PRP or Dermal Filler: What Should I Choose?

People of all ages find themselves concerned with fighting different signs of skin aging. Some of the most popular choices for patients are injectables like dermal fillers and platelet-rich plasma injections. These two are non-surgical enhancement techniques that will help you look younger than your actual age.

But which of PRP and dermal fillers is right for you? If you are suffering from thin and wrinkly skin, PRP can promote collagen production for a healthier skin. But if you want to restore the fullness of your cheeks and other hollow parts of the face, hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers are the right solution.

PRP and Dermal Filler in a Nutshell

So what exactly are PRP and dermal fillers? Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is extracted from the patient’s blood sample and injected into the skin to treat “crepey skin.” As the name suggests, it refers to skin texture that appears wrinkly and papery because of the thin layer of dermis and epidermis. Platelet-rich plasma contains growth factors that improve cellular activity and boost collagen production, effectively rejuvenating your skin.

On the other hand, dermal fillers focus on “filling” the hollow parts of your face that experience volume loss. These are formulated with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, making it completely safe to use. Fillers add volume to the cheeks and the sunken areas in the lower half of your face while encouraging the production of collagen.

PRP vs Dermal Filler: A Closer Look

Pros and Cons

To help you determine which choice is the right fit for you, we’ve highlighted the pros and cons of PRP and dermal fillers:

Pros of PRP	Cons of PRP
It utilizes the growth factors found in your blood, so your body won’t reject the substance.	Aside from being expensive, it is not usually covered by most insurance plans.
This procedure can be performed with other facial treatments.	It may produce unsatisfactory results compared to Botox and surgeries.
It also heals skin allergies, existing wounds, and burnt skin.	Minor side effects include redness in the treated area that might last for days.

Pros of Dermal Fillers	Cons of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers reduce the noticeable signs of skin aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sunken cheeks.	They are not permanent; it can only last between 8-18 months.
The procedure is non-surgical, so there are fewer risks.	You may experience minor side effects such as itching, bruising, and swelling, as well as a mild infection.
The treatment has a quick recovery time.	In rare cases, you might encounter blood vessel blockage or develop lumps under your skin.

The great thing about platelet-rich plasma treatment is that it utilizes your own blood to improve skin texture, so you won’t have to worry about allergic reactions. However, since it is not as comprehensive as surgical treatments, you may want to lower your expectations while waiting for noticeable results.

As for dermal fillers, they are recognized for their effectiveness by several dermal clinics, that’s why it’s easy to find an expert that will perform it. You just have to be cautious about the minor side effects that might develop on your skin after the treatment.

Costs

PRP has an average cost of $1,300, which is broken down into two fees: a $800 micro-needling fee and a $500 platelet-rich plasma therapy fee. Fillers are available for as low as $400 per syringe, depending on the brand you pick. However, remember that you will need at least two or three syringes to achieve ideal results.

Some of the factors that might change their prices are the provider’s level of experience, size of the treatment area, and the location of the dermal office.

Procedure Duration

Both procedures can be performed in under an hour. Injecting PRP into your skin can take between 45 to 60 minutes. Dermal filler shots can be completed in as short as 15 minutes or as long as 30 minutes, depending on how many treatment areas there are.

How Long it Lasts

The results of platelet-rich plasma treatments typically last longer than dermal fillers. Depending on the number of treatment sessions, PRP spans from 12 months up to 24 months. Dermal fillers can last from 8 months to 18 months before losing its effects.

When to Choose Which Treatment

Different conditions require different treatments. Depending on the doctor’s evaluation, you might be more suitable for one procedure than the other. But if you have the freedom to choose, here are some signs to check before deciding on a treatment:

Opt for PRP Therapy When…

• You have crepey skin.
• You are searching for a cheaper alternative to surgical treatments.
• You are combining it with other procedures.

Opt for Dermal Filler When…

• You only need two or three syringes.
• You want to add facial volume.
• You prefer shorter procedure duration and recovery time.

Rejuvenate Your Skin with Ethos Spa

Reverse the signs of aging with Ethos Spa today. We have years of experience in providing our patients with expert care when it comes to PRP and dermal filler treatments. Book your first consultation and facial appointment with us now.