Leukocyte-poor PRF (Lp-PRF) is generally better for aesthetic applications due to its lower inflammatory profile, better tolerability, and comparable or superior cosmetic outcomes 1,2. Lr-PRF is more suited to regenerative or surgical settings where enhanced immune response is needed. Here is why:

Leukocyte-Poor PRF (LP-PRF)

Advantages:

• Reduced Inflammatory Response: Lower leukocyte content means less risk of excessive inflammation and post-injection pain, making it preferable for conditions where minimizing inflammation is important 3,6,7.
• Comparable or Superior Outcomes in Some Cases: Several studies suggest Lp-PRF can yield outcomes comparable to or better than Lr-PRF in specific clinical contexts, such as knee osteoarthritis and some soft tissue injuries 1,3,8.
• Better Tolerability: Patients may experience less swelling, pain, and adverse reactions after Lp-PRF treatment 6,7.

Disadvantages:

• Lower Growth Factor Release: Lp-PRF generally contains lower levels of certain growth factors and cytokines compared to Lr-PRF, which may limit its regenerative potential in some cases 4,5.
• Potentially Less Effective for Early Healing: Some studies show that Lp-PRF may be less effective than Lr-PRF at stimulating early cell proliferation and matrix formation, especially in tendon and ligament repair 4,5.
• Not Ideal for All Indications: May not provide the same level of immune support or antimicrobial effect as Lr-PRF, which could be a disadvantage in contaminated wounds or high-infection-risk settings 3,5.

Leukocyte-Rich PRF (LR-PRF)

Advantages:

• Immune and Antimicrobial Support: High leukocyte content enhances immune response and may help fight infection, making it valuable in wound healing and surgical applications 3.
• Growth Factor Release: Lr-PRF typically contains higher levels of growth factors such as TGF-β1 and PDGF-AB, which can stimulate cell proliferation and tissue regeneration 4,5.
• Angiogenesis and Matrix Deposition: Promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and collagen production, supporting robust early tissue healing 2,4,5.
• Enhanced Early Healing: Studies show Lr-PRF can better stimulate tenocyte (tendon cell) proliferation and gene expression relevant to tissue repair, especially in the early stages of healing 4,5.

Disadvantages:

• Increased Inflammation: The higher leukocyte content can lead to increased local inflammation and a more intense post-injection pain response 3,6,7.
• Potential for Catabolic Effects: Excess leukocytes may release pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β), which could contribute to tissue catabolism and possibly hinder healing in some contexts 3,7,8.
• Not Always Superior: In some clinical scenarios, Lr-PRF does not show clear superiority over Lp-PRF or even saline, especially regarding pain and function in certain musculoskeletal conditions 6,8.

Why LP-PRF Is Preferred in Aesthetics

• Lower Inflammation: LP-PRF contains fewer white blood cells, resulting in a reduced inflammatory response. This is important in aesthetic procedures, where excessive inflammation can lead to increased swelling, pain, or post-procedure downtime 1,2.
• Better Tolerability: The anti-inflammatory profile of LP-PRF makes it more suitable for sensitive facial areas and for patients seeking minimal side effects and quicker recovery 1.
• Comparable or Superior Outcomes: Clinical studies and reviews indicate that LP-PRF can yield outcomes that are comparable or even superior to LR-PRF in aesthetic contexts, such as facial rejuvenation and hair restoration 1,2.
• Patient Satisfaction: Reduced risk of inflammation and adverse reactions leads to higher patient satisfaction in cosmetic treatments 1,2.

LR-PRF in Aesthetics

• Role of Leukocytes: LR-PRF contains more white blood cells, which can enhance immune response and tissue remodeling. However, in aesthetics, this can also mean a higher risk of post-procedure inflammation and discomfort 2,6.
• Best for Wounds/Infection: LR-PRF may be more useful in settings where infection risk is higher or robust tissue healing is needed, but is less favored for purely cosmetic procedures 2,6.

Juventix PRF

Juventix PRF is considered leukocyte-poor (low WBC) compared to whole blood. According to independent hematology data, the WBC count in Juventix PRP/PRF is 0.75 × 10⁶/mL after processing, compared to 3.4 × 10⁶/mL in whole blood—a substantial reduction1. This places Juventix PRF in the leukocyte-poor category, as it contains significantly fewer white blood cells than baseline blood and well below the threshold typically used to define leukocyte-rich preparations 1,6.

This low WBC content is intentional, as Juventix kits are designed to minimize red and white blood cell contamination while maximizing platelets, which is often preferred in aesthetic and regenerative applications to reduce inflammation and improve tolerability 6.