A non-toxic or immunoreactive autologous platelet-containing plasma accelerates the natural mechanisms of regeneration, due to the presence in the platelets of growth factors that control the natural mechanisms of regeneration. In addition, autologous plasma containing platelets modulates and regulates the function of primary growth factors.

Growth factors are natural substances that have a wide range of biological effects. They stimulate / inhibit cell division (mitogenesis), the formation of new cells (proliferation) and the differentiation of living cells. Growth factors function as signalling molecules for interaction between cells. Cell division is the basis for the development and growth of the organism, it ensures the self-renewal of tissues and the restoration of their integrity after damage throughout our life. Unlike hormones, growth factors act locally and do not exist in the blood in a free form. The most accessible source of growth factors is platelets. Platelets contain specific and nonspecific growth factors that initiate cell division and regeneration of any connective tissue.

With an increase in the concentration of platelets, the concentration of growth factors also increases. Platelet-rich plasma contains following growth factors:

• IGF (insulin-like growth factor),
• PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor),
• EGF (epidermal growth factor),
• FGF (fibroblast growth factor),
• TGF-ß (the “family” of the transforming growth factor),
• PDEGF (platelet-derived growth factor of endothelial cells),
• VEGF or PDAF (growth factor of the vascular endothelium),
• PLGF-1 / -2 (placental growth factors),

None of the growth factors listed above can cause cancer. They are not mutagens, that is, they do not cause mutagenic reactions / effects. Growth factors are the natural proteins of the human body which helps to regenerate tissues.

When the PRF is introduced into the dermis or hypoderm, the following processes occur:

• formation of a three-dimensional fibrin network;
  
• adhesion and activation of platelets, release of a complex of growth factors;
  
• attraction of macrophages and stem cells;
  
• increased proliferation and differentiation of stem cells, as well as the proliferation of differentiated cells (including fibroblasts);
  
• activation of synthesis of extracellular matrix components, including collagen types I and III.

Indications for the PRP and PRF therapy are:

• Symptoms of Chronostenia (dryness, superficial and deep wrinkles, thinning of the skin, uneven pigmentation, rough texture, atony and flabbiness of skin tissue).
• Symptoms of photoaging (hyperkeratosis, pigment spots, deep wrinkles).
• Acne and post-acne.
• Hypo trophic scars and striae.
• Skin rehabilitation after laser procedures and Chemical peelings
• Alopecia and increased hair loss.

To obtain platelet-rich and plasma growth factors (APC +) from the patient’s autogenous (intrinsic) blood, special equipment is used that allows creating a concentrated cellular suspension within a few minutes.

PRP and PRF are created from a small amount of patient’s blood – only 20 ml to 60 ml is required (depending on the purpose). Such insignificant “blood loss” does not affect health status in any way, does not require rehabilitation, does not change the rhythm of life.  The concentration of platelets in the process of treatment in it increases by 5 times. Because a platelet-rich plasma and fibrin is obtained from the patient’s own blood, a complete biocompatibility is ensured. It is not dangerous from the point of view of the transfer of infectious diseases (HIV, viral hepatitis, etc.), any manifestation of immunogenic and allergic reactions and the probability of rejection are also ruled out.

Depending on the condition of the skin and the problem being solved, the PRF and PRP can be used in many ways:

• • In the form of application on the damaged surface – this option should be selected in the presence of skin damage (with laser procedures and mechanical and chemical peelings);
  • Intradermal injections (mesotherapy) – to remodel the dermal matrix, improve microcirculation and increase the skin’s recovery potential;
  • Dermal injections (filler) – for “bio-armouring” of the skin, correction of deformation folds of the skin and atrophic defects.

With PRF and PRP treatments, the following effects occur :

• • • Instantaneous – volume correction of wrinkles and folds due to the filling effect of the fibrin auto-gel.
    • Gradually developing– rejuvenation and healing of the skin under the influence of platelet growth factors, which is expressed in increasing the elasticity, elasticity and density of the skin, eliminating small and decreasing depth of medium wrinkles, improving the clinical picture of atrophic scars and striae, smoothing the skin colour.These positive changes occur gradually during the course of procedures. Favourable dynamics of the clinical picture is associated with a steady increase in the degree of hydration of the dermis and epidermis, improvement of microcirculation and normalization of skin tropism, stimulation of physiological regeneration WITHOUT trauma, which is confirmed by histological and clinical studies.

A course of treatment

As a rule, the course of treatment includes 3-4 procedures, which are carried out with an interval of 3-4 weeks. The repeated course is appointed 10-24 months later, or support procedures are recommended, which are conducted once every 3-4 months.
The result achieved after the course of treatment lasts from six months to two years: the spread of the duration of the effect is explained by differences in the initial condition of the skin, age and lifestyle of the patient. It is very important to generate reliable expectations in patients, not promising miracles after one procedure.

Contraindications for use

Contraindications to autologous cellular rejuvenation treatments such as PRF and PRP along with traditional for all injection procedures include

• • • Critical thrombocytopenia
    • Anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy
    • Oncological diseases
    • Sepsis
    • Acute and chronic infectious diseases

Relative contraindications include:

• • • Chronic liver disease
    • Chronic intoxication on the background of prolonged active smoking, consumption of alcohol and drugs, taking medicines
    • Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs less than 2 days prior to the blood sampling procedure, injections of corticosteroids in less than 2 weeks before the procedure
    • Heat, chills
    • Pregnancy