Getting a PRF treatment

Over the years, my skincare routine has seen its fair share of evolutions—new products, new treatments, new philosophies about what it means to take care of myself inside and out. Enter: PRF.

I recently got a PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) treatment at Retrograde Aesthetics, located in New Berlin, Wisconsin. PRF is a natural, collagen-boosting service that I got done under my eyes.

Thank you to Retrograde Aesthetics for partnering with me! Here’s everything you need to know about PRF, how it works, and what my experience was like.

What is PRF?

PRF stands for Platelet-Rich Fibrin, a regenerative treatment derived from your own blood. It’s often called the “next generation” of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), thanks to its higher concentration of platelets and growth factors—and the absence of additives. Unlike PRP, which uses anticoagulants, PRF is spun at a slower speed in the centrifuge, creating a thicker, more natural fibrin matrix.

What does this mean? Bottom line: PRF is all natural. It only uses your blood. This makes it a safer alternative to other treatments that incorporate chemicals (like filler), decreasing the chance of an allergic reaction.

It also means that PRF releases growth factors more slowly, which encourages cellular repair, increased collagen production, and tissue regeneration over time. PRF can be used under the eyes (that’s what I did!), in the cheeks, around the mouth, across the scalp for hair growth, and sometimes in combination with microneedling.

At Retrograde Aesthetics, one PRF treatment costs $600, or $1500 for 3 sessions.

About Retrograde Aesthetics

I received my treatment at Retrograde Aesthetics, located in New Berlin—just outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The space is modern and cool, and the owner (and my longtime injector) Laken is helpful, welcoming, kind, and knows her suff. I’ve only ever had Laken do my lip injections, so it felt like a natural progression to try something new.

Retrograde offers a curated menu of treatments, including filler, Botox, Sculptra, and PRF. Every service is personalized, never rushed, and rooted in helping clients feel like the most refreshed version of themselves.

How PRF Works

The PRF process begins with a simple blood draw—nothing dramatic, just a quick tube taken from your arm. That sample is placed into a centrifuge and spun at a slower speed than traditional PRP. This method preserves more platelets and allows white blood cells and stem cells to stay within the plasma.

Depending on your treatment area, the PRF is then:

• Injected (often under the eyes or in areas of volume loss)
• Painted onto the skin during microneedling for deeper penetration
• Used in the scalp to support hair growth.

I opted for under-eye PRF injections, hoping to address some mild hollowness and persistent tired-looking shadows.

The injections are quick—just a few small pinches—and the entire appointment, including the blood draw, took under 30 minutes.

How to prep

Leading up to the appointment, it’s very important to drink lots of water! Give yourself about a week of staying ultra-hydrated and eating a clean (less processed) diet.

This is important to ensure the quality of the blood that’s drawn. Higher quality blood equals a more effective treatment.

That morning, be sure to eat a good meal, which helps to keep your body regulated during the blood draw.

Also, if you struggle drawing blood (I learned that I do, with my small, slow-flowing veins), consider working out or going to a sauna beforehand to get your blood pumping.

What to expect during treatment

Despite the intimidating idea of “injecting blood,” the experience itself was surprisingly gentle. Laken walked me through every step and made sure I felt comfortable the entire time. Here’s what the treatment felt like:

• The blood draw: quick and easy.
• Numbing: a few pinches, but over quickly.
• The injections: you can’t feel anything (thanks to the numbing!), but sometimes there’s tearing up or a slight sensation of coldness.

One of the perks of PRF is that it’s extremely bio-compatible—since it’s your own blood, there’s very little risk of reaction. And if there was, your injector would know immediately.

My recovery

Recovery from PRF is minimal but still worth planning around. For under-eye injections, I experienced:

• Very mild swelling that lasted about 24–48 hours
• Tightness under the eyes – it felt like I was wearing a pair of goggles
• Tenderness for the first 24 hours
• Slight white marks where I was injected that faded within 24 hours

Makeup can usually be worn after 24 hours, and normal activities can resume immediately, with the exception of strenuous workouts or saunas—anything that increases blood flow to the face.

The results aren’t instantaneous. PRF works gradually, stimulating your body to build collagen and repair tissue naturally. Most people get a series of three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart for optimal improvement.

A week after my treatment, I noticed fuller skin beneath my eyes. However, the real promise lies in what continues to develop over the next few months.

General recovery expectations

Everyone is different! Here’s what most people can expect after getting a PRF treatment.

Swelling. Most people experience quite a bit of swelling, which is normal and necessary. It can almost look like an allergic reaction. But the swelling shows that your body is reacting to the treatment, and is wanted for overall effectiveness. The intense swelling subsides in just a few days.

Tenderness. There’s likely going to be tenderness in the under-eye area. It feels a little tight for the first couple days, so be gentle!

Bruising. Though less common, there’s still a chance that bruising is possible.

Discoloration. There’s always a chance of discoloration under the eyes as well. Inflammation can cause redness, PRF can show up as yellow under the skin, thin skin / fluid / swelling can create a blue hue, and inflammation and numbing can cause whiteness.

Most people can return to their day-to-day activities within a few days.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an alternative to fillers, or simply want a treatment that feels natural, subtle, and regenerative, PRF is worth considering. My experience at Retrograde Aesthetics only made it better—Laken’s expertise and warmth helped me feel confident through every step.

As with any skincare investment, it’s a journey. But PRF is one that feels aligned with the long-term, inside-out approach I’ve come to appreciate. And I can’t wait to see how the results continue to unfold.

When you go, be sure to tell them Sunshine with Savannah sent you!

---