PRFM Injections
Regenerative Aesthetic Medicine with Natural, Long-Lasting Results
Patients in Boston and Belmont seeking natural, non-surgical facial rejuvenation can now benefit from PRFM injections performed by Katie O’Brien, NP, ANP-BC. A board-certified Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in dermatology and aesthetic medicine, Katie offers Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) therapy to restore skin tone, texture, and volume using the body’s own regenerative properties. Her practice, Renascence Aesthetic Dermatology, provides personalized, evidence-based treatment plans for patients looking to improve aging skin, under-eye hollows, or early-stage hair loss without synthetic fillers or surgery.
What Is PRFM and How Does It Work?
PRFM stands for Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix. It is an advanced form of regenerative medicine derived from the patient’s own blood. Unlike traditional PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), PRFM includes a fibrin matrix that traps platelets at the injection site and allows them to release growth factors slowly over time. This extended release encourages long-term tissue repair, collagen production, and skin rejuvenation.
The process begins with a standard blood draw. The sample is placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich fibrin. This natural, additive-free substance is then injected into specific areas of the face or scalp, including the tear troughs, midface, jawline, neck, or hairline, depending on the patient’s aesthetic goals. Because PRFM is entirely autologous, there is virtually no risk of allergic reaction or rejection, making it one of the safest treatments available in regenerative aesthetics.
What Conditions Can PRFM Treat?
PRFM is used to treat a range of aesthetic concerns related to aging, volume loss, and skin quality. It is frequently used to restore under-eye volume, reduce dark circles, and improve skin texture in delicate areas where traditional fillers may cause unwanted swelling or migration. PRFM can also be applied to the scalp to address early hair thinning by promoting healthier follicles and encouraging natural regrowth.
Many patients incorporate PRFM into their treatment plan as a way to extend or enhance the results of microneedling, laser resurfacing, or radiofrequency-based procedures. Its healing and regenerative capabilities make it ideal for post-procedure recovery, particularly in patients who are sensitive to synthetic materials or who prefer a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PRFM Injections?
PRFM is ideal for adults who are in good general health and interested in natural skin rejuvenation. Candidates typically present with concerns such as fine lines, volume loss in the midface or tear troughs, skin laxity, or mild hair thinning. Patients who have had adverse reactions to dermal fillers or who are hesitant to use synthetic products often choose PRFM as a biocompatible alternative.
It is also suitable for younger patients who are beginning to notice subtle signs of aging and want to stimulate collagen production before deeper structural changes occur. During the initial consultation, Katie O’Brien performs a detailed facial assessment and medical history review to determine whether PRFM is the most appropriate choice or if combination therapy may offer better long-term results.
The PRFM Treatment Process
Patients begin their treatment journey with a personalized consultation at Renascence Aesthetic Dermatology. After confirming candidacy, Katie performs a simple blood draw, followed by centrifugation of the sample to extract the platelet-rich fibrin. The processed PRFM is carefully injected into predetermined areas using micro-needles or cannulas, depending on anatomical needs and patient comfort. The entire treatment takes approximately 45 minutes.
Post-procedure, patients may experience mild swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection sites, but these effects are typically short-lived. Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours. Results begin to develop gradually, with improvements in skin tone, texture, and volume becoming noticeable within two to four weeks. A series of two to three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart is typically recommended for optimal results. Maintenance treatments can be scheduled every six to twelve months, depending on individual aging patterns and treatment goals.
Advantages of PRFM Over PRP and Traditional Fillers
The primary difference between PRFM and PRP lies in the presence of the fibrin matrix. While PRP delivers growth factors rapidly and dissipates within hours, PRFM holds the platelets in place and ensures a slow, sustained release of regenerative compounds over several days. This prolonged stimulation of collagen and elastin leads to better structural support and more natural-looking outcomes.
Compared to traditional dermal fillers, PRFM is a safer option for patients who prefer non-synthetic treatments or who have experienced migration, nodules, or other complications from hyaluronic acid fillers. It is especially beneficial in under-eye applications, where filler risks are higher and skin is thinner. PRFM enhances skin quality while improving circulation and minimizing fluid retention, making it an ideal solution for under-eye darkness and hollowness.
Why Choose Katie O’Brien, NP for PRFM in Boston and Belmont?
Katie O’Brien brings a unique blend of clinical knowledge, dermatologic expertise, and aesthetic artistry to every treatment. She received her advanced clinical training from Quinnipiac University and completed a competitive Nurse Practitioner fellowship at the Harvard-affiliated Lahey Clinic. Her focus on long-term skin health, personalized treatment planning, and natural-looking outcomes has made her a trusted provider among patients seeking refined, elegant results.
At Renascence Aesthetic Dermatology, patients benefit from a private, medically grounded setting where consultations are in-depth and treatments are never rushed. Katie works closely with each individual to understand their goals and deliver results that align with their lifestyle, features, and personal definition of beauty.
Serving Greater Boston from Belmont, MA
Katie offers PRFM and other regenerative treatments from her Belmont, MA location, conveniently serving the greater Boston area, including Cambridge, Brookline, Arlington, Watertown, Newton, and Waltham. Patients appreciate the ease of access to a top-tier provider without the congestion of central Boston, while still receiving care that reflects the highest medical and aesthetic standards.
