Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) vs PRP — The Next Evolution in Regenerative Aesthetics

Last updated: 5 March 2026

Medically reviewed by the clinical team at Axiom Aesthetics. Our practitioners hold advanced training in regenerative aesthetic medicine and platelet-rich therapies.

If you have been following aesthetic medicine trends, you have likely heard of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy — the so-called “vampire facial” that uses your own blood to rejuvenate skin. But a newer, more advanced iteration is rapidly gaining traction among practitioners and patients alike: PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin). This next-generation regenerative treatment offers several significant advantages over traditional PRP.

At Axiom Aesthetics, we stay at the forefront of regenerative aesthetics. In this guide, we explain the science behind PRF, how it compares to PRP, and why it may offer superior results for skin rejuvenation and hair restoration.

Understanding the Basics: Platelets and Growth Factors

Both PRP and PRF are autologous treatments — meaning they use the patient’s own blood. The goal is to concentrate the platelets and growth factors naturally present in your blood, then deliver them to targeted areas to stimulate healing, collagen production, and tissue regeneration.

Platelets contain over 30 different growth factors, including:

• PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor): Stimulates cell proliferation and blood vessel formation
• TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor Beta): Promotes collagen synthesis and tissue repair
• VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor): Enhances blood supply to treated tissues
• EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor): Accelerates skin cell turnover and wound healing
• IGF (Insulin-like Growth Factor): Supports cellular growth and differentiation

How PRP Is Prepared

Traditional PRP preparation involves drawing a small volume of blood (typically 10-20ml), placing it in a tube containing an anticoagulant (usually sodium citrate or ACD-A), and spinning it in a centrifuge at high speed (typically 3,000-4,000 RPM) for 10-15 minutes. This separates the blood into three layers: red blood cells at the bottom, a buffy coat in the middle, and platelet-poor plasma on top. The platelet-rich layer is extracted and used for treatment.

How PRF Is Different

PRF preparation uses a fundamentally different approach. Blood is drawn into tubes without any anticoagulant and spun at a lower speed (typically 700-1,100 RPM) for a shorter duration (3-8 minutes). This slower centrifugation preserves more of the blood’s natural components, resulting in a fibrin matrix that contains:

• Higher concentrations of white blood cells — providing anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects
• A natural fibrin scaffold — a three-dimensional mesh that traps platelets and releases growth factors slowly over 10-14 days, compared to PRP’s release window of just a few hours
• More stem cells and growth factors — studies show PRF contains up to 10 times more circulating stem cells than PRP
• No synthetic additives — because no anticoagulant is used, PRF is 100% autologous

Research published in Clinical Oral Investigations (2023) demonstrated that PRF releases growth factors for up to 14 days, compared to PRP’s 4-8 hour release window, potentially leading to more sustained and effective tissue regeneration.

PRF in Aesthetic Applications

Skin Rejuvenation

PRF can be injected into the skin similarly to a dermal filler or skin booster. The fibrin matrix acts as a natural scaffold, providing subtle volume while continuously releasing growth factors that improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity over weeks. Results appear gradually and look entirely natural because the improvement comes from your own biology. View our full range of skin treatments.

Under-Eye Rejuvenation

The under-eye area is notoriously challenging to treat due to the thin, delicate skin. PRF has become a preferred option for dark circles and hollowing because the fibrin matrix provides gentle, natural volumisation while improving skin quality from within — without the risk of Tyndall effect that can occur with hyaluronic acid fillers in this area.

Hair Restoration

PRF injections into the scalp deliver concentrated growth factors directly to hair follicles, stimulating dormant follicles and improving the thickness and density of existing hair. The sustained release of growth factors from the fibrin matrix may offer advantages over PRP for hair restoration, with some studies reporting 30% greater hair density improvement.

Combination with Microneedling

PRF applied topically during microneedling allows the growth factors to penetrate through the micro-channels created by the needles. This combination is particularly effective for acne scarring, enlarged pores, and overall skin texture improvement.

Head-to-Head Comparison: PRF vs PRP

Feature	PRP	PRF
Anticoagulant	Required	None (100% natural)
Spin speed	High (3,000-4,000 RPM)	Low (700-1,100 RPM)
Growth factor release	4-8 hours	10-14 days
White blood cells	Minimal	High concentration
Stem cells	Moderate	Up to 10x more
Natural scaffold	No (liquid)	Yes (fibrin matrix)
Sessions needed	3-4 monthly	2-3 monthly
Results duration	3-6 months	6-12 months

What to Expect During PRF Treatment

1. Consultation: Our experienced practitioners assess your concerns and determine whether PRF is the optimal treatment for your goals.
2. Blood draw: A small volume of blood (20-40ml) is drawn from your arm — similar to a routine blood test.
3. Centrifugation: Your blood is processed in a specialised low-speed centrifuge. The PRF is ready within 8-10 minutes.
4. Application: Depending on your treatment plan, PRF is either injected with fine needles, applied during microneedling, or used as a topical serum.
5. Duration: The entire appointment takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Recovery and Aftercare

PRF treatments involve minimal downtime, though you may experience:

• Mild redness and swelling at injection sites for 24-48 hours
• Slight bruising that resolves within 5-7 days
• A warm, tight sensation in the treated area

For best results:

• Avoid touching the treated area for 6 hours
• Skip makeup for 12-24 hours post-treatment
• Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, aspirin) for 48 hours — these can inhibit the platelet response
• Use SPF 50 daily and avoid direct sun exposure for one week
• Stay hydrated and eat protein-rich foods to support tissue repair
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours

Explore PRF at Axiom Aesthetics

As leaders in regenerative aesthetics, our team at Axiom Aesthetics is proud to offer PRF therapy as part of our commitment to evidence-based, patient-centred care. Whether you are looking to rejuvenate your skin, address under-eye concerns, or tackle hair thinning, PRF offers a natural, effective solution.

Book your PRF consultation today and discover how your own biology can transform your appearance.

References: Miron, R.J. et al. (2023). “Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Regenerative Medicine.” Clinical Oral Investigations, 27(1), 1-15. Dohan Ehrenfest, D.M. et al. (2022). “Classification of platelet concentrates.” Journal of Oral Implantology, 48(3), 240-255. Gentile, P. et al. (2021). “PRF in hair loss treatment.” Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 10(5), 678-689.