PRF Gel is the ideal treatment if you want to regenerate your skin from the inside out – naturally, safely, and without the risk of looking artificial
What does "PRF" stand for?
PRF stands for Platelet Rich Fibrin – a further development of the proven PRP therapy (Platelet Rich Plasma). In PRF treatment, a highly concentrated fibrin gel is obtained from the patient’s own blood, which is then specifically introduced into the skin. The result is a visible revitalization of skin quality – natural, safe, and completely without foreign substances.
PRF Gel is still a comparatively new method in Vienna – as one of the few practices in Vienna, we have been offering it to our patients for some time. For the preparation of the PRF Gel, I work largely according to the protocol of Prof. Joseph Choukroun, one of the founders of the PRF method.
Important Facts
- Treatment duration: 30-45 minutes
- Anesthesia: none (local anesthetic ointment if required)
- Aftercare: No solarium, no intensive sun exposure, no cosmetic treatments for 1 week
- Result: Continuous improvement of skin quality over weeks to months; optimal results after 3 treatments
- Pain level: Low – only tiny punctures with very fine cannulas
- Social downtime: Immediate; rarely small hematomas or swelling possible
- Price: 420€
What is PRF – and how does it differ from PRP?
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) has been one of the most proven regenerative methods in aesthetic medicine for years. PRF – Platelet Rich Fibrin – is the logical further development of it.
The decisive difference lies in the processing: With PRP, an additive (anticoagulant) is often added to the blood to prevent clotting. With PRF, this is completely avoided. The blood is centrifuged at a lower speed, creating a natural fibrin clot – a three-dimensional network that traps the growth factors and releases them slowly over a longer period of time.
In practice, this means: The regenerative effect lasts longer and unfolds more evenly, which can lead to better and more sustainable results. At the same time, PRF contains no foreign substances. Therefore, this treatment is a well-tolerated and very safe variant of skin regeneration.
What is PRF Gel?
PRF Gel – also referred to as i-PRF or Liquid PRF – is a special form of PRF obtained through particularly gentle centrifugation. The result is a slightly viscous, gel-like substance that is ideal for injection into the skin.
The PRF Gel contains a high concentration of platelets, growth factors, stem cells, and fibrin – all from the patient’s own blood, without additives, without preservatives, without foreign material of any kind.
When the PRF Gel is specifically introduced into individual skin areas, the growth factors unfold their regenerative effect there: collagen synthesis is stimulated, skin quality improves noticeably, and the skin appears fresher, firmer, and more vibrant – entirely without artificial substances.
What PRF Gel can do – and what it can't
At this point, I want to be completely honest with you, because I repeatedly experience that expectations of PRF Gel go beyond what the method can and should achieve.
PRF Gel is not a filling material and not a substitute for a hyaluronic acid filler. It does not produce any significant volume effect. Anyone wishing for significantly fuller lips, more prominent cheekbones, or a specific contour correction is better advised with a classic filler treatment.
What PRF Gel can do excellently:
improve the quality of the skin. The skin becomes finer, firmer, more even. Fine wrinkles are softened. The complexion appears fresher and more rested. And all of this is completely natural, as the substance comes exclusively from your own body.
How does PRF Gel affect the skin?
After the injection of the PRF Gel, a natural healing and renewal process begins in the tissue. The growth factors trapped in the fibrin are released gradually over days to weeks – a decisive advantage over PRP, which releases its growth factors more rapidly.
The most important effects at a glance:
- Stimulation of collagen and elastin synthesis
- Improvement of skin structure and texture
- Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
- Increase in skin moisture
- More even complexion and more radiance
- Improvement of skin transparency – especially in the sensitive area under the eyes
For which areas is PRF Gel suitable?
PRF Gel can be used particularly well in areas where a delicate, regenerative treatment is required and where other methods would be too invasive:
- Eye area (tear trough, thin skin under the eyes, fine wrinkles)
- Cheeks and midface
- Upper lip and lip area (softening of fine wrinkles, not enlargement)
- Neck and décolleté
- Hands
The method is particularly appreciated by patients who do not want foreign substances in their face – whether due to allergies, personal preferences, or simply the desire for the most natural treatment possible.
PRF Gel for the tear trough – a particularly sought-after application
The tear trough – the depression that runs from the inner corner of the eye to the cheek – is one of the most frequent requests I receive for PRF Gel in my practice in Vienna. And for good reason, because hardly any area of the face is as delicate as this one.
The skin under the eyes is extremely thin and sensitive. Hyaluronic acid fillers in this area are technically demanding and, if used incorrectly, can lead to unsightly discoloration (the so-called Tyndall effect). PRF Gel offers a gentler alternative here: since it is autologous material, undesirable reactions are practically impossible.
PRF Gel improves skin quality and thickness in this area, softens discoloration, and makes the eye area look fresher and more rested. Important to know: A deep tear trough with pronounced volume loss cannot be completely corrected with PRF Gel alone – here, a filler would be the more effective choice, possibly also in combination with PRF Gel. We will discuss whether and which method is suitable for you together in the practice.
The special feature: 100% autologous, 0% foreign material
You always tolerate your own blood.
How does a PRF Gel treatment work?
At the beginning, a detailed consultation is held in which your wishes and expectations are discussed. This is followed by a blood draw from the vein, similar to a standard routine blood test.
The blood is then processed in a centrifuge specifically designed for PRF according to a precise protocol, as speed, duration, and temperature are crucial for the quality of the gel obtained. The PRF Gel is freshly prepared in the practice and injected immediately afterwards. Storage is not possible and not intended, as the freshness of the material is part of its effectiveness.
The treatment itself takes about 30–45 minutes. Immediately afterwards, you are ready for social activities again. Occasionally, however, small bruises or slight temporary swelling may occur, which subside quickly. Nevertheless, I recommend – as with all aesthetic treatments – maintaining sufficient distance from important events to give the body enough time for the healing process.
How many treatments are necessary?
I achieve the best results in my practice with an initial course of 3 treatments at intervals of about 4 weeks each. After that, I recommend touch-up treatments about once a year.
The effect does not set in immediately – this is biologically determined with this method and not a sign of lack of effectiveness. The growth factors need time to unfold their regenerative effect. Most patients notice a significant change in skin quality after the second treatment.
Combination with other treatments
PRF Gel can be excellently combined with other minimally invasive treatments, for example with microneedling, which enhances the effect of the growth factors in deeper skin layers, or with Profhilo for additional hydration. Combination with hyaluronic acid fillers is also possible if specific volume losses are to be compensated, although I usually split these treatments into separate appointments.
When can PRF Gel not be performed?
- Coagulation disorders or therapy with anticoagulants
- Existing cancer or ongoing chemotherapy
- Acute infections in the treatment area
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Intake of painkillers (aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac) in the last 10 days
PRF Gel in Vienna
PRF Gel is still a comparatively new method in Vienna. It is offered much less frequently than classic hyaluronic acid fillers.
In my practice in Vienna, I have been performing PRP and PRF treatments for years for various indications – from skin revitalization in the face to the particularly sensitive treatment of the tear trough. I like the method very much, especially because of its excellent tolerability and natural results.
The fact that no foreign material is used makes PRF Gel, in my eyes, the ideal choice for everyone who wants a safe regenerative treatment with minimal risk and results that simply look natural.
I would be happy to discuss your individual questions with you personally.
Frequently asked questions about PRF Gel (FAQ)
What is the difference between PRP and PRF?
Both methods use growth factors from the body’s own blood. PRF is the further development of PRP: it is processed without anticoagulants using special device protocols, creating a natural fibrin clot that releases growth factors longer and more evenly. PRF is therefore seen as a further development of PRP therapy and is considered the more sustainable and longer-acting variant.
Is PRF Gel the same as a hyaluronic acid filler?
No. PRF Gel and hyaluronic acid fillers are fundamentally different treatments. Fillers add volume to the tissue and correct contours. These are industrially manufactured products made of hyaluronic acid, which is modified by additional substances or special processes so that it cannot be broken down immediately by the body. PRF Gel improves the quality of the skin from the inside out without adding volume. Nothing is added during extraction – it is an autologous product without any foreign substance. Anyone wishing for a significant enlargement of the lips or a contour enhancement of the cheeks needs a filler – not PRF Gel.
Can the tear trough be treated with PRF Gel?
Yes – and that is one of the most frequent requests in my practice. PRF Gel is very well suited for the sensitive area under the eyes because it is autologous and does not cause undesirable reactions. It improves skin quality, softens discoloration, and makes the area look fresher. For very deep tear troughs with pronounced volume loss, however, a filler may be the more effective choice – we will discuss this individually.
Is PRF Gel safe?
PRF Gel is considered one of the safest methods in aesthetic medicine because exclusively autologous material is used. Allergic reactions are practically impossible. Possible side effects are limited to tiny bruises or slight swelling at the injection sites, which subside quickly.
For whom is PRF Gel particularly well suited?
I particularly recommend PRF Gel to patients who do not want foreign substances in their face, who strive for a natural improvement in skin quality without dramatic changes, as well as patients with sensitive skin or known intolerances to hyaluronic acid preparations.
When will I see the results?
PRF Gel requires some patience. The growth factors unfold their effect over weeks. Most patients notice a significant change in skin quality after the second treatment. The final result after an initial course of 3 treatments usually appears after about 2–3 months.
Can PRF Gel be combined with other treatments?
Yes. PRF Gel can be very well combined with microneedling, PRP, Profhilo or – at separate appointments – with hyaluronic acid fillers and Botox. We will discuss which combination makes sense for you together in the practice.
Can I do sports immediately after the treatment?
On the day of the treatment, I recommend avoiding sports, sauna, and intensive sun exposure. From the next day, you can resume your usual activities.
Treatment information created by Dr. Vjara Ilieva, General Practitioner and Specialist in Radiology, Practice Vienna.