Published April 9, 2026
Ariessence, EZ Gel and PRF are three cutting-edge treatments that harness the power of platelet-rich components for hair, skin and facial rejuvenation. However, they differ in their sourcing, application methods and benefits.
It all started with PRP. Platelet-rich plasma: We’ve all become familiar with that term and how it is created. We take a small sample of your blood, spin it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets and end up with injectable growth factors to rejuvenate skin and hair – with a host of other game-changing medical applications. PRP is the OG in the field of Regenerative Medicine, but it is still very much in use today with spectacular results.
From the regenerative science that brought us PRP then came PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) and PRFM (platelet-rich fibrin matrix).
Then came EZ Gel, a preparation method taking albumin from your blood with heat to form a type of gel that can translate to longer-lasting effects.
Then emerged PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor), with a commercially sold, standardized supply of growth factors grown in a lab (from platelets) and used in products like Ariessence.
What do they all have in common? Their connection to platelets. Because that’s where the regenerative power resides in all of these Regenerative Medicine wonders.
Let’s break them down one by one, learning what they can do and which one is best for you.
Choose Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) if you prefer an all-natural approach using your body's own intrinsic healing capabilities. PRF is a natural, autologous treatment, meaning it comes directly from your own body, blood and cells. In our clinic, a small amount of your blood is drawn then spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, white blood cells, and fibrin. PRF is designed to stimulate healing and tissue regeneration, as well as trigger production of collagen and elastin.
Different from PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments, PRF allows for a slower release of growth factors, allowing for longer-lasting skin rejuvenation.
PRFM is simply an enhanced version of PRF further processed to form a spongy matrix. It's made by adding calcium chloride to the PRF, which activates the fibrin and forms a stable scaffold for growth factors. This matrix provides a sustained release of growth factors. It also provides a supportive structure for cells, thus enhancing tissue healing.
With EZ Gel, also known as PRF EZ Gel, the procedure for producing PRF is the same, except for the use of albumin derived from your blood and the addition of heat to achieve the gel-like quality, designed for longer-lasting results. By slowing down the spinning process, we retain more leukocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and albumin, making it more concentrated and effective. Then, as it is heated and transformed into a gel, it can be utilized as a natural filler, ideal for restoring volume around the mouth or under the eyes. PRF EZ Gel not only restores volume naturally but is able to enhance your skin quality over time, with longer-lasting results than both PRP and PRFM.
EZ Gel is commonly applied to areas like the cheeks, nasolabial folds, under-eye hollows, and other areas showing signs of aging. EZ Gel is often utilized to:
EZ Gel is known for offering subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation.
While PRF EZ Gel gives you whatever growth factors your body happens to produce that day in the clinic, Pure PDGF+ delivers a concentrated dose that's standardized for maximum effectiveness.
That’s the advantage of lab-grown growth factors: they’re standardized.
Choose PDGF if you want a next-generation regenerative serum with consistency, potency and no need for a blood draw. Ariessence can be applied topically as a mix of Pure PDGF+ and Hyaluronic Acid, OR Pure PDGF+ can be injected under the skin without the addition of hyaluronic acid. Typically this method is used for:
Ariessence’s pharmaceutical-grade growth factors support healing, boost collagen production, and refine skin texture. They can enhance recovery or rejuvenate skin without the need for any invasive procedures, providing faster results with lab-made growth factors.
Results vary according to your age, skin type, and how well the skin responds to treatment – and what platelet-rich treatment option you choose. Some people may need multiple treatments to achieve their desired results; some people see incredible results after their first treatment. Individual differences in how people respond are hard to predict.
Most people tolerate these Regenerative Medicine platelet-rich treatments exceptionally well. The basic science and treatment technology has been around awhile and has an excellent safety profile. But as safe, effective and life changing as these treatments can be, it’s not for everyone. It may not be a good choice for you if you:
Before your consultation, we will carefully examine your skin and/or hair, take a medical history and discuss your treatment goals. We will also take photos of the area so you can compare your skin or hair before and after treatment. This is a good time to ask any questions you may have about your options, risks or side effects, concerns about pain or downtime, or how many sessions you may need.
With PRF(M) or EZ Gel, you will need to be very well hydrated prior to treatment, and restrict certain medications to ensure the best possible outcomes. We will need to draw a small amount of blood and prepare the product for injection using a centrifuge or other tools. These steps will not be necessary with Ariessence/Pure PDGF+.
A session can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated and which particular treatment option you choose.
Prior to beginning, during or after treatment, it may be helpful to use certain skin or hair products. We can discuss this in more detail.
Because all of these treatment options are outpatient procedures, you can return home and immediately resume your normal activities. Depending on the treatment option you select, we will discuss specifics in detail with you at your first session.
If you want to improve the appearance and health of your skin or hair, we invite you to reach out to us. We’re here for you, every step of the way, and happy to answer any questions you may have about your symptoms and our methods for rejuvenating your skin, hair and overall health.
Our Raleigh, NC team of aesthetic nurses, Meredith Harris, NP, and Heather Shelton Roberts, RN, BSN, are amongst the country’s top specialists in both skin rejuvenation and nutrition. Together, they have administered safe and effective care for thousands of patients. We also offer special skin care consultations to evaluate your skin issues.
We can help put together a comprehensive skin health plan to help you love the skin you’re in. Call ☎ (919) 521-8282 or contact us online to schedule your consultation!
