This was a study to look at the “increasingly popular use of platelet rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) for facial rejuvenation.” Their objective was to see if there was really an effect.
Study:
- 12 week randomized, placebo controlled trial. Single center.
- 30 patients. Mean age 50.
- Injection of PRFM on one cheek/nasolabial fold, the other side just saline.
- VISIA skin scored at pre treatment and post treatment at 6 and 12 weeks (Canfield VISIA Complexion Analysis System)
Findings?
- The only skin parameter that had a significant different change in score between placebo and PRFM was texture.
- At 12 weeks there was no statistical significance in change.
They conclude PRFM can objectively improve skin quality compared with placebo, only in texture, which is consistent with its role as a filler agent.
My thoughts?
At 12 weeks the differences between placebo and the PRFM were GONE.
There is so much hype out there about things which improve things temporarily. When doing any kind of treatment, anything which adds volume or causes swelling will improve the look of skin. But volume and swelling go away with time. So these treatments always require redoing them over and over because they are not causing real change. And you need to be careful that they aren’t doing something which actually would hurt you in the future.
It isn’t that there isn’t a role for temporary treatments which make you look better. My issue is you should know what you are getting.
In contrast, please read my copious blogs about fat grafting and stem cells. Fat grafting results improve the actual foundation of your skin.