Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) in San Diego, CA

What is PDGF?

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.

PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor) Feature Image

The Benefits of PDGF

By removing the inflammatory components found in whole blood, pure PDGF focuses entirely on the regenerative signal.

Needle-Free Experience: Because the solution is synthesized, there is no blood draw required.
Consistency: Every treatment delivers a standardized dose of growth factors, eliminating the variability seen in platelet derivatives.
Reduced Downtime: When applied after laser resurfacing or microneedling, it significantly calms post-treatment redness.
Deep Hydration: The formula is suspended in hyaluronic acid to support the skin barrier during recovery.
Potency: Studies suggest pure PDGF can be up to 1,000 times more concentrated than the alpha granules found in traditional PRP.

PDGF Candidates

PDGF works great for nearly all skin types. It is particularly suited for patients who:

Want regenerative treatments but are averse to blood draws.
Are undergoing laser treatments or microneedling and want to accelerate healing.
Have visible acne scars or uneven skin texture.
Are addressing skin aging concerns like fine lines, crepiness, or thinning skin.
Want to maximize collagen production for long-term skin health.

What PDGF Addresses

Texture and Collagen Density

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.

Acne Scars and Tissue Remodeling

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.

Vascular Support and Healing

PDGF 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.

Preparation & Consultation

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.

Your PDGF Treatment

The application of PDGF is straightforward and typically acts as the final step of a combination therapy.

Channel Creation: We use tiny needles (microneedling) or a fractional laser to create microscopic channels in the skin.
Application: The topical solution of concentrated PDGF is applied to the treated area.
Absorption: The growth factors flow through the channels, reaching the dermis where cell survival and regeneration signals are needed most.
Activation: The protein immediately begins to produce collagen and initiate tissue repair.

Recovery and Aftercare

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. Think of PDGF 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.

PDGF Results

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.

PDGF Cost

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.

Why Choose Malone Plastic Surgery?

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

Schedule Your Consultation

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from PRP?

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.

Is it safe?

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.

Does it hurt?

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.

How many sessions do I need?

While a single treatment can boost recovery, we usually recommend a series of three to see significant changes in acne scars or skin texture.

Can this cause adverse reactions?

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.

“You have helped me more than you’ll ever know. You possess the qualities not only of an excellent physician but of an extraordinary human being as well.” —Facelift, lip lift, chin implant (F.K.)

“Thank you for the smile on my face whenever I look in the mirror, you’re an incredible lady and surgeon” —Facelift, Lip Lift, Laser skin resurfacing (B.P.)

“Dr. Malone is great! She is very friendly, honest, clear and understanding. Never had to wait longer then 10 minutes. It is easy to make an appointment by phone or email. Truly pleased with the results!” —Botox (C.V.)

“I am 69 years old and had a deep plane face lift with Dr. Malone my results are fabulous. She is an excellent surgeon and a caring kind person as well. Would highly recommend her.” —Deep Plane Facelift (aerobicgal)

“Not only did she straighten out my nose and significantly improve my breathing but she was very attentive and had a great bedside manner! I've had nothing but complements on how good my new nose looks!” —Septoplasty (M.H.)

“She is kind, caring, listened to and addressed all of my concerns, explained everything in detail, and was always available, before and after surgery.” —Facelift (B.)

“If I could give her 10 stars I would! She was very attentive during AND after the visit and her bed side manner is impeccable. I would recommend her a million times over to anyone looking for an amazing MD.” —Restylane (S.D.)

“I saw Dr. Malone back in Nov 2017, she was an absolute delight. I knew I was in good hands. Her empathetic bedside manner made me feel confident in her abilities to give me the exact results I envisioned. ” —Rhinoplasty (N.K.)

San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr Melanie Malone MD, FACS

Dr. Malone’s Philosophy

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.

Learn More About Dr. Malone