PRP and PRF Treatments in Rapid City, SD
At LiveWell Medical Aesthetics in Rapid City, SD, we offer both PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin); two of the most established regenerative treatments in aesthetic medicine. Both use a small sample of your own blood, processed and reintroduced to stimulate healing, collagen production, and tissue regeneration. Neither involves synthetic fillers or foreign substances.
Treatments are performed by Courtney Vesely, FNP-C, MSN, RN, and our licensed team. During your consultation, your provider will discuss your goals and recommend the right option; or combination; based on your specific concerns. PRP and PRF are used at LiveWell both as standalone treatments and as enhancements to microneedling and other regenerative protocols.
What Is PRP?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is created by drawing a small amount of your blood and spinning it in a centrifuge at high speed. This separates the blood into its components and concentrates the platelets; the cells responsible for initiating the body’s healing response; into the plasma layer. The resulting serum contains 2 to 5 times the platelet concentration of normal blood.
When injected or applied to the skin during microneedling, PRP delivers a concentrated burst of growth factors that accelerates collagen production and tissue repair. Results typically appear within a few weeks and continue developing over 2 to 3 months.
PRP has been used in aesthetic medicine for over two decades and is one of the most studied regenerative treatments available.
What Is PRF?
PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) is the next generation of PRP. It is processed differently: blood is spun at a lower speed without anticoagulants, which allows a fibrin matrix to form naturally around the platelets. This fibrin scaffold holds growth factors, stem cells, and white blood cells together; delivering a slower, more sustained release over several days rather than all at once.
PRF typically contains approximately 10 times the platelet concentration of normal blood; significantly more than PRP. The slower growth factor release means deeper tissue engagement and longer-lasting results. Because no additives are used in processing, PRF is entirely autologous: 100% from your own blood with no synthetic components.
PRF is used both as an injectable treatment in its own right and as a powerful enhancement to microneedling, where it is applied directly to the micro-channels created during the procedure for maximum absorption.
What Is PRFM?
PRFM (Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix) is an advanced formulation of PRF processed to produce a thicker, gel-like consistency. The higher fibrin concentration creates a matrix that holds its structure after injection; making it useful both as a biostimulator for skin quality and as a natural, temporary volumizer in areas like under the eyes and the nasolabial folds.
Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, PRFM uses only your own biology. Results are more gradual and less dramatic than synthetic fillers, but the improvement is entirely natural and there is no risk of allergic reaction. Patients interested in PRF gel or PRFM as a natural filler alternative should discuss this option at their consultation.
PRP vs. PRF: How Your Provider Chooses
The most common question before a consultation: which one is better? The answer depends on your goals, the area being treated, and how the treatment is being used.
When PRF is typically preferred:
- As a standalone injectable for facial rejuvenation, under-eye treatment, or hair restoration; PRF’s sustained growth factor release produces more gradual, natural-looking results that develop over several weeks.
- As an enhancement to microneedling; PRF applied to the skin surface during microneedling penetrates deeply through the micro-channels. Its fibrin structure keeps growth factors at the treatment site longer than liquid PRP.
- For hair restoration; PRF’s stem cell content and sustained release are particularly well suited to stimulating dormant follicles.
When PRP is typically preferred:
- As a topical serum applied during laser or energy device treatments; PRP’s more liquid consistency spreads easily across the treatment area and is absorbed rapidly.
- When a faster initial healing response is the priority; PRP releases growth factors more immediately, which can accelerate recovery after more intensive procedures.
At LiveWell, your provider will make a specific recommendation based on your treatment plan. Many patients use both over the course of a series.
What PRP and PRF Treat at LiveWell
At LiveWell, PRP and PRF are used for:
- Facial skin rejuvenation; improved texture, tone, and firmness
- Under-eye hollows and dark circles; volume restoration using natural biology
- Acne scarring and post-inflammatory marks; as a standalone treatment or combined with microneedling
- Fine lines and early skin laxity
- Hair thinning and early hair loss; scalp injections to stimulate follicle activity
PRP and PRF are also offered as enhancement options during microneedling and alongside exosome therapy for patients who want a comprehensive regenerative protocol.
Courtney Vesely
Your Provider
PRP and PRF treatments at LiveWell Medical Aesthetics are performed by Courtney Vesely, FNP-C, MSN, RN, and our licensed nursing team. Courtney is a Family Nurse Practitioner with over eight years of experience in aesthetic medicine and regenerative treatments. South Dakota grants Nurse Practitioners full practice authority, meaning Courtney leads the practice independently. Meet our full team.
Christa McCormick, Registered Nurse
Frequently Asked Questions
PRF is generally considered the more advanced option; it contains a higher platelet concentration, releases growth factors more slowly over several days, and includes stem cells and white blood cells that PRP typically does not. For most aesthetic applications, PRF produces more gradual but longer-lasting results. That said, PRP remains valuable in specific contexts, such as topical application during laser treatments or when a rapid initial growth factor release is needed. Your provider will discuss which is more appropriate for your treatment at your consultation.
PRFM (Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix) is PRF processed to a thicker, gel-like consistency. The higher fibrin concentration gives it enough structural integrity to act as a temporary natural volumizer; similar in application to a filler but made entirely from your own blood. It is used in areas like under the eyes and nasolabial folds. Results are more gradual and subtle than synthetic fillers, but entirely natural.
“Normal” lab values for a PRP or PRF blood draw do not mean the treatment will not work. PRP and PRF draw on your body’s natural platelet activity; they do not require abnormal values to produce results. The concern this question often reflects is whether a patient has enough platelets to generate an effective serum. For most healthy patients, the answer is yes. If you have a specific concern about your platelet count or blood health, discuss it with your provider before your appointment.
For facial rejuvenation and skin quality improvement, a series of 3 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart is typically recommended for optimal results. Hair restoration protocols may require 4 to 6 sessions before significant improvement is visible. Your provider will outline a personalized plan at your consultation based on your goals and the areas being treated.
Yes. Scalp injections of PRP and PRF are a well-established non-surgical option for stimulating dormant hair follicles and slowing hair thinning. PRF is often preferred for hair restoration because its stem cell content and sustained growth factor release are particularly well suited to follicle stimulation. Results typically become visible 3 to 6 months after starting a treatment series.
Both PRP and PRF use only your own blood; there is no risk of allergic reaction or rejection. Side effects are typically mild and include temporary redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site, which resolve within a few days. Because the treatments use autologous material (derived from your own body), serious adverse reactions are rare. Your provider will review your health history before treatment to confirm there are no contraindications.
LiveWell Medical Aesthetics in Rapid City, SD offers both PRP and PRF treatments; approximately 45 minutes from Spearfish. We welcome patients from across the Black Hills, including Spearfish, Lead, Deadwood, Sturgis, and Box Elder. Learn more on our Black Hills regional page, or contact us to discuss scheduling.
Serving Rapid City and the Black Hills
LiveWell Medical Aesthetics serves PRP and PRF patients from Rapid City and across the Black Hills region, including Spearfish, Sturgis, Deadwood, and Box Elder. If you are traveling from outside Rapid City, we can coordinate multiple treatments in a single visit. See our Black Hills regional page for more information.
Related Treatments
- Microneedling; Collagen-induction therapy, available with PRP, PRF, or exosome enhancement.
- Exosome Therapy (BENEV); Advanced growth factor treatment for skin repair and scalp health. Often combined with PRF.
- Microglow; Advanced microchanneling with a full serum infusion including PRFM, PDGF, exosomes, and more.
- PDGF Ariessence; Platelet-derived growth factor therapy for cellular-level collagen stimulation.
- Biogel (EZ Gel); Autologous filler made from your own blood for natural facial volumization.
