What is PLATELET-Rich Fibrin
Platelet Rich Fibrin represents the second generation of platelet concentrates that can be applied to speed recovery and enhance tissue regeneration.
Platelet rich products including Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) are easy to prepare autologous products that are rich in growth factors and have numerous beneficial effects on the body and face.
Platelet concentrates have been used for over 40 years with an initial application in fibrin glues and tissue sealants to promote hemostasis and tissue adherence in surgery. These concentrates have evolved to enhance wound healing and tissue regeneration after their inherent positive effects were studied.
What are platelet concentrates composed of:
- Platelets participate in homeostasis, angiogenesis, inflammation, and tissue regeneration
- More than 1500 bioactive factors
- Concentrated platelets provide 6-8 times supraphysiologic doses of growth factors
- Stimulate stem cells and target cells
What is the difference between PRF and PRP?
The advantage of PRF includes a prolonged growth factor release and an immunogenic benefit
PRP introduced in 1998 autologous concentration of human platelets in a small volume of plasma.
It was prepared with a multi step centrifugation (2 step)with activation to release growth factors.
Non-autologous anticoagulants (bovine thrombin or calcium chloride) are needed in centrifugation to avoid activation and degranulation of the platelets.
PRP is stable for about 8 hours but when activated they release growth factors in 10 minutes.
PRF was introduced in 2001 platelet concentrate prepared without anticoagulants.
PRF unlike PRP has a high concentration of immune cells which forms an autologous platelet and leukocyte rich fibrin material.
PRF make-up: Composed of platelets, immunity promoters and cytokines
PRF is a dense fibrin network which enables slower degradation and slow release of growth factors which can last for up to a week after injection.
It is derived in a similar fashion to PRP though the easy process including centrifugation and PRP clot does not activate the platelets.
The advantage of the fibrin matrix formation attracts surrounding tissue growth factors which can enhance tissue growth.
The PRF injectable gel is centrifuged blood without activation of the platelets with a capture of an injectable gel composed of plasma, clotting factors and platelets which can be used either topically or injected into areas of enhancement and rejuvenation.