separate the heavier white blood cells and stem cells from the lighter platelets and plasma, and lower speeds do not separate the parts of the blood as distinctly.
The blood sample is spun through the centrifuge at higher speeds to create PRP serum, separating the plasma and platelets. To create PRF serum, the blood sample is spun at lower speeds, leaving some of the white blood cells and stem cells within the platelet layer. The serums are then drawn into syringes for use.
Because PRF does not contain any clotting agents, the blood product must be used quickly after collection and processing. The anticoagulant agent in PRP allows for some wiggle room between the time the blood sample is collected and processed and the time it must be injected or applied to the skin or scalp.
