A regenerative treatment with autologous Platelet Rich Fibrin – without foreign substances, without anticoagulants.
i-PRF (injectable Platelet Rich Fibrin) is the further development of the well-known PRP therapy. Dr. Vjara Ilieva has been offering PRF scalp treatments in her practice in Vienna for years – for hair loss and as maintenance therapy after hair transplantation. Unlike classic PRP, PRF preparation completely avoids anticoagulants – the blood is processed without any additives according to a specific protocol, creating a completely natural product with a high concentration of growth factors.
Important Facts
- Treatment: PRF scalp with microneedling
- Treatment duration: 45-60 minutes
- Recommended sessions: 3 treatments at intervals of 4 weeks each
- Social downtime: Immediate; mild redness of the scalp possible
- Price: €420 per session
- Package price: €1,100 for 3 sessions
What is i-PRF – and how does it differ from PRP?
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) has been an established method for treating hair loss for years. During processing, an anticoagulant is usually added to the blood to prevent clotting.
With i-PRF – injectable Platelet Rich Fibrin – this is completely avoided. The blood is processed in a specially designed centrifuge according to a precise protocol. This creates a natural substrate with a high concentration of growth factors, which are released evenly over a longer period of time. The result is a purely autologous substance – without additives, without preservatives, without any foreign material.
For processing, I work largely according to the protocol of Prof. Joseph Choukroun, one of the founders of the PRF method.
Why combine it with microneedling?
Microneedling uses very fine needles to create tiny microchannels in the scalp. These allow i-PRF to penetrate deeper into the tissue and act directly at the hair follicles – significantly enhancing the regenerative effect.
In addition, the mechanical stimulus created by microneedling stimulates microcirculation, allowing more nutrients to reach the hair roots.
The combination of i-PRF and microneedling is therefore more than the sum of its parts: the growth factors reach exactly where they are needed. The increased blood flow further supports their effect.
Who is the treatment suitable for?
The i-PRF scalp treatment with microneedling is suitable for:
- Men and women with diffuse hair loss
- Patients after hair transplantation in the maintenance phase
- People looking for a regenerative treatment without foreign substances
- Patients who specifically want i-PRF instead of classic PRP
i-PRF after hair transplantation
After a hair transplant, the scalp is in a phase of intensive regeneration. i-PRF can be used specifically during this phase to support the grafts to take and promote growth. The treatment is usually carried out no earlier than the second month after the transplant – but initially without microneedling.
How does the treatment work?
At the beginning, blood is drawn from a vein – similar to a routine blood draw.
The blood is processed in a centrifuge specially designed for PRF according to a precise protocol. The i-PRF obtained is used fresh immediately afterwards – storage is neither possible nor intended, because the freshness of the material is part of its effectiveness.
Afterwards, the i-PRF is introduced into the scalp with small needles and additionally with the help of microneedling. The entire treatment takes about 30 minutes. Immediately afterwards, you are socially presentable again – mild redness of the scalp may persist for a few hours.
When is the treatment not possible?
- Coagulation disorders or therapy with anticoagulants
- Existing cancer or ongoing chemotherapy
- Acute infections in the treatment area
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Taking painkillers (aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac or similar) in the last 10 days
PRF in Vienna – my practice
In my practice in Vienna, I have been performing PRP and PRF treatments for many years in a wide range of applications: from the face to the sensitive eye area, to improve the appearance of surgical scars, or on the scalp to stimulate hair growth. What particularly convinces me about PRF is the combination of very good tolerability and beautiful results.
Since only autologous material is used, PRF is an excellent choice for anyone who wants regenerative treatment without having to resort to foreign substances.
If you have any personal questions, I will be happy to help.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between PRP and i-PRF?
With PRP, an anticoagulant is often added to the blood. With i-PRF, this is completely avoided. The blood is processed without additives – i-PRF therefore contains no foreign substances whatsoever. In addition, the centrifugation parameters differ fundamentally. Studies on the topic suggest that the growth factors are released over a longer period of time and more evenly.
Do you work with a closed system?
Yes. Blood collection and processing are carried out in a closed system with certified medical device tubes.
How many sessions are necessary?
3 sessions are recommended at intervals of 4 weeks each. After that, depending on need, a refresh about once a year.
Do I need to bring blood values in advance?
Not necessarily, but highly recommended. Especially for female patients, ferritin and TSH should be known before we start treatment – because low iron stores or untreated hypothyroidism can significantly impair the result.
Is the treatment painful?
Most patients describe the treatment as somewhat uncomfortable, but well tolerated.
Can i-PRF be combined with other treatments?
i-PRF with microneedling is already a combination treatment. Any further combination with other methods is discussed individually in the practice.
This treatment information was created and medically reviewed by Dr. Vjara Ilieva, physician specializing in aesthetic medicine, longevity and orthomolecular medicine, and specialist in radiology, Vienna practice