Advanced Microneedling With Your Body’s Own Growth Factors

At Refine Dermatology in Knoxville, TN, we offer microneedling with PRFM (platelet-rich fibrin matrix) as an advanced approach to skin rejuvenation. By combining the collagen-stimulating benefits of microneedling with concentrated growth factors derived from your own blood, PRFM microneedling is designed to support your skin’s natural healing and regeneration process.

What Is PRFM Microneedling?

Microneedling uses a device with tiny, sterilized needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These microchannels trigger the body's natural wound-healing response and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

Microneedling can help improve the appearance of:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Acne scars
• Enlarged pores
• Uneven skin texture
• Hyperpigmentation
• Overall skin quality

At Refine Dermatology, we use SkinPen®, an FDA-cleared microneedling device.

PRFM microneedling takes this treatment one step further. During the procedure, a small amount of your own blood is drawn and processed to create a platelet-rich fibrin matrix. The PRFM is then applied and delivered into the skin through the microchannels created during microneedling.

What Is PRFM?

PRFM stands for platelet-rich fibrin matrix. It is an advanced platelet-based treatment derived from your own blood.

You may be more familiar with the term PRP, or platelet-rich plasma. PRFM starts with the same general concept: a small blood sample is processed to concentrate platelets and growth factors.

The difference is that PRFM creates a fibrin matrix around the concentrated platelets. This

matrix helps stabilize the platelets and allows growth factors to be released more gradually.

At Refine Dermatology, we prefer PRFM because of this more sustained approach to delivering

platelet-derived growth factors during skin rejuvenation.

PRP vs. PRFM: What’s the Difference?

Both PRP and PRFM use components derived from your own blood, but they are not exactly the

same.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is a concentrated liquid made from your own blood. Its growth factors

are released relatively quickly.

PRFM (platelet-rich fibrin matrix) incorporates the platelet concentrate into a fibrin matrix. The

matrix provides a structure that helps stabilize the platelets and allows for a slower, more

sustained release of growth factors.

For patients, this means PRFM offers a different delivery approach than traditional PRP while

maintaining the benefit of using an autologous, or your own, blood-derived product.

What Is a “Vampire Facial”?

If you’ve searched for PRP or PRFM microneedling, you’ve probably seen the term “vampire

facial.”

A vampire facial refers to a cosmetic treatment that combines microneedling with a platelet-rich

product made from the patient’s own blood, most commonly PRP or PRFM.

How Does Microneedling With PRFM Work?

A PRFM microneedling treatment at Refine Dermatology involves several steps:

1. A Small Blood Draw

A small amount of your blood is drawn at the beginning of your appointment.

2. Your Blood Is Processed

The blood is processed using a specialized system to create PRFM, concentrating the platelets

and creating the fibrin matrix.

3. Your Skin Is Numbed

A topical numbing cream is applied before treatment. Microneedling is generally very well

tolerated when performed with a topical anesthetic.

4. Microneedling Creates Controlled Microchannels

The SkinPen® device creates tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These microchannels

initiate the body's natural healing response and stimulate collagen production.

5. PRFM Is Delivered Into the Skin

The PRFM is applied and delivered into the skin through the microchannels created during

microneedling.

This combination allows the treatment to work through two complementary mechanisms:

microneedling stimulates collagen production, while PRFM provides concentrated

platelet-derived growth factors to support the skin's healing and regenerative response.

What Can PRFM Microneedling Treat?

PRFM microneedling can be used to address a variety of common skin concerns, including:

• Acne scars
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Uneven skin texture
• Enlarged pores
• Dull or lackluster skin
• Crepey skin
• Mild skin laxity
• Overall skin rejuvenation
• 
  

PRFM microneedling is particularly appealing for patients who want to address acne scarring or

maximize the collagen-stimulating benefits of microneedling.

Because acne scars can vary significantly in their depth and appearance, a consultation is

important to determine whether PRFM microneedling is an appropriate treatment for your

specific scars.

Why Choose PRFM With Microneedling?

Traditional microneedling is already an effective collagen-stimulating treatment. Adding PRFM is

intended to enhance that treatment by incorporating your body's own platelet-derived growth

factors.

At Refine Dermatology, we especially like PRFM for patients who are looking to maximize their

microneedling results, are treating acne scarring, or want a more advanced approach to natural

skin rejuvenation.

Because the treatment uses your own blood-derived components, PRFM is also an autologous approach to skin rejuvenation.

What Can I Expect During Treatment?

PRFM microneedling is very similar to a standard microneedling treatment, with the addition of the blood draw and PRFM preparation.

A topical numbing agent is applied before the procedure, which helps make treatment comfortable for most patients. The microneedling portion itself takes approximately 30 minutes, although you should plan to spend about an hour at the office for the complete appointment.

While individual experiences vary, most patients tolerate the treatment very well.

What Is Recovery Like After PRFM Microneedling?

One of the benefits of microneedling is that there is relatively little downtime.

After treatment, your skin may look pink or red and feel warm or sensitive, similar to a mild sunburn. This typically improves over approximately 24–48 hours.

Your skin will continue its natural healing and collagen-remodeling process after treatment, so results develop gradually rather than appearing all at once.

Your provider will give you specific post-treatment instructions, including guidance about skincare, sun exposure, exercise, and other activities during the recovery period.

How Many PRFM Microneedling Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments depends on your skin concerns and your individual goals.

A series of three treatments spaced approximately 4–6 weeks apart is commonly recommended when the goal is to stimulate collagen.

Your provider will recommend a treatment plan based on your skin and the concerns you want to address.

Remember that collagen production takes time. While you may notice changes after treatment, your skin can continue improving over the following weeks and months as new collagen is produced.

PRFM Microneedling FAQs

Is PRFM better than PRP?

PRFM and PRP are both platelet-based treatments made from your own blood, but they are

formulated differently. PRFM creates a fibrin matrix that helps stabilize platelets and allows

growth factors to be released more gradually than with traditional PRP. At Refine Dermatology,

we prefer PRFM as the platelet-based treatment used with microneedling.

Does PRFM microneedling hurt?

A topical numbing cream is applied before the procedure, and microneedling is generally very

well tolerated. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during treatment.

How long does PRFM microneedling take?

The microneedling portion takes approximately 30 minutes. Because the appointment also

includes numbing time and preparation of the PRFM, plan to spend approximately an hour at

the office.

What areas can be treated with PRFM microneedling?

PRFM microneedling is commonly used on the face and can also be used to address concerns

on areas such as the neck and décolletage. Your provider can determine which areas are

appropriate based on your individual skin concerns.

Can PRFM microneedling help acne scars?

Yes. Microneedling is a collagen-stimulating treatment that can improve the appearance of acne

scars, and PRFM can be incorporated to enhance the treatment. Because different types of

acne scars respond differently to treatment, an evaluation is important to determine whether

PRFM microneedling is appropriate for you.

How long do PRFM microneedling results last?

Results vary from person to person. Because the treatment stimulates your body's natural

collagen production, improvements develop gradually and can continue for months following

treatment. Your provider can discuss what you can realistically expect based on your skin and

treatment plan.

Is PRFM safe?

PRFM is made from your own blood, making it an autologous treatment. This means the

material being used is derived from your own body rather than a donor. As with any cosmetic

procedure, there are potential risks and considerations, which will be reviewed during your

consultation.

When will I see results from PRFM microneedling?

Some changes may be noticeable relatively soon after treatment, but the most meaningful

improvements develop gradually as your skin produces new collagen. Results can continue

developing for several months following treatment.

Is PRFM microneedling right for me?

That depends on your skin concerns and your goals. PRFM microneedling may be a good

option if you want to improve skin texture, fine lines, acne scars, enlarged pores, or overall skin

quality and are interested in an advanced, natural approach to skin rejuvenation.



A consultation with a board-certified dermatologist can help determine whether traditional microneedling or microneedling with PRFM is the right treatment for you.

If you’d like to discuss cosmetics further, please feel free to give us a call or contact us by filling out our cosmetic survey and we’ll reach out to you by the next business day to schedule you with Dr. Salyards or Bailey Chitwood.