Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) - London

What it is

A fibrin scaffold, spun from your own blood.

Platelet-rich fibrin is a second-generation autologous platelet concentrate. Venous blood is drawn into glass or silica-coated tubes with no anticoagulant and spun immediately at a lower centrifuge speed than PRP. The result is not a liquid but a solid, three-dimensional fibrin matrix that traps platelets and leucocytes. That scaffold sits in the tissue and releases platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, vascular endothelial growth factor and insulin-like growth factor slowly over the next 7 to 14 days. Where PRP delivers a growth factor spike, PRF delivers a sustained signal, which is the biological argument for the technique.

PRF vs PRP

Same starting material, different biology.

PRP is a liquid. An anticoagulant (usually citrate) is added to the blood, the sample is spun at higher speed, and the concentrated platelets are injected as fluid. Growth factors release rapidly, over hours to a day or two.

PRF has no additives. The natural clotting cascade is allowed to proceed during a slower spin, producing a fibrin matrix rich in platelets and leucocytes. Growth factors are then released gradually as the fibrin remodels, over 7 to 14 days. In principle the sustained release keeps the anabolic signal active for longer, which is why interest in PRF has grown across orthobiologics, dentistry and aesthetics.

Variants

L-PRF, A-PRF, i-PRF and CGF.

• L-PRF (leucocyte and platelet-rich fibrin). The original protocol. A solid fibrin plug used for dental grafts, oral surgery and MSK.
• A-PRF (advanced PRF). A longer, lower-speed spin producing a looser fibrin network and higher leucocyte content, thought to favour angiogenesis and slower release.
• i-PRF (injectable PRF). An even shorter, slower spin yields a liquid form that can be injected through fine needles, suited to facial mesotherapy and scalp use.
• Concentrated growth factors (CGF). A related preparation using a variable-speed protocol to produce a denser fibrin block.

MSK indications

Where PRF fits in orthopaedic practice.

• Chronic tendinopathy. Patellar, Achilles, gluteal and common extensor (tennis elbow) tendons that have failed a proper loading programme.
• Ligament injury. Selected partial injuries where a sustained growth-factor signal supports remodelling alongside rehab.
• Mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis. Knee, hip and small-joint OA where HA or steroid does not fit the plan.
• Hair restoration. Early androgenetic alopecia, often paired with minoxidil or finasteride.
• Aesthetic use. Facial rejuvenation in dermatology practice.

The procedure

Venesection, centrifuge, guided injection.

20 to 40 mL of blood is drawn into additive-free tubes and placed straight into a table-top centrifuge. After 8 to 14 minutes, depending on the protocol, the fibrin matrix is lifted from the tube (for L-PRF and A-PRF) or drawn up as a liquid (for i-PRF). The target site is prepared with local anaesthetic. For MSK use, injection is performed under ultrasound guidance so the material is deposited into the diseased tendon segment or joint recess rather than surrounding soft tissue. For aesthetic use, PRF is delivered by fine needle or microcannula. The entire clinic visit is 45 to 60 minutes.

Evidence

Growing base, honest limits.

The strongest MSK case is chronic tendinopathy, where moderate-quality trials suggest modest benefit over placebo with a favourable safety profile. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is where PRF is most established, with good evidence for soft-tissue healing and bone-graft support. Aesthetic and hair-restoration evidence is largely observational and small-trial, with plausible mechanism and consistent patient-reported gains but limited high-quality data. Overall the evidence base is less mature than PRP; we will tell you where your indication sits before you spend anything.

Aesthetic use

Facial rejuvenation, hair and acne scarring.

Injectable PRF is used for global facial rejuvenation, tear-trough and dark-circle correction, acne scarring and androgenetic hair loss. The CE-marked kits used in UK practice are approved for these indications when delivered by a suitably qualified clinician. Expect modest, gradual improvement over 8 to 12 weeks and a course of 3 to 4 sessions for a meaningful effect. It is not a replacement for filler or energy-based devices; it is a bio-stimulatory add-on.

Cost

London pricing.

• MSK PRF, ultrasound-guided (per session): £450 to £850
• Aesthetic facial PRF (per session): £550 to £950
• Hair restoration, course of 3 to 4 sessions: £1,200 to £2,400
• Consultant orthobiologics or dermatology review: £200 to £350

Prices vary by protocol (L-PRF, A-PRF, i-PRF), by clinician seniority and by whether imaging is bundled. We quote a firm all-in figure within one working day.

Where in London

Vetted London units and clinicians.

• The Regenerative Clinic, Marylebone
• HCA The Wellington Orthopaedic MSK, St John's Wood
• Fortius Clinic Orthobiologics, Marylebone and Wimbledon
• The London Orthopaedic Clinic, Harley Street
• Aesthetic clinics via CQC-registered consultant dermatologists
• Cosmetic dentists for oral surgery and implant grafting

Related

Sits alongside these options.

• BMAC (bone marrow aspirate concentrate) for cellular orthobiologics.
• Lipogems adipose therapy as an adipose-derived alternative.
• Prolotherapy as a lower-cost regenerative option.
• Ultrasound-guided HA knee injection for knee osteoarthritis.
• Knee arthroscopy for mechanical symptoms.
• Arthritis condition guide for the wider picture.

FAQs

Common questions.