Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich-fibrin (PRF) injections have been used to rejuvenate skin, promote hair development, and even repair orthopaedic problems. Even though the treatment names feel similar and are used in the same way, PRF varies from PRP in several important aspects.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
PRP is a first-generation platelet concentration aimed at improving tissue repair. It’s a gel with a high concentration of autologous platelets suspended in an extremely thin layer of plasma after the centrifugation of the patient’s blood. The preparation technique is costly, complex, and highly operator-dependent.
Plasmolifting World was created in 2003 by a group of biomedical researchers as a fast-growing health care company. They are working on developing strategies and instruments to speed up the repair and mending of body cells and tissues. They exclusively utilize and recommend medical supplies and equipment that fulfil the regulatory compliance criteria of all European countries. Their PRP tubes – good value for money, suitable for Plasmolifting PRP procedures, simple to use, and made in Italy.
PRF (Platelet-rich-fibrin)
PRF is a popular, natural platelet concentrate that is made using a simple procedure and no biochemical alteration is included. Anticoagulants or bovine thrombin are not required in this approach. This feature makes this product very easy to use, with a very low rate of errors throughout the preparation step. The blood is drawn (10ml) in tubes without anticoagulants, and is centrifuged right away. The Fibrinogen is first concentrated in the upper portion of the tube, but only after it comes in contact with the thrombin present in the blood.
Difference Between PRP and PRF
Processing Speed
Your blood sample is spun at a high speed to form each PRP and PRF, allowing heavier portions of your blood to sink to the bottom of the apparatus, while lighter platelets and plasma occupy the top. This approach makes it easier to isolate the platelets and plasma or PRP from the rest of the blood.
The PRF format is processed at a slower rate. As a result, some white blood cells, stem cells, and fibrin remain in the final product. In other words, PRF contains additional healing components, such as platelets, fibrin, and stem cells. The slower speed has the added benefit of causing less damage to individual cells, which is critical for harvesting stem cells for healing.
Platelet Count
PRP is spun quickly, which means many platelets are left out of the final output. However, the number of platelets will still be 3-5 times higher than normal blood. On the other hand, due to the slower rate of PRF creation, even a large number of platelets may be able to survive the final solution. It may contain a rich source of platelets.
Release Time
PRP manufacturing uses anticoagulants to keep the blood sample from coagulating naturally while it’s being treated. Fibrin is formed during PRF synthesis. The final PRF product acts as a support or matrix, allowing platelets to be released more slowly after injection.
In reality, this is one of the most significant differences in terms of how each product is used: PRP releases more platelets and growth factors more quickly after injection, whereas PRF releases platelets and growth factors more slowly.
To conclude, it can be said that PRP and PRF have similar properties but PRF is most appreciated by clinics while being used for skin rejuvenation and scar treatment. The PRF treatment is more effective because it retains a higher number of WBCs and stem cells.
