Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation PRP where autologous platelets and leukocytes are present in a complex fibrin matrix to accelerate the healing of soft and hard tissue. To obtain PRF, a sample of your blood is drawn quickly into a test tube without an anticoagulant and centrifuged immediately to produce Platelet-rich fibrin clot.Another sample of blood is drawn into another tube with anticoagulant to produce Platelet-rich plasma. The fibrin clot is then added to the platelet-rich plasma to restart the coagulation process in a physiological manner before injecting to the skin. This natural process induces the formation of three-dimensional fibrin matrix in which the platelets are entrapped. This allows a long lasting growth factor delivery at the treatment site and the matrix serves as scaffold for new tissue reconstruction. Inside your skin, concentrated platelets contained in PRP are going to release growth factors in their biological ratio, in order to stimulate cellular proliferation of fibroblasts and synthesis of extracellular matrix components such as collagen and elastin fibers, which are responsible for the elastic properties of the skin.
Expected benefits are an increase of skin elasticity with smoothing of fine wrinkles along with improvement of skin complexion. PRF treatments allow also the filling of deeper wrinkles like nasolabial folds or dark rings around the eyes.
Results appear from the first weeks after the first injection but, in order to get the best results in terms of quality and durability, your medical practitioner will suggest you a protocol including several sessions.
The number and interval between sessions will depend on personalized analysis of your skin, the treated areas, your lifestyle and your habits. Moreover, since the process relies on the use of your own (autologous) platelets and regeneration abilities, there is a natural variation of results among individuals.
As PRF is consisting only of your own blood components, very few side effects are expected. The most common adverse reactions are temporary redness, swelling and bruising at the injection sites. Theoretically a vascular occlusion would be possible if a large amount of fibrin matrix was injected directly into a vessel (no known reported cases). All precautions are taken to avoid any side effects.
Please, always inform your medical practitioner if you have a history of allergy to drugs or any other substance.
Contraindications of PRP and PRF in skin regeneration treatments include:
· History of cervico-facial or blood cancers without checking of a total remission
· Presence of skin lesions susceptible to be caused by an abnormal cellular proliferation process. Your medical practitioner will have to do a prior diagnostic if any doubt subsists.
· Presence of an acute and/or systemic infection
· Concomitant intake of anticoagulants
Inform your medical practitioner if you suffer from any blood or auto-immune disease, as it can represent a risk for your health or a lack of efficiency.
Inform your medical practitioner if you are taking medications that can alter platelet functions or affect skin and notify him of former aesthetic treatments that you received.
BEFORE your Regen® System treatment
- Avoid using alcohol, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen), St. John’s Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements. These agents may increase bruising and bleeding at the injection site.
AFTER your Regen® System treatment
After your treatment (for up to 3 days) you should NOT do any of the following:
- Apply make-up
- Touch the injection area or rub the skin where the treatment has been performed
- Swim or undertake any strenuous exercise
- Expose yourself to longs periods in the sun
- Go to a sauna or steam room
- Expose yourself to extreme hot or cold (ice packs) temperatures or to large swings in temperature
AFTER treatments involving your face or lip area:
- Do not drink very hot or cold beverages
- Do not undergo any complementary treatment such as peelings, laser treatments, etc. for at least one month