In the world of regenerative aesthetics, two treatments have been making waves: PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin). Both use your own blood to stimulate healing, collagen production, and tissue repair—but while they may sound similar, they work very differently. And understanding those differences helps ensure you’re not just choosing what’s popular, but what actually aligns with your skin or hair goals.
What Is PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)?
PRP is one of the original regenerative therapies in both medicine and aesthetics. It’s created by drawing a small sample of your blood and spinning it at a high speed to separate out the platelets from red blood cells. An anticoagulant is added to keep the solution from clotting, which allows the platelets and plasma to remain in a liquid state. Once injected or microneedled into the skin, PRP delivers a high concentration of growth factors almost immediately. That’s what makes it a go-to for boosting collagen, improving skin texture, and stimulating hair growth. If you're looking for quick stimulation—like prepping for an event or smoothing out texture—PRP is fast and effective, but results may not last as long compared to PRF.
What Is PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin)?
PRF is the next evolution of regenerative therapy. It’s processed more gently—your blood is spun at a lower speed, which allows more white blood cells and fibrin to stay in the mix. Importantly, PRF doesn’t contain an anticoagulant. This means it clots naturally, forming a gel-like matrix that slowly releases growth factors over 7–10 days. That slow release supports longer-term healing and deeper tissue regeneration. PRF is especially ideal for fragile or delicate areas like the under-eyes, where you want to rebuild volume and elasticity without adding bulk. It’s also a great fit for those seeking a more “natural” option that continues to work well after the appointment is over.
So Which One Is Better?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on what you’re treating and what kind of outcome you’re looking for. PRP gives you that quick-hit boost, making it great for stimulating hair growth or smoothing texture fast. PRF, on the other hand, works more slowly but has staying power. It’s ideal for patients looking to support long-term skin quality, address hollowing or dark circles, or improve fragile skin without fillers.
When I Might Use One Over the Other
If you’re prepping for an event or want to kickstart collagen quickly, I might reach for PRP. If you’re struggling with thin, delicate under-eye skin, or need longer-lasting support in areas with inflammation or tissue breakdown, PRF is often the better tool. In many cases, I use them in tandem—layering treatments depending on the biology of your skin and how it’s responding.
Know the Tools, Not Just the Trend
PRP and PRF are both regenerative, both use your body’s own healing mechanisms, and both can absolutely improve skin and hair health. But how they’re processed and how they work in the tissue is not the same. If you’ve tried one and didn’t love the result, it might not be the treatment—it might just be the wrong match for your concern or your timing.
That’s why consultation matters. Not everything trending on social media is right for your biology, and not all regenerative approaches are created equal. When we choose the right tool for your skin’s needs, the results aren’t just good—they’re real, lasting, and rooted in science.