Platelet-rich fibrin matrix

The "platelet-rich fibrin matrix" (PRFM) method is a process in cosmetic surgery. It is a way of extracting platelets from the patient's own blood and using them as a dermal filler – that is, as a substance injected under the skin of the face to try to fill out wrinkles.^[1]

PRFM is an outpatient procedures that, as of March 2011^[update], costs about $900 to $1,500 in the U.S. and takes less than half an hour. Blood is drawn from the patient's arm and spun in a centrifuge to separate out the platelets, which are then injected back under the patient's facial skin. It can also be combined in a specific way with other fillers. A procedure using this combination has been marketed as the "Vampire facelift"."^[1]

PRFM has been available on the U.S. market since 2009. It was developed and is marketed by the Aesthetic Factors corporation.^[1] While a platelet extraction centrifuge was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 As of March 2011^[update] platelets extracted in this centrifuge have not been cleared or approved by the FDA for facial rejuvenation.^[1] Nonetheless, Selphyl has been described as a "FDA approved dermal filler" in YouTube videos and trade publications.^[1]

The efficacy of PRFM is contested. As of March 2011^[update], according to a New York Times report, it is attested by several plastic surgeons who use it but remains unproven by research.^[1] Phil Haeck, the president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, dismissed the procedure as "creepy", "a gimmick" and as "antiquated as bloodletting".^[1] It is marketed as Selphyl, TruPRP, Emcyte, Regen, and Pure Spin.

References