I often admire the results of beauty enhancements like Botox, but have always been concerned about how my body would react to a synthetic substance under the skin.

Now there is a more natural option using your body’s own rejuvenating growth factors called PRF (platelet-rich fibrin). In aesthetics, PRF is considered the next generation of PRP (platelet-rich plasma), standardly used in orthopedic medicine for joint regeneration.

To learn more, I spoke with Arek Apo, MD, medical director and founder of CARE-Esthetics La Quinta who noted that the availability of these more natural options was the basis for opening his business.

“We are in a new era of regenerative aesthetics where science, safety and natural beauty can prevail, and that is important to us,” states Dr. Arek as he is commonly known.

With PRF, a patient’s own blood is drawn and then placed in a centrifuge to separate out the growth factors, platelets, white blood cells and fibrin, a protein that plays a role in blood clotting and wound healing. The protocol used for extracting these elements, especially the fibrin matrix, is different from PRP and key to PRF’s longer-lasting success in aesthetics, Arek explains.

The result is a power-packed liquid that stimulates collagen and growth without any hyaluronic acid or synthetic chemicals. The bio-liquid injectables are used to help minimize fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and tightening, and erase acne scars.

Through a special heating technique, the liquid can also be made into a fibrin gel called “EZ Gel” used as a volumizing filler in cheeks, lips, under eyes, and for facial asymmetry. “Think of EZ Gel as a dermal filler,” says Arek, “but it’s all natural, all you, and with no synthetic elements added.”

While downtime is similar to traditional injectables, swelling is standardly less as the body is not reacting to synthetic material, he notes. Results are immediate, but because the material is natural, it is absorbed by the body and does not last as long as synthetic fillers.

“EZ Gel fillers are not a permanent aesthetic solution,” explains Arek. “They deliver more natural looking results for 2-3 months while also stimulating collagen production which your body uses for skin laxity, so they deliver 2-for-1 benefits.” Synthetic fillers standardly last 6-18 months. Costs are slightly less than traditional dermal fillers, and Arek recommends multiple sessions for desired results, then maintenance to follow.

“PRF treatments are wonderful for maintenance care because, beyond aesthetics, they deliver whole body enhancement, naturally,” concludes Arek.

This newer aesthetic aid to aging adds comfort in knowing that when I am ready, there are more natural options to consider.

Lauren Del Sarto is founder/publisher of Desert Health. Dr. Arek is medical director at CARE-Aesthetics La Quinta and can be reached (760) 209.5605. For more information, visit www.care-estheticslaquinta.com.