PRGF: Plasma Rich in Growth Factors and How It Differs From PRP
You are offered 'skin regeneration with your own plasma', presented as a way of improving skin quality without filler or 'foreign' substances. PRGF sounds reassuring, but what exactly is in the tube and how predictable is the effect? PRGF stands for plasma rich in growth factors. PRGF is one protocol for preparing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the patient’s own blood; Endoret is the name of a specific technology, not a synonym for every PRGF preparation. Its properties depend on cell separation and activation. It is studied for tissue repair and aesthetic uses. Some skin measures may improve modestly, but there is no strong evidence that PRGF reliably rejuvenates every face, erases deep wrinkles or replaces a lift.
PRGF, PRP and PRF: similar names, different preparations
Blood contains plasma and cells, including platelets, which help clotting and release signalling substances. PRP methods concentrate platelets in plasma; the composition varies with the equipment, centrifugation and other parameters. In published PRGF protocols, including Endoret, a platelet-containing fraction is prepared that usually has very few leukocytes, or white blood cells, and no red blood cells. Calcium chloride may be used for activation. PRF, platelet-rich fibrin, is another concentrate with a fibrin framework and a different preparation method.
The distinction matters. Studies of general PRP, PRF or a particular Endoret gel cannot automatically prove the effects of everything labelled 'PRGF'. Even within one family, platelet concentration, white blood cells, activation, the amount used and whether material is injected or applied vary. A claim about 'the strongest plasma' means little without a defined protocol. A manufacturer may accurately describe how its system is intended to prepare material without proving what any particular person will see clinically.
| What is proposed | Main distinction | What you need to ask |
|---|---|---|
| PRGF using a named protocol | A prepared growth-factor-containing plasma fraction, often with very few white blood cells | Exact system name, preparation, activation, application route and evidence for your concern |
| PRP | Broad family of platelet-rich plasma preparations with variable composition | White blood cell content, method, number of sessions and standardisation |
| PRF | A fibrin structure with another way of preparing and releasing components | Whether it is a liquid or gel, and how it differs from the offered PRGF |
| Hyaluronic-acid filler | Physically adds volume; not plasma | Whether you actually need volume restoration rather than a skin-texture treatment |
This is not a ranking of effectiveness. Direct comparisons among protocols are limited, and some studies combine several treatments. If a provider cannot name and explain the preparation, pause before agreeing, especially if it is sold as 'completely natural and therefore risk-free'.
Which skin concerns can realistically improve?
The most realistic reason to discuss a plasma treatment is a change in skin texture, firmness or quality, with an understanding that any benefit may be mild and may not occur. Some PRP trials report greater satisfaction and improvements in particular skin measurements. However, a 2024 overview of systematic reviews found predominantly low or very low confidence in PRP evidence for facial rejuvenation. Reviews published in 2025–2026 also report promising findings for PRP, but some trials remain small, methods vary and findings about PRP cannot automatically be attributed to a specific PRGF protocol. The clinical evidence for individual PRGF protocols is narrower than for the overall PRP family.
Only 20 participants were included in a comparison of Endoret gel alone versus Endoret gel plus PRGF. That cannot promise the same results for everyone. The study compared preparation combinations, not PRGF alone against no treatment. It would be misleading to promise correction of deep folds, significant tissue descent, persistent pigmentation or scars on the basis of selected promotional pictures. Those concerns need their own diagnosis and comparison with treatments designed for them.
PRGF is sometimes offered after a laser procedure or microneedling, or together with other treatments. Even if skin improves, you may not know what came from the plasma, the main procedure or natural healing. Ask whether the claimed effect was shown with PRGF on its own or as part of a combination. Was there a randomised comparison, or simply a series of uncontrolled photographs?
Who might consider it, and who should take another route?
| Your situation | A reasonable next step | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mild texture changes and a wish for subtle improvement | Discuss uncertain benefit and compare with skincare or observation | Any effect may be modest; no improvement is also possible |
| Deep wrinkles, pronounced sagging or lost facial volume | Clarify the anatomical cause and compare other treatments first | Plasma does not reposition tissues or provide the desired structural volume |
| Active acne, dermatitis, infection or an unexplained skin lesion | Seek diagnosis or treatment from a dermatologist first | Needling inflamed or undiagnosed skin may make matters worse |
| Low platelet levels, bleeding disorders, severe anaemia or anticoagulant medication | Medical assessment before blood collection and injections | Safety or the quality of the prepared sample may be affected |
| An important meeting or photoshoot is imminent | Postpone the injection stage or leave a generous margin | No one can promise an absence of redness, punctures or bruises |
If you mainly want to soothe dry, irritated skin, it makes sense to assess your skin barrier and routine first. Deep wrinkles or a visible jowl are structural concerns; a clinician can explain why biologic stimulation does not replace structural correction. Unlike a broad guide to PRP and PRF, this discussion must stay focused on the particular PRGF protocol rather than borrowing every claim made for the family.
What a session involves from beginning to end
The clinician reviews your history and skin, discusses expected effects, alternatives and risks. Venous blood is collected into tubes intended for the selected system and processed according to its instructions. After separation, the relevant plasma fraction is obtained and, in some methods, activated. The next step varies: the material may be injected, used in a named protocol or applied following a procedure that has made microchannels in the skin. These options do not have identical invasiveness or evidence. If you are offered application to intact skin instead, ask what evidence supports that particular route: it should not automatically be treated as equivalent to injection or application after microneedling.
Taking blood feels much like an ordinary laboratory sample. The treatment itself may involve numerous small punctures, pressure or stinging depending on the area. Suitable local anaesthesia can be discussed. Tell the team if blood draws make you faint or you have previously lost consciousness during venepuncture. The meaningful questions are not how impressive the centrifuge looks, but whether instructions, disposable supplies and tracking of your particular sample are reliable.
Ask how tubes are labelled, which components are single-use and how sterile handling continues after blood separation. Even your own blood can become contaminated if mishandled. The CDC documented likely HIV transmission following PRP microneedling in a facility with deficient infection-control practices. This does not mean properly conducted PRGF carries the same high risk; it shows that an autologous product does not replace aseptic technique and properly regulated medical care.
Recovery: when will your face actually look settled?
After injections you may have papules, meaning temporary little bumps at puncture sites, redness, tenderness, puffiness or bruises. If PRGF is paired with microneedling or a laser, redness and recovery may be more visible and last longer than after injection alone. Plan around the most invasive component rather than the word 'plasma'. Skin may feel warm, tight and more sensitive to your usual products. Filming an important video that evening is a poor assumption even if you can technically return to work.
| Period | What may happen | Practical choice |
|---|---|---|
| Immediately afterwards | Puncture marks, transient redness and tenderness | Get individual aftercare guidance and a contact number |
| First few days | Puffiness and possible bruising; a combined treatment may produce stronger reactions | Do not count on an invisible procedure by your next meeting |
| Following weeks | Needle reactions subside; judging skin quality is harder than assessing filler volume | Take unfiltered photographs in consistent lighting |
| After several months | Some studies assessed gradual changes, but response varies from person to person | Only consider repeating after comparing actual results against your original goal |
There is no single clinically proven schedule requiring everyone to receive three, four or six PRGF sessions. Studies have used different regimens. It is not sound to guarantee a result after the second session or insist on an annual 'maintenance' treatment. Ask which study supports the suggested course, how success will be assessed, and what the clinician would recommend if you see no improvement after the initial stage.
Home care and signs you should not attribute to 'regeneration'
Aftercare depends on how PRGF is used and whether it is combined with another treatment. While skin is irritated, clinicians commonly advise avoiding rubbing, strong acids, scrubs and picking at puncture sites, using agreed gentle care and sun protection. Makeup, exercise, saunas and swimming depend on healing and whether the skin barrier was disrupted, so one universal internet rule is unreliable. Do not start antibiotics, antiseptics or potent anti-inflammatory treatments yourself without medical instructions.
Mild tenderness and redness may be expected. Increasing pain, spreading redness, hot swollen skin, pus or fever need prompt medical assessment for possible infection. Heavy bleeding, fainting or a severe allergic reaction call for urgent help. Vision changes or other sudden major symptoms after treatment warrant emergency care even if a causal connection has not been established. Do not wait for the next booked session.
Restrictions and what to tell your clinician
No invasive treatment is entirely without complications. An active infection, serious systemic illness, marked thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count) or significant clotting problems may make PRP-like procedures unsuitable. Liver disease, immune deficiency, anaemia, bleeding tendencies and anticoagulants require individual medical assessment. Never stop prescribed blood-thinning medication on your own for an aesthetic treatment. Report allergies to consumables or local anaesthetics as well.
Elective cosmetic treatment is normally deferred in pregnancy or breastfeeding because dedicated safety information is limited and there is no urgent medical need. If you have cancer, are undergoing treatment affecting blood or immunity, or have an unexplained skin growth, discuss the plan with your treating clinicians first. 'Your own plasma' does not mean there are no contraindications. Check restrictions against the exact system's documentation and your health, not general advertising.
Results, alternatives and the full cost of a course
The fairest success measure is whether your initial concern has improved: texture, some fine lines or how your skin feels. One image in different lighting is easily mistaken for a genuine result. Ask which measurable signs will be used, when they will be checked and acknowledge that you may see no change, even if an exact percentage is not known. Adding more procedures costs more and may injure skin more without a proportional increase in benefit.
For sun-related ageing, consider consistent UV protection, suitable topical treatments and, where appropriate, procedures with evidence better matched to a specific problem. Lost volume, deep scars, severe folds and active inflammatory skin disease require other approaches. The detailed comparison of platelet concentrates belongs to PRP/PRF guidance; pooling all their results into a single advertising table would be misleading. Choosing good home care and observation without injections is entirely reasonable.
Total cost depends on your concern, the exact system and supplies, preparation, number and type of treatments, follow-up and possible care for complications. A price 'per tube' tells you little about what is included. There is no established universal duration of PRGF benefit across facial areas and protocols; do not buy a multi-session package solely on a promise of an accumulating effect that no one can measure objectively.
Questions that make consent meaningful
- Is this genuine PRGF made by which protocol, or ordinary PRP under another name? How is it prepared and activated?
- Which exact skin parameter is supposed to improve, and how will we measure any change?
- Which studies of this exact protocol support your advice, how strong are they, and did they include a control group?
- Will other procedures be added, and how can their effects be distinguished from the plasma's effect?
- How do you maintain sterility, identify samples and ensure equipment is safe between patients?
- What precautions apply to my conditions and medicines, and what is the response plan for infection or bleeding?
- Can I try only one stage, when should we assess it, and what happens if I see no improvement?
PRGF deserves a considered medical discussion, not pressure to prove that you take care of yourself. Claims of 'restarting every cell', guaranteed regeneration or a risk-free result justify getting an independent opinion. A convincing biological explanation is not the same thing as evidence of what you will see in the mirror.
Frequently asked questions
Can PRGF be made from donated blood?
The aesthetic methods discussed generally use the patient's own blood. Donor material would be a substantially different medical situation and should not be presented as the same PRGF procedure.
Does a higher platelet count always mean a better result?
There is no proven universal rule that more platelets are always better. Composition, biological activity and clinical effects depend on the method; a very high number alone guarantees nothing.
Can PRGF replace treatment for rosacea or acne?
No. Acne and rosacea require diagnosis and their own treatment plans. PRGF should not replace evidence-based management of inflammatory skin disease.
Why is it misleading to compare photos from different PRGF courses?
The plasma preparation, application method, additional interventions, lighting, follow-up time and starting skin condition may all differ. Even genuine images do not replace a controlled study.
Sources
- Differences between first- and second-generation autologous platelet concentrates — How autologous platelet concentrates and PRGF protocols differ.
- BTI Endoret: How does Endoret technology work? — Manufacturer's process description, not independent proof of benefit.
- Platelet rich plasma for facial rejuvenation: overview of systematic reviews (2024) — Assessment of the quality of facial PRP evidence.
- Combined therapy with Endoret-Gel and PRGF: comparative study — Small comparative study of a specific preparation.
- CDC MMWR: investigation of HIV transmission associated with PRP microneedling (2024) — Why infection control is essential.
- Systematic review of PRP and PRF in facial rejuvenation (2025) — Recent PRP/PRF review; findings cannot automatically be applied to PRGF.
- Meta-analysis of PRP in skin ageing (2025/2026) — PRP meta-analysis published in 2025 in a 2026 volume; not direct evidence for PRGF.