PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) uses your own platelets and fibrin to restore skin and hair. It is not a filler. It signals repair. Longevity depends on the goal, the treatment area, and your plan.
Below is a clear timeline for common uses at PURE Medical Spa Chicago, plus evidence and safety notes.
Quick answer: typical timelines
- Under-eyes (tear troughs): Results appear in 4–6 weeks after each session. With 2–4 treatments and regular maintenance, results often last 6–12 months.Evidence is early but favorable for periorbital skin quality with PRF/PRFM.
- Face (skin rejuvenation): Texture and fine lines improve by 4–6 weeks, with gains that can persist for 6+ months. PRF forms a fibrin mesh that releases platelets and growth factors slowly. This slow release can make results last longer than PRP.
- Hair loss (AGA): Density and shedding often improve by 3–6 months after a series. Recent i-PRF studies show significant gains at 6 months; results decline without boosters, so semi-annual maintenance is common.
Why PRF can last longer than PRP
PRF is spun at low speed with no clot-preventing chemical. That creates a fibrin mesh that traps platelets and white cells. These platelets and growth factors release more slowly over time, which supports sustained tissue repair in targeted areas. Studies measuring growth-factor release show PRF’s longer release profile than PRP.
In plain terms: PRF acts like a “slow-drip” of your body’s healing signals, rather than a quick burst.
“PRF under eyes—how long does it last?”
The under-eye skin is thin and prone to hollows, darkness, and fine lines. PRF facial injections in this area will not “fill” like hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. They thicken and brighten tissue over several weeks.
Small clinical trials using PRF/PRFM around the eyes report visible improvements in wrinkles and pigmentation and good short-term safety. Most clients keep results 6–12 months with an initial series and yearly touch-ups. Plan 2–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
PRF longevity in skin rejuvenation
For cheeks, smile lines, and acne scarring treatment areas, PRF improves texture and tone while staying very natural. Because PRF is not a volumizer, you will see subtle, steady changes. Data on skin quality show benefits that persist at 6 months after biologic platelet therapies; PRF’s slower release of growth factors suggests similar or better durability than PRP. Combine with microneedling or lasers for deeper scars.
How long does PRF last for hair loss?
For androgenetic alopecia, injectable PRF (i-PRF) can improve density, thickness, and scalp symptoms by 3–6 months after a series, with high response rates at 6 months. Without maintenance, gains tend to fade by 6–12 months, similar to PRP literature. Most plans include 3–4 sessions, then boosters every 6–12 months. Pair with dermatologist-guided care (e.g., minoxidil, finasteride, low-level light), which improves long-term control.
What affects how long PRF lasts?
- Treatment plan: Series + scheduled boosters outlast one-off sessions.
- Injection sites and technique: Precise targeted areas and correct depth matter.
- Your biology: Age, sun exposure, sleep, and nutrition influence remodeling.
- Medications: Blood thinners or anti-inflammatories can blunt response—share your history.
- Stacking care: Microneedling, gentle chemical peels, or energy devices can improve skin texture and extend results.
What a strong PRF plan looks like
- Consult + mapping: We review goals (eye areas, scars, hairline) and note any limits or contraindications.
- Series: 2–4 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart. We draw blood, centrifuge to separate and separate the platelets, then place PRF precisely in the treatment area.
- Maintenance: Every 6–12 months for face or under-eyes; 6 months is common for hair.
- Support: SPF, gentle actives, and, for hair, evidence-based medicines per dermatology care.
How PRF Works & Safety
PRF sits within a spectrum of treatment options for skin and hair. We collect small blood samples and prepare platelet concentrates without anticoagulant. These concentrates carry platelet derived growth factor and other growth factors and cytokines that support repair in connective tissue, hair follicles, and other affected areas.
Some patients consider a PRP injection, which delivers a faster burst of signals; PRF often provides a slower, steadier release. Researchers also study how platelets signal to local mesenchymal stem cells, which may further guide healing. Because PRF uses your own blood, the procedure has minimal risk when performed by trained clinicians. We screen for any increased risk due to medicines or illness before treatment.
Note on FDA approval: the agency clears devices and kits used to prepare platelet products; cosmetic indications for PRP/PRF injections are typically off-label. Your clinician will tailor placement and dosing to your goals and the exact treatment area.
Safety and evidence you can trust
- PRF is autologous (your own blood), which lowers allergic reaction
- Expect brief swelling or bruising at injection sites.
- Early studies in periorbital skin show improvement and good tolerance.
- Laboratory data confirm long-term (days-to-weeks) release of growth factors from PRF, which explains the steady, durable effect.
- For hair, a 2025 i-PRF clinical study reported significant gains at 6 months with minimal adverse events.
Chicago update: In December 2024, Illinois regulators (IDFPR + IDPH) issued a joint memo emphasizing proper licensure, supervision, and infection control in med spas—good news for patient safety. Choose licensed medical teams and sterile technique.
FAQs
How many sessions do I need?
Most clients need 2–4 PRF sessions for the face or under-eyes and 3–4 for hair, then boosters. This supports long-term results.
Does PRF last longer than PRP?
Head-to-head trials are limited. Lab work shows PRF releases key factors over a longer window than PRP, which may support longer-lasting changes in some cases.
Can I do PRF if I am on blood thinners?
Tell us about any blood thinners or medical conditions. We will adjust or advise alternatives for safety.
Will PRF help acne scarring?
Yes, PRF can support collagen remodeling in scars and can be paired with microneedling or lasers for deeper acne scarring. (Ask about a combined plan.)
Bottom line
PRF does not “fill”; it repairs. Expect a slow build over weeks and steady results that commonly last 6–12 months for under-eyes and facial rejuvenation and 3–6+ months for hair density (with boosters to hold gains). A mapped treatment plan, healthy habits, and expert technique are what make PRF last.
Ready to plan your series? Book a consultation. We will design a protocol that matches your goals, skin, and hair biology.
