For many years, the foundation of non-surgical facial rejuvenation has relied on two treatment modalities: neurotoxins to soften the lines caused by muscle movement, and dermal fillers (HA) to restore lost volume and structure. Both are safe, effective, and trusted.
We now have an additional regenerative treatment modality that includes PDGF+® (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor). Rather than relaxing muscles or adding volume, biostimulators, such as PDGF+®, stimulate your tissue to rebuild itself. We see it not as a replacement for neurotoxins or fillers, but as a component in a comprehensive, layered approach to facial aging.
What Is Ariessence Pure PDGF+®
PDGF+® is a cosmetic product consisting of proprietary, pure, recombinant, sterile platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) with a proprietary blend of sterile hyaluronic acid (HA) for topical use, designed to improve the appearance of the skin. This naturally occurring protein found in platelets and various other cells plays a central role in your body’s healing process, signaling cells to generate new collagen, rebuild blood vessel networks, and repair damaged tissue. PDGF+® targets specific cellular mechanisms, making it a potent and predictable agent for skin rejuvenation. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, or prevent any disease, or affect the structure of the human body.
The version used in aesthetic medicine is a lab-generated, pharmaceutical-grade form, which allows for a precise, consistent dose every time. PDGF+® has an established medical safety record of over two decades, with four FDA approvals for regenerative applications, including diabetic wound healing and bone/tissue regeneration. Its use in facial aesthetics is a newer, growing application of that same well-studied biology. It is listed with the FDA as a Cosmetic Product (Listing Number 53-171423-311193). As with all Cosmetic Products, FDA pre-approval is not required.
Rather than competing with neurotoxins or fillers, PDGF+® fills a gap that neither can address on its own – the quality of the tissue itself. Fillers can restore volume, neurotoxins can relax muscles to soften wrinkles, but neither improves the thin, fragile, or crepey skin sitting on top of it. PDGF+® works on that layer directly.
Although similar to PRP, which requires drawing a patient’s blood to capture platelets, PDGF+® is always consistent. PDGF+® has been shown to be 100,000-300,000 times more effective than PRP.
How We Incorporate PDGF+® in Current Treatment Plans
- Combined with HA and microneedling — After creating controlled micro-channels in the skin, we apply PDGF+® alongside hyaluronic acid to enhance collagen stimulation and hydration during the skin’s natural healing window. This pairing amplifies the results of microneedling alone, improving texture, tone, and overall skin quality.
- Injected directly into the tear troughs — The under-eye area is one of the thinnest, most delicate regions of the face, and it’s often the first place patients notice hollowing, dark circles, and crepey texture. Because PDGF+® works by regenerating tissue rather than adding bulk, it’s particularly well-suited to this area — offering a gradual, natural-looking improvement without the risk of overfilling a spot that shows even the slightest asymmetry or excess volume.
Upcoming Treatment Uses
I recently attended advanced training with the InjectAbility® Institute, where we explored breakthroughs in regenerative medicine in aesthetics, specifically PDGF+®. Based on this training, we will add more treatment areas for our patients. The emphasis was on current research, patient safety, and clinical applications, with new techniques and scientific data.
We are expanding our use of PDGF+® in areas where skin quality, not just line softening or added volume, is the missing piece. These areas are being evaluated for addition to our treatment plans:
- Nasolabial folds – supporting the skin overlaying the smile lines, in complement to structural filler
- Piriform region – improving the skin quality around the nasal base, hollowing that contributed to an aged, sunken appearance
- Temples – restoring tissue density in an area where volume loss creates a gaunt, hollow look
- Forehead – improving overall skin quality and resilience in complement with neurotoxins that relax the muscle movement
- Mental (chin) crease – softening the shadowing that can deepen the area over time
- Lateral canthal lines (“crows feet”) – encouraging smoother, more resilient skin at the outer eye, in combination with neurotoxins to address the muscle movement and skin quality contributing to these lines
Injectable use of PDGF+® in these areas is considered “off-label”; the current approvals cover other regenerative medical indications, but not cosmetic injections. We only offer PDGF+® using pharmaceutical-grade product, sterile techniques, and precise anatomical injection planning. All injections are well studied and researched for efficacy, safety, and thoroughly addressed in our per-injection consent forms. We inject in accordance with the NIH (National Institutes of Health) CAM guidelines for treatment.
he results of bio-stimulation treatments are gradual; most patients notice improved texture and firmness 4-6 weeks after treatment, with continued improvement over the following months as collagen remodeling continues.
Neurotoxins, fillers, and PDGF+® each address a different issue, yet work together to provide a more complete non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Neurotoxins address movement, fillers address volume, and PDGF+® addresses the tissue’s underlying quality. With these treatment modalities, we can build a more comprehensive, personalized treatment plan for our patients to support healthier, more resilient skin for the long term.
Please schedule a consultation with one of our experienced, skilled Aesthetic Nurse Injectors to learn more about all the options available for exceptional, natural-looking facial rejuvenation.
– Megan Berrio, RN CANS Aesthetic Nurse Injector
