What’s the Difference Between PRP, PRFM, and PRF Gel? Let’s Break It Down

By Josefina Arrigoni MSN NP-BC

October 22, 2024

I know you’ve probably been hearing a lot about treatments like PRP, PRFM, and now PRF Gel. If you’re feeling a bit lost, you’re not alone! It can be confusing to navigate all these options, so let’s simplify things together. Each of these treatments has its unique place in the evolution of regenerative aesthetics, and I’m here to help you understand the differences.

Let’s Start with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

PRP is the original player in the game of regenerative treatments. It’s been around for a while and gained popularity for good reason… It uses your own blood to enhance your skin’s appearance. Here’s how it works: we take a small sample of your blood, spin it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets, and voilà! You have a natural boost of growth factors ready to rejuvenate your skin.

PRP has been a game-changer for treating fine lines, acne scars, and overall skin rejuvenation. It gives patients that beautiful, glow-from-within look, all thanks to their own body. At its time, it was the best natural solution we had for skin regeneration.

Now, Let’s Talk About PRFM (Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix)

Next up is PRFM, which builds on the foundation that PRP laid down. It’s similar but with added benefits. After we spin your blood to separate the platelets, we add calcium chloride to form a fibrin matrix. This acts as a scaffold, allowing the platelets to stay in place longer. This means your skin gets more time to soak in those valuable growth factors, leading to deeper and longer-lasting regeneration.

I’ve had great success with PRFM, especially for patients with deeper lines or areas that need a bit more support. The extra longevity made it a fantastic option for those looking for noticeable, long-term improvement. However, in the ever-evolving world of aesthetic treatments, there’s always room for progress.

And Then There’s PRF Gel

Enter PRF Gel, the latest innovation, and I’m genuinely excited about this one! What sets it apart is how we create it. By slowing down the spinning process, we retain more of the good stuff, like leukocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and albumin, making it more concentrated and effective. Plus, we heat it to turn it into a gel, which allows us to use it like a natural filler. This is perfect for restoring volume in areas like under the eyes or around the mouth.

I’ve transitioned fully to using PRF Gel because it offers improved structure and more benefits for the skin. The results I’ve seen with my patients are remarkable. PRF Gel not only restores volume naturally but also enhances skin quality over time, with longer-lasting results than both PRP and PRFM.

Advanced Techniques for Better Results

Now, let’s talk about how we apply these treatments. It’s not just about the product; the technique matters too. With both PRFM and PRF Gel, I’ve refined my approach to ensure you receive the best possible results. One key technique I utilize is a cannula instead of a traditional needle for injecting the product. This method allows for more precise placement and minimizes trauma to the skin, resulting in less bruising and discomfort while achieving a smoother, more natural look.

This technique has been particularly beneficial for delicate areas like under the eyes, where precision is essential. The combination of PRF Gel’s advanced regenerative properties and this technique has truly transformed the results for my patients. It allows for better placement, longer-lasting outcomes, and an overall improvement in skin health and appearance.

The Evolution of Regenerative Aesthetics

Each of these treatments: PRP, PRFM, and now PRF Gel, represents a step forward in the world of regenerative aesthetics. PRP set the stage, PRFM improved the experience with longer-lasting benefits, and PRF Gel is paving the way for the future. It’s more concentrated, offers better structure, and can also be used as a natural filler. Plus, with advanced techniques like using a cannula for more precise placement, the results are superior and more natural-looking than ever.

If you’re curious about what PRF Gel can do for you, let’s chat about how it might be a good fit for you.