If you’ve spent any time scrolling through beauty content in recent years, you’ve probably come across the treatment *vampire facial*. The incredible results have kept this treatment in the spotlight for good reason. But what if we told you there’s a next-generation version of this already amazing treatment, something even more advanced, with longer-lasting benefits? We're talking about PRF: Platelet-Rich Fibrin.
Both PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and PRF are cutting-edge treatments that harness your body’s own biology to repair, regenerate and rejuvenate. And unlike many “miracle” skincare claims you might see on TikTok, this one is backed by some pretty fascinating science, as we will explain below.
PRP has been around for years, not just in aesthetics but in medical fields like sports medicine and orthopaedics. It’s become known as the 'vampire facial' because it involves taking a small amount of your own blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to separate out the platelet-rich plasma, and then reintroducing that golden concentrate back into your skin.
Platelets are packed with growth factors, proteins and signalling molecules that tell your body to heal and regenerate. When PRP is injected or microneedled into the skin, it sparks a cascade of healing responses: collagen production ramps up, cell turnover speeds along, and damaged tissue begins to repair itself. You will notice increasingly brighter, healthier, smoother-looking skin that looks revitalised and rejuvenated.
So why are experts so excited about PRF? Think of it as PRP 2.0. The process looks similar at first glance, as it still starts with a simple blood draw, but the way it’s spun and processed is different.
PRF is prepared at a lower speed, which means more of the blood’s natural components are preserved: white blood cells, stem cells, and crucially, fibrin. Fibrin is a main character when it comes to tissue repair, as it provides a kind of scaffold that helps new cells grow. In regenerative treatments like PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin), fibrin forms a slow-release network that keeps growth factors active for longer. The soft, gel-like matrix allows magic to happen: it releases healing growth factors slowly, over time.
Where PRP gives you a powerful burst of rejuvenation, PRF stretches that benefit out, offering a longer lasting natural stimulation of collagen.
The beauty of these treatments is their versatility. At The Hampton Clinic here in Bristol, we use PRP and PRF across a wide range of concerns:
○ Full face rejuvenation
○ Softening fine lines and wrinkles without adding volume
○ Improving skin quality in delicate areas like the tear troughs
○ Boosting collagen in the neck and décolletage to reduce crepiness
○ Supporting tissue repair in scars and stretch marks
○ Even encouraging hair growth on the scalp
Clients often report seeing fresher skin after just a few sessions, with continued improvements as collagen rebuilds in the weeks and months that follow.
It depends on your skin, your goals, and your timeline.
PRP delivers a quick, concentrated dose of growth factors. It’s a brilliant option if you’re looking for a faster skin refresh or if you want a series of treatments to target concerns like uneven texture or early signs of ageing.
PRF is more about the long game. Because those growth factors are released gradually, the healing process is stretched out, giving your skin time to remodel and regenerate. It’s especially exciting for under-eye rejuvenation, where the delicate skin often needs a more powerful approach.
Both are safe, natural, and minimally invasive. Because they come from your own body, there’s no risk of allergy or rejection. The only real difference is how the biology is harnessed.
One of the reasons we love PRP and PRF is that downtime is minimal. You might look a little flushed for a day or two, and in some cases, feel mild tenderness at the injection sites. Most clients are back to normal activities straight away.
In aesthetics, trends come and go, but treatments that really work tend to stick. PRP has stood the test of time, and PRF looks set to become just as established, if not more so. At The Hampton Clinic, we’re seeing more and more clients who want results that feel natural, subtle and in tune with their body’s own rhythms. These procedures deliver exactly that.
If you’re in Bristol and curious about rejuvenating your skin in a way that’s both innovative and natural, PRP and PRF are well worth considering. Think of it less as a cosmetic quick fix, and more as an investment in your skin’s long-term health and resilience. Book a skin consultation.