Let’s Talk PRF
PRF, or Platelet Rich Fibrin, is Sweet Tox’s newest treatment and we’re so excited to be able to finally offer it! PRF is used as a natural, rejuvenation treatment and you can inject it pretty much anywhere, meaning the possibilities are truly endless. Since this treatment has been around for years and has been used in SO many different medical settings, it’s only right it finally breaks into the aesthetic world. Let’s dive in to what this means for you!
So what is this PRF stuff and how do we get it?
In a typical PRF appointment, we consult you first of course to hear about your goals, draw your blood through a tiny needle, spin the blood in a centrifuge machine that spins it super, super, super fast to separate the red blood cells, then re-inject the good stuff (PRF) back into your body. The best part? It’s the most organic form of filler since it’s made up of you and only you, and has no added chemicals or by-products. You may also hear a lot about PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma, basically PRF’s less hot younger sister), but we mostly use PRF here at Sweet Tox due to its increased platelets, plasma, stem cells, cytokines and cell growth factors. The bottom line with PRF is that it promotes natural healing, skin elasticity and collagen production.
collagen
We talk a LOT about collagen at Sweet Tox because it’s a huge factor in aging. Collagen is a natural protein that the body makes and it plays a critical role in the structure of the skin, cartilage, bones and connective tissue (basically everything that helps keep us nice and tight). We start losing collagen in our 20s (OMG) and can’t grow it back on our own without the help of injectables or supplements. While PRF promotes cell growth and collagen production, Sculptra is another treatment we offer that also stimulates collagen growth. So what the heck is the difference? Sculptra has the powerhouse agent Poly-L-lactic acid that tells your body to create collagen at a more extreme rate, while PRF is a little less intense. We recommend about 3 sessions for any PRF treatment in order to get the best, lasting results since it is such an organic/natural procedure BUT we start seeing results sooner in PRF (around 2-3 months) vs. Sculptra (around 6-8 months). It totally depends on the patient, their goals, budget, and injector expertise in regards to using Sculptra vs PRF. Thankfully, we offer both at Sweet Tox for you to choose from and can consult with one of our Nurse Injectors about which treatment is right for you!
How can we use it?
Now that we know what PRF is, let’s talk about all of the crazy different ways we can utilize it. We can use it to improve fine lines (think smile lines, tech neck, smoker lines and basically anywhere we place tox), rejuvenate volume loss, stimulate hair growth, improve uneven skin texture and tone, promote healing in scars and injuries, breast rejuvenation and SO much more. We’ve been especially obsessed with utilizing it in the under-eyes since it’s a safer, more natural treatment than filler. After PRF is injected, it creates a swelling cascade that brings all the stem cells to the yard, not just milkshakes. The swell can be gnarly but the more swell, the better the results. We WANT to keep the inflammatory response going, so that means no icing (which is almost like, sacrilegious?). Swelling usually goes down in about 3 days, so plan accordingly!
Results
In terms of seeing results, we talk in the rule of 3’s. PRF completely absorbs in the surrounding tissues within the first 3 days (meaning your results will be very subtle after the first few days). Some see immediate improvement, some need a little more time and treatments. The healing process and new tissue formation occurs around 3 weeks, and then the ultimate results usually take about 3 months. Once again, we recommend about 3 treatments 1-2 months in between each other for the best results. Results last differently in every person depending on the quality of their blood, but we have seen results lasting 8 months to a year which is CRAZY for an all organic form of filler. We suggest touch ups as necessary (every 6 months to a year) after your first initial set of treatments.
Long story short, PRF slays and we can’t wait to see the amazing things it can do for our patients. PRF is now available to book online and we have a TON of great further information about it on our socials. Come hang out with us and check out PRF’s endless abilities!