PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor)
In San Diego, CA
For years, the most effective way to stimulate deep tissue repair required a blood draw. We relied on the body’s own platelets (PRP) to kickstart the healing process, but that approach came with a built-in limitation: inconsistency. Your results depended entirely on the quality of your blood on that specific day.
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) represents the next phase of regenerative medicine. It moves beyond the variability of autologous (patient-derived) treatments. By utilizing a bio-identical, pharmaceutical-grade protein, we can now deliver a consistent, concentrated signal to the skin cells—without needles, blood draws, or biological variables. It is a precise, targeted approach to tissue regeneration.
In the simplest terms, PDGF is a signaling protein. In nature, when tissue is injured, PDGF is released by activated platelets to act as a "site foreman," instructing cells to repair damage, build new scaffolding, and form new blood vessels.
At Malone Plastic Surgery, we utilize a pure, topical formulation known as Ariessence. Unlike PRP treatments, which contain a "soup" of other growth factors, inflammatory markers, and red blood cells, this is a refined isolate. It bypasses the need to process the patient's blood, providing a stable, high-potency signal that the skin recognizes immediately.
By removing the inflammatory components found in whole blood, pure PDGF focuses entirely on the regenerative signal.
PDGF binds to receptors on fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, instructing them to synthesize new collagen and elastin. This creates a denser dermal matrix, improving overall skin quality and smoothing rough patches.
Because PDGF plays a central role in the body's natural wound response, it is highly effective for remodeling scar tissue. It recruits mesenchymal stem cells to the area to break down fibrous scarring and replace it with healthy tissue.
Getting PDGF in San Diego stimulates the release of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, which supports blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). This improves nutrient delivery to the skin and helps resolve inflammation and redness quickly after energy-based procedures.
At our office in San Diego PDGF works great for nearly all skin types. It is particularly suited for patients who:
“I would recommend her a million times over…”
Because we are not using the patient's blood, the preparation is simple. There is no need to discontinue anti-inflammatory medications or worry about hydration levels affecting your platelet count. During your consultation, we will assess whether PDGF treatment should be performed as a standalone infusion or paired with various treatments like Morpheus8 or CO2 laser for deeper penetration.
The application of PDGF is straightforward and typically acts as the final step of a combination therapy.
Because PDGF is typically paired with energy devices or microneedling, your recovery timeline is largely dictated by the primary treatment. However, the addition of growth factors changes the quality of that recovery. With PDGF San Diego patients should think of it as a biological accelerant that helps the skin move through the inflammatory phase much faster.
In the first 24 hours, the most noticeable difference is a significant reduction in post-treatment redness and heat. Patients often tell us their skin feels calmer and less "tight" than they expected after a laser session. To get the most out of the application, we advise leaving the serum on for at least several hours (or overnight). This gives the proteins time to fully penetrate and signal the body's natural healing process. We will provide you with a gentle skincare protocol for the days following, which usually involves avoiding harsh actives (like retinoids or acids) to let the healing process complete without interruption.
It's helpful to look at your results as two phases: the immediate visible boost and the long-term structural change.
Right away, you will likely notice a hydrated, "glass skin" effect. This is largely due to the high-quality hyaluronic acid base, which floods the open channels with moisture. It’s a great immediate payoff, but the real work is happening beneath the surface.
The true value of PDGF is its ability to trigger cellular regeneration, a cycle that ramps up over roughly six weeks. This is when collagen production peaks. You aren’t just seeing a surface polish, you are seeing a thicker, more resilient dermal matrix. Over a series of treatments, this translates to significantly smoother skin texture, softened acne scars, and a quality of youthful skin that looks healthy because it is healthy.
The cost varies depending on whether PDGF is added to a laser package or performed as a standalone delivery. We will provide a detailed quote during your consultation.
We’ve always believed that aesthetic medicine should be precise, not a guessing game. For a long time, the industry relied on traditional PRP, but we knew that results could vary wildly depending on something as simple as how hydrated or stressed a patient was on the day of treatment. We didn't love that variable, and we assumed you wouldn’t either.
Our team at Malone Plastic Surgery provides PDGF treatments to take the "maybe" out of regenerative medicine. It allows us to hand you a result that is based on consistent data, not chance. When you come to us, we want you to feel confident that you are getting the most potent, high-quality signal for repair every single time you walk through our doors. It’s a smarter, cleaner approach that respects both your biology and your investment
Real regenerative change has to start with a plan. At Malone Plastic Surgery, we see your consultation as a collaborative medical strategy session. Whether you are local to San Diego or visiting us from out of state, we have designed a seamless, concierge intake process to ensure your time is respected and your goals are clearly mapped out.
Dr. Malone's approach in La Jolla is all about personalization, tailoring treatments specifically to address your unique concerns and aesthetic goals.
Our goal is to bring out a rejuvenated appearance that mirrors the vitality you feel within. Dr. Malone's expertise ensures seamless enhancements, avoiding any unwarranted attention. She achieves the subtle refreshment that helps bring back what a restful night's sleep used to give. Dr. Malone's aesthetic is characterized by its natural, gentle, and harmonious qualities, empowering you to confidently present your best self. Her aspiration is to assist every patient in achieving a naturally balanced aesthetic, ensuring you always project your most confident self.
Dr. Malone holds prestigious Fellow status in The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and The American College of Surgeons. This remarkable honor is granted to a select group of surgeons based on their exceptional training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical standards.
Committed to perfecting her craft and achieving technical excellence, Dr. Malone successfully completed her fellowship under the mentorship of the esteemed facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono. Dr. Jacono is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in advancing the deep plane facelift technique, which not only minimizes noticeable scarring but also revitalizes the underlying facial tissues. This innovative approach steers clear of the artificial results commonly linked to traditional facelift methods. Leveraging Dr. Jacono's pioneering technique, Dr. Malone offers her patients remarkably natural and authentic outcomes in facial rejuvenation.
PRP depends on your blood, meaning age, health, and hydration impact its quality. Pure PDGF is a lab-synthesized, bio-identical protein. It is consistent, shelf-stable, and offers a much higher concentration of the specific PDGF BB isomer needed for repair, without the inflammatory blood cells.
Yes. Platelet-derived growth factor has a long medical history. It was originally FDA-approved for diabetic foot ulcers and orthopaedic bone repair due to its potent ability to promote skin healing. Cosmetic dermatology has simply adapted this established science for aesthetic purposes.
No. It is a topical application that feels cooling on the skin. Any sensation comes from the accompanying microneedling or laser, not the serum itself.
While a single treatment can boost recovery, we usually recommend a series of three to see significant changes in acne scars or skin texture.
Because the protein is bio-identical to what your body naturally produces, the risk of adverse reactions is extremely low. It does not contain foreign animal or human blood products.
