PRP and PRF are autologous treatments — made from the patient’s own blood. A sample (30–60ml) is drawn, centrifuged to separate red blood cells from plasma, and the platelet-rich layer is re-injected into the target area. Because no foreign substance is introduced, allergic reaction risk is negligible.
The mechanism: activated platelets release alpha granules containing growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, IGF-1, VEGF, EGF) that stimulate fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and — in the scalp — dermal papilla cells. The result is accelerated tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and, in hair follicles, a prolonged anagen (growth) phase.
PRP vs PRF: the practical comparison
| Factor | PRP | PRF |
|---|---|---|
| Collection tube | Anticoagulant tube (sodium citrate, EDTA) | Plain or silica-coated tube (no anticoagulant) |
| Centrifugation | High speed (1,500–3,000 rpm) | Lower speed (1,300 rpm); preserves more cells |
| Result | Liquid plasma; injected immediately | Fibrin gel or membrane; can be applied or injected |
| Growth factor release | Rapid burst (hours) | Sustained release (days–weeks via fibrin matrix) |
| White blood cell content | Low (leukocyte-poor PRP) or high (leukocyte-rich PRP) | Higher (all cells preserved) |
| Theoretical advantage | Faster initial growth factor availability | Longer-duration signalling; fibrin scaffold aids healing |
| Korea price per session | ₩200,000–₩600,000 | ₩250,000–₩500,000 |
Applications and pricing
| Application | Product | Sessions (typical course) | KRW per session | USD (approx) | AUD (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scalp (androgenetic alopecia) | PRP or PRF | 4–6 sessions × 4 weeks | ₩300,000–₩600,000 | $217–$435 | $330–$659 |
| Full face skin quality | PRP | 3–4 sessions × 4 weeks | ₩200,000–₩400,000 | $145–$290 | $220–$440 |
| Under-eyes (dark circles, hollowing) | PRF (preferred) | 3–4 sessions × 4–6 weeks | ₩200,000–₩400,000 | $145–$290 | $220–$440 |
| Décolletage / hands | PRP | 3 sessions × 4 weeks | ₩200,000–₩400,000 | $145–$290 | $220–$440 |
| Post-procedure healing (after laser/RF) | PRP topical or injected | 1–2 sessions | ₩150,000–₩300,000 | $109–$217 | $165–$330 |
Hair loss protocol: what Korean clinics actually do
Korean dermatology clinics with high hair restoration volume typically follow this protocol:
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Assessment: Trichoscopy (scalp microscopy) to assess follicle density and miniaturisation pattern. This determines whether PRP is appropriate or whether hair transplant is a more realistic expectation.
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Loading phase: Monthly PRP or PRF sessions for 4–6 months. Each session: 30ml blood draw, centrifuge (10 minutes), 20–30 injections into the scalp at 1cm intervals, mild anaesthetic cream beforehand.
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Maintenance: Once per 3–6 months after the loading phase.
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Combination: Most Korean dermatologists combine PRP with at minimum topical minoxidil (5% foam). Many also prescribe oral minoxidil or finasteride for appropriate candidates.
Results are typically visible at 3–6 months: reduced shedding, increased hair thickness, and mild improvement in density in areas with surviving follicles.
Under-eye PRF: why Korean clinics prefer it to filler for some patients
HA filler in the tear trough is immediate and effective for hollowing but carries risks in this delicate area — bruising is common, Tyndall effect (bluish discolouration from superficial placement) can occur, and some patients accumulate fluid under the filler over time.
PRF in the tear trough is slower but safer for appropriate patients: growth factors stimulate fibroblasts in the thin under-eye skin, gradually thickening it and reducing the appearance of dark circles caused by skin translucency. For patients with predominantly vascular dark circles (visible blood vessels), PRF shows better outcomes than filler. For patients with structural hollowing, filler remains superior.
A Korean dermatologist experienced in under-eye treatment will distinguish between the causes of dark circles and recommend accordingly.
What is the difference between PRP and PRF?
Both are derived from the patient's own blood, centrifuged to concentrate platelets and their growth factors. The difference is the collection tube: PRP uses tubes with anticoagulant (sodium citrate or EDTA), producing a liquid plasma. PRF uses tubes with no anticoagulant, producing a fibrin-rich gel or membrane after a second, lower-speed centrifugation. PRF releases growth factors more slowly over days rather than hours, theoretically producing a longer-lasting signal. PRF also contains more fibrin, which acts as a scaffold for tissue healing. Most Korean clinics offer both.
Does PRP work for hair loss?
PRP for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) has moderate evidence supporting it — multiple small randomised controlled trials show improvement in hair count and thickness versus placebo injection. It works best in early-to-moderate loss (Hamilton-Norwood grade 2–4 for men; Ludwig grade 1–2 for women), before follicles are permanently lost. It does not reverse complete baldness. Korean clinics typically combine it with low-level laser therapy, oral minoxidil, or finasteride for synergistic effect.
Can PRP improve under-eye dark circles or hollows?
PRP is used in Korea for tear trough treatment as an alternative or complement to HA filler. For hollowing, HA filler remains more effective at restoring volume. For dark circles caused by thin, translucent skin, PRP's growth factor stimulation can thicken the skin and reduce the vascular show-through over 3–4 sessions — though results are more gradual and subtle than filler. Many Korean dermatologists use both: filler for volume, PRP for skin quality.