WHAT ARE GROWTH FACTOR INJECTIONS AND PLATELETE RICH FIBRIN (PRF)?
Growth factor injections are human blood that is processed to achieve a concentration of platelets above normal values. Platelets are the clotting cells that have an integral role in healing. Studies suggest that growth factors released by platelets recruit reparative cells, augment tissue repair, and accelerate tissue and general healing.
THE SCIENCE OF GROWTH FACTOR INJECTIONS
Our blood is made up of 93% red blood cells, 6% white blood cells, and 1% platelets. It is suspended in a fluid called plasma. Platelets are best known for their function in blood clotting to stop bleeding. Platelets, however, are much more significant than this as they are also a critical component in injury healing. Platelets are naturally rich in connective tissue growth factors. The body’s first response to tissue injury is to deliver platelets to the area. Platelets initiate repair and attract stem cells to the injury site. By injecting these growth factors into areas of the body, we speed up the natural repair process. To maximize this process, platelets must be concentrated and separated from the red blood cells.
HOW ARE GROWTH FACTOR INJECTIONS CREATED?
Creation of growth factor injections and PRF is simple, painless, and can be done in an office visit. The process takes about 10-20 minutes depending on the amount and type of product. A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient. This blood is placed in a centrifuge which is a machine that spins the blood at high speeds which separates the components of blood. Once the blood is processed, the component with concentrated platelets is withdrawn. The rest of the blood is discarded.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GROWTH FACTOR INJECTIONS AND PRF?
Both growth factor injections and PRF are similar in that they both yield a highly concentrated platelet blood product. The primary difference is in how they are processed. Growth factor injections processed using an anticoagulant. This keeps the platelets in an inactive state which gives the provider time to deliver it to the treatment area. It is slightly less concentrated than PRF but gives more volume for larger treatment areas. PRF is processed without an anticoagulant. This gives a more concentrated product of platelets in a more natural state. However, it is not as stable as growth factor injections and must be used quickly or else the platelets will become activated. PRF also is richer in stem cells and white blood cells than growth factor injections. Lastly, PRF is a relative newcomer to medicine, and as such studies are limited in efficacy for various treatments. Growth factor injections have been around for some time, and as such has a significant amount of scientific literature to support the use of it in medicine.
WHAT TREATMENTS CAN GROWTH FACTOR INJECTIONS/PRF BE USED FOR?
Both products are a great adjunct to most cosmetic procedures. By stimulating growth and healing, it can rejuvenate skin, promote collagen growth, regrow hair, or be used a filler. It can also be injected into areas that need healing, such as joints, wounds, and other injured areas of the body. It really is astounding the different applications that it could be utilized for.
What are growth factor injections and i-PRF injections?
Platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin injections help rejuvenate your skin to smooth out imperfections and give a healthy glow. The specialized injections are platelet preparations made from your own blood. growth factor injections/i-PRF treatment for facial rejuvenation is a relatively new technique that’s aimed at turning back the hands of time.
These treatments require a little more time for preparation. To start, Dr. John draws your blood and places it in a special centrifuge to separate the platelets from the other components of your blood. The platelet-concentrated blood is rich in growth factors and other proteins, such as fibrin, which are released to heal and rejuvenate the skin.
Dr. John injects the growth factor injections/i-PRF mixture into specific areas of your skin to stimulate the growth of new skin cells and collagen, which is the protein responsible for supple and youthful-looking skin. Scientists continue to study how growth factor injections/i-PRF works, but it’s theorized that the concentration of platelets, fibrin, and growth factors speeds up healing and cell production.
If you’re interested in learning more about cosmetic injections offered at Mountain West Medical Services, call the office for an appointment or book a free consultation using the online booking agent.
*Individual results may vary
