Everything You Want To Know About PRF Injections–But Are Afraid to Ask

PRF injections are taking the beauty world by storm. This naturally-derived alternative to dermal filler, PRF harnesses your body’s own healing powers to restore lost volume and rejuvenate your skin. But we know that there are some questions about this treatment you’re dying to get answered. Keep reading to learn how PRF works, how to prepare for it, who can use it, and more. 

What are PRF injections?

PRF stands for platelet rich fibrin. It’s a substance generated from your own blood (a little gross but cool!). Your provider spins your blood in a centrifuge, and then they heat it and cool it, to separate it into different components. The platelet rich fibrin gets separated from red blood cells. PRF is a yellowish gel full of healing properties, proteins and growth factors. PRF is even more powerful than the original version of this kind of therapy, platelet rich plasma (or PRP for short). PRF triggers your body’s natural healing response, including ramping up collagen and elastin. 

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How much blood is needed for PRF injections?

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It’s not as much as you think, so if the idea of getting your blood drawn makes you woozy, there’s no need to be anxious. For each treatment session, your provider will take just one vial of blood, or about 2 teaspoons’ worth. 

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Where is PRF injected? 

For aesthetic reasons, PRF is most often injected under the eyes, where we can have dark circles and a hollowed out look with age. But providers use it to restore natural volume in other areas, too. Here are some other places it can be used: 

• Nasolabial folds 
• Smile lines
• Chin
• Temples

Is PRF for face like dermal filler? Do they work the same way?

PRF has similar effects to filler, but the primary difference is that filler gives you instant results. Platelet rich fibrin injections, on the other hand, take several weeks before you’ll see improvements, and a few months for full results. PRF helps to restore volume by triggering your body’s own healing response, so the results look very natural–because they are!

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How long do PRF injections last?

PRF injections for face last about a year on average after a full treatment course, with maintenance sessions once a year afterwards.  

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Are PRF injections safe in pregnancy? 

While the likelihood of complications from these injections are incredibly rare, most practitioners would advise against PRF injections during pregnancy. This is done out of an abundance of caution. The injections are safe for postpartum moms who breastfeed, so we’d recommend waiting until after you’ve had your baby. 

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Can I drink alcohol after getting PRF injections? 

For best results, you should avoid or minimize alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after your injections. This is because alcohol thins your blood, which makes bruising worse. It also increases inflammation, which makes the pain of the injection worse. And alcohol can impact the functioning of the platelets in the blood your provider uses in the treatment, which you don’t want. 

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Is PRF treatment for undereyes painful?

Like any injection, PRF is uncomfortable. But the needles used are very small, and your provider may also apply ice to minimize your discomfort. To avoid bruising (which can be painful after the fact), don’t take NSAID painkillers (like Advil or aspirin) for at least 24 hours before your PRF injections. Your provider will give you more personalized and detailed instructions before your appointment. 

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Who performs PRF injections?

Only a licensed, trained medical provider is qualified to do these injections. Experienced and qualified providers know how to minimize risks, which is important, because the eye area is delicate. 

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Who does PRF injections near me?

It can be hard to find a qualified provider near you for PRF injections who has decent availability. But in the Upkeep app, you can book treatments with the best providers, and compare availability to choose the time that works best for you. No more calling around and waiting on hold–now you can book PRF injections or other MedSpa treatments as easily as ordering takeout. Ready to make your beauty dreams come true? Book PRF injections with Upkeep today!