PRF facials - Platelet-Rich Plasma

A PRF facial is a regenerative skin treatment that uses platelet-rich fibrin from your own blood to support collagen production, tissue repair and gradual improvement in skin quality. It is often considered for concerns such as fine lines, dullness, crepey skin, under-eye skin quality and early signs of ageing.

PRF is not the same as dermal filler and it does not produce an instant lifting effect. Results usually develop gradually over several weeks and often work best as part of a planned course of treatment.

At Pond Square Dental in Highgate, PRF treatment can be discussed as part of a facial aesthetics consultation to assess whether it is suitable for your skin concerns, medical history and treatment goals.

A PRF facial uses platelet-rich fibrin, a blood-derived concentrate prepared from a small sample of your own blood. PRF contains platelets, fibrin and growth factors involved in natural healing, tissue repair and collagen activity.

The blood sample is processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich fibrin from other blood components. The PRF can then be applied to the skin with microneedling or introduced into targeted areas using small injections.

Because PRF is made from your own blood, it is sometimes described as an autologous regenerative treatment. However, it is still a clinical procedure involving blood handling and skin treatment, so careful assessment, sterile preparation and appropriate training are important.

PRF and PRP are both regenerative treatments made from a patient’s own blood, but they are prepared differently. PRF stands for platelet-rich fibrin, while PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma.

PRF is not automatically better than PRP. The right option depends on the treatment area, clinical goal, skin condition and practitioner assessment.

PRF is not the same as dermal filler. PRF supports tissue quality and collagen activity, while dermal filler is usually used to restore or add volume.

PRF and filler can sometimes be considered for similar areas, but they do not do the same job. A consultation helps determine whether your concern is mainly related to skin quality, volume, pigmentation, muscle movement or a combination of factors.

PRF may be suitable for patients who want gradual skin improvement using a treatment derived from their own blood. It is often considered by patients who want a subtle regenerative approach rather than a more immediate filler-based result.

You may be suitable for PRF if you:

• have fine lines or early skin ageing
• want to improve skin texture or firmness gradually
• have mild under-eye skin thinning or crepiness
• prefer a treatment using your own blood components
• understand that results vary
• are comfortable with blood collection
• are prepared for a course of treatment if advised
• have realistic expectations about subtle improvement

Suitability depends on your medical history, skin condition, treatment area, medication use and the type of result you are hoping to achieve.

PRF may not be suitable for everyone, especially where blood health, healing ability or infection risk is a concern. A consultation is needed before treatment to check your medical history, medicines and skin condition.

PRF may not be advised if you have:

• active infection or inflammation in the treatment area
• certain blood disorders or platelet conditions
• uncontrolled medical conditions affecting healing
• recent illness or poor general health
• a history of problematic scarring
• certain immune or clotting concerns
• current use of some blood-thinning medicines
• pregnancy or breastfeeding, depending on clinical policy
• unrealistic expectations about lifting, tightening or volume replacement

This does not mean PRF is unsafe for most people, but it does mean proper screening is important.

A PRF facial usually involves consultation, blood collection, centrifuge preparation and application or injection of the PRF. The appointment length varies depending on the areas treated and whether PRF is combined with microneedling.

A typical treatment journey includes:

1. Consultation
   Your concerns, medical history, skin condition and treatment goals are reviewed. This helps determine whether PRF is suitable or whether another treatment may be more appropriate.
2. Blood sample
   A small amount of blood is taken, similar to a routine blood test.
3. Centrifuge preparation
   The sample is spun to separate the platelet-rich fibrin from other blood components.
4. Application or injection
   PRF may be applied after microneedling or injected into targeted areas, such as under the eyes or around fine lines.
5. Recovery guidance
   You will be advised how to care for the skin afterwards and what to avoid while the skin settles.

Most appointments take around 45–90 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated and the technique used.

A PRF facial may feel mildly uncomfortable, but it is not usually described as very painful. The level of discomfort depends on whether PRF is applied with microneedling or placed using small injections, as well as the area being treated.

You may feel:

• a small scratch during the blood sample
• pressure or brief stinging during injections
• a prickling sensation with microneedling
• mild tenderness afterwards
• more sensitivity in delicate areas, such as under the eyes

Most discomfort is short-lived and usually settles soon after treatment. The under-eye area can feel more sensitive because the skin is thinner, so your practitioner should explain what to expect before treatment and adapt the approach where appropriate.

PRF results are usually gradual rather than immediate. Some patients notice early improvement in skin freshness or hydration within the first couple of weeks, but collagen-related changes often develop over several weeks.

PRF is best thought of as a maintenance-based regenerative treatment rather than a one-off procedure. A typical plan may include 2–3 initial sessions spaced around 4–6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance every 6–12 months, depending on your skin condition, response and goals.

Results vary from person to person. Age, skin quality, lifestyle, medical history, treatment area and number of sessions can all affect how quickly results appear and how long they last.

Side effects after PRF are usually mild and temporary, but they vary depending on whether treatment is applied with microneedling or small injections. Common effects include redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising, small injection marks, temporary tightness or mild under-eye puffiness.

Downtime is usually limited. Some redness may settle within 24–48 hours, although bruising or swelling can take longer, especially around delicate areas such as the under-eyes. It is sensible to allow extra time before an important event.

After treatment, you may be advised to:

• avoid touching the treated area unnecessarily
• avoid make-up for the advised period
• avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids or strong active skincare for several days
• avoid saunas, steam rooms, intense exercise and alcohol for 24–48 hours
• use gentle skincare and daily high-SPF sunscreen
• follow your personalised aftercare advice

Contact the clinic if you notice increasing pain, spreading redness, unusual discharge, fever, prolonged swelling or anything that does not feel right.

PRF can sometimes be combined with other treatments, depending on the patient’s concerns and clinical assessment. It may be used alongside microneedling, skincare, facial aesthetics treatments or other rejuvenation approaches.

Combination treatment may be considered when there are several concerns at once, such as:

• fine lines and dullness
• under-eye skin quality and mild volume loss
• texture changes and pigmentation
• collagen loss and facial volume changes

PRF is not always the first or only option. In some cases, skincare, dermal filler, anti-wrinkle treatment, microneedling or another approach may be more suitable.

A clinical setting is important because PRF involves blood collection, blood processing and skin penetration. Even though the treatment uses your own blood, sterile handling and careful technique are essential.

Clinical assessment also helps identify whether PRF is suitable for your concern. For example, under-eye darkness may be caused by pigmentation, shadowing, thin skin or volume loss. These causes require different treatment approaches.

A clinical setting helps to:

• maintain sterile blood collection and preparation
• reduce contamination risk
• support safe injection or microneedling technique
• assess medical history and contraindications
• tailor treatment to your anatomy and concerns
• recognise and manage side effects appropriately

At Pond Square Dental, PRF can be discussed as part of a careful facial aesthetics assessment, with attention to suitability, safety, realistic expectations and appropriate aftercare.

Is PRF the same as a vampire facial?

PRF is related to the type of treatment often called a vampire facial, but it is not exactly the same. A vampire facial commonly refers to PRP with microneedling, while PRF uses platelet-rich fibrin, which is prepared differently and forms a fibrin matrix.

Is PRF better than PRP?

PRF is not automatically better than PRP. PRF and PRP are different blood-derived treatments, and the right choice depends on the treatment area, skin concern and clinical goal.

Can PRF replace under-eye filler?

PRF may improve under-eye skin quality, but it does not replace filler in every case. If the main concern is volume loss or a deep tear trough, filler or another option may be more suitable.

How many PRF sessions will I need?

Many patients are advised to have 2–3 sessions spaced several weeks apart, followed by maintenance if appropriate. The exact number depends on your skin condition, treatment area and response.

Does PRF work immediately?

PRF does not usually produce instant results. Some patients notice early freshness, but collagen-related improvements usually develop gradually over several weeks.

Is there downtime after PRF?

Downtime is usually mild, but redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising can occur. Recovery depends on whether PRF is applied with microneedling or injected into specific areas.

Can PRF help dark circles?

PRF may help some under-eye concerns, especially where thin or crepey skin is involved. It may be less effective if dark circles are mainly caused by pigmentation, genetics, deep hollowing or shadowing.

Is PRF natural?

PRF is often described as natural because it is made from your own blood. However, it is still a clinical procedure involving blood handling and skin treatment, so proper assessment and sterile technique are important.

How long does a PRF appointment take?

A PRF appointment commonly takes around 45–90 minutes, depending on the areas treated, consultation requirements and whether microneedling or injections are used.

Is PRF suitable for everyone?

No. PRF may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions, blood disorders, active infection, healing concerns or some medication use. A consultation is needed to assess suitability.

What is the difference between PRF and filler?

PRF supports skin quality and collagen activity, while filler is used to restore or add volume. PRF may be better suited to gradual improvement in skin texture, while filler may be more suitable where the main concern is volume loss.

Can I wear make-up after PRF?

You may be advised to avoid make-up for a short period after treatment, especially if microneedling or injections have been used. This helps reduce irritation and supports cleaner healing while the skin settles.