The Real Deal on PRF & PDRN Regenerative Skin Treatments in Portland, Oregon
- Suzanne Jagger
- Jul 31
- 7 min read
How PRF and PDRN Skin Treatments Are Changing Facial Rejuvenation in Portland, Oregon
You've probably heard every beauty buzzword in the book by now. "Revolutionary," "game-changing," "miracle treatment" (sound familiar?) At Aura Aesthetics, we're not here to sell you another temporary fix. We're talking about treatments that actually get your skin working better, and looking better.
Here's the thing about regenerative medicine: it's not about slapping a bandaid on your skin problems. It's about giving your skin the tools it needs to fix itself. After watching patients get real, lasting results from PDRN and PRF skin treatments right here in Portland, Oregon, we're pretty excited to share what we've learned.
What's All This About Exosomes?
Exosomes are having a major moment right now. Seriously, I can't scroll through social media without seeing some influencer raving about them, and half our consultation calls start with "So I heard about this exosome thing..." It's everywhere.
And look, I get the hype. The science is actually pretty mind-blowing when you dig into it. These are basically tiny messengers that your cells send to each other, like little packages of instructions that say "hey, start healing" or "time to make some collagen." They're so small you'd need an electron microscope just to see one.
Mayo Clinic has been doing impressive research with these things, especially the platelet-derived ones. There was this study that came out this year that honestly made us all stop and take notice. Patients who got microneedling with exosomes were still seeing improvements in their pore size and skin texture five months later. Undoubtedly the results lasted even longer than that, but they stopped studying it!
As exciting as this all is, we have to be straight with you: there aren't any FDA-approved exosome products for cosmetic use yet. While the research looks promising and we're definitely keeping an eye on developments, at Aura we stick with treatments that have solid clinical backing and regulatory approval. That's why we focus on PDRN and PRF (they've got the studies, the safety data, and most importantly, the real-world results to back them up).
PDRN: The Salmon DNA That's Actually Changing Skin
Okay, bear with us on this one. PDRN comes from salmon DNA. We know how that sounds, but stick around because this stuff is legit amazing.
PDRN has been around for decades in wound healing (we're talking serious medical applications like diabetic foot ulcers). There was this major clinical trial where they treated over 200 diabetic patients, and the PDRN group had nearly double the healing rate compared to placebo. When something works that well for diabetic wounds (which are notoriously difficult to heal), you know it's doing something special.
What PDRN Actually Does for Your Skin
Think of PDRN as a personal trainer for your skin cells. It doesn't just sit there looking pretty (it actually gets to work):
The cellular stuff that matters: Your fibroblasts (the cells that make collagen) get a serious wake-up call. They start producing more collagen and elastin, but in a way that's sustainable. Not like those treatments where you get a temporary plump that deflates in a few weeks.
Better blood flow where you need it: PDRN promotes angiogenesis (fancy word for growing new tiny blood vessels). Better blood flow means better nutrient delivery, which means healthier skin from the inside out.
Anti-inflammatory action: Chronic low-level inflammation is one of the biggest skin agers. PDRN helps calm that down while promoting the good kind of healing response.
The Safety Thing (Because It Matters)
PDRN has been used safely for years across multiple medical applications. The safety data is extensive (we're talking post-marketing surveillance involving hundreds of thousands of patients). The main thing to know is if you're allergic to fish or salmon, PDRN isn't for you. Otherwise, side effects are minimal and temporary.
PRF: Your Blood, But Make It Better
If you've heard of PRP (platelet-rich plasma), think of PRF as its smarter, more sophisticated cousin. Same concept (using your own blood's healing factors) but with some serious upgrades.
Why PRF Beats Regular PRP
The difference is in the details. With PRP, you get a quick burst of growth factors that's pretty much done within a few days. PRF creates this fibrin matrix that slowly releases growth factors over weeks. It's like the difference between chugging an energy drink and eating a balanced meal (one gives you a spike and crash, the other sustains you).
What makes PRF special:
More white blood cells (your body's repair crew)
No additives or chemicals (it's 100% from your own blood)
That fibrin matrix we mentioned acts like scaffolding for new tissue growth
Slower, more sustained release of healing factors
Real Talk: What to Expect
Let's be honest about timelines because nobody likes false expectations.
Week 1: You might notice your skin looks a bit brighter, maybe slightly plumper. Nothing dramatic yet.
Weeks 2-6: This is where things get interesting. Your collagen production ramps up, fine lines start softening, and your skin texture improves. Friends might start asking if you're using a new moisturizer.
Months 3-6: The real payoff. Your skin looks genuinely healthier (more resilient, better tone, improved elasticity). This isn't makeup or filters; it's your skin actually functioning better.
Who PRF Works Best For
PRF is fantastic for people who want natural-looking improvement without the commitment (or cost) of regular filler touch-ups. We see great results for:
Fine lines around the eyes and mouth
General skin quality improvement
Areas where you've lost some volume but don't want obvious "work"
Patients who prefer treatments using their own biology
Our Approach: Custom Everything
Here's what drives us crazy about the beauty industry: this idea that there's a one-size-fits-all solution. Your skin is as unique as your fingerprint, so why would we treat everyone the same way?
We start every patient relationship with a comprehensive skin analysis. Not just looking at surface issues, but understanding your skin's function, your lifestyle, your goals. Sometimes that means PDRN for someone dealing with dehydration and texture issues. Sometimes it's PRF for natural volumization. Often, it's a combination approach.
Our most popular combinations:
PDRN + Microneedling: Perfect for texture issues, large pores, and dullness, you’ll see a deep hydration boost as well as improved skin function.
PRF + Strategic HA Filler Injection: Great for those concerned about fine lines and early volume loss, you can expect a natural enhancement using your own healing factors.
Combination Protocol: Ideal if you’re seeking a comprehensive anti-aging solution, you’ll get a customized approach that targets multiple concerns.
What Our Patients Actually Say
We could throw statistics at you all day, but honestly, what matters is how people feel about their skin after treatment.
Maria, 47, came in frustrated because expensive creams weren't cutting it anymore. After a series of PDRN treatments, she said her skin feels like it did in her twenties (not just looking better, but actually functioning better). She's not wrong; PDRN literally helps skin cells work more efficiently.
James was skeptical about the whole "using your own blood" thing with PRF. Six months later, he's telling his golf buddies about it because the fine lines around his eyes have significantly improved and his skin just looks healthier overall.
The Questions Everyone Asks
"Does this stuff actually work, or is it just hype?" We've been doing this long enough to know the difference between marketing buzz and real results. The clinical data on both PDRN and PRF is solid, and more importantly, we see the results in our patients every day.
"How many treatments am I looking at?" Depends on your skin and goals, but most people see noticeable improvement after one session and optimal results after 3-4 treatments spaced about a month apart. We're not trying to lock you into endless packages (we want to get you results efficiently).
"What about that salmon allergy thing with PDRN?" If you're allergic to fish or salmon, PDRN isn't for you. It's derived from salmon DNA, so better safe than sorry. We always do a thorough health history before any treatment.
"Can you combine these with other treatments?" Absolutely. They actually work great with microneedling, certain lasers, and other regenerative approaches. We'll map out what makes sense for your skin and timeline.
"How long before I see results?" Most people notice improvements within a week or two, but the real magic happens over 2-3 months as your collagen production ramps up. This isn't a quick fix (it's your skin getting genuinely healthier).
"What's the downtime like?" Minimal. You might have some redness for 24-48 hours, especially if we combine with microneedling. Most people go back to their normal routine the next day.
Why We're Betting on Regenerative Medicine
After years in aesthetics, we've seen plenty of trends come and go. But regenerative medicine isn't a trend (it's a fundamental shift toward working with your body instead of against it).
Instead of temporarily paralyzing muscles or filling spaces with synthetic materials, we're giving your skin the biological tools it needs to repair and maintain itself. It's not about stopping the aging process (impossible) but about keeping your skin functioning optimally as you age.
The research keeps getting better, the techniques keep improving, and honestly, the results speak for themselves. When patients come back six months later saying their skin looks better than it has in years (without looking "done") that's when you know you're onto something real.
Ready to See What Your Skin Can Actually Do?
If you're tired of treatments that promise the world and deliver mediocre results that fade fast, maybe it's time to try something different. Book a consultation and let's figure out what combination of PDRN and PRF makes sense for your skin.
We're not here to oversell you or promise unrealistic results. We're here to show you what's possible when you invest in your skin's actual health, not just its temporary appearance.
Your skin has an incredible capacity to heal and regenerate (sometimes it just needs the right tools and a little scientific nudge in the right direction). That's where we come in.
All treatments at Aura Aesthetics are performed by qualified professionals using medical-grade products. We believe in transparent communication about realistic expectations, potential risks, and individual results. Because at the end of the day, informed patients get the best outcomes.
Works Cited
Mayo Clinic. "Tapping into the potential of platelet-derived exosomes in aesthetics." Mayo Clinic Professional Resources, May 13, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/otolaryngology/news/tapping-into-the-potential-of-platelet-derived-exosomes-in-aesthetics/mac-20582898
Lee SJ, Kim JH, Park YS, et al. "The Efficacy of Combined Exosome (Exodew) and Microneedling Treatment for Facial Pore Reduction and Skin Texture Improvement." Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 2024. DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005963
Squadrito F, Bitto A, Altavilla D, et al. "The effect of PDRN, an adenosine receptor A2A agonist, on the healing of chronic diabetic foot ulcers: results of a clinical trial." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2014;99(5):E746-53. DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-3569
Borsani E, Bonazza V, Buffoli B, et al. "Pharmacological Activity and Clinical Use of PDRN." Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2017;8:224. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00224
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Consumer Alert on Regenerative Medicine Products Including Stem Cells and Exosomes." FDA.gov, Updated July 22, 2020. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/consumers-biologics/consumer-alert-regenerative-medicine-products-including-stem-cells-and-exosomes
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Public Safety Notification on Exosome Products." FDA.gov, December 6, 2019. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/safety-availability-biologics/public-safety-notification-exosome-products
