Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become a popular way to rejuvenate your features without resorting to synthetic injectables. All it takes is some of your blood, which is then processed until only the good components remain. People on social media and beyond love this trend, mainly due to its simplicity and lack of chemical use. 

The procedure has been made popular with PRP for hair regeneration, but cosmetic advancements further developed it for skin benefits. The result was PRFM, or platelet-rich fibrin matrix, which uses your own blood to regenerate your skin. Dr. Ariel Ostad can provide PRFM treatments to reduce signs of aging and potential facial imperfections.

What Is PRFM?

PRFM, short for platelet-rich fibrin matrix, is a procedure that enhances the body’s natural healing ability by using your own blood. The injectable solution is similar to PRP (platelet-rich plasma), but the processing is taken one step further, turning it into a fibrin matrix. This way, it becomes a gel-like formula similar to dermal fillers. Also, instead of being used on the scalp, it is used on the face.

The treatment is often an excellent option for men and women who report signs of aging. This can include volume loss in the cheek and under-eye area, along with fine lines and wrinkles. The treatment is also a good option for those who notice skin thinning and laxity issues and want a skin-tightening effect.

How PRFM Works

PRFM works similarly to PRP, the only difference being that the former option is more advanced and oriented to skin use. PRFM harvests the patient’s blood, which is then added into a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma. Calcium is also used to turn the PRP into a gel-like formula, which is of a higher thickness than regular PRP. 

The injectable starts your body’s regeneration process, and the calcium promotes new collagen production. The gel-like formula can also act as scaffolding, offering instant filler benefits in areas where you may be lacking volume. This can help you reduce tear troughs that look hollow, dark circles, crepey skin, sagging cheeks, wrinkles, fine lines, and more.

Depending on your skin condition or the treatments you opt for, PRFM can be applied topically or injected in the target areas. If it’s used as a standalone treatment and for smaller areas, then you should opt for injections. However, for larger areas, topical PRFM might be a better option. The treatment is more efficient when combined with microneedling, as it allows the PRFM to be easily absorbed by the skin.

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Common Treatment Areas

The beauty of PRFM is that it’s versatile, which explains its growing popularity. The use of the product has become trending in the following areas:

  • Under-Eye Area: Particularly effective for hollowness, dark circles, and fine lines in the eye area (crow’s feet).
  • Cheeks: Effective for enhancing texture and skin elasticity, promoting a youthful appearance by reducing fine lines.
  • Neck Area: Great for smoothing out wrinkles on the neck and chest. If you are dealing with skin laxity issues that cause your neck to lose its elegance, PRFM treatments can also help you.
  • Nasolabial Folds: PRFM can address the static wrinkles around the mouth and nose area by stimulating collagen production.
  • Forehead: Effective for softening the dynamic wrinkles caused by repetitive movements, PRFM is frequently used for the forehead and even frown lines.
  • Acne Scars: PRFM can also be used in localized areas where you have acne scars, as the new collagen production fills out atrophic scars.

The PRFM treatment can be used on one target or multiple ones at the same time. Depending on your concerns, Dr. Ostad can create a customized treatment plan that tackles multiple regions.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Customized Consultations

Whether you want to improve your skin’s texture or reduce signs of aging, the PRFM treatment can be an effective rejuvenating solution for your needs. Your treatments are customized after going through a consultation with Dr. Ostad. He will look at all of your problem areas, suggesting where to inject the PRFM and reducing your signs of aging without any invasive procedures.

Treatment Process

Administering the PRFM treatment may vary from one patient to another, especially where the target areas are concerned. That said, Dr. Ostad also applies a series of standard steps to ensure the safety and efficiency of the treatment. This includes the following: 

Consultation: Dr. Ostad will evaluate your skin issues and determine whether or not PRFM is suitable for you. During this stage, he will also explain the procedure and give you information on the expected results. 

Blood Drawing: Using blood harvesting tools, Dr. Ostad will draw a small amount from you, usually around 10 to 20 milliliters. The amount is often not that different from your average blood test. 

Blood Processing: The blood is passed through a centrifuge, which separates the blood components and isolates the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) cells. Dr. Ostad then mixes the PRP components with calcium chloride to get a gel-like consistency.

Administration: Using a fine needle, Dr. Ostad will inject the solution into your target areas. Careful, small doses will be administered for even application. 

Post-Treatment Care: Dr. Ostad may apply a soothing gel or cold patches to keep the swelling minimal. You may also receive instructions on taking care of the treatment area to avoid potential side effects. 

As the PRFM treatment involves using your own blood platelets, you should not experience any significant reactions from the formula. However, you may experience some typical side effects from this procedure. You can use topical products and ice to reduce the side effects.

As your body’s healing process is given a boost, you may notice minor swelling, itching, redness, or bruising in the treatment area. These effects should fade within 48 hours. Some patients may also notice slight peeling within a few days after the treatment, which is a natural effect of your skin renewing itself.

Benefits of PRFM

Dark Circle Reduction

PRFM has become quite popular on social media for its ability to reduce dark circles and hollowness. The skin in that area is more sensitive, so fillers are not usually recommended, especially for aged individuals. Since PRFM is gentler and has fewer side effects, integrating with the skin, it can offer a rested look for a longer time.

Wrinkle Reduction

While the gel-like formula differs slightly from fillers, you may notice a smaller intensity in your wrinkles right after the treatment. This is thanks to the combination between PRP and calcium chloride, which creates a clot-like structure. Both support a cell growth process, offering immediate and long-term results. 

Long-Lasting Effect

On average, dermal fillers last for about six to eight months before you need another treatment. On the other hand, PRFM has the potential to be longer-lasting, with the effects lasting for two years or more. Since the fibrin matrix of PRFM supports a slow yet steady growth factor release, it stimulates collagen and elastin production in the long run, improving skin quality.

Minimal Adverse Reaction Risk

While dermal fillers are usually well-tolerated and based on natural products, they are still foreign (and potentially synthetic) ingredients. You may not have a reaction to the hyaluronic acid, but you may have one to the stabilizing ingredients. Since PRFM uses your own blood, not only does it keep side effects at a minimum, but it also eliminates the chance of an allergic reaction.

Improves Skin Quality

PRFM triggers a natural production of collagen and elastin, along with a cell renewal process. This helps reduce various imperfections, from acne scars to uneven pigmentation, working together with your body’s natural healing system. With time, it can offer you a smoother complexion.

Reviews

PRFM for Medical Conditions

Beyond Cosmetic Uses

Nowadays, PRFM is mostly trending for its cosmetic benefits, but let’s not forget that it’s also referred to as “regenerative medicine.” This means there’s steadily growing recognition for treating ailments caused by degenerative conditions. Chronic wound healing, such as surgical incisions or diabetic ulcers, is the most common application, but PRFM can also be used for wounds that are difficult to heal. 

PRFM can also be used to treat joint and tendon issues in both orthopedic and sports medicine. This can help treat arthritis, tendonitis, and even ligament injuries. PRFM injections can also be used to reduce the appearance of scars while speeding up healing in burn injuries. Due to its tissue-regenerating abilities, it supports the formation of new tissue and minimizes scarring.

Success Stories

“Dr. Ostad provided excellent care and addressed all my concerns. Many years ago, he performed Mohs surgery on my shoulder, and the stitches are barely recognizable. He has magical hands! His staff is AHHHH-MAZING as well. He deserves 5,000 stars!” Anonymous

“A dear friend recommended I go to Dr. Ostad for a consultation about how to refresh my sagging face. His office ambiance and staff are warm and welcoming. You feel comfortable as soon as you enter. I had already reviewed all of the information and videos on the Doctor’s website so I already knew I would be meeting a dedicated, qualified, and unique professional. He took time to listen to everything I said, asked pertinent questions and then went over in detail what could be done to make me look better.I ended up getting a short procedure which included fillers. The 20 minute process took a good 10 years off my face. Now all of my features worked to make me look more attractive than I have ever looked. I cannot describe how wonderful I felt. I strongly recommend you schedule a consultation with Dr. Ostad. It will change your life.”   KD

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRFM?

PRFM is great for women and men who have sensitive skin that does not react well to synthetic fillers. Since the treatment uses your blood for the filling effect, it diminishes the chances of allergies, making the treatment easy to tolerate. Additionally, the procedure works for hair loss as an alternative to PRP, but it is mostly oriented toward skin rejuvenation.

How Is PRFM Different from PRP?

PRFM is different from PRP because the latter has a liquid-like consistency while the former features a gel-like formula. This offers a prolonged release and extends the regenerative benefits of the platelet-rich plasma.

Are There Any Patients Who Are Not Recommended to Get the PRFM Treatment?

Patients who get PRFM should be healthy and not have platelet diseases. Therefore, you may not be a good candidate if you have any blood disorders, like severe anemia. For the treatment to work, you also require a normal platelet function. The best course of action would be to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ostad first to determine whether you are a candidate.

When Can I Go Back to My Usual Activities After PRFM?

Most patients can resume their normal activities within one or two hours after the treatment. Dr. Ostad recommends that you drink plenty of fluids during this time and refrain from doing any extensive exercise. You should wait at least one day before applying makeup and cosmetic products other than the ones recommended by Dr. Ostad.

When Will I See the Results of the PRFM Treatment?

When injected into the skin, the gel-like consistency can offer visible results from the moment you step out of the office. However, until the swelling goes down, you may not be able to see all the benefits. Once the swelling dissipates, you can notice some mild smoothing of the skin within two weeks after the procedure.

The full results may show after three to four weeks once your skin has produced enough new collagen. These results will continue to improve over the next three to four months and can last as long as one year.

Will One Treatment Be Enough?

While one treatment is enough to bring long-lasting results, Dr. Ostad recommends that you come in for three to six sessions. The results may fade with time due to the natural aging process, so yearly maintenance treatments are recommended.

About. Dr. Ostad

Dr. Ariel Ostad is a reputable, board-certified dermatologist and aesthetic surgeon based in NYC. He is known for using minimally invasive procedures that minimize recovery symptoms, adding to patient comfort. With more than two years of experience in his domain, Dr. Ostad has been recognized as a leader, offering advanced treatment plans and personalized advice to his patients. He is dedicated to providing the highest standards of care so his patients can achieve their aesthetic goals.

PRFM treatments are available at Dr. Ostad’s office in New York City, where he offers his patients custom treatment plans and top-quality services.

Have More Questions?

If you have any other questions that have not been answered in this FAQ, we invite you to get in touch with our office. We are dedicated to offering all the information you may need so you can make a well-researched decision.

Expert Answers

What areas of the face or body can be treated with PRFM?

PRFM is commonly used to rejuvenate the under-eye area, face, neck, décolletage, and hands. It can also be used for hair restoration and scar improvement, depending on your specific concerns.

How many sessions of PRFM will I need?

Most patients benefit from a series of 2-3 treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. Maintenance treatments may be recommended every 6-12 months for optimal results.

Combining PRFM with Other Treatments

Complementary Treatments

PRFM treatments work very well on their own, but depending on your goals, they can be combined with a variety of other treatments. For instance, those seeking volume might benefit from combining dermal fillers with PRFM, with the hyaluronic acid adding immediate volume and structure where the PRF is unable to do so. BOTOX® Cosmetic may also be used to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles alongside PRFM.

For those seeking age reduction benefits, PRFM treatments are also frequently combined with microneedling treatments. Procedures such as Morpheus8™ create small channels in the skin, improving the absorption of PRFM and stimulating an even deeper production of collagen. Laser treatments like Fraxel® CO2 may also be used alongside PRFM to promote deeper rejuvenation.

Comprehensive Rejuvenation

Dr. Ostad believes in a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation, combining PRFM with other procedures to enhance results. After a consultation where we evaluate your facial features, we will determine which combination of treatments works best to address your skin concerns. We can use anything from injectables to skin tightening and laser treatments in combination with your PRFM treatment.

Latest Trends and Innovations

Advanced Techniques

Recent advances in PRFM treatments have steadily improved their efficiency, with preparation protocols enhancing the quality of PRFM. Dr. Ostad can now obtain a more stable fibrin matrix using the latest centrifuge technologies, offering a prolonged growth factor release. The result is more consistent, providing longer-lasting skin rejuvenation benefits. 

The combination of PRFM with other skin-regenerating technologies is also becoming more common. Dr. Ostad is using fractional lasers and RF microneedling to enhance the benefits, improving issues such as wrinkles, scarring, and skin laxity with more ease.

Innovative Uses

Originally, PRFM treatments have been used for their anti-aging benefits. However, the treatment is becoming increasingly popular as a healing accelerator, especially where deep chemical peels and Fraxel® CO2 lasers are involved. PRFM treatments have also become part of a “proactive beauty” trend, nourishing the skin and keeping signs of aging at bay before they begin forming.

Safety and Expertise

Why Choose Dr. Ariel Ostad

Dr. Ariel Ostad is one of the few professionals in NYC who hold a triple-board certification. Specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic dermatology, and facial cosmetic surgery, he can address various skin conditions, no matter how complex. His broad knowledge led him to receive numerous honors, being listed as a top doctor and published in reputable journals. He’s been named NYU Surgical Resident of the Year three times, teaching his techniques to residents as an Associate Clinical Professor.

Dr. Ostad created his clinic in New York around patient comfort, offering consistent results and personalized care. Together with his team of professionals, he stays ahead of the curve by familiarizing himself with the recent developments in skin rejuvenation and more.

List of Credentials: 

  • Top 1% BOTOX® and Filler Injector in the US by Allergan Aesthetics 
  • Triple Board Certification in Cosmetic Dermatology, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, and Facial Cosmetic Surgery
  • Top PRFM Provider
  • Trained at Harvard, UCLA, and NYU
  • 3-Time NYU Dermatologic Surgical Attending of the Year Recipient
  • Castle Connolly Top Doctor: From 2012 to Present
  • New York Super Doctor: From 2014 to Present
  • Clinical Associate Professor and Mentor at NYU Department of Dermatology

Commitment to Safety

Dr. Ariel Ostad designed his office to be comfortable and aesthetically pleasing to his patients while maintaining sanitation, safety, and cleanliness standards. He puts patient care and satisfaction first, which is why he consistently invests in different therapeutic devices. These devices are consistently upgraded as technology improves.

The facility also features an on-site lab where Dr. Ostad conducts his Mohs micrographic surgery analysis. That said, the lab also serves other diagnostics and processing purposes, including PRFM management. The office has been approved by the AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) to function as a surgical facility.

Awards and Certifications

Educational Resources

Latest Blog Posts

Dr. Ariel Ostad has seen patients for this service, including BOTOX in NYC, from all over the tri-state area, including Manhattan, Midtown, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Harlem, Astoria, Queens, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and more. If you are interested in any of the services offered at the Office of Dr. Ariel Ostad, please contact us for more information.

BOTOX in NYC Doctor - Dr. Ariel Ostad

Dr. Ariel Ostad has seen patients for this service from all over the tri-state area, including Manhattan, Midtown, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Harlem, Astoria, Queens, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and more. If you are interested in any of the services offered at the Office of Dr. Ariel Ostad, please contact us for more information.

Medical-grade skincare products that will help maintain and enhance your results

These skincare products combined with your treatment plan customized by Dr. Ostad will help enhance your results and improve your overall skin texture. Click on a product below to learn more.

Dr. Ariel Ostad has seen patients for this service from all over the tri-state area, including Manhattan, Midtown, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Harlem, Astoria, Queens, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and more. If you are interested in any of the services offered at the Office of Dr. Ariel Ostad, please contact us for more information.

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