Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)

The Dr Sebagh Clinic is the first to pioneer this new PRF treatment, maximising the body’s own healing power to rejuvenate and preserve youthful skin and to slow down the ageing process. For the first time, PRF has enabled a bio, eco, green alternative to classic filler injections, free from the risk of foreign body reactions that patients with allergies can experience with chemical fillers.

The Dr Sebagh Clinic is the first to pioneer this new PRF treatment, maximising the body’s own healing power to rejuvenate and preserve youthful skin and to slow down the ageing process. For the first time, PRF has enabled a bio, eco, green alternative to classic filler injections, free from the risk of foreign body reactions that patients with allergies can experience with chemical fillers.

What is Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)?

PRF is a 100% natural and chemical free approach using and maximising your body’s own powerful healing proteins embedded within a natural fibre mesh. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a concentration of growth factors and cells collected from your own blood. It is a natural regenerative strategy that uses a standard blood draw, spun at high speeds in a Bio-PRF machine to create concentrated and natural growth factors.

Since no additives are used, it forms a ‘super’ blood clot, which serves as a reservoir of growth factors with significantly elevated concentrations of regenerative cells capable of stimulating wound healing. It promotes the regeneration of cells within the surrounding implanted microenvironment of the injected liquid PRF. This results in firmer, plumper skin, and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

Rejuvenation from within

The Bio-PRF horizontal centrifugation system is a groundbreaking technology, enabling the Dr Sebagh Clinic to efficiently maximise the body’s natural wound healing properties by creating supra-physiological (super- doses) of naturally derived growth factors found in whole blood and applying it to facial aesthetics. Results are extremely effective, and a more natural look is achievable than ever previously possible.

Utilising the Bio-PRF system, doctors are now able to speed the regeneration and rejuvenation of the skin and hair by re-stimulating new blood flow and maximising regeneration at the cellular level to re-plump and revitalise skin.

What can PRF be used for?

PRF is an effective treatment that reduces the signs of ageing; slows down the ageing process when used preventatively; and helps to improve acne scarring. A potent treatment for facial rejuvenation, it improves skin tone, texture and enlarged pores.

Specifically, this treatment can effectively and drastically improve the appearance of hollow eyes and dark circles, as well as reduce nasolabial folds, marrionnete lines, peri-oral lines and skin of neck, chest and hands. It can also be used as an 100% completely natural bio-filler, capable of re-volumizing the face purely from a sample of the patient’s blood.

PRP versus PRF

PRF shows a significantly greater ability to induce collagen matrix synthesis when compared to PRP. Hence PRF offers superior results in skin rejuvenation than the conventional PRP.

The difference between PRP and PRF lies predominantly in how your blood is collected. The procedure for the classic PRP facial involves taking a sample of blood and separating the platelets into two distinct layers— a platelet-rich layer and a platelet-poor layer— by spinning the sample at a high speed in a centrifuge. An antiquagulation is added, which removes the fibrin from the blood, causing it to thin and prevent the blood from clotting.

Whereas, for PRF, your blood is spun at a lower speed so that heavier white blood cells, stem cells, and fibrin remain in the platelet layer. The slow spin also means fewer cells are damaged which leaves a higher concentration of healing platelets. PRF contains approximately 10 times the platelet concentration that is found within the body, whereas PRP contains roughly 2-5 times. With PRF, no anticoagulants are added. This allows for the creation of a spongy fibrin matrix that signals the platelets to release their growth factors slowly, meaning longer-lasting results. The effects of PRP last for approximately 3 months; with PRF this is extended to 6 months.

The final difference is how the treatments are used. PRP is typically performed as a facial or microneedling session while PRF is used like a filler. The fibrin and slow-release growth factors in PRF build volume in the skin, so this natural filler is a wonderful alternative to synthetic filler.

The PRF procedure

Extended PRF (e-PRF)

E-PRF extends the resorption of PRF from 2-3 weeks to 4-6 months. This is achieved with Bio-Heat. This new development and protocol involves an additional heating process following centrifugation, where the platelet poor plasma (PPP) layer is heated at specific temperatures to denature and reorganize albumin. This drastically extends the working resorption properties of PRF, meaning the results last much longer.

Does PRF build collagen?

PRF effectively rejuvenates and heals damaged skin and addresses multiple cosmetic issues. As one of the best anti-ageing treatments, it boosts the natural production of collagen and elastin so that you can achieve firmer, healthier, younger-looking skin as the months pass by. It can also be used to prevent a depletion of collagen starting in younger patients who want to prevent the ageing process.

Does PRF thicken the skin?

PRF will promote collagen, elastin, and growth factors to create thicker skin that doesn’t fold in on itself, creating wrinkles and fine lines. As we age, our skin thins and becomes more fragile, leading to the signs of ageing. Maintaining your skin via PRF treatments will prolong and preserve youthful, beautifully plumped skin

Does PRF help with wrinkles?

PRF is incredibly effective in improving the overall appearance of skin and wrinkles, by tightening the skin, smoothing out textural irregularities, and giving it an overall regenerative glow. PRF is particularly effective at treating under-eye skin ageing by filling in sunken hollows and reducing the visibility of our wrinkles.


PRF for hair regeneration

How effective is PRF for hair loss?

PRF hair loss treatments utilise the latest scientific advancements in cellular regeneration to repair hair follicles, reverse hair loss, and grow thicker hair. PRF works to stimulate the scalp, improving hair vitality, colour, brightness, while slowing hair loss and activating new growth.

PRF therapy has been clinically proven to be effective in reversing both male and female pattern hair loss and baldness (androgenic alopecia). PRF can also treat thinning hair resulting from iron deficiency, metabolic causes, telogen effluvium and medication. PRF treatments can also restore hair growth of the beard or eyebrows in some patients.

100% natural, minimally invasive PRF hair loss treatment is also ideal for people whose hair is thinning but who can’t or don’t want to take hair loss medication due to the risk of side effects. Just like PRP, the PRF is extracted from the patient’s own blood – making the treatment extremely safe, with no risk of allergic reaction and very little risk of infection or complication.

It can be used as both a preventative treatment and a regenerative treatment, with no downtime. As it is 100% natural, there are not the risks of hair restoration surgery, and there is no long recovery period.

Why is PRF hair loss treatment better than PRP?

PRF is the next generation of PRP and more advanced. PRF contains greater concentrations of growth factors than PRP. PRF serum also contains stem cells, white blood cells (leucocytes) and fibrin – which PRP does not have.

The stem cells in the PRF are ‘undifferentiated’ cells that literally morph into the cells needed to repair the hair follicles, so they can begin to produce thick, healthy hair shafts again.

Furthermore, the fibrin in PRF acts as a scaffolding to keep the growth factors and stem cells in the area of the scalp being treated, so they do not diffuse away from where they needed. This allows for release of more growth factors, over a longer period of time.

How many PRF hair treatment sessions are needed?

Response to PRF treatment will vary from person to person, depending upon the cause and the degree of hair loss. But the sooner PRF is started after hair loss begins, the better the results.

For the typical hair loss patient, 4 PRF treatments spaced about a month apart are usually recommended. This is then generally followed by quarterly treatments to maintain the results for the first year. After a year, the PRF treatment frequency can be reduced, based on the specific hair regrowth of the patient.

Does PRF hair loss treatment hurt?

PRF hair loss treatments are far less painful than hair replacement surgery. The treatment at the Dr Sebagh clinic is virtually painless, as the doctors blend PRF with a local anaesthetic for rapid pain relief. While patients may experience some soreness after the procedure, this doesn’t last long – there is no real ‘downtime’ after the procedure.

Amazing hair regrowth results are achieved with PRF, and patients universally agree that any minor discomfort is worth it.

PRF as a bio-filler

Natural Biological Filler

PRF can be used as a 100% natural bio-filler, fully biocompatible without foreign body materials or chemicals. This is a revolutionary anti-ageing treatment for all patients, but particularly those who have allergies to chemicals and synthetic fillers, or those who prefer a more natural solution when it comes to ageing-maintenance.

PRF Bio-Filler is proven to effectively induce Collagen synthesis when it is implanted within the superficial layers of skin and into the dermis. This special technology forms a stable clot following the heating process (e-PRF) which provides superior volume enhancement which makes fillers last longer by several months.

For patients looking to restore or add volume to the face, but desire a completely natural alternative to chemical fillers, PRF is the best option for you.

Extended-PRF is injected into the safe anatomical areas of the face, neck and chest. Once injected, the e-PRF may be moulded into the desired appearance with light pressure. Since e-PRF is 100% natural, the end result is a lot more natural and realistic looking.

Mixing PRF with filler and vitamins

Alternatively, you can upgrade your classic filler, by blending it with PRF and other vitamins to boost your complexion and give skin a wonderful radiance.

PRF combined with Radio Frequency with Micro needling (cf Morpheus 8) and Threads

PRF combined with Radio Frequency with Micro needling (cf Morpheus 8) and Threads.

Patients can also combine the PRF treatment with Radio Frequency and Micro needling (cf Morpheus 8) to enhance collagen stimulation with growth and vascular factors. Adding PRF to your treatment is an amazing way to amplify the effects of micro needling and helps your skin to have less downtime than you would with micro needling alone.

When combined these two treatments can work to break apart collagen bundles in the superficial layers of the dermis while helping to induce more collagen under the epidermis. The treatment can also help to disperse clusters of melanin which are responsible for the dark spots on the skin.

PRF can also be used as a treatment in conjunction with Thread Lifts, significantly improving skin tension and volume with supreme skin rejuvenation.


FAQs about PRF

Is PRF treatment permanent?

It’s important for those who are considering PRP/PRF treatments to be aware that while results will continue for many months, they may not be permanent.

How long does the treatment take to work?

You will notice a visible improvement immediately after the treatment and the effects of the collagen production or hair rejuvenation can be seen at around two weeks.

How long does the procedure last?

The entire process may take about 15 minutes. Once your blood sample is collected, it is placed in a centrifuge to create the PRP or PRF product. The PRP or PRF is then carefully injected into your skin in the targeted treatment areas to achieve the desired results.

Is PRF painful?

The treatment is not painful. It is a simple procedure, which does not take long to complete.

What is the downtime?

A small amount of redness, swelling or bruising can occur in the treatment area when the PRF is injected, however this will subside in a few days

Are there any side effects to PRF?

Platelet Rich Fibrin is prepared from the patients own blood, so there is no risk of allergies or nodules. This breakthrough in skin rejuvenation provides an effective option even to those with allergies to chemical fillers.

How often should you get PRF injections or facials?

For younger patients, or those who are using PRF in a preventative manner and for skin rejuvenation, approximately four facials a year are recommended for a glowing, plumped complexion all year around.


PRP

Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP, also called plasma rich in growth factors, is blood plasma with concentrated platelets and other growth factors. The concentrated platelets found in PRP contain huge reservoirs of bioactive proteins, including growth factors and signalling proteins that are vital to initiate and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration, and stimulate the rejuvenating process. The PRP signals the body to send in stem cells to repair the designated area.

'Anna Friel is a long-time devotee of skin guru Dr Jean-Louis Sebagh and admits to regular 'vampire facials' Mail on Sunday

To prepare PRP, a small amount of blood is taken from the patients arm. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins and separates the platelets from the rest of the blood components. The entire process takes less than 15 minutes and increases the concentration of platelets and growth factors up to 600%. Using the patient's own blood, specially prepared platelets are taken and re-injected into the chosen area. These platelets release special growth factors that lead to tissue healing. By using the concentrated platelets, the growth factors are increased by up to eight times. PRP injections actually rejuvenate the area over a period of time, ranging from one to three months.

In the video below, Dr Diana Piana-Mariton demonstrates PRP with Trinny Woodall. You can read Trinny's full review on her website.

"When the clinic became one of the first locations in the U.K. to introduce The PRP – Platelet Rich Plasma – therapy under the perfect hands of Dr Diana Mariton, I knew I had to give it a try." Trinny Woodall.

PRP and Skin Rejuvenation

PRP is suitable for the face (eyelids, cheeks), neck, décolletage, inner arms, knees, inner thighs. It is especially useful for hair growth - Tatler magazine called it "the punchiest hair-loss treatment we've found" (Tatler Hair Guide 2013). Read more about Hair Transplant Treatments at the Dr Sebagh Clinic.

PRP can be combined with Fraxel or Radio Frequencies to activate and boost growth factors. Read Dr Michael Mosley's review of the Vampire Facelift here. The advantage of PRP over other common anti-ageing treatments is that it is unique and natural, making the treatment hypoallergenic, with no risk of disease transmission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the outcome of PRP injection?

  • The development of new blood vessels
  • The activation of the cellular matrix synthesis 
  • Attraction of stem cells where they are necessary
  • The production of new cells

What are the effects of the treatment?

  • You will notice a great improvement in the appearance and texture of the skin, thanks to the remodelling of the epidermis
  • The production of a rapid vascularisation in the treated area, due to cell regeneration
  • Your face will rejuvenate thanks to the production of new flexible collagen fibres
  • Your epidermis will increase in width, thus becoming more elastic

Who is eligible for the PRP treatment?

  • Everyone is eligible for this treatment, except patients with skin disorders, or undergoing anti-coagulant therapy

How many injections are needed?

  • The number of injections performed depends upon the surface treated. Age also seems to have an effect on the number of injections given
  • Typically, younger people generally need fewer injections for the same condition than a person who is older
  • For maintenance, it is recommended to undergo this treatment twice a year.
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