“What’s the latest thing in aesthetics that I should be thinking about doing?” That is the one question I get almost every day.
Those of you who know me will know I’m very conservative (and skeptical!) when it comes to the latest hype in our industry. It has been quite a while since a new product or procedure has come along that got me this excited.
But PDGF is the bomb! Or at least I truly believe it is a game-changer. Here’s why.
What is PDGF?
PDGF is Platelet-Derived Growth Factor. It is a protein made in your body that is a potent stimulant of healing, and when your skin cells respond to it, they make collagen and elastin — the holy grail of anti-aging.
You may have heard about PRP (Platelet-rich Plasma) or PRFM (Platelet-rich Fibrin Matrix). We’ve used both for years to stimulate collagen and elastin, with great results for skin rejuvenation and under-eye treatments.
Here’s the key: PDGF is the most important growth factor in PRP and PRFM — it’s responsible for much of the visible results from these procedures. And now, there’s a pure, sterile PDGF product that’s FDA-approved for human use.
How is PDGF different from PRP or PRFM?
- While PRP and PRFM require a blood draw and time to spin it in a centrifuge and prepare it for use, PDGF comes ready to use and no blood draw is needed.
- PDGF isn’t taken from people or animals; it’s a recombinant product, made safely in a lab — similar to the insulin millions of people use daily.
- Because it is made in a lab, pure PDGF is thousands of times stronger than what’s found in PRP or PRFM. Meaning there is really no comparison– the PDGF is much more potent.
Is PDGF FDA-Approved?
PDGF can be used topically or as an injectable, similar to PRP or PRFM. The FDA has approved the product for injecting into bones, joints and wound-healing. It has not been approved for aesthetic use, so using it for aesthetic injections, for instance for tear troughs or hair loss, is considered off-label. Just as any other product, using it topically does not require FDA approval. The product is packaged for topical use, but many people are using it for injections.
FDA-Approved uses of PDGF
PDGF (ingredients: Water, Sodium Acetate, sh-Polypeptide-59 Dimer, aka PDGF-BB or rhPDGF-BB) is a growth factor used as an ingredient in four separate FDA-approved medical products for four different therapeutic uses:
GEM 21S®
- Combines two components: highly purified, recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB) and synthetic beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP).
- Approved as a prescription medical device indicated to treat the following periodontally related defects: intrabony periodontal defects; furcation periodontal defects; and gingival recession associated with periodontal defects.
Augment® Bone Graft
- Combines two components: rhPDGF-BB and β-TCP.
- Approved as a prescription medical device indicated for use as an alternative to autograft in arthrodesis (i.e., surgical fusion procedures) of the ankle (tibiotalar joint) and/or hindfoot due to osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, avascular necrosis, joint instability, joint deformity, congenital defect, or joint arthropathy in patients with preoperative or intraoperative evidence indicating the need for supplemental graft material.
Augment® Injectable
- Consists of a two-part matrix (device component: β-TCP granules and a collagen matrix) and rhPDGF-BB (drug component).
- Approved as a prescription drug/device combination product indicated for use as an alternative to autograft in arthrodesis (i.e., surgical fusion procedures) of the ankle (tibiotalar joint) and/or hindfoot
Regranex® Gel, for topical use
- Contains becaplermin, a recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB).
- Approved as a prescription drug indicated for the treatment of lower extremity diabetic neuropathic ulcers that extend into the subcutaneous tissue or beyond and have an adequate blood supply.
- Regranex is indicated as an adjunct to, and not a substitute for, good ulcer car practices.
Why PDGF is a game-changer in aesthetics
Less pain, less time
Because PDGF is sterile and ready to use, there’s no blood draw and no prep time. What once took 45 minutes (like a tear trough treatment) could take less than 15.
More potent Growth Factor
Also, because PDGF is so much more potent, the potential benefits are that much better. While there are no randomized controlled trials yet — as is typical in aesthetics — the science is promising.
How expensive is PDGF?
The cost of PDGF is comparable or only slightly more expensive than the cost of PRP or PRFM. This depends on the PRP system used, but overall pure recombinant PDGF is orders of magnitude stronger for the minimal additional investment.
What can PDGF be used for?
- Skin Rejuvenation: PDGF can be applied as a topical to the skin after a procedure like microneedling or laser. Typically we use PRP, exosomes, or a Growth Factor serum for this purpose, and PDGF is a logical, more potent option.
- Under-eye: PDGF can be used as an injectable to improve the appearance of the tear troughs or under-eye area.
- Hair Loss Treatment: PDGF can be used as an injectable or topical (after laser treatment) to stimulate hair growth.
I have no doubt we’ll see even more uses for PDGF in the near future.
Summary
- PDGF is a new pure sterile growth factor that is available for topical application for skin rejuvenation
- PDGF can be used off-label for the treatment of hair loss and to improve the under-eye area
- PDGF has the potential for replacing PRP, PRFM, and possibly exosomes for many applications
Curious to learn more? Call us Kirkland or West Seattle or schedule a consultation!
