I-PRF - FIBRIN-RICH PLATELET INJECTIONS

What could be better than repairing yourself with Tissue Self-Rejuvenation using Injectable-Plasma Rich in Fibrin (I-PRF)?

You're never better served than by yourself. Such could be the motto of I-PRF. Tissue regeneration and rejuvenation are achieved using the bio-regenerative properties of blood platelets trapped in a fibrin network. The major difference with PRP is that this fibrin network enables growth factors to be released progressively, unlike with PRP where release is immediate. This gradual action allows the necessary time for all the players involved in tissue regeneration to take their place, thereby helping to combat skin ageing.

I-PRF MECHANISMS OF ACTION

Regeneration of an injected area means the creation of a complete new cellular tissue, with fibroblasts producing new collagen fibers, new micro-vessels supplying the nutrients needed by these new cells, and new epidermal cells. This will help to restore elasticity and firmness to the skin, and a radiant complexion.


Platelets are blood cells which, when stimulated, produce cytokines. These cytokines are intercellular messengers, such as growth factors or interleukins, which are essential for cell function and renewal.

Growth factors produced by platelets include :

FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor): stimulates collagen secretion by fibroblasts.

EGF (epidermal Growth Factor): stimulates epidermal healing and regeneration.

VEGF (vascular Growth Factor): stimulates the creation of new vascularization to allow the arrival of stem cells for tissue renewal.

TGF b1 (Transforming Growth Factor): induces type 1 collagen synthesis.

PDGF-ab (Platlet Growth Factor): regulates stem cell migration and survival.

IGF (Insulin Growth Factor): cell-protective agent.

Other cytokines include :

TNF-alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha): stimulates fibroblast remodeling.

IL 1 (InterLeukin1): increases collagen synthesis by fibroblasts and limits the production of protein-degrading enzymes.

Growth factors bio-stimulate the cells in the injected area to promote natural cell regeneration. But for this to be fully beneficial, it must persist over time. And this is where the difference between PRP and I-PRF comes in.

PRP and I-PRF are both activated platelet concentrates, but PRP releases growth factors immediately, limiting their beneficial effects over time. I-PRF, on the other hand, traps these growth factors within a fibrin network, and releases them slowly as the fibrin is naturally and progressively reabsorbed over a 28-day period. It's a veritable bath of youth for your cutaneous and subcutaneous stem cells.

I-PRF CERTIFICATION

A few milliliters of blood can be collected by a simple blood test. The centrifugation process that follows is different from that used for PRP, to preserve the precious fibrin in addition to the platelet-rich plasma concentrate. This centrifugation concentrates platelets 5 to 7 times more than in circulating blood.

The collection tubes used for I-PRF differ from those used for PRP. They contain no chemical additives, which eliminates the risk of foreign body reactions or allergies.

I-PRF is then rapidly injected into the desired areas. Injection depth depends on the treatment objective. A local anesthetic using topical cream is recommended when using micro-needling.

The number and spacing of sessions depend on age and skin condition. For a young person, as a preventive measure, this will be one session a year. For more marked skin conditions, a protocol can be set up with 3 sessions spaced 1 to 3 months apart, followed by maintenance sessions at 6 months. As the effect lasts from 6 months to a year, it's a good idea to repeat the sessions regularly.

INDICATIONS FOR I-PRF

I-PRF enables progressive tissue remodeling thanks to platelet growth factors which, by stimulating stem cells, re-launch the formation of new cutaneous and subcutaneous structures. To bio-stimulate the superficial dermis, I-PRF is injected intradermally using a syringe or micro-needling, as in a mesotherapy session, to improve texture, hydration and skin radiance. Injected into the deep dermis or subdermally, I-PRF is intended to fill out the skin, with the usual loss of volume as an indication. The action will be bio-restructuring and dermal volumizing.

The aim is to :

Bio-regenerate skin on face, neck, décolleté and back of hands.

Treat perioral fine lines.

Treat incipient wrinkles.

Improve dark circles.

Improve volume loss.

Combat hair loss.

An equation summarizes its effects

i-Prf= 4T+C

The 4T effect on the skin translates into skin rejuvenation, with improved dermal texture to smooth fine lines and imperfections, restored skin tone, a brighter complexion and a softer skin feel.

The C in the equation reminds us that i-Prf is the new effective treatment for hair loss. Hair loss is significantly slowed and regrowth occurs, with increased capillary density and thicker, silkier, shinier hair. These effects make it possible to extend capillary indications to dull, brittle, devitalized hair and to people wishing to preserve their hair capital.

CONTRAINDICATIONS TO I-PRF

The few contraindications are pregnancy, breast-feeding, autoimmune and blood diseases, and cancer.

AFTER I-PRF INJECTION

The after-effects are straightforward. In the case of deep injections, they are comparable to those of a filler injection, with a slight inflammatory reaction possible for 48 to 72 hours. In the case of more superficial treatments, such as the "Vampire lift", small scabs easily covered by a CC-cream may persist for a few days.

CONCLUSION

This new biostimulant treatment can be used alone or in conjunction with dermal filler injections to rejuvenate cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues. 

It represents yet another milestone in the range of complementary techniques available to doctors and patients for the management of skin aging and rejuvenation.

APPLICATIONS