Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) is a subtype of platelet – rich plasma (PRP), enriched in proteins and growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration.
The treatment uses a patient’s blood cells to accelerate healing in a specific area like joint injuries, skin rejuvenation to hair loss.
Due to the presence of bioactive proteins and growth factors involved in tissue regeneration, PRGF applied locally to damaged areas or areas with signs of aging, facilitates cell renewal and improves the general state of skin health.
There are two forms of PRGF:
– Liquid Form: as it is a liquid, it facilitates infiltration into the skin, polymerizes in a fibrin matrix, and allows the balanced and gradual release of a large number of molecules, including growth factors and other proteins.
Usually, it is used in: Facial rejuvenation, Hair growth, Wound healing, and Acne.
– The Gel form: has biomechanical properties which provide support and viscosity, it is prepared similarly to liquid form by taking blood and processing it with the centrifuge, the second step is to heat the liquid, then the 3rd step is cool it to transform the plasma into smooth bio-stimulating substance.
This formulation has been developed to moderate the wrinkles through intradermal and subdermal injection, and can also be used to fill atrophic scars, and as a filler to enhance the face contour for the client who doesn’t like or prefer filers, the volume effect is temporary but at the same time will work on the area for rejuvenation.
PRGF works as a 100% natural skin booster and volumizer. The skin will look younger and more glowing.
The most popular and effective areas, as a result, are around the eyes, around the mouth, and as a natural lips enhancer.
– The skin should be cleaned from the makeup.
– If there is a history of cold sores or Herpes infection, the doctor must be informed prior to the treatment, to prescribe a medication to eliminate the chances of recurrence post treatment, especially if the treatment will be injected into the lips.
– Avoid Dermal Fillers at least 2 weeks prior to and after the treatment.
– Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinner medications, which can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
– Avoid wearing make-up for one day.
– Apply daily sunscreen SPF 50 to prevent post-procedure pigmentation.
– The normal skincare routine can be resumed 48 hours post-treatment.
– Avoid excessive sweating or exercise for 72 hours post-treatment including hot tubs, saunas, etc.
The effects of PRGF are progressive and can be noticed after 24 hours to one week from the first session, with more improvement with each new session.
The recommended treatment protocol is 3 to 4 sessions in 3 to 4 months.
To maintain the result, it is advisable to do 1-3 sessions per year depending on the skin and hair condition.
PRGF is considered a very safe procedure even for pregnant and breast-feeding women and does not usually cause major side effects, because it is from the client’s blood. Therefore, the risk of an allergic reaction is much lower than in other injectable procedures.
The primary risks and discomforts are related to the blood draw and collection.
Any additional side effects related to PRGF injections are generally temporary and might include:
– Bruising, which is always a possibility with any skin injection and may develop immediately or up to 24 hours following the treatment.
– Pain and tenderness, which may last up to 1 week.
– Infections are extremely rare but may require treatment, including antibiotics if necessary.
Studies done for comparing the effect of PRGF and Hyaluronic acid injection on skin hydration improvement showed that with PRGF, hydration was 4 times more after 6 months over the Hyaluronic acid.
Moreover, according to a retrospective study, PRGF is a safe and effective treatment for AGA (Androgenic Alopecia) showed improves 1.5 times in anagen hair growth (Active growth phase), and a decrease of 2.2 times in telogen hair growth (Active falling phase) over treatment with topical Minoxidil.
This article is Medically reviewed by : Dr. Iman Itani MBBS.GP. Aesthetic doctor.