PRP and PRF Treatments
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) are prepared from a patient’s own blood and used for that same patient.
At Face and Body Adelaide, these practitioner-administered procedures may be discussed for selected concerns involving hair loss, the under-eye area, skin quality and acne scarring.
PRP and PRF are not suitable for every concern or every person, and evidence differs between treatment areas.
A consultation is required to assess your health history, the cause and severity of the concern, realistic alternatives, possible limitations, recovery, costs and risks. No particular outcome can be guaranteed.
What Are PRP and PRF?
PRP and PRF are autologous blood preparations, meaning that blood is collected from the patient, processed and returned to the same person. Centrifugation separates and concentrates selected blood components. The preparation method and final characteristics differ between protocols, equipment and PRP or PRF techniques.
The terms PRP and PRF do not describe one standardised product. Platelet concentration, white-cell content, fibrin structure, activation, volume and preparation method can vary. This variation is one reason results from different clinics, studies and treatment areas cannot be assumed to be identical.
Concerns That May Be Assessed
- Pattern hair thinning or selected forms of hair loss
- Changes in the appearance of the delicate under-eye area
- Fine lines, crepey texture or general skin-quality concerns
- Selected acne scars as part of a broader scar-management plan
- Skin-quality concerns where PRP infusion with microneedling or RF microneedling may be considered
These concerns have different causes. Hair loss may be related to genetics, hormones, illness, nutritional factors, medicines, inflammation or scarring. Under-eye concerns may reflect hollowness, pigmentation, visible vessels, puffiness or skin texture. Acne scars vary in type, depth and tethering. Assessment helps determine whether PRP or PRF is reasonable or whether another investigation or treatment pathway is more appropriate.
PRP and PRF for Hair Loss
PRP or PRF may be considered for selected people with hair thinning where active follicles remain. The available evidence is stronger for some patterns of hair loss than others, but individual response remains variable. Treatment should not be advertised as restoring a full head of hair, repairing every follicle or preventing a future hair transplant.
A hair-loss assessment should consider the pattern, duration and rate of shedding, scalp health, family history, recent illness, medicines and possible medical contributors. Sudden, patchy, painful or scarring hair loss, or hair loss accompanied by other symptoms, may require medical investigation or specialist referral before cosmetic treatment is considered.
PRF for Under-Eye Concerns
PRF may be discussed for selected under-eye skin-quality concerns after careful assessment. The under-eye area is anatomically delicate, and fine lines, hollowness, pigmentation, visible vessels and fluid-related puffiness require different approaches. A blood-derived injectable procedure will not correct every cause of dark circles or eye bags.
Swelling may be more noticeable or last longer around the eyes. People with prominent puffiness, fluid retention, particular anatomy or unrealistic expectations may not be suitable. Your practitioner should explain the expected limitations and alternative options before consent.
PRP for Skin-Quality Concerns
PRP may be considered in a plan for selected concerns involving texture, fine lines or general skin quality. It may be administered using a technique selected for the treatment area or used alongside a separately indicated needling procedure where clinically appropriate. The term ‘skin rejuvenation’ should not be interpreted as reversing ageing or guaranteeing younger-looking skin.
Changes, if they occur, are generally assessed over time. Age, sun exposure, skin condition, health, lifestyle, preparation method and treatment technique may influence response. Some concerns may be better addressed with skincare, a device-based procedure, medical assessment or no treatment.
PRP Infusion with Microneedling or RF Microneedling
At Face and Body Adelaide, PRP may be applied to the treated skin as an infusion following Dermapen microneedling or RF microneedling where clinically appropriate. These are treatment methods used for selected skin-quality, texture or scarring concerns.
Microneedling and RF microneedling are separate procedures with their own indications, risks and recovery. Adding PRP is not automatically suitable or better for every patient. The recommended method depends on the concern being treated, scar type, skin condition, medical history and expected healing.
PRP and Acne Scarring
PRP may be discussed as an adjunct within a broader acne-scar plan, but it is not a stand-alone correction for every scar type. Rolling or tethered scars, boxcar scars, ice-pick scars and post-inflammatory colour change require different assessment and may respond differently.
A practitioner may discuss needling, resurfacing, scar release or other approaches according to the scar pattern and skin type. Combining procedures is not automatically necessary or better. Treatment timing, healing and cumulative risk should be planned individually.
Related Concerns and Treatment Planning
The following pages provide additional information about related concerns and separate treatment options. A link does not mean that every option will be recommended.
Hair Loss
Hair loss can have genetic, hormonal, inflammatory, medical and lifestyle contributors. This page explains why diagnosis and appropriate referral may be important before treatment planning.
Under-Eye Concerns
Under-eye concerns include texture, hollowing, puffiness, pigmentation and visible vessels. Identifying the dominant feature helps avoid treating the wrong cause.
Acne Scars & Scarring
Acne scars vary in depth, shape and tethering. Scar classification helps determine whether an adjunctive approach or another procedure may be appropriate.
Our Personalised Approach
Face and Body Adelaide uses a consultation-led and conservative approach. Your practitioner considers the concern, anatomy, skin or scalp condition, medical history, medicines, previous procedures, healing and tolerance for recovery.
The aim is to recommend a proportionate plan, explain the quality and limits of the available evidence and discuss whether PRP, PRF, another option, referral or no treatment is appropriate. There is no obligation to proceed after consultation.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
- Your primary concern, priorities and expectations
- The treatment area, skin or scalp condition and relevant anatomy
- Medical history, medicines, allergies and previous procedures
- Possible causes that may require investigation or referral
- Suitability, alternatives and choosing no treatment
- Expected limitations and variability of response
- Potential side effects, complications, recovery and aftercare
- The proposed plan and estimated total cost
Treatment may be postponed or declined if it is unsuitable, further medical information is needed or expectations cannot reasonably be met.
What Happens During Treatment?
If you are suitable and provide informed consent, a blood sample is collected and processed using the clinic’s protocol and equipment. The treatment area is cleansed and planned. The prepared PRP or PRF is then administered using the technique selected for the area. Needling or another procedure may be performed only where it forms part of the agreed plan.
Blood collection, injections or needling can cause discomfort. Redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising, pinpoint bleeding or visible treatment points may occur immediately afterwards. Under-eye swelling can be particularly noticeable. Appointment length and recovery vary.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery differs between patients and treatment areas. Bruising, swelling, redness, tenderness or injection marks may affect work and social activities. Effects may last longer than expected, especially around the eyes. Allow flexibility before important events.
Follow the individual instructions provided by your practitioner. General advice may include keeping the area clean and temporarily avoiding rubbing, strenuous exercise, alcohol, excessive heat, swimming or active skincare. Contact the clinic if symptoms are severe, unexpected or worsening.
Risks and Possible Complications
PRP and PRF procedures involve blood collection and administration into or through the skin. Possible side effects and complications include:
- Pain, stinging, tenderness, itching or sensitivity
- Bleeding, bruising, swelling, redness or haematoma
- Temporary unevenness, lumps or prolonged under-eye swelling
- Infection, inflammation or delayed healing
- Scarring or changes in skin colour following inflammation
- Nerve, blood-vessel or tissue injury
- Fainting or another reaction associated with blood collection
- An unsatisfactory, limited or uneven cosmetic response
- The need for medical review or further management
This list is not exhaustive. Seek urgent medical attention for severe or increasing pain, marked colour change, rapidly increasing swelling, visual symptoms, breathing difficulty, fever, spreading redness or other concerning symptoms.
Who May Not Be Suitable?
Treatment may be unsuitable or require delay for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have active infection or inflammation, significant anaemia or blood abnormalities, bleeding concerns, impaired healing, certain immune or medical conditions, particular allergies or expectations that cannot reasonably be met. Medicines and supplements may affect bleeding, bruising or healing.
Provide a complete health history and do not stop prescribed medicines without advice from the clinician who manages them. Additional medical information, blood tests or specialist review may be requested where appropriate.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
There is no standard schedule suitable for every person, concern or protocol. Some people may be offered a planned series followed by review; others may not require or be suitable for further treatment. Fixed promises about session numbers, six-month maintenance or duration should be avoided.
Progress should be reviewed before additional treatment is recommended. Lack of improvement may prompt reassessment, another investigation, referral or a different plan rather than automatically repeating the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PRP and PRF?
Can PRP or PRF regrow hair?
Can PRF treat dark circles under the eyes?
Only selected under-eye concerns may be suitable. Pigmentation, visible vessels, hollowing and puffiness have different causes, and PRF will not correct all of them.
Can PRP improve acne scars?
PRP may be discussed as an adjunct for selected scar plans, but scar type and tethering influence the recommended approach. It is not a correction for every acne scar.
When will I see a result?
Any change is assessed over time and depends on the concern, area, protocol and individual response. No timeframe or outcome can be guaranteed.
Is there downtime?
Bruising, swelling, redness, tenderness and visible treatment points can occur. Under-eye swelling may be particularly noticeable. Recovery varies, so allow time before important events.
Can PRP be used with microneedling or RF microneedling?
How much does treatment cost?
PRP & PRF Consultation in Adelaide
If you are concerned about hair thinning, under-eye skin quality, facial texture or acne scarring, a consultation can help identify the main contributing features and determine whether PRP, PRF or another pathway may be appropriate.
At Face and Body Adelaide, treatment planning is individualised. Consultation does not mean treatment will be recommended or performed. It provides an opportunity to understand the evidence, options, limitations, risks, recovery and costs before making a decision.
Book a consultation with Face and Body Adelaide at Torrensville or Newton to discuss your concerns and personalised treatment options.