In aesthetic medicine and skincare, meaningful advances help tissue regenerate and heal, not just look different. One emerging contender is platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) as a regenerative therapy. Advocates propose it can stimulate fibroblasts, remodel extracellular matrix, and improve dermal quality. Skeptics point out that facial PDGF injections remain investigational, with limited long-term data and regulatory ambiguity.
I have been following the momentum of PDGF in aesthetics for several months now, and I have been very interested in bringing it to my own practice for my patients at Triada Integrative Medicine and Wellness. For the love of skincare and science, I drove from New Jersey to Virginia to go on location for Lipgloss and Aftershave. I personally received a PDGF treatment from Waseem Garbia, PA-C, at his Dontage aesthetic clinic. Waseem is a board-certified physician assistant, specializing in medical aesthetics. He is also a national trainer for Ariessence Pure PDGF.
It has been several weeks since my PDGF treatment, and since then, I have noted observable improvement in my under-eye area, including improved appearance of the under-eye hollowing, smoother texture, and a touch more luminosity. Anecdote isn’t hard evidence, but it pushed me to dig deeper and scrutinize the science, weigh risks, and reflect on where PDGF fits ethically and practically in a modern aesthetic practice.
Dr. Krystal Briglia, L+A Medical + Wellness Contributor
Dr. Krystal Briglia of Triada Integrative Medicine + Wellness is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in aesthetic dermatology, integrative medicine, and wellness. She has an extensive and diverse background in healthcare, with over a decade of experience working in emergency, critical care, trauma, aesthetics, healthcare administration, and healthcare education. Krystal holds multiple board certifications, including family practice, emergency, and critical care. Her educational background includes two undergraduate degrees, a degree in health sciences, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Delaware. She holds three graduate-level degrees, including a master’s degree in nursing leadership, a master’s degree in business administration, and completed her nurse practitioner education at the University of Massachusetts. In 2016, Krystal completed her clinical doctorate in nursing practice. Dr. Briglia is an entrepreneur and specializes in organizational process improvement. She is a Lean Six Sigma master black belt, a certified Six Sigma champion, and a certified Kaizen facilitator. She also has a passion for education and spent 6 years teaching health profession graduate-level courses. During that time, she held a lead faculty position and helped the university develop a family nurse practitioner program from inception to credentialing and first graduates. Read Full Bio
What Is PDGF?
PDGFs are dimeric growth factors (e.g., PDGF-AA, -AB, -BB) that bind PDGF receptors to drive fibroblast proliferation, chemotaxis, angiogenesis, and ECM synthesis, which are key events in wound repair (Jian et al., 2022; Pierce, 1991). In medicine, recombinant PDGF-BB (becaplermin) has been used to treat diabetic foot ulcers, improving healing when used appropriately (U.S. FDA, 2018; Jarvis, 2008). PDGF has also been used as an injectable biologic in orthopedic, periodontal, and wound-healing contexts. These foundations make PDGF biologically plausible for skin quality support, but plausibility is not the same as aesthetic-injection evidence.
Comparing Regenerative Modalities: Stem Cells, Exosomes, PRP, PRF, PDGF
To contextualize PDGF’s place in your toolbox, here’s a comparative framing:
| Modality | Nature/Source | Mechanism of Action | Advantages | Challenges/Risks |
| MSC / Stem Cells | Living mesenchymal stem cells (autologous or allogeneic) | Differentiation & paracrine factor secretion, immunomodulation | Potential for deeper repair, adaptability, sustained activity | Cost, viability, immunogenicity, regulatory burden, ethical oversight |
| Exosomes / Extracellular Vesicles | Cell-derived vesicles carrying proteins, miRNA, cytokines | Deliver regulatory cargo to target cells, modulate gene expression & inflammation | Cell-free, lower immunogenicity, more stable than whole cells | Standardization, dose control, heterogeneity, limited aesthetic trials |
| PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) | Autologous platelet concentrate derived from blood | Platelets release a cocktail of growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, TGF-β, EGF, etc.) and cytokines | Autologous, low immunogenic risk, established use in aesthetics (hair, skin) | Patient variability, inconsistent protocols, transient release kinetics, unpredictable concentrations (Trovato et al., 2024) MDPI |
| PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin / L-PRF) | Autologous platelet & leukocyte concentrate inside fibrin matrix | Sustained release of growth factors, scaffold effect, immune cell participation | Prolonged kinetics vs PRP, structural support, autologous source | Technique sensitivity, still variable, limited high-level evidence in injectables |
| Purified / Recombinant PDGF | Lab-manufactured growth factor (e.g. PDGF-BB) | Direct receptor binding, selective stimulation of dermal/progenitor cells | Dose consistency, no blood draw, lower interpatient variability | Single-factor limitation, delivery control, regulatory/approval status, limited long-term data in aesthetic settings |
Current & Potential Applications
- Adjunct to microneedling/energy devices: Topical PDGF over microchannels or controlled dermal injury is a logical, lower-risk starting point while injection evidence evolves (Jian et al., 2022; Ren et al., 2020).
- Under-eye (tear trough) quality: Theoretical value lies in dermal thickening and microvascular support without over-volumization. Anecdotes exist (including my own), but controlled trials are needed.
- Hair/scalp: Rationale overlaps with PRP’s mechanisms; comparative, controlled data with PDGF are limited.
Evidence, Safety, and Regulation
Documented Clinical Data on PDGF Injections (Non-Aesthetic Use)
Outside aesthetics, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has been investigated as an injectable biologic in orthopedic, periodontal, and wound-healing contexts. Recombinant PDGF-BB (becaplermin) has regulated, on-label use for diabetic foot ulcers with evidence of improved wound closure when used correctly (U.S. FDA, 2018; Jarvis, 2008). Earlier post-marketing data raised concerns about cancer-related mortality after using greater or equal to 3 tubes, leading to a boxed warning; subsequent analyses supported removal of the boxed warning in 2018 (U.S. FDA, 2008; Smith & Nephew, 2018).
Recombinant human PDGF-BB has also been studied in bone grafting procedures, where randomized controlled trials demonstrated improved bone regeneration and graft consolidation compared with controls (McGuire et al., 2014). In periodontology, local PDGF injections combined with β-TCP scaffolds improved attachment gain and defect fill in intrabony lesions (Nevins et al., 2005). Similarly, injectable PDGF formulations have shown promise in tendon repair and chronic wound healing, accelerating cellular recruitment and angiogenesis (Lynch et al., 1991). Collectively, the data supports PDGF’s safety and biological efficacy in tissue repair; however, they derive from injured or surgically treated tissues, not from elective injection into healthy skin for rejuvenation.
What we don’t yet know (in aesthetics)
- Robust randomized, controlled trials of PDGF injection into healthy facial skin are lacking.
- Durability, optimal dose/depth/interval, and long-term safety (e.g., fibrosis, nodules, pigment changes) need systematic study.
- Head-to-head comparisons versus PRP/PRF or exosomes are sparse.
Regulatory context- In the U.S., PDGF is not FDA-approved for aesthetic injection. Any use for facial rejuvenation is off-label/investigational and demands transparent consent and risk management. To consider, in parallel, the FDA continues to caution that exosome and many stem-cell products marketed for aesthetics are also unapproved and have prompted adverse-event investigations (U.S. FDA, 2019a; 2019b; 2020).
Ethics vs. Innovation: How We Move Forward
As professionals, we constantly balance “first, do no harm” with the need to innovate responsibly. That means:
- Full informed consent- (explicit about investigational status, alternatives like PRP/PRF/fillers, and unknowns).
- Conservative protocols- (e.g., start with topical/adjunct use, limit early injections to small test zones).
- Data discipline- (standardized photos, outcome measures, and longitudinal tracking; contribute to registries or IRB protocols when possible).
- Respectful discourse- during my visit, Waseem emphasized this. Waseem noted he felt it important to share with the aesthetic and skincare community that we are all on the same team and part of our role in the field of aesthetics is to innovate and research techniques, processes, and treatments that improve the field of aesthetics and regenerative skincare. My input- we all seek to do better for our patients and the medical community, and sometimes the way we do that is research and trying new things by pushing limits- within reason considering existing evidentiary support, ethics and patient safety. Waseem also thought it important to share respectful, healthy dialogue and dispute amongst professionals is important and helps us learn. My input- I agree, healthy debate advances care; shaming, name-calling, and profanity do not. Unproductive communication inhibits learning and drains energy we owe our patients.
My Takeaways (Clinician & Patient)
I plan to monitor literature, contribute data when possible, and adjust offerings as evidence and regulations evolve.
I experienced positive under-eye change with minimal downtime.
PDGF is biologically credible and practically appealing (dose control, no blood draw), but facial injection remains early-evidence.
In my practice, I view PDGF as a complementary tool, which is appropriate first as a topical/adjunct and, if injected, within narrow indications, robust consent, and careful follow-up.
Practical Checklist for Interested Clinicians
- Start with adjunct indications (microneedling/energy).
- If injecting- research, educate, and seek appropriate training. Use small test zones & rigorous consent and photography.
- Track objective outcomes; consider IRB or registry participation.
- Maintain pricing transparency.
- Keep alternatives (PRP, PRF, fillers) on the table and tailor to the patient.
- Professionally engage in respectful, evidence-driven dialogue; share wins and limitations.
Conclusion
PDGF sits at a promising yet unfinished chapter of regenerative aesthetics: focused biology, practical appeal, and real unknowns. If we proceed with humility, anchored in consent, data, and collegial respect, we can explore PDGF’s potential without letting hype outrun safety. Our north star remains clear: do better for patients through advancing knowledge, ethical innovation, and healthy, constructive debate.
References
Asubiaro, J., Balogun, T. A., Bello, A., Adalumo, P., Babalola, A., & Ojeleye, O. (2024). Platelet-rich plasma in aesthetic dermatology: A systematic review. Dermatology and Therapy, 14, Article 11391108. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11391108/ PMC
Cruciani, M., Romano, R., & Scapagnini, G. (2024). Platelet-rich plasma for facial rejuvenation: An overview of clinical evidence. Dermatologic Therapy, 37(4), e13714. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/srt.13714 Wiley Online Library
Jian, K., Sun, J., Zhang, Z., & Zhang, G. (2022). PDGF-BB–derived supramolecular hydrogel for promoting skin wound healing. Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 20, 290. https://jnanobiotechnology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12951-022-01390-0 BioMed Central
Jarvis, C. I. (2008). Becaplermin (Regranex) for diabetic foot ulcers. American Family Physician, 78(2), 255–256. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2008/0715/p255.html AAFP
Lynch, S. E., Colvin, R. B., & Antoniades, H. N. (1991). Growth factors in wound healing: Single and synergistic effects on partial thickness porcine skin wounds. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 84(2), 640–646. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI114229
Mahmoodabadi, R. A., Dorri, S., Jafarpour, H., & Darabi, R. (2023). Evaluation of the effect of platelet-rich fibrin matrix in facial rejuvenation: A clinical study. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 16(1), 28–33. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9946120/ PMC
McGuire, M. K., Kao, R. T., Nevins, M., Lynch, S. E., & Paquette, D. W. (2014). rhPDGF-BB promotes periodontal regeneration in large human infrabony defects: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Periodontology, 85(8), 1056–1066. https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.2013.130376
Nevins, M., Giannobile, W. V., McGuire, M. K., Kao, R. T., Mellonig, J. T., Hinrichs, J. E., … Lynch, S. E. (2005). Platelet-derived growth factor stimulates bone fill and rate of attachment level gain: Results of a large multicenter randomized controlled trial. Journal of Periodontology, 76(12), 2205–2215. https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.2005.76.12.2205
Pierce, G. F. (1991). Role of platelet-derived growth factor in wound healing. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 45(4), 319–326. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2045423/ PubMed
Ren, X., Farrah, S., Jahan, R., & Lu, Q. (2020). Growth factor engineering strategies for regenerative applications. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 7, 469. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2019.00469/full ScienceDirect
Smith & Nephew. (2018, December 5). FDA approves removal of boxed warning from REGRANEX® gel (becaplermin). https://www.smith-nephew.com/en/news/2018/12/05/20181205-fda-approves-removal-of-boxed-warning-from-regranex-gel Smith & Nephew
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