Some people know what PRP is, but may not realize there’s a newer option called PRF. Both are regenerative treatments that use your own blood to help improve skin, hair and healing, but they’re not the same. Once used primarily for medical wound healing and sports injuries, these treatments have moved into aesthetics, helping restore smoother skin, thicker hair and faster recovery after cosmetic procedures. Here, doctors explain how they work and when each makes sense.
Featured Experts
- Sue Ellen Cox, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Chapel Hill, NC
- Kelly Bomer, MD is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ
What Is PRP?
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is one of the most well-known regenerative treatments in aesthetics, think Vampire facial. A small sample of blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma that’s rich in platelets. These platelets contain growth factors that support healing, tissue repair and collagen production.
“PRP and PRF are both derived from your own blood and used to support collagen production and healing,” explains Chapel Hill, NC dermatologist Sue Ellen Cox, MD. “The main difference is in how they’re processed. PRP is spun at a higher speed, which separates more of the blood components.”
Because it’s more concentrated, PRP releases its growth factors quickly. This makes it a go-to treatment for areas that benefit from a strong burst of regenerative support. “For hair loss, PRP is the preferred option because it has been more extensively researched and shown to stimulate hair follicles and support regrowth,” says Dr. Cox. “It delivers a concentrated dose of growth factors that can help improve hair density and slow shedding.”
She adds that PRP also pairs well with other aesthetic procedures. “I encourage patients to combine PRP with laser treatments or microneedling to reap the benefits of a faster recovery and enhanced collagen stimulation. For those with acne scarring, I frequently pair PRP with subcision and a laser or device for a more comprehensive approach.”
What Is PRF and What’s the Difference?
PRF, or platelet-rich fibrin, is often called the next generation of PRP and it’s increasingly being used in aesthetic practices for its ability to deliver more natural, long-lasting results. Like PRP, it’s prepared from your own blood, but the process is slightly different. The blood is spun at a lower speed, without additives, creating a fibrin matrix that traps platelets, stem cells and white blood cells.
“Because PRF is spun more slowly its composition and release pattern are different,” says Dr. Cox. This gradual release has made PRF popular among doctors who want to improve skin tone, elasticity and healing without the downtime or intensity of more aggressive procedures.
How Doctors Use PRP
PRP remains the most researched and widely adopted of the two, particularly for scalp and skin rejuvenation. It’s used to help improve tone and texture, minimize scarring and boost collagen after resurfacing or needling procedures. “While PRP can be used on its own, combining it often leads to more noticeable results,” says Dr. Cox.
How Doctors Use PRF
PRF is quickly becoming the go-to regenerative tool for physicians for a variety of treatments. Scottsdale, AZ facial plastic surgeon Kelly Bomer, MD frequently applies PRF following radio-frequency microneedling, fractional resurfacing and light laser treatments such as MOXI or HALO. She also uses it in surgical settings. “The upper-eyelid blepharoplasty with meticulous skin-removal design and no fat removal and the addition of PRF heals quickly and provides natural youthful contour with lasting results,” she explains.
What Doctors Say About Which One to Choose
The consensus is that PRP and PRF share the same foundation, but they perform differently. PRP delivers an immediate, concentrated dose of growth factors, while PRF provides a slower, sustained release.
Dr. Cox cautions that both require realistic expectations. “One of the biggest misconceptions I see is the hype around using PRP or PRF under the eyes,” she says. “It’s a treatment I offer, but with very realistic expectations. Results are subtle, often require multiple sessions and can be costly. Social media has made it seem like a quick fix offering dramatic results, which just isn’t the case.”
