https://www.glamorousdubai.ae/en/hair-transplant/prp-hair-treatment/
The disparities between Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) are nuanced yet crucial in the realm of regenerative treatments offered at clinics in Dubai. Both are autologous blood concentrates utilized for hair restoration and skin rejuvenation, but they diverge significantly in their preparation, cellular composition, and growth factor release mechanism.
In essence, PRF is considered the more advanced "next generation" version of PRP due to its extended release of growth factors and higher cellular viability.
1. Preparation and Centrifugation:
The primary distinction lies in the way blood is processed in the centrifuge machine.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma):
- Utilizes an anticoagulant (e.g., ACD) to prevent clotting.
- Spun at a fast, high G-force to achieve rapid and complete separation.
- Yields a fluid liquid that requires an activator (like calcium chloride) to induce clotting.
PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin):
- Does not use an anticoagulant, allowing natural clotting during centrifugation.
- Spun at a slow, low G-force to retain key cells and enable incomplete separation.
- Results in a fibrin gel or matrix that naturally clots a few minutes after collection.
Impact: PRF's slower spin and lack of anticoagulant enable it to maintain a higher concentration of white blood cells and stem cells, crucial for regeneration. The formation of a fibrin scaffold when the solution cools down is key to its benefits.
2. Cellular Content and Purity:
PRF surpasses PRP in terms of the variety and concentration of healing cells involved.
PRP:
- High platelet concentration (3x to 7x baseline).
- Low to absent white blood cells (discarded or damaged during fast spin).
- Does not contain a fibrin matrix.
- Low stem cell content.
PRF:
- High platelet concentration, slightly lower than PRP due to slower spin.
- High concentration of white blood cells retained in the fibrin matrix.
- Rich fibrin matrix forming a stable, natural 3D scaffold.
- Higher stem cell content, especially Mesenchymal Stem Cells.
Impact: PRF's inclusion of white blood cells provides a natural defense against infection, while the fibrin and stem cells create a richer biological environment for tissue regeneration.
3. Growth Factor Release Mechanism:
The primary clinical difference between the two treatments lies in how growth factors are delivered.
PRP: The "Flash" Effect
- Growth factors released in a rapid burst upon activation.
- Peak concentration lasts for 4 to 6 weeks, necessitating frequent treatments for sustained results.
PRF: The "Sustained" Effect
- Growth factors and cells trapped within the fibrin matrix.
- Released gradually and continually over 1 to 2 months, providing a longer and more potent signal to hair follicles and skin cells.
4. Clinical Application in Dubai Hair Clinics:
PRF is increasingly preferred over PRP for regenerative purposes due to its superior sustained-release mechanism.
Acell+PRP vs. PRF:
In advanced clinics, the Acell+PRP combination is sometimes seen as an alternative to PRF. Acell, an external scaffold, is added to PRP to mimic the sustained-release mechanism of PRF. Both options aim to extend the therapeutic effect beyond traditional PRP's 4-week limit.
Conclusion:
While PRP offers a powerful burst of growth factors, PRF represents an advancement in autologous treatment. By utilizing a gentler spin and eliminating the anticoagulant, PRF creates a richer, fibrin-based solution that releases growth factors over a more extended period. In Dubai, patients often choose PRF or the Acell+PRP combination for the sustained effect, increased density, and reduced treatment frequency.