From PRP to PRFM: The Evolution of Platelet Treatments in Aesthetic Medicine

Scientists have studied the body’s ability to heal itself with the help of regenerative treatments as far back as the 19th century. One method that continues to show promise in both therapeutic and aesthetic settings is the use of platelet-based treatments. When we use substances drawn from your own blood, we can help the body recover and regenerate.

At VITAHL Medical Aesthetics, we use PRFM by Selphyl® for aesthetic applications such as restoring volume and treating hair loss. This treatment builds on earlier techniques like PRP and has a refined process for even better results. Because these treatments use material taken from our patients’ blood, there is less risk of side effects while providing many of the same benefits as other injectable treatments.

A Quick Overview of Types of Regenerative Treatments

PRP

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is created by drawing a small amount of your blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the red blood cells. The resulting plasma contains a higher number of platelets than normal blood. These platelets release growth factors that can support tissue repair and collagen production when injected or applied topically.

PRF

Platelet-rich fibrin, or PRF, is the next step in regenerative treatments. It also comes from your blood but is processed using a slower, shorter spin without anticoagulants. This allows the platelets, white blood cells, and fibrin matrix to remain more natural and active, and the product releases growth factors gradually rather than all at once.

PRFM

Platelet-rich fibrin matrix, or PRFM, refines the PRF process by adding calcium chloride to form a more stable scaffold. Platelets stay in place longer and release growth factors in a more controlled way. At VITAHL, we use the Selphyl PRFM system to produce this matrix for aesthetic applications where gradual, sustained support for tissue rejuvenation is beneficial.

What Is PDGF?

Platelet-derived growth factor, or PDGF, is one of the proteins released by platelets when they are activated. It helps signal the body to begin healing by attracting cells that build tissue and form new blood vessels. PDGF supports cell division and collagen production through regenerative treatments like PRP, PRF, and PRFM. PDGF works alongside other growth factors like VEGF, EGF, and IGF-1 to help guide and organize the repair process. Because PDGF is naturally found in your blood, it is already familiar to your system and can be used without synthetic additives.

How Regenerative Treatments Have Evolved

1954: The Term “Platelet-Rich Plasma” Is First Used

The term platelet-rich plasma first appeared in medical literature in 1954, when researchers used it to describe a concentrated form of platelets prepared for blood transfusions. At that time, the focus centered on hematology and supporting patients with low platelet counts rather than tissue regeneration.

Advances in laboratory processing during the 1960s made it possible for blood banks to prepare more consistent platelet concentrates. Wider availability in the 1970s helped clinicians observe how platelets influenced healing beyond clotting. These early findings laid the groundwork for later interest in using platelet concentrates to support repair and regeneration in other areas of medicine.

1980s: PRP Begins to Be Used in Regenerative Medicine

In 1986, researchers began developing protocols that used concentrated platelets to help with wound healing, referring to them as autologous platelet-derived wound healing factors. The focus shifted from transfusion medicine to tissue repair as scientists observed how growth factors from platelets could influence recovery. During this period, PRP gained more attention as a biological tool that could potentially accelerate healing in surgical and non-surgical settings. Its use expanded into fields like orthopedics and oral surgery before eventually entering aesthetic medicine.

1990s and Early 2000s: PRP Becomes Widely Used in Aesthetics

Toward the end of the 20th century, aesthetic specialists began to adopt PRP for its potential to support collagen production and skin quality. Some of these early uses included scalp treatments for thinning hair and facial applications to improve skin texture. In-office processing became faster because of how much easier it was to prepare PRP for use during aesthetic treatments. As demand grew, more systems were developed to standardize the process and improve consistency.

2000s: Development of PRF

PRF was introduced in the early 2000s as an advanced alternative to PRP. The process eliminated anticoagulants and relied on a slower centrifugation method, allowing the blood components to form a fibrin matrix. This matrix helped trap platelets and white blood cells to create a structure that could release growth factors gradually instead of all at once. As interest in regenerative medicine grew, PRF became an important option in both surgical and aesthetic settings.

2010s: The Emergence of PRFM

As regenerative treatments continued to advance, PRFM was developed to improve the structure and longevity of platelet-based therapies. Researchers introduced calcium chloride into the process, which allowed the fibrin matrix to form a more stable scaffold. This helped keep platelets in place longer and supported a slower, more controlled release of growth factors. The Selphyl system became one of the first standardized methods for preparing PRFM and making it more accessible for aesthetic use.

PRFM by Selphyl

The Selphyl PRFM system converts a small sample of your blood into a platelet-rich fibrin matrix using a closed process that minimizes contamination and operator variability. This method keeps red and white blood cells out of the final product, and the platelets can remain active for up to seven days rather than only hours.

The design of the system makes preparation consistent and reproducible, so you know what to expect each time. Selphyl also provides training and ongoing support for staff who use the system, so you get a better service each time.

What Can Regenerative Treatments Address?

Regenerative treatments like PRP, PRF and PRFM can be administered in two main ways. One approach is direct injection into targeted areas where healing or rejuvenation is needed. This is commonly used for facial hollows, hair thinning and volume support.

Another method is applying the material topically during microneedling, during which microchannels help deliver growth factors deeper into the skin’s surface. When used this way, regenerative treatments can also support the collagen production that is stimulated by the microneedles. These treatments help improve skin tone and reduce rough or uneven texture with applications for concerns such as:

Facial Volume Loss

Injectable PRFM can be placed into areas where volume has diminished due to aging or tissue thinning. It is not a filler, but it can help support collagen activity in a way that gives the area more structure. This treatment can be especially helpful for the cheeks and temples.

Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Areas of fine wrinkling, especially around the eyes and mouth, often respond well to regenerative materials. Microneedling combined with PRFM stimulates the skin to remodel itself so that areas affected by wrinkles can begin to be better supported.

Hair Thinning and Shedding

PRFM can support follicles that are still active but weakened by hormonal changes, inflammation, aging or reduced circulation. The platelets release growth factors like PDGF and VEGF and improve the overall health of the scalp while stimulating nearby cells involved in hair cycling. These treatments can help extend the anagen phase, or growth stage, of the hair cycle. We usually perform this treatment in a series of sessions spread out a few weeks apart.

Under-Eye Hollows and Darkness

The under-eye area is delicate and difficult to treat with conventional fillers. PRFM injections are sometimes used here because the gradual release of growth factors can support tissue quality without making the area puffy. Treatments may improve hollowness and reduce the appearance of dark circles related to thinning skin.

Skin Texture and Tone

Microneedling with PRP or PRFM can help with rough texture, enlarged pores and uneven tone. Rough, uneven skin can result from slowed cell turnover or mild scarring, which may soften as new collagen begins to form. As elasticity improves, the appearance of enlarged pores may also become less noticeable, especially in areas where the tissue begins to firm. Uneven tone caused by sun exposure or post-inflammatory redness may gradually even out as the skin’s repair processes become more coordinated.

About Our Services

At VITAHL Medical Aesthetics, we offer PRP and PRFM treatments with little to no interruption to your schedule. You can return to work and most activities the same day, though some temporary swelling, redness or mild bruising at injection sites is possible. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to help support your results, including how to reduce swelling and when to avoid sun exposure.

Use Your Body’s Healing Properties With PRFM in Denver, CO

PRP and PRFM treatments rely on your body’s own regenerative capabilities to support smoother skin, fuller hair and healthier tissue quality without synthetic additives. Injections or microneedling applications can be completed in-office with little interruption to your day.Our physician-led team brings decades of experience in aesthetic and medical care. To schedule a consultation at VITAHL Medical Aesthetics, call 303-388-7380 or contact us through the online form if you’re located in or near Denver, CO.