Sep 08
PRP vs PRF vs PDGF: Everything You Need to Know About These Regenerative Treatments
PRP vs PRF vs PDGF: Everything You Need to Know About These Regenerative Treatments
If you’ve been researching cosmetic injectables, skin rejuvenation treatments, or even hair restoration procedures, you’ve probably come across the terms PRP, PRF, and PDGF. These regenerative therapies are transforming the way we approach aging, healing, and overall skin health. But what exactly are they, how do they work, and what’s the difference? Let’s dive in.
What is PRP? (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is one of the most popular natural treatments in aesthetics and regenerative medicine. A small sample of your blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge, separating out the plasma that’s rich in platelets. Platelets are packed with growth factors, proteins that stimulate tissue repair and collagen production.
PRP treatments deliver these healing factors directly where you need them most. Some of the most common uses include:
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PRP for skin rejuvenation: Improves fine lines, wrinkles, tone, and texture.
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PRP for hair restoration: Stimulates dormant follicles and encourages new growth.
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PRP for joint and tendon injuries: Speeds up healing and reduces inflammation.
Think of PRP as your body’s own natural injectable serum, designed to rejuvenate from the inside out.
What is PRF? (Platelet-Rich Fibrin)
PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) is often called the “next generation of PRP.” It’s also created from your blood, but the preparation is slightly different. The blood is spun at a lower speed and without additives, which forms a fibrin matrix. This matrix holds not only platelets but also white blood cells and stem cells.
The biggest difference between PRF and PRP is release time. PRP releases growth factors quickly, while PRF provides a slow, sustained release over days or even weeks. This makes PRF an excellent choice for treatments that benefit from gradual, long-lasting stimulation, such as:
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Facial aesthetics: Restoring natural volume, improving skin tone, and boosting elasticity.
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Dental surgery and wound healing: Enhancing tissue repair.
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Under-eye rejuvenation: Reducing dark circles and fine lines in a delicate area.
Think of PRF as the long-acting version of PRP, gentle, steady, and powerful.
What is PDGF? (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor)
PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor) is one of the key growth factors naturally found in PRP and PRF. It’s a powerful signaling molecule that tells your body to start repairing tissue, forming new blood vessels, and producing collagen.
Some treatments use synthetic PDGF, under the brand name Ariessence, but you usually receive PDGF naturally as a component of PRP or PRF.
In short: PRP and PRF are the treatments, and PDGF is one of the “healing ingredients” inside them.
PRP vs PRF vs PDGF: What’s the Difference?
|
Treatment |
What It Is |
How It Works |
Best For |
|
PRP |
Platelet-Rich Plasma |
Platelets concentrated from your blood, releasing growth factors quickly |
Fast rejuvenation, hair growth, skin texture |
|
PRF |
Platelet-Rich Fibrin |
Platelets + stem cells in a fibrin matrix, releasing growth factors slowly |
Long-lasting healing, natural volume, delicate areas |
|
PDGF |
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor |
A single growth factor found in PRP/PRF that triggers cell repair |
Tissue regeneration, collagen production |
The Takeaway
PRP, PRF, and PDGF all work by harnessing your body’s natural healing power, but each has unique advantages.
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PRP: Quick boost of growth factors for faster results.
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PRF: Slow, steady release for longer-lasting effects.
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PDGF: One of the essential growth factors behind both treatments.
Whether your goal is younger-looking skin, thicker hair, or faster recovery, these regenerative treatments offer safe, natural solutions without synthetic chemicals.
