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When it comes to PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) injections, the viral ‘vampire facial,’ likely comes to mind. The facial involves drawing the patient’s own blood, extracting the plasma out of it, and applying it to the skin topically or injecting it into the dermis to stimulate collagen production. PRFM (Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix), a more advanced version of PRP, uses a similar technique but goes a step further and offers results that can be more on par with traditional hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restalynne or biostimulator injectables like Sculptra and Radiesse.
“PRFM stands for Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix and can be categorized as a biostimulator,” explains Christine Son, PA-C, MSPAS, Medical Aesthetic Provider at The Things We Do. “When injected, it stimulates collagen production to further thicken the skin. It is incredibly safe as we are using one’s own plasma to act as an autologous filler,” she says.
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When I visited Son in Los Angeles last month at The Things We Do for some neuromodulator injections, she suggested trying PRFM under my eyes, which were looking dry, crepey, and downright depressed after three months of non-stop travel. Son had recently gotten PRFM injections in her under-eyes, and her skin looked flawless, plump, and, most importantly, natural-looking, which has always been my top priority. Due to potential complications and not wanting to look overly “full” the undereye region (unpopular opinion: I oddly prefer a more hollow look in my under-eyes), I would not consider injecting filler anywhere near my eyes, so this sounded like a safe and more subtle alternative.
Naturally, I had some questions about the cosmetic treatment, especially since I had just recently read about a few patients who contracted HIV from a vampire facial in Denver (spoiler alert: those cases were contracted at a single unlicensed “medical spa” that should not have even been performing basic extractions, let alone the drawing of blood and performing injections). Son reassured me about the practice and explained the process thoroughly before diving into the treatment. See below to see her thoughts and advice for anyone considering getting PRFM injectables.
What’s The Difference Between PRP and PRFM
“PRP, which stands for Platelet Rich Plasma, is what we extract from the patients, aka step 1 of PRFM. PRP is then converted to PRFM by adding natural mineral-calcium chloride to thicken the PRP and turn this into a fibrin-matrix plug of various growth factors,” says Son. “It’s this second step that makes PRFM superior to PRP because this allows for those growth factors to be released slowly over time for a greater yield in collagen production.” If you’ve ever used a growth factor serum topically, think of PRFM injections as, say, a SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum on steroids.
Who Is a Candidate for PRFM?
One of the best things about PRFM is that, unlike many aesthetic injectables like neurotoxin and dermal filler, PRFM is safe for pregnant people. “PRFM is incredibly safe and suitable for all skin types and pregnant women as well,” says Son. But while the treatment is relatively safe with minimal side effects, she notes it’s not recommended for those with certain health conditions such as blood disorders and autoimmune disorders.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects?
As with other injectables, Son notes that “anytime there is a needle poke to the skin, there is a possibility of bruising that can last five to seven days.” However, there are very minimal side effects, which adds to why it’s one of The Things We Do’s most popular treatments. My eyes were significantly swollen for about 48 hours after the treatment, and I noticed some very minimal bruising that looked like mild dark circles for about a week. Still, it was nothing a little concealer couldn’t cover up.
How Long Do the Benefits of PRFM Injections Last?
“The long-term effects of improved skin quality and collagen production can take up to three to four months to be noticed and can last up to two years,” says Son. “We typically recommend a series of three sessions spaced six weeks apart for optimal results. Keep in mind the collagen produced after the PRFM treatment will last a year to two years; however, we are simultaneously losing collagen annually so we can continue to replenish and produce more collagen.”
How Can Patients Make Sure They’re Going to a Safe Provider?
“Research the provider and the practice. Are they trained medical professionals who have a strong reputation within the industry? Take a look at their before & afters to ensure their aesthetic taste aligns with you,” Son advises. “Ultimately, they should be able to guide your aesthetic journey and deliver beautiful results while respecting your wishes.” It’s important to be knowledgeable about the process and your own body and health needs and concerns prior to undertaking any aesthetic treatment. You should act as your own advocate and ask questions, do your research and learn more about any concerns you feel need to be addressed.
What Happens During the Treatment
After I decided to try the PRFM injections, Son numbed my undereye region to reduce pain—not all injectors do this, so if this is important to you, I suggest checking into its availability and discussing it before your appointment. Next, her assistant came in to draw my blood. Admittedly, while I’m not one to faint at the sight of needles or blood, it wasn’t exactly an enjoyable experience, and I did have more anxiety than I would have had if I had just stuck to Botox. After my blood was collected, the blood was spun in a centrifuge, separating the growth factor-rich platelets from the red and white blood cells. The Platelet-rich plasma is then converted into PRFM and ready to be injected into the dermis.
Similar to other biostimulators, the injection process is relatively painless if numbed, but I did feel each squirt of water as she injected—a painless but highly uncomfortable sensation. Fortunately, the injection process is quick—about ten to fifteen minutes.Again, it’s not painful, but you feel the formula sitting there, and it takes a while to get used to.
After the treatment, not only was I swollen, but I felt like there were tiny breast implants under my eyes (weird, I know, but it’s the best way I can describe the unique sensation). Again, it’s not painful, but you feel the formula sitting there, and it takes a while to get used to. While most experts seem to agree that the downtime is minimal, the next time I get the treatment, I will add in some extra time to avoid photos and events for at least three to five days afterward.
My Thoughts on PRFM Injections
As Son noted, peak results are usually seen around the three to four-month mark post-treatment. It’s only been a little over a month, but I’ve noticed an improvement in the fine lines and bags already. In fact, I noticed this after only three weeks after my appointment. While it’s very subtle, I feel like I look like I sleep ten hours a night (I most certainly don’t), and the crepey-ness that I battled before my treatment is no longer an issue for me. I haven’t even reached for an eye cream to plump up the fine lines since I received the PRFM injections.
Now, PRFM injections are far from cheap. Expect to pay between $750 to $1,000 per treatment (depending on your location, provider, anatomy, etc.), which is rather expensive considering it’s recommended to get at least two to three rounds to reap the full benefits. If you are looking for an immediate and notable result, PRFM treatments may not be for you—especially if you’re on a budget. However, if you’re avoiding filler altogether, just looking for more natural results or are pregnant or breastfeeding, I would absolutely recommend the treatment. Considering that most topical growth-factor-infused skincare products are priced at around the $250 mark, I do think the cost is more than justified for the injectable treatment.
Whether due to budgetary constraints, an aversion to needles or to help maintain the results of PRFM injectables post-treatment, check out some of Son’s favorite crepe-erasing and age-defying skincare solutions.
