I Tried PRF Instead of Botox at 43 — Here’s What Happened
This blog is inspired by a patient’s experience, with some details adjusted for editorial purposes.
Scientists have found that we undergo two intense aging spurts — first around age 44 and then again at 60.* At 43, this research hits close to home. Almost overnight, the signs of aging appeared: lines on my forehead that my toddler so graciously pointed out, deepening lines around my mouth, and a tired look that no amount of sleep or water intake could fix.
It was as if my face decided to age all at once, and I wasn’t ready for it.
*In a study published in the journal Nature Aging, scientists at Stanford University and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore followed 108 participants over several years to observe aging changes in their molecules — RNA, proteins and participants’ microbiomes.
I’m familiar with Botox and fillers, but this time, I wanted something that could work deeper — something to bring back the healthy, vibrant skin I used to have. That’s when I found Dr. Mark Godley’s regenerative medicine clinic in Vancouver and was introduced to Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF).
PRF wasn’t just another trend; it promised to work naturally with my body. The idea was simple yet powerful: using my own blood to rejuvenate my skin. No synthetic materials, no foreign substances — just my body’s own cells doing what they do best.
When I walked into Dr. Godley’s clinic, the experience immediately felt different from the typical Botox appointments I was used to. This was a true medical practice, run by a doctor, but with the ambiance of a modern, thoughtfully designed space — gorgeous art on deep navy walls, creating an atmosphere that was both professional and welcoming.
Dr. Godley took the time to discuss my health and ensure I understood every step of the procedure. Despite having just met him, I quickly felt a sense of trust and confidence in his expertise. After our conversation, a technician drew a few tubes of my blood, which were then placed into a centrifuge. Unlike the high-speed spinning used in other treatments, PRF is processed at a much slower rate, preserving a richer concentration of healing components. As I waited, a mix of curiosity and excitement built up inside me — this wasn’t just about improving my appearance; it was about genuinely enhancing the health of my skin.
Once the PRF was ready, Dr. Godley carefully injected it into the areas that had been bothering me—under my eyes, around my mouth, and across my cheeks. What stood out to me about PRF was how naturally it worked with my body. While I’ve had great experiences with fillers in the past, PRF offered a different kind of subtle enhancement — one that felt more like restoring my skin’s vitality rather than adding something new. It’s a complementary approach to beauty, offering gentle rejuvenation that enhances what’s already there.
Curious about the difference, I asked Dr. Godley if PRF was the same as PRP, a treatment I’d heard of before. He explained that while PRF and PRP both use your blood, they’re not exactly the same. PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, is created by spinning your blood at high speeds to separate the plasma, which is then used to promote healing and rejuvenation. It’s been around for years and is great for stimulating collagen and improving skin texture. PRF, however, takes things a step further. The key difference is in the processing. PRF is spun at a much slower speed, which preserves more of the platelets, fibrin, and white blood cells. This slower process means that PRF doesn’t require any additives, making it an entirely natural option. The result? A more potent, longer-lasting rejuvenation effect that works not just on the surface but deep within the skin.
So, have I discovered the holy grail of anti-aging? Is PRF superior to Botox and fillers, and can I stop scheduling my regular Botox appointments? Dr. Godley gently shakes his head and explains that it’s not about one being better than the other, but about addressing different needs. Botox and fillers are excellent for delivering immediate results, smoothing out wrinkles, and adding volume where it’s needed. PRF, however, excels at rejuvenating the skin and improving overall skin texture and elasticity. In fact, when used together, these treatments can complement each other beautifully, extending the longevity of results and enhancing the overall impact — leading to more natural, dramatic transformations over time.
Book your PRF Consultation in Vancouver
Dr. Mark Godley’s PRF treatment didn’t just restore my skin — it changed the way I think about aging. It’s a gentle, natural method that aligns with my desire to embrace the years ahead while still feeling confident and refreshed. If you’re looking for a more natural way to rejuvenate your face, PRF might be exactly what you need.
Ready to take the next step? Book your consultation today and discover how PRF can work for you.
Reference: CTV News: Humans age dramatically at two key points in their life, study finds
