By Dr. Shervin Naderi, Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
The use of platelet-rich therapies in aesthetic medicine has expanded because of their growing popularity; although the effectiveness of different platelet treatments varies and their suitability for different conditions differs. One of the most advanced options available is Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), a regenerative treatment designed to improve skin quality and support hair growth using the body’s own healing mechanisms.
At The Naderi Center for Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, we perform PRF injections using the EZPRF system, which delivers accurate results through its advanced system for precise PRF preparation. The right patient benefits from PRF treatment; however, it is essential to recognize its limitations.
“PRF is not a filler, and it shouldn’t be marketed as one,” explains Dr. Shervin Naderi. “Its strength lies in improving skin biology—not replacing structural volume.”
Considerations About Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)
- The PRF treatment uses your blood to create a natural regenerative method that enhances skin conditions and promotes hair growth.
- PRF differs from PRP because it delivers growth factors through a gradual process, providing extended effects.
- The treatment shows permanent results through natural healing, which does not depend on synthetic substances.
- Proper patient selection with expert technique works best for achieving maximum results.
- Results develop gradually, offering subtle, natural-looking improvements with minimal downtime.
What Is PRF?
PRF is created from a small sample of the patient’s own blood. The multi-step centrifugation method creates a controlled environment to concentrate platelets, white blood cells and growth factors inside a fibrin matrix. The PRF treatment uses no anticoagulants or additives for its preparation, which distinguishes it from previous platelet-based therapies and enables the product to function as a natural healing scaffold after injection.
“The fibrin matrix is what makes PRF fundamentally different,” says Dr. Naderi. “It allows growth factors to be released gradually over time rather than all at once, which is how we see more sustained collagen stimulation.”
At The Naderi Center, PRF is used for under-eye rejuvenation, overall facial skin quality improvement, and scalp treatments for hair thinning and hair loss.
PRF vs. PRP: Why PRF Is Considered More Advanced
PRP treatment (Platelet-Rich Plasma) has been widely used for years, but PRF represents an evolution of this technology. The use of anticoagulants in PRP causes it to release growth factors at a rapid pace, which results in reduced active time of those growth factors inside the tissues.
Meanwhile, PRF forms a fibrin network holding the growth factors that slowly and consistently release, with long-term regenerative effects.
“In areas like the under eyes, where subtlety matters, PRF often behaves more predictably than PRP,” Dr. Naderi notes. “It’s not about creating instant change—it’s about improving tissue quality over time.”
PRF vs. Dermal Fillers: Setting Realistic Expectations
People mistakenly believe that PRF can serve as a complete substitute for dermal fillers. While PRF may improve skin thickness and texture, it does not reliably restore lost facial volume, particularly in areas such as the cheeks or deeper tear troughs.
“PRF is not a dependable way to correct true volume loss,” says Dr. Naderi. “If someone needs structural support or contour restoration, a filler—or another approach entirely—may be more appropriate.”
In the under-eye area, PRF may benefit patients with thin skin, early hollowing, or crepey texture. However, patients with moderate to significant volume deficiency should not expect PRF alone to deliver the same outcome as a volumizing treatment.
The Naderi Center performs PRF injections exclusively through physician providers who hold board certification as plastic surgeons and dermatologists because these specialists possess the necessary skills to conduct anatomical assessments, evaluate skin conditions and treatment goals.
How PRF Is Used at The Naderi Center
Under-Eye and Tear Trough Rejuvenation
PRF may help improve dark circles, fine lines, and skin quality under the eyes by stimulating collagen production and enhancing tissue health.
Facial PRF Injections
When used throughout the face, PRF can support smoother skin texture, improved tone, and a refreshed appearance without synthetic fillers.
PRF for Hair Growth
Injected into the scalp, PRF therapy supports hair follicle health and circulation, helping strengthen existing hair and encourage regrowth in patients with early hair thinning.
Choose Experience You Can Trust
Book with our board-certified specialists for safe, precise, physician-performed PRF treatments.
What to Expect During a PRF Treatment
Patients typically arrive about 30 minutes prior to treatment for topical numbing cream application. A small blood sample is then drawn and processed using the EZPRF system to isolate high-quality PRF.
Once prepared, the PRF is injected by a physician provider into the targeted areas. Mild swelling or bruising may occur, particularly in sensitive regions such as the under eyes. This typically resolves within a few days.
“There may be some immediate fullness from the injection itself,” Dr. Naderi explains, “but the real benefit comes weeks later as collagen stimulation begins.”
Most patients are advised to undergo a series of treatments spaced a few months apart, followed by maintenance sessions depending on their response.
Preparing for PRF Injections
To achieve maximum PRF quality and results, patients should stop taking all medications and supplements that disrupt platelet function during their treatment window of two to four weeks. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, fish oil, omega-3 supplements, vitamin E, and garlic supplements. Physicians must approve all medication discontinuation requests. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is permitted.
Patients need proper hydration to stay healthy. The requirement for drinking 64 ounces of water applies to the day before treatment, allowing better PRF results. They also need to stop using topical retinoids and exfoliating acids three days before and three days after their treatment to reduce skin irritation.
Recovery and Results
PRF treatments involve minimal downtime. Most patients return to daily activities shortly after their appointment. The initial stage of results shows early improvement, but actual results develop through multiple weeks as collagen production reaches its peak.
“PRF is about long-term tissue health,” says Dr. Naderi. “The changes are subtle, progressive, and natural—which is exactly what many patients are looking for.”
PRF Pricing at The Naderi Center
- Initial PRF Treatment: $2,300
- Maintenance PRF Treatment: $1,800 when performed within six months
All pricing reflects physician-performed care and advanced regenerative technology.
Why Physician-Performed PRF Matters
At The Naderi Center, PRF injections are performed only by board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists. The physician-only model of this system achieves correct diagnosis, while allowing doctors to choose suitable therapies and deliver their specialized injection methods for challenging treatment sites, including the under-eye region and scalp area.
“PRF is not a one-size-fits-all treatment,” Dr. Naderi emphasizes. “When used correctly and in the right patient, it can be a powerful tool. But it requires judgment, experience, and honesty about what it can—and cannot—do.”
Is PRF Right for You?
PRF injections offer a natural, gradual approach to improving skin quality, addressing under-eye concerns, and supporting hair health. The outcomes of this treatment depend on two factors, which include the selection of patients and the application of expert techniques. An honest conversation with a physician is the best way to determine whether PRF aligns with your goals.
Schedule a consultation with our board-certified team at The Naderi Center, located in Chevy Chase and Reston, to begin your journey toward achieving healthier and more refreshed skin.