PRP & PRF Therapy in NYC
Rejuvenate and Revitalize Naturally with Your Body's Own Growth Factors
The Next Generation of Natural Facial Rejuvenation
Why Manhattan's Most Discerning Patients Are Choosing Their Own Biology Over Synthetic Fillers
Medically reviewed by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD | Board-Certified Dermatologist | Founder, The Dermatology and Laser Group, New York City | Faculty, Mount Sinai Department of Dermatology
Last Medically Reviewed: March 17, 2026
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) are regenerative treatments that use your own blood to rejuvenate your skin from the inside out. A small sample of your blood is drawn, processed to concentrate the healing proteins and growth factors your body already produces, and then either injected beneath the skin or applied topically during microneedling — depending on what we’re treating.
The concept is simple: instead of putting a synthetic product into your face, we’re amplifying what your body already does naturally. Your platelets are packed with growth factors — proteins that tell your skin to produce new collagen, build new blood vessels, and repair itself. By concentrating those platelets and delivering them exactly where they’re needed, we can improve skin texture, reduce under-eye hollowing, soften fine lines, and restore a natural glow that no filler can replicate.
At The Dermatology and Laser Group, Dr. Arash Akhavan has evolved beyond traditional PRP to exclusively offer PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) — a more advanced preparation that releases growth factors slowly over 7 to 14 days instead of all at once. The difference matters, and we’ll explain exactly why below.
As Featured In:
Over 300 media appearances as a national expert in cosmetic dermatology and body contouring.
Understanding the Science: PRP, PRF, and Why We Made the Switch
You’ve probably heard the terms PRP and PRF used almost interchangeably — and so do most patients who call our office. But there’s actually a meaningful clinical difference between the two, and it’s the reason Dr. Arash Akhavan made the decision to transition our practice entirely to PRF.
Traditional PRP is prepared by drawing your blood into tubes that contain a chemical anticoagulant — a substance that prevents your blood from clotting. The blood is then spun at high speed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the red and white blood cells. The result is a concentrated liquid plasma rich in platelets and growth factors. It works, and it was a genuine breakthrough when it first entered aesthetic medicine.
The limitation? That high-speed spin and chemical anticoagulant cause the platelets to release their growth factors very quickly — often within just a few minutes of being applied. Think of it as lighting a match: you get an intense, bright flame, but it burns out fast.
PRF takes a fundamentally different approach. Your blood is drawn into tubes with no additives whatsoever — no anticoagulant, no chemicals. It’s then spun at a lower speed, which allows your blood’s natural clotting process to begin. Fibrinogen in your blood converts into fibrin, forming a dense, three-dimensional mesh that physically traps platelets, white blood cells, and stem cells within its structure.
The result is a biological scaffold that releases growth factors slowly and steadily over 7 to 14 days — not hours. That sustained release mirrors how your body actually heals a wound: gradually, with layer after layer of new tissue. A 2021 study published in Clinical Oral Investigations confirmed that PRF releases significantly higher concentrations of growth factors over a prolonged period compared to traditional PRP preparations.
“I made the switch to PRF because the biology just makes more sense,” says Arash Akhavan, MD. “When you give the body a slow, steady supply of its own growth factors rather than one big burst, the collagen production and tissue remodeling are much more meaningful. It’s the difference between watering a garden with a slow drip versus dumping a bucket on it.”
Even though we now are tehcnically using PRF, patients and the wider public still commonly refer to the treatment as “PRP” — and that’s perfectly fine. Whether you call it PRP or PRF, the treatment you’ll receive at our office is the most advanced version available.
Two Ways We Use PRF: Injections vs. Microneedling
We offer PRF in two distinct treatment modalities at our Manhattan office, and the one that’s right for you depends entirely on what you’re trying to achieve. Each targets different layers of the skin, treats different concerns, and delivers different types of results.
PRF Injections — A Natural Alternative to Dermal Fillers
PRF injections involve precisely delivering the concentrated fibrin matrix beneath the skin using a fine needle, a cannula, or both — depending on the area being treated. Dr. Arash Akhavan most commonly uses PRF injections in the following areas:
- Under the eyes — to address hollowing, dark circles, and crepey texture in the tear trough area
- Throughout the face — to improve overall skin quality, reduce fine lines, and restore subtle volume
- Hands — to rejuvenate thinning, aging skin on the backs of the hands
- Décolletage and breasts — to improve skin texture, crepiness, and restore a more youthful appearance
- Labia Majora — restore volume and vitality to the vulva
- Anywhere on the body where a patient is looking for natural tissue rejuvenation without synthetic fillers
Here’s what Dr. Arash Akhavan tells every patient considering PRF injections: the honest truth is that results are genuinely variable. For some patients, PRF injections produce remarkable improvement — plumper, bouncier skin with noticeably less hollowing. For others, the change is subtle or modest.
“I’m always transparent about this with my patients,” says Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD. “PRF injections are a wonderful option for people who want to avoid synthetic fillers entirely, or who want to try a natural approach first. Some patients respond beautifully — their skin looks fuller, brighter, more rested. But it depends on your individual biology. The ‘drug’ being injected is your own blood, so the results are tied to your unique growth factor profile. I’d rather be upfront about that than overpromise.”
This variability is not a flaw — it’s the inherent nature of autologous treatments. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, which deliver a predictable, immediate volume correction, PRF relies on your body’s own regenerative response. That response differs from person to person based on age, platelet count, overall health, and individual biology.
That said, PRF injections carry zero risk of allergic reaction, vascular occlusion, or the “overfilled” look that can develop with repeated filler use over time — because nothing foreign is entering your body.
Microneedling with PRF — The Match and the Kindling
Microneedling with PRF is a completely different treatment that targets the surface layers of the skin rather than the deeper structural layers.
The way I explain it to patients: microneedling is the match, and the PRF growth factors are the kindling. The microneedling device creates thousands of tiny, controlled micro-channels in the skin — essentially waking up your skin’s repair machinery and creating a direct pathway into the dermis. On its own, that controlled injury triggers new collagen production. But the spark burns out quickly without fuel.
By flooding those freshly opened channels with PRF immediately after microneedling, you’re giving your skin exactly the biological fuel it needs to turn that initial spark into a sustained regenerative response. The growth factors, white blood cells, and stem cells in the PRF penetrate directly into the dermis — a layer they could never reach through intact skin — and dramatically amplify the collagen remodeling process.
Microneedling with PRF is our go-to treatment for:
- Acne scarring — smoothing textural irregularities and depressed scars
- Enlarged pores — tightening and refining pore size across the face
- Fine lines and wrinkles — softening surface-level aging
- Uneven skin tone and texture — restoring a smooth, luminous quality
- Dullness and overall skin quality — patients who want a “glow” that looks like it comes from within
- Sun damage — repairing cumulative UV-related texture changes
The treatment itself takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. You can expect some redness for 2 to 4 days afterward — similar to a moderate sunburn — and you can cover it with makeup or tinted sunscreen starting at 24 hours post-treatment.
Treatment at a Glance
PRF Quick Facts — Injections
- Treatment Time: 30–45 minutes (including blood draw and preparation)
- Areas Treated: Under eyes, full face, hands, décolletage, breasts, neck, labia majora, scalp, body
- Downtime: Typically none — rare mild bruising possible
- Sessions Recommended: 4 sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart
- Results Onset: Gradual improvement over 2–4 months as collagen rebuilds
- Results Duration: Variable — maintenance sessions recommended every 6–12 months
- Pain Level: Minimal (topical numbing applied)
- Source Material: 100% your own blood — no synthetic additives
PRF Quick Facts — Microneedling
- Treatment Time: 45–60 minutes
- Areas Treated: Full face, neck, décolletage, body
- Downtime: Redness for 2–4 days; makeup/tinted sunscreen at 24 hours
- Sessions Recommended: 3–5 sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart
- Results Onset: Visible improvement after first session; optimal results after full series
- Results Duration: Long-lasting with maintenance sessions 1–2 times per year
- Pain Level: Mild to moderate (topical numbing applied)
- Source Material: 100% your own blood — no synthetic additives
Who Is Not a Candidate for PRF Therapy
PRF treatments are not recommended for patients who are pregnant, have active skin infections or open wounds in the treatment area, have a blood clotting disorder or are on anticoagulant therapy, or have active cancer being treated with chemotherapy. Patients with platelet dysfunction syndromes should also avoid this treatment. During your consultation, Dr. Akhavan will review your medical history to determine if PRF is appropriate for you.
PRP & PRF Before and After Results
Before & After Gallery — Coming Soon
We are currently building our PRP/PRF Treatment gallery and invite a select number of patients to participate. As a thank-you for sharing your results, participants receive preferred pricing on their treatment series. If you're interested, mention the Before & After program when you book your consultation.
Cost of PRP Treatments
The cost of PRF treatment at The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York City depends on the type of treatment and the area being treated.
PRF Injections For One Area:
- Single session: $850
- Package of 4 sessions: $3,060 (save $340)
Microneedling with PRF (Face):
- Single session: $850
- Package of 3 sessions: $2,295 (save $255)
- Package of 5 sessions: $3,612.50 (save $637.50)
- Package of 10 sessions: $6,800 (save $1,700)
For microneedling with PRF on additional areas such as the neck, décolletage, or body, pricing is available during your consultation.
All treatments are performed personally by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD — a board-certified dermatologist and Castle Connolly Top Doctor for over 13 consecutive years. Unlike many med spas where treatments are delegated to technicians, every PRF procedure at our practice is performed by Dr. Arash Akhavan himself.
Patient Testimonials and Reviews
How PRF Compares: Understanding Your Rejuvenation Options
PRF offers a unique position in the landscape of facial rejuvenation treatments available in NYC. The table below compares PRF injections and microneedling with PRF against traditional dermal fillers across the clinical factors that matter most to patients.
| Feature | PRF Injections | Microneedling + PRF | HA Fillers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source Material | Your own blood | Your own blood | Synthetic HA gel |
| Target Layer | Deep subdermis | Epidermis/dermis | Deep subdermis |
| Best For | Hollows, volume, folds | Texture, scars, glow | Volume, deep folds |
| Results Onset | Gradual (2-4 months) | Gradual (4-6 weeks) | Immediate |
| Allergy Risk | Zero | Zero | Low, possible |
| Collagen Stimulation | High (sustained) | High (sustained) | None |
| Volume Predictability | Variable per patient | N/A (surface tx) | Highly predictable |
| Downtime | None to minimal | Redness 2-4 days | Swelling 1-3 days |
| Sessions Needed | 4 (monthly) | 3-5 (monthly) | 1 per area |
| Overfill Risk | Zero | Zero | Possible over time |
Frequently Asked Questions
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) are both made from your own blood, but they’re prepared differently. PRP uses a chemical anticoagulant and high-speed centrifugation, which causes growth factors to release quickly — often within hours. PRF is prepared without any chemical additives and spun at a lower speed, allowing a natural fibrin matrix to form that releases growth factors slowly over 7 to 14 days. At The Dermatology and Laser Group, Dr. Arash Akhavan exclusively uses PRF because the sustained growth factor release leads to better collagen production and longer-lasting results.
PRF injections at The Dermatology and Laser Group cost $850 per session, with a package of 4 sessions available for $3,060. Microneedling with PRF starts at $850 per session for the face, with packages of 3, 5, or 10 sessions offering increasing savings. Pricing for additional body areas is discussed during your consultation.
The term “PRP facelift” (sometimes called a “Vampire Facelift”) is a marketing term, not a medical procedure name. It typically refers to PRP or PRF injections throughout the face to stimulate collagen production and improve skin quality. It’s important to understand that PRF injections are not a surgical facelift and will not produce the same degree of lifting or repositioning. What PRF does do is stimulate your body’s natural collagen production, improve skin texture, and can provide mild volumizing in areas of hollowness. Arash Akhavan, MD describes it as a biologically driven rejuvenation — not a lift in the surgical sense.
Microneedling combined with PRF is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments available for improving skin texture, reducing acne scarring, minimizing pore size, and restoring overall skin quality. The microneedling creates micro-channels that allow PRF growth factors to penetrate deeply into the skin — significantly enhancing the collagen remodeling response compared to microneedling alone. A 2019 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that combining microneedling with platelet concentrates produced statistically superior improvement in skin texture and scarring compared to microneedling with saline. Most patients at our NYC office see visible improvement after their first treatment, with optimal results after a full series of 3 to 5 sessions.
PRF injections are one of the most popular treatments we perform for under-eye concerns at our Manhattan practice. The PRF is carefully injected beneath the thin under-eye skin using a fine needle or cannula to address hollowing, dark circles, and crepey texture. Because no synthetic filler is used, there is no risk of Tyndall effect (the bluish discoloration that can occur with hyaluronic acid filler under thin skin). Results are gradual and depend on your individual biology — some patients see significant improvement, while others see more subtle changes. Dr. Arash Akhavan will evaluate your anatomy during your consultation and give you a realistic expectation of what PRF can achieve for your specific under-eye concerns.
For PRF injections, Arash Akhavan, MD typically recommends a series of 4 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart for optimal results. For microneedling with PRF, the recommended course depends on what we’re treating — generally 3 to 5 sessions, also spaced 4 weeks apart. Acne scarring and more significant skin texture concerns may benefit from a longer series. After the initial treatment course, maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months help sustain results.
Downtime depends on the type of PRF treatment. For PRF injections, there is typically no downtime — you can return to your normal activities the same day. Rare, mild bruising is possible, especially in the under-eye area. For microneedling with PRF, expect redness for 2 to 4 days (similar to a sunburn). You can apply makeup or tinted sunscreen starting at 24 hours after the treatment to cover any remaining redness.
PRF injections can serve as a natural alternative to dermal fillers for patients who prefer to avoid synthetic products. However, it’s important to understand the differences. Dermal fillers provide immediate, predictable volume correction — you walk out looking fuller the same day. PRF works gradually over weeks to months by stimulating your body’s own collagen and tissue regeneration. The volumizing effect of PRF is generally more subtle and variable than fillers. Some patients use PRF exclusively; others combine PRF with conservative filler use. During your consultation, Dr. Arash Akhavan will discuss which approach makes the most sense for your goals.
At The Dermatology and Laser Group in NYC, we use PRF injections to treat the under-eye area, full face, hands, neck, décolletage, and breasts. Microneedling with PRF can be performed on the face, neck, décolletage, and other body areas. PRF injections can be administered virtually anywhere a patient is seeking natural tissue rejuvenation — if you have a specific area in mind, bring it up during your consultation with Dr. Akhavan.
PRF is one of the safest aesthetic treatments available because the only material being used is your own blood — there are no synthetic chemicals, no foreign substances, and no risk of allergic reaction. Side effects are minimal: mild swelling and occasional bruising at the injection site are the most common, both of which resolve within a few days. For microneedling with PRF, temporary redness lasting 2 to 4 days is expected. Serious complications are extremely rare with PRF treatments.
A Premier Upper East Side Address for Natural Rejuvenation
The Dermatology and Laser Group is located at 110 East 60th Street on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, just steps from Park Avenue and easily accessible from Midtown East, Lenox Hill, Sutton Place, and Central Park South. Whether you’re heading in from your office in Midtown or home on the Upper East Side, our private, luxury medical suite offers a discreet environment for your PRF treatment — from the blood draw to the final application. The perfect Manhattan location for patients who want premium, physician-performed regenerative skincare in NYC.
You May Also Be Interested In:
Tattoo Removal
We have been one of the most popular places for tattoo removal in NYC for over a decade.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.