Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix Treatment (PRFM) with Selphyl®
What is the SELPHYL® PRFM System and How Does it Work?
The SELPHYL® System is designed for the safe and rapid preparation of Platelet-rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) from a small sample of blood at the patient point of care. Many PRP systems require operator skill, have varying results and have extensive contamination with red blood cells and white blood cells. SELPHYL® removes virtually all contaminating cells and is independent of operator technique. PRP is converted to PRFM through a controlled process, creating a scaffold that serves to protect and preserve platelets. This is a well-studied procedure, known for its safety and efficacy. The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes, and for most people discomfort is minimal.
How We Use SELPHYL® PRFM System at Our Clinic
We use the SELPHYL® PRFM system for hair restoration, intimate wellness, revision of acne scars, traumatic and surgical scars, and cosmetic restoration of the neck and décolleté, face, under eye area, and hands.
What’s the Difference Between PRP and PRFM?
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma, while PRFM stand for Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix. The main difference between the two is the composition and extended platelet delivery. Platelet-rich plasma or PRP involves concentrating platelets in plasma, while PRFM involves creating a denser fibrin matrix by adding additional factors to the platelet concentrate. This results in a thicker substance that can potentially provide longer-lasting effects and improved tissue regeneration compared to PRP. This means that the platelets remain viable in PRFM for hours to days, instead of minutes to hours with PRP.
PRP vs. PRFM
PRP
- Platelets in plasma
- Activation is immediate
- Alpha granules release growth factors quickly (bolus)
- Short-term tissue signaling
- Minutes - hours
PRFM
- Platelets in fibrin matrix
- CaCl2 binds to Na Citrate 1:1
- Clotting cascade resumes (Fibrinogen - Fibrin)
- Platelets remain viable with controlled GF release
- Hours - days
The SELPHYL® Process
- During a short office visit (30 minutes), a small amount of a patient’s own blood is drawn into a vacuum collection tube containing a cell separator gel.
- The tube is then placed into a centrifuge and spun for six minutes to separate the blood into a supernatant plasma/platelet suspension.
- The red and white blood cells are located below the cell separator.
- The platelets and plasma are then transferred in a closed system to a second vacuum tube containing a small amount of calcium chloride solution.
- Fibrin polymerization begins and the PRP remains liquid for approximately 10 minutes before forming PRFM.
- The patient’s own PRFM is ready for use as deemed appropriate by the clinical use requirements.
The Power of Your Blood
The PRFM procedure starts with a simple blood draw. The blood is then centrifuged to separate the liquid portion of the blood (plasma) from the solid portion. This plasma is full of activated platelets, which are shown to initiate and promote healing. This PRFM is then injected into the areas of treatment. The PRFM activates a cascade of physiologic reactions, stimulating the growth and repair of tissue or hair follicles in the case for hair restoration. This response is gradual, and results vary from person to person. The number of treatments needed depends on the individual patient, and the desired outcome.
Platelet Release Growth Factors
As soon as SELPHYL® - prepared PRFM is administered, growth factors are released through the formation of a three-dimensional cross-linked fibrin matrix which is essential to the platelet plug as it serves as a binding site for both platelets and growth factors allowing their sustained release.
This scaffolding (fibrin matrix) localizes the growth factors increasing their concentration at the desired location and guiding tissue regeneration. Studies have shown that platelet growth factors are released for up to seven days, supporting collagen production and increased vascularization, which results in overall skin improvements.
SELPHYL® FAQs
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes to perform in our office.
How Many Treatments are Needed?
The number of treatments needed depends on each individual patient, the desired outcome, and your doctor’s treatment plan.
Is the Treatment Painful?
Unlike other products that are acidic (low pH) SELPHYL® PRFM has close to physiologic pH, restyling in a more comfortable procedure. To address discomfort during injections, we use topical and local anesthetics, and we also offer ProNox (a mixture of equal parts of nitrous oxide and oxygen commonly referred to as “laughing gas”), which helps to reduce any anxiety and pain associated with the procedure.
Are There Any Side Effects?
There have been no known side effects associated with SELPHYL® reported to date. As with any injectable procedure, some patients may experience some mild and temporary irritation, swelling, bruising, itching, discoloration, or tenderness.
Can Anyone Be Allergic to SELPHYL®?
There is virtually no risk of allergic reaction. The SELPHYL® PRFM System is used to rapidly collect and isolate a patient’s own PRFM for injection and contains no animal or synthetic products.
Annie Osnis is an expert in PRP/PRFM. Initially certified to perform PRP/PRFM by the Cellular Medicine Association in 2018, Annie has perfected the procedural technique to ensure excellent patient safety and high rates of success with this highly technique-dependent procedure.
