PDGF vs. PRP: Is the Newer Growth-Factor Treatment Really Better?

For many years, the go-to regenerative treatment has been PRP therapy. But recently another option has entered the picture: PDGF.

So is PDGF actually better than PRP? Or is it just newer?

The answer isn’t black and white. The treatment that’s best for you depends on what you want to improve. Here’s what you need to know about PDGF vs. PRP.

What Is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used for many years. It uses your own blood to create a concentrated serum of platelets and growth factors.

PRP can be applied to the skin or injected into specific areas, such as the face, neck, or even the scalp.

This treatment is often used to improve skin health and appearance while also encouraging tissue repair. It can also be used for hair restoration.

What Is PDGF?

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a protein naturally found in platelets. It plays an important role in tissue repair, cell growth, and collagen production.

PDGF treatments are great for supporting skin renewal. At Custom Beauty Med Studio, we often apply PDGF during microneedling or it’s injected into targeted areas.

The goal is to encourage the skin to improve itself from the inside out.

PDGF vs. PRP: Is One Better Than the Other?

One treatment isn’t necessarily better than the other. Instead of comparing PRP vs. PDGF, it makes more sense to figure out what your skin concerns are and what you want to achieve from treatment.

PDGF may be the better choice if your main concerns are fine lines, uneven texture, acne scars, dullness, or early skin laxity.

PRP can be useful if you have a broader goal of skin rejuvenation or hair restoration.

We Offer All of the Top Regenerative Treatments

Getting healthier, more youthful skin doesn’t have to require endless chemical peels or laser treatments. Instead, you should consider regenerative options like PDGF or PRP.

Ready to learn more? Curious if these treatments are right for you?

Get to Know Your Provider: Chelsea Samo-Lipman, PA-C

Chelsea Samo-Lipman, MSHS, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant and the founder of Custom Beauty Med Studio on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. A graduate of The George Washington University, Chelsea founded Custom Beauty to deliver natural-looking, restorative aesthetic results with a strong personal touch—offering an inclusive, ASL-friendly clinical environment.

Committed to mastering advanced facial anatomy and regenerative aesthetics, Chelsea has trained under the aesthetic industry’s most respected global masterclasses and renowned injectors, including:

• Global Masterclasses & Academies: Julie Horne Academy (Lip Masterclass), Shino Bay Sculpting Masterclass, Dr. Zack Ally’s Facial Sculpting Masterclass, Julie Bass Kaplan’s “Head and Breakfast” Cadaver Anatomy Training, Lip Recipes by Limor, Advanced Injectable Training with Dr. Paula Rosso, and Fotona Advanced Laser certification.
• Celebrity & Peer Mentors: Hands-on advanced clinical mentorship with Erika Barry (Injector Bunny), Dr. Sheila Nazarian, Waseem Garbia, Brittany Wilson, and Empire Medical.

Chelsea specializes in natural lip enhancements, neuromodulators (Botox®, Daxxify®), regenerative biostimulators (Sculptra®, Radiesse®), PRF/EZ Gel therapies, and advanced energy treatments like Morpheus8.