Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) in San Diego, CA

What is PRF?

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a 100% natural concentrate made from a simple blood draw.

The big difference between the traditional PRP and the new PRF is the spin. To make PRP, labs usually spin the blood fast to separate everything completely. To make PRF, we spin the blood sample slowly. This gentler cycle keeps the "liquid gold" together, preserving not just platelets, but also white blood cells and stem cells.

Because we don’t add any chemicals or anti-clotting agents, the mixture turns into a gel, or a fibrin clot, almost as soon as we inject it. This gel acts like a biological scaffold, trapping the platelets and growth factors right where we want them.

Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) Feature Image

The Benefits

Why switch to PRF treatment? It’s all about getting more out of your blood sample.

The Slow Drip: The fibrin architecture acts like a net. It releases key proteins—like vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and epidermal growth factor—gradually over a week or more. PRP usually uses up its energy in the first day.
Immune Boost: By keeping the white blood cells, PRF uses your body’s natural immune system to clean up debris and manage inflammation during the healing process.
Instant Volume: Because it forms a gel, PRF injections give you a little immediate volume. It’s a great natural alternative to filler that also works on your skin health long-term.
Totally Pure: Since we don't use additives, the risk of adverse reactions is basically zero. It’s just your autologous blood doing the work.

Candidates

Since it’s completely natural, PRF therapy works for almost everyone. It’s an especially great choice if you:

Hate the idea of synthetic fillers but want to fix under-eye hollows.
Are trying to smooth out deep acne scars.
Want a holistic, chemical-free way to get some skin tightening.
Are noticing the start of skin aging, like fine lines or crepey skin.
Need to accelerate healing after a laser treatment or surgery.

What PRF Addresses

Under-Eye Circles

The skin under your eyes is thin, which is why it shows age first. PRF is a game-changer here because it acts like a biological cushion. The platelet rich fibrin matrix adds physical thickness to that thin skin. This helps hide the dark blood vessels underneath and improves blood circulation, making you look more rested.

Scars and Texture

PRF treatment is incredible for stubborn acne scars. The gel physically lifts the dent of the scar, while the stem cells tell your body to build new collagen to smooth out the surface. It essentially hits "restart" on the healing process in areas where your skin gave up.

Thinning Hair

If you’re dealing with hair loss, platelet-rich fibrin has a huge advantage. The fibrin mesh holds the nutrients near the hair follicle for longer. This feeds the hair root and promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessels), which can wake up dormant follicles and thicken your hair.

Recovery Speed

We often use PRF as a "bio-bandage" after big treatments like CO2 lasers. The high platelet concentration signals your body to repair blood vessels and seal the skin up fast, cutting down your redness and downtime.

Preparation & Consultation

Getting ready is easy. Since we’re harvesting your blood, the most important thing you can do is hydrate. Please drink plenty of water in the 24 hours before your appointment. If you’re dehydrated, it’s harder to draw the blood and we get less of the good plasma fraction.

We’ll also check your meds. Some anti-inflammatories (like ibuprofen) can pause the wound healing signal or mess with platelet activation, so we might ask you to skip them for a few days before we start.

The Procedure

The whole treatment is quick, usually under an hour.

The Draw: We take a small amount of autologous blood from your arm, just like a regular lab test.
The Slow Spin: We spin the blood slowly to separate the red blood cells, but keep the bioactive plasma fraction intact.
The Extraction: We pull out the middle layer—the golden liquid containing the platelet-rich fibrin.
The Treatment: Depending on your plan, we inject the PRF where you need it (like under the eyes) or apply it topically after microneedling.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery is mild, but you will have some "social downtime." Because we’re injecting fluid into the tissue, you might look a little puffy, especially if we treat the under-eyes.

Swelling usually peaks the next day and goes down after a few days, and you might get a little bruising where the needle went in. We usually tell patients not to ice the area. The healing properties of PRF rely on a little bit of inflammation to kickstart collagen production. Freezing it can actually slow down the results.

PRF Results

You might look "filled" right away because of the swelling, but that’s temporary. The real change happens over the next few weeks as your body builds new tissue. For the best skin texture and density, we usually recommend a series of three treatments spaced about six weeks apart.

Cost of PRF

Pricing depends on how many tubes we draw and if you’re doing PRF by itself or adding it to another treatment. We’ll give you a clear quote when you come in.

Why Choose Malone Plastic Surgery?

Before PRF was popular in cosmetic dermatology, it was used by surgeons for complex things like sinus lift procedures and periodontal regeneration. We chose to bring PRF therapy into our practice because it has a real track record of rebuilding soft and hard tissue naturally. We understand how the fibrin architecture works and how to place it so you look refreshed, not fake.

Schedule Your Consultation

Your body already knows how to fix itself, but that doesn't mean we can't make the process a little easier. Contact Malone Plastic Surgery to see if PRF treatment is the right move for your skin.

Call our La Jolla office or send us a message online to book your spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the actual difference between PRP and PRF?

It’s all in the spin. Platelet-rich plasma PRP is spun fast, which separates the blood a lot and usually needs additives to stay liquid. Platelet-rich fibrin is spun slowly, which keeps the white blood cells and stem cells in the mix. Plus, no additives means it forms a natural fibrin clot that releases growth factors over a much longer time.

Does PRF hurt?

The blood draw is just a quick pinch. The injections can feel like a little pressure since the PRF gel is thicker than water. We use a strong numbing cream to make sure you’re comfortable the whole time.

Is PRF safe?

Yes. Since it’s made 100% from your own blood (autologous concentration), there’s basically no risk of an allergic reaction. It’s been used safely in dental procedures and orthopaedic bone repair for years.

Can PRF replace fillers?

It does a different job. While PRF adds a little volume, it’s not a firm gel like traditional filler. Think of it more as a skin builder that improves quality and thickness over time, rather than something that drastically changes your face shape.

How many PRF sessions do I need?

For skin tightening and texture, we usually suggest a series of three. If you’re doing it for hair restoration, four monthly sessions are usually the sweet spot to see real changes.

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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.

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