Platelet-Rich Fibrin for Natural-Looking Facial Rejuvenation

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is generated from blood plasma, which is rich in platelets. Taken from a patient’s own blood, PRF is used to accelerate healing from surgical procedures. In recent years, biological dentists have been using PRF for skin rejuvenation, as well as healing bones after tooth extractions and other dental procedures.

Researcher and Doctor of Dental Surgery Richard Miron did extensive experimentation and research on PRF for surgical procedures. After years of research, Miron, an esteemed researcher of PRF, partnered with esthetic doctors for PRF aesthetic use. They now educate dentists to incorporate PRF into their practices. Doctor of Dental Surgery Bernice Teplitsky, of Wrigleyville Dental, in Chicago, partners with Miron’s CARE Aesthetics to offer PRF facial rejuvenation.

The procedure includes precision micro needling that creates micropores in the skin. The PRF is applied to the skin’s surface to help the skin reproduce collagen. Teplitsky pairs the PRF application with a Fotona laser that further smoothens and tightens the skin.

“The reason why we have wrinkles and sagging skin is because we lose elasticity and collagen as we age,” Teplitsky explains. “By adding collagen back into the skin, it’s a form of rejuvenation that results in a more youthful, healthy and glowing complexion.”

An advantage of having PRF therapy administered by a dentist, Teplitsky notes, is that dentists are educated to know facial anatomy, including the associated muscles, nerves and other structures. “As doctors, we are very well-versed in administering injections, and many are already using PRF for oral surgery.”

The PRF facial rejuvenation process begins with a simple blood draw. Then the blood is spun in a centrifuge to extract platelets. Teplitsky notes that Wrigleyville Dental uses a customized centrifuge designed by Miron that maximizes the amount of platelets extracted from the blood. They also use specific glass tubes instead of plastic to prevent plastic from shedding into the serum.

Teplitsky also uses a Fotona laser treatment called Smoothlase. This antiwrinkle procedure can tighten sagging skin using photothermal capabilities to initiate the formation of new collagen. The PRF and laser can be used to enhance lips or facial muscles around the mouth for a better smile. It is also applied to sites where there are wrinkles, such as in the forehead, around the mouth or the space between the eyebrows, to gently tighten the skin. Teplitsky says the results look subtle and natural, unlike harsher therapies that result in a frozen, artificial appearance. Platelet-rich fibrin rejuvenation is generally administered in treatments three weeks apart so the skin has time to respond and rebuild naturally.

Nightlase, another Fotona laser treatment, is a dental procedure designed for people with sleep apnea or snoring issues. “Laser is used in back of throat,” she says. “Some people, particularly those with thicker neck sizes, have a low uvula, and their whole soft palate area sags downward, which affects breathing. With the laser, I can target these structures and tighten the tissues. This non-surgical procedure creates more space at the back of the throat, which is connected to the airway. This increased volume helps people breathe and sleep better.”

Nightlase can be used in conjunction with oral appliances or continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machines. Nightlase treatment regimens vary by individual and require yearly maintenance for upkeep. “It helps people who snore and those that don’t sleep well to have a better night’s sleep. And bed partners are happier, too,” Teplitsky says.

Bernice Teplitsky, DDS, practices at Wrigleyville Dental, located at 3256 N. Ashland Ave., in Chicago. For more information, call 773-975-6666 or visit WrigleyvilleDental.com. 

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings magazines throughout the country.