PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) is an autologous treatment prepared from a small sample of your own blood, used to support skin quality, tissue and healing. At Santa Barbara Face & Body in Santa Barbara, California, Dr. Allison Pontius, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, uses PRF and the heat-processed PRF EZ Gel within individualized regenerative plans, often alongside microneedling or biologic hair regeneration.
Rather than adding a synthetic product, PRF uses your body’s own biology to support skin, tissue and healing. It is a cornerstone of a conservative, regenerative approach to facial and scalp treatment.
What it is
Standard PRF is used to support skin quality and healing. PRF EZ Gel is a heat-processed form that firms into a moldable gel, so it can provide gentle, biostimulatory support where light volume or structure is appropriate — while your body gradually replaces it with its own tissue.
How Dr. Pontius uses it
Within an individualized plan, Dr. Pontius uses PRF and PRF EZ Gel to support skin texture and quality, under-eye tone, and scalp and hair health. It is often combined with SkinPen Elite microneedling or biologic hair regeneration, and can complement other treatments rather than replace them.
What to expect
Treatment begins with a blood draw, similar to routine lab work, followed by preparation of the PRF and placement by injection or microneedling depending on the plan. Most people return to normal activities the same or next day; mild swelling, redness or bruising can occur and usually settles within a few days. Because PRF works by stimulating your own tissue, results build gradually over weeks, and a short series is sometimes recommended.
- What it is
- Platelet-rich fibrin, prepared from your own blood (autologous)
- Used for
- Skin quality, under-eye tone, scalp and hair support
- Often combined with
- SkinPen Elite microneedling, biologic hair regeneration
- Downtime
- Typically minimal; possible short-lived swelling or bruising
- Performed by
- Dr. Allison Pontius, board-certified facial plastic surgeon
- Prefer a natural, autologous option using your own blood
- Want to support skin quality, under-eye tone, or hair and scalp health
- Are combining regenerative treatments as part of a longer-term plan
- Are looking for immediate, dramatic volume — a filler may suit better
- Have a medical condition affecting blood or healing
- Want a single-session fix — PRF works gradually, often as a short series