PRP Filler — Volume From Your Own Blood
Cellon Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam, Seoul — Conventional filler is limited by volume and cost when broad areas such as the nasolabial region, cheeks, and anterior cheekbones need correcting at once. Fat grafting handles volume but is not suitable for every patient. PRP filler uses the patient's own platelet-rich plasma to restore volume while also acting on skin condition.
Where it sits between filler and fat grafting
| Item | Conventional filler | PRP filler | Fat grafting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Manufactured gel | The patient's own blood | The patient's own fat |
| Broad-area correction | Limited by volume and cost | Suited to broader areas | Suited to broader areas |
| Skin quality effect | Volume only | Volume plus skin condition | Volume, with grafted tissue behaviour |
| Collection | None | Blood draw | Liposuction under anaesthesia |
| Suitability when very slim | Yes | Yes | Limited by donor fat |
PRP filler is often chosen by patients who are too slim for fat grafting, who prefer to avoid surgery, or who want a shorter recovery.
Procedure summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Procedure time | 40 to 60 minutes including blood draw and preparation |
| Anaesthesia | Topical numbing cream |
| Material | The patient's own platelet-rich plasma |
| Recovery / downtime | Swelling and possible bruising for several days |
| Sessions | Usually staged; number and interval set at consultation |
| Treatment areas | Nasolabial region, cheeks, anterior cheekbones, and other broader areas |
| Suggested stay | Cellon suggests at least 3 days in Seoul so the result can be checked in person |
| Performed by | Dr. Kang Seunghoon, board-certified dermatologist |
How the procedure works
- Consultation — volume loss pattern, skin condition, and suitability compared with filler and fat grafting are assessed.
- Blood draw, comparable to routine blood testing.
- Centrifugation to separate platelet-rich plasma.
- Injection into the planned areas at the appropriate plane.
- Aftercare instruction; review before the next session.
Indications and contraindications
- Best candidates
- Adults needing volume correction across broader areas, particularly those who are too slim for fat grafting, want to avoid surgery, or prefer a shorter recovery.
- Limited benefit
- PRP does not produce the immediate, precisely shaped correction that hyaluronic acid filler gives, and it does not persist in the way a successful fat graft can. Where sharp definition is the goal, filler is the more suitable option.
- Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding, active malignancy, platelet disorder or anticoagulant therapy without assessment, active infection at the treatment site, uncontrolled systemic illness.
- Side effects
- Swelling, bruising, and tenderness for several days. Bruising at the blood draw site. Because the material is the patient's own blood, immune reaction to the material itself is not expected, but procedural risks remain. All adverse events should be reported to the clinic.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from ordinary filler?
The material is your own blood rather than a manufactured gel, and broader areas can be treated. In exchange, the correction is less sharply defined than with hyaluronic acid filler.
Is it better than fat grafting?
Not better — different. Fat grafting handles larger volume but requires liposuction under anaesthesia and enough donor fat. PRP suits patients who are slim, want to avoid surgery, or need a shorter recovery.
How many sessions will I need?
Usually staged rather than single. The number and interval depend on the area and the degree of correction sought.
Is it painful?
Manageable with topical anaesthesia. The blood draw is comparable to routine blood testing.
How long does it last?
It varies by individual and area, and is discussed at consultation. Cellon does not quote a fixed figure because the response to autologous material differs between patients.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
Yes, with sequencing. Dr. Kang plans the order at consultation.
Who should not have this?
Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a platelet disorder, are on anticoagulant therapy without assessment, or have active infection at the site. Confirmed at consultation.
Regulatory references
- Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS): mfds.go.kr
- Related: Stem Cell Fat Graft
- Related: Dermal Filler