Non-Surgical · Dr. Susan Tan, MD ABFPRS

PRP and PRFM in Honolulu

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) are regenerative treatments that harness the growth factors in your own blood to stimulate tissue repair, collagen production, and cellular renewal. At Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery, PRP and PRFM are used for under-eye rejuvenation, hair restoration, and skin renewal — administered by our aesthetic nurses under Dr. Tan’s physician-directed protocol.

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ABFPRS Board Certified Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2026 Only Female Facial Plastic Surgeon in Honolulu Physician-Directed — Not Delegated

Your Own Biology — Used as Medicine

PRP and PRFM — Regenerative Treatments Using Your Own Growth Factors

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) are among the most biologically elegant treatments in aesthetic medicine. Both are derived from a small sample of your own blood — processed to concentrate the platelets and growth factors responsible for tissue repair and regeneration — then reinjected or applied where renewal is needed.

Because they use your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is essentially eliminated. The growth factors in PRP and PRFM signal the body to produce new collagen, stimulate cellular repair, improve vascular supply, and accelerate tissue healing — mechanisms that have been studied and applied in medicine for decades.

At Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery, PRP and PRFM treatments are physician-directed and administered by our aesthetic nurses under Dr. Tan’s clinical framework. Every treatment plan is based on your specific concern — under-eye hollowing, hair thinning, or skin quality improvement — not a templated protocol.

PRP vs PRFM — Understanding Both

PRP and PRFM — Two Forms of Regenerative Treatment, Each with Distinct Advantages

PRP — Platelet-Rich Plasma

PRP is produced by spinning a blood sample in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelet-rich layer of the plasma. The resulting solution is rich in growth factors — including PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, and EGF — that stimulate collagen production, cellular repair, and tissue regeneration. PRP is typically used for hair restoration and skin rejuvenation applications where a more fluid consistency is appropriate.

PRFM — Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix

PRFM is a more advanced preparation — processed without anticoagulants to produce a fibrin matrix that acts as a scaffold, holding the platelets and growth factors in place at the injection site for a longer release period. This sustained release amplifies and extends the regenerative effect compared to standard PRP. PRFM is particularly well suited for under-eye rejuvenation, where controlled placement and sustained growth factor delivery are critical.

Why Physician Direction Matters for PRP and PRFM

PRP and PRFM treatments are offered widely — including at many non-physician-directed facilities. The difference at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery is that your treatment is part of a physician-designed plan. Dr. Tan determines whether PRP, PRFM, or a combination is appropriate for your specific concern. Placement in the under-eye area — one of the most delicate and vascularly complex areas of the face — requires the anatomical knowledge that comes from physician oversight. The treatment itself is administered by our aesthetic nurses, but the clinical plan is Dr. Tan’s.

Treatment Applications

PRP and PRFM Treatments Available at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery

Under-Eye Rejuvenation

PRFM Under-Eye Treatment

The under-eye area — the tear trough — is one of the most visible signs of facial aging and fatigue. Dark circles, hollowing, and a sunken appearance can make patients look years older and perpetually tired — regardless of how much they sleep.

PRFM injected into the tear trough delivers sustained growth factor stimulation — improving skin quality, increasing collagen density, and reducing the hollowing and discoloration that causes dark circles. Unlike hyaluronic acid filler in the tear trough — which carries risk of swelling, bluish discoloration (Tyndall effect), and irregularity — PRFM uses your own tissue-building factors for a more natural, gradual result.

Reduces dark circles caused by skin thinning
Improves tear trough hollowing
Improves under-eye skin texture and crepiness
No synthetic material — uses your own biology

Hair Restoration

PRP Hair Restoration Treatment

PRP scalp injections are a well-studied treatment for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) and other forms of hair thinning. Growth factors in PRP stimulate dormant hair follicles, extend the growth phase of the hair cycle, and improve follicle health — producing measurable improvement in hair density and thickness over a series of treatments.

PRP hair restoration is appropriate for both women and men experiencing early to moderate hair thinning. It is not a replacement for hair transplant surgery in patients with significant hair loss — but for appropriate candidates, it is a meaningful non-surgical intervention that can slow progression and improve density.

Stimulates dormant hair follicles
Improves hair density and thickness
Appropriate for women and men
Series of treatments recommended

Skin Rejuvenation

PRP and PRFM Skin Rejuvenation

PRP and PRFM can be applied to the skin surface following microneedling — or injected directly into areas of skin thinning, fine lines, and crepiness — to stimulate collagen production and improve overall skin quality. This is distinct from the use of PRP with SkinPen microneedling (where it is applied topically to enhance microneedling outcomes) and represents a standalone injectable regenerative approach.

Areas particularly responsive to PRP and PRFM skin injections include the perioral area (lines around the mouth), the neck, and areas of pronounced skin thinning.

Improves skin quality and thickness
Reduces fine lines and crepiness
Natural material — your own growth factors
Combinable with microneedling and laser

The Treatment Process

What to Expect — PRP and PRFM Treatment at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery

Every PRP and PRFM treatment begins with a consultation — either as part of a Facial Longevity Assessment or as a standalone visit — to assess your specific concern and confirm the appropriate treatment approach.

On the day of treatment, a small blood sample is drawn — typically from the arm — and placed in a centrifuge. The processing takes approximately 10–15 minutes and produces a concentrated PRP or PRFM preparation. The prepared solution is then administered to the treatment area by our aesthetic nurses.

For hair restoration, PRP is injected across the scalp in the areas of thinning. For under-eye PRFM, the prepared fibrin matrix is placed precisely into the tear trough. For skin rejuvenation, PRP or PRFM is either applied topically following microneedling or injected into specific areas.

Mild redness and tenderness at the treatment site are normal and resolve within 24–48 hours. Results develop gradually over 4–8 weeks as the growth factors stimulate the body’s natural regenerative response. A series of treatments is typically recommended for hair restoration and skin applications.

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Treatment Overview by Application

Under-Eye PRFM

Sessions: 1–3 · Results visible at 4–8 weeks · Minimal downtime

Hair Restoration PRP

Sessions: 3–4 spaced 4–6 weeks apart · Maintenance every 6–12 months · Results visible at 3–6 months

Skin Rejuvenation PRP/PRFM

Sessions: 2–3 · Can be combined with SkinPen microneedling · Results build over 4–8 weeks

Recovery (All Applications)

Mild redness and tenderness · Resolves within 24–48 hours · Return to normal activities same day

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Frequently Asked Questions

PRP and PRFM in Honolulu — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about PRP and PRFM treatments at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery.

What is the difference between PRP and PRFM?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a concentrated preparation of platelets and growth factors produced by centrifuging a blood sample. PRFM (Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix) is a more advanced preparation — processed without anticoagulants to produce a fibrin scaffold that holds platelets in place for a sustained, extended release of growth factors. PRFM is particularly well suited for under-eye applications where controlled, sustained delivery is important.

Is PRP safe?

Yes. Because PRP and PRFM are derived from your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is essentially zero. These treatments have been used in medicine and aesthetics for decades with an excellent safety profile. All treatments at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery are physician-directed and administered by our aesthetic nurses under Dr. Tan’s clinical oversight.

How many PRP treatments are needed for hair restoration?

Most patients benefit from a series of 3–4 PRP scalp treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments every 6–12 months. Results develop gradually — most patients notice meaningful improvement in hair density and quality at 3–6 months after completing the initial series.

Why use PRFM for the under-eye area rather than standard hyaluronic acid filler?

The tear trough is one of the most technically demanding filler injection sites — with risks of Tyndall effect (bluish discoloration), swelling, irregularity, and vascular complications associated with hyaluronic acid filler in this area. PRFM offers a more forgiving alternative for appropriate candidates — stimulating the body’s own collagen and tissue repair response rather than placing a synthetic gel. The results are more gradual and natural-looking, with a lower risk profile for patients with thin under-eye skin.

Can PRP be combined with SkinPen microneedling?

Yes — and this is a common and effective combination. PRP applied to the skin following SkinPen microneedling penetrates through the micro-channels created by the needles, amplifying the collagen stimulation response. This is a separate application from PRP used as a standalone injectable — both are available at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery.

Is PRP hair restoration appropriate for women?

Yes — PRP hair restoration is appropriate for both women and men experiencing androgenetic alopecia or other forms of hair thinning. Women are frequently excellent candidates. The treatment is particularly effective in earlier-stage thinning, before significant follicle loss has occurred. A consultation is the appropriate first step to assess candidacy.

Interested in PRP or PRFM treatments in Honolulu?

Schedule a consultation — our clinical team will assess your specific concern and recommend the right regenerative approach for your goals.

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