Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) & Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Care Guide
Supporting Skin Rejuvenation and Hair Health Using Your Body’s Own Healing Potential
At LumiLife Aesthetics + Wellness, we believe that some of the most effective treatments are those that work with your body’s natural biology rather than against it.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) are regenerative treatments prepared from a small sample of your own blood. After processing the blood in a specialized centrifuge, a concentrated portion containing platelets and naturally occurring growth factors is isolated and used to support the body’s normal healing and tissue repair processes.
Because PRP and PRF are created from your own blood, there is virtually no risk of allergic reaction or rejection.
Although both treatments use your body’s own platelets, they are prepared differently and have unique characteristics. During your consultation, your physician will determine which option is most appropriate based on your goals and treatment area.
What Is the Difference Between PRP and PRF?
Both PRP and PRF are considered autologous regenerative therapies, meaning they come from your own blood.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP is prepared by spinning a blood sample in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate platelets within the plasma. Platelets contain naturally occurring growth factors that participate in tissue repair and wound healing.
PRP has been widely studied in sports medicine, orthopedics, dermatology, and aesthetic medicine.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)
PRF is considered a newer generation of platelet concentrate.
Unlike PRP, PRF is processed without anticoagulants and contains a fibrin matrix that allows growth factors to be released more gradually over time.
PRF also contains higher concentrations of white blood cells and circulating stem-cell-associated cells than traditional PRP preparations, although the clinical significance of these differences continues to be studied.
Because of its softer, gel-like consistency, PRF is commonly used in delicate areas such as beneath the eyes and for facial skin rejuvenation.
What Conditions Can PRP and PRF Help Treat?
Depending on your individual goals, PRP and PRF may be used to support treatment of:
Skin Rejuvenation
- Fine lines
- Early signs of skin aging
- Skin texture
- Overall skin quality
- Dull skin
- Acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Sun-damaged skin
- Skin healing after selected procedures
Hair Restoration
PRP and PRF may be recommended for carefully selected patients experiencing certain types of hair thinning, including androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss).
These treatments are intended to support healthier hair follicles and may improve hair thickness and density in appropriate candidates.
Results vary considerably between individuals and are generally best when treatment begins during the earlier stages of hair loss.
Before Your Treatment
To help optimize your treatment experience, please review the following recommendations.
Please
✔ Drink plenty of water during the 24 hours before your appointment.
✔ Eat a healthy meal before treatment.
✔ Wash your hair the morning of treatment if receiving scalp injections.
✔ Arrive with clean skin and minimal makeup if receiving facial treatment.
✔ Inform your physician of any new medications or medical conditions.
If Approved by Your Treating Physician
Whenever medically appropriate, and only after consulting the physician managing your medications, you may discuss temporarily avoiding medications that can interfere with normal platelet function, including certain NSAIDs.
Do not discontinue prescription medications without medical approval.
Avoid
- Alcohol for approximately 24 hours before treatment
- Smoking whenever possible
- Dehydration
Proper hydration helps improve the quality of your blood sample.
Please Inform Your Physician If You Have
- Fever
- Active infection
- Active cold sores
- Skin infection
- Significant anemia
- Bleeding disorders
- Platelet disorders
- Active cancer treatment
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Certain medical conditions may affect whether PRP or PRF is appropriate.
What Happens During Treatment?
A small sample of blood is drawn from your arm, similar to a routine laboratory blood test.
Your blood is then processed using a specialized centrifuge to prepare either PRP or PRF.
Depending on your treatment plan, the prepared product may be:
- Injected directly into the skin
- Injected into the scalp
- Applied during microneedling
- Combined with PDO mono threads or lifting threads to support skin quality and collagen remodeling
- Combined with PDO threads for selected hair restoration treatments to support scalp health
The entire visit typically lasts 45–75 minutes.
PRP & PRF for Skin Rejuvenation
For facial rejuvenation, PRP and PRF may be injected directly into the skin or used in combination with microneedling.
These treatments work by supporting the skin’s natural healing response and encouraging collagen production over time.
Patients often report gradual improvements in:
- Skin texture
- Skin firmness
- Overall skin quality
- Fine lines
- Skin radiance
Because collagen remodeling is gradual, improvements typically develop over several weeks to months.
PRP & PRF for Hair Restoration
PRP and PRF may be injected into areas of thinning hair to support healthier hair follicles.
In appropriately selected patients, treatment may contribute to:
- Reduced hair shedding
- Improved hair thickness
- Increased hair density
- Healthier appearing hair
These treatments are most effective when living hair follicles remain present.
Neither PRP nor PRF can create new hair follicles in areas where follicles have been permanently lost.
Combination Treatments
Depending on your individualized treatment plan, PRP or PRF may be combined with:
- Microneedling
- PDO Mono Threads
- PDO Hair Threads
- Medical-grade topical therapies
- Physician-directed regenerative skin treatments
Combining therapies allows us to address skin quality or hair health from multiple complementary perspectives.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
You may experience:
- Mild swelling
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Small bruises
- Temporary tightness
For scalp treatments, mild soreness for one to three days is common.
These effects typically resolve within several days.
After Your Treatment
During the First 24 Hours
✔ Keep treated areas clean.
✔ Stay well hydrated.
✔ Avoid unnecessary touching of treated areas.
✔ Follow your physician’s individualized instructions.
Avoid for Approximately 24 Hours
- Vigorous exercise
- Swimming
- Saunas
- Steam rooms
- Hot tubs
- Alcohol
- Excessive sun exposure
Skin Treatments
Avoid applying makeup for approximately 24 hours following injections or microneedling unless your physician advises otherwise.
Resume your skincare routine gradually using physician-approved products.
Hair Treatments
Avoid washing your hair until the following day unless instructed differently.
Avoid hair coloring or chemical hair treatments for approximately one week.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Treatment plans vary depending on your goals.
Many patients benefit from an initial series of 3–4 treatments performed approximately 4–6 weeks apart, followed by individualized maintenance treatments.
Your physician will recommend the schedule most appropriate for you.
When Should I Contact LumiLife?
Please contact our office promptly if you experience:
- Fever
- Increasing redness
- Drainage
- Severe pain
- Excessive swelling
- Signs of infection
- Any unexpected symptoms that concern you
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Philosophy
At LumiLife Aesthetics + Wellness, PDO Threads are viewed as a regenerative treatment—not simply a lifting procedure. By combining mechanical support with the body’s natural collagen-building response, PDO Threads can help improve skin quality, facial definition, and early signs of aging while preserving your natural appearance. Every treatment is physician-directed, evidence-informed, and tailored to your individual anatomy and goals.