In aesthetic medicine, many developments have occurred over the last several years. Most of these developments have been in the non-surgical arena. Although many advancements in the surgery realm have been significant one of these nonsurgical areas of improvement has been the use of blood products to add to the healing process, anti-aging, and the whole concept of rejuvenation.
Platelet-rich plasma has a second-generation product called platelet-rich fibrin. The blood is drawn and spun down into a centrifuge and separated into its component parts. The red blood cells, by and large, are discarded leaving a mixture rich in platelets, white cells, fibrin matrix which includes growth factors and chemicals important to the healing process.
These facial areas of improvement in conjunction with fillers can offer a significant tool to counter the aging process. In addition to PRF used with fillers, it can also be used with certain types of absorbable threads strategically placed throughout the face. This is done in order to stop the aging clock. Most of these non-surgical products and services have the greatest benefit in the under 40 to 45-year-old age group. I have had significant success using a combination of PRF with fillers under the eye for dark circles. Also in augmenting the cheekbone as well as overall facial rejuvenation procedures. This includes the nasal labial folds, the forehead, eyebrows, jawline, and under the neck.
You must keep in mind that these non-surgical treatments and products require repeated applications and treatments in order to achieve their most maximum benefit.
THOMAS TREVISANI, MD
BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
MEMBER AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
