Article At A Glance

• PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and PRFM (platelet-rich fibrin matrix) injections are dermatological treatments that use the patient’s own blood components to rejuvenate the skin and hair.
• PRP injections separate the plasma from the other components of the blood and reintroduce it to the skin through topical application, sterile injection, or microneedling.
• PRFM treatment takes PRP and adds calcium chloride to create a thicker form that sustains the skin cells’ slow release of growth factors.
• These injections can improve acne scars and stretch marks, promote hair growth, treat hyperpigmentation, and stimulate collagen production.

Dermatology treatments have become increasingly reliant on the products of your own body for positive results. On the upside, that means people can worry less about physical reactions and foreign substances when undergoing treatment. However, some of these treatments produce increasingly positive results, with many seeing improvements within three to four weeks!

Two recent treatments on everyone’s radar are PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections and platelet-rich fibrin matrix injections. PRP injections have helped people rejuvenate their skin and hair since the 1970s, but the newer PRFM version has only broken into the dermatology scene since 2001.

At IVI Aesthetics & Wellness, our professional dermatologists and providers use both procedures to help you feel better and look better in your skin. Read more to learn how you can benefit from PRP or PRFM therapies.

What are PRP and PRFM?

Let’s start by looking at plasma, a component of your blood. When you spin blood in a centrifuge, it separates into red blood cells, a thin layer of leukocytes and platelets, and a yellowish liquid, which we call plasma. So, platelet-rich plasma injections use the patient’s blood but separate the plasma from the blood’s other components.

Why plasma? Firstly, it contains stem cells, platelets, and proteins that help your cells rejuvenate. It also helps to transport hormones through the bloodstream, proving exceptionally beneficial to our health.

As a newer cosmetic development, PRFM treatment takes platelet-rich plasma and adds calcium chloride. The addition makes the PRP into a fibrin matrix, a thicker form that sustains the slow release of the growth factors to benefit our skin cells.

What Happens During PRP Injection Therapy?

To start the process, the technician will take a small amount of blood and circulate it in the centrifuge. You will give the same amount of blood given during a routine health inspection or lab test.

Once we separate the red blood cells from the plasma and platelets, we reintroduce them to your skin via topical application, sterile injection, or microneedling. Professional aestheticians can define your options during this cosmetic consultation and answer any questions.

Typically, PRP injections take roughly 30 minutes or less. Microneedling with PRFM is also around that long, though it may take slightly longer to allow the calcium chloride to blend with the plasma. The injection will only take five minutes or less and is relatively painless.

Because the process involves a short wait, you can take phone calls, work, or rest. A service provider like IVI Aesthetics & Wellness provides a private room for the process, keeping the area as clean as possible for your skin’s sake.

It’s also important to check that the person you’re hiring to administer these injections is qualified and skilled to ensure your comfort and safety.

What Risks Are There With PRP/PRFM Procedures?

The PRFM therapy uses a product of your body with calcium chloride, a naturally occurring salt used in food additives worldwide. There’s little to no risk of an adverse reaction to the treatment. Still, experts will always consult their patients to ensure appropriate care.

Experts also don’t recommend PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections for people with certain health conditions, such as:

• Conditions requiring blood thinners
• Immune system disorders or dysfunctions
• Infections in the site marked for treatment
• Blood conditions, including severe anemia or leukemia

Your well-being and safety are always a top priority, so feel free to express your concerns to the service provider to ensure you receive a safe and healthy treatment!

How PRP or PRFM Injections Improve Your Skin

Diminish Acne Scars

Most acne scars fall on or below the upper layer of your skin. The treatments cannot undo scarring but can improve underlying skin health. The healthy underlayer will replace the upper scar tissue over time as your body naturally sheds.

Improve the Appearance of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks occur when collagen and elastin cannot form in your skin fibers. Excessive skin stretching from pregnancy or weight gain can also make the skin lose its elasticity. PRP and PRFM treatments assist with collagen stimulation and building support, which may reduce stretch marks.

Promote Hair Growth

Depending on your genetic makeup and conditions, your hair may disconnect from the follicles’ blood supply, becoming frailer until it falls out. Injecting PRP or PRFM at the location of the hair follicles can reconnect to your internal blood supply to increase follicle thickness and strength and improve hair restoration efforts.

Treat Hyperpigmentation

After acne scars fade, hyperpigmentation often remains. However, healing and growth factors in platelets and plasma boost your skin’s ability to refresh itself. The underlying layers of your skin steadily reduce hyperpigmentation and assist with skin rejuvenation!

Stimulate Collagen Production

Protein-rich collagen allows our bones, skin, tendons, and other body parts to become elastic yet firm. These injections stimulate collagen production, strengthening your skin, reducing muscle atrophy, and helping you see results.

When Should I Expect Results After PRP or PRFM Treatment?

Many patients see positive results within three to four weeks, though faster improvement happens with consistent care. Many treatment plans recommend at least six months of occasional PRFM injections for the most efficient results.

How to Book Your Appointment

The IVI Aesthetics & Wellness service providers have high-quality products, qualifications, and training to ensure the best skin rejuvenation experience possible! Learn more about PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections or PRFM injections in Chicago, Illinois, at (773) 992-0331 today or book with us online!