What Is PDGF? The Growth Factor Treatment Transforming Skin Care

What Is PDGF?

PDGF stands for platelet-derived growth factor. It's a naturally occurring protein that plays a central role in cell growth, tissue repair, and regeneration. In aesthetic medicine, PDGF-based serums and treatments are used to accelerate healing, stimulate collagen production, and improve overall skin quality.

How Is PDGF Different from PRP?

Many patients are familiar with PRP (platelet-rich plasma)—a treatment that uses the patient's own blood, processed to concentrate growth factors. PDGF treatments use growth factors derived from non-autologous (not the patient's own blood) sources, often from biotech-synthesized or tissue bank-derived sources.

The advantage: PDGF treatments don't require blood draws, have highly consistent growth factor concentrations, and can be used in combination with other modalities more easily.

What Does PDGF Treat?

PDGF is used for:
- Skin rejuvenation — improved texture, tone, and radiance
- Wound healing and post-procedure recovery — often used immediately following microneedling or laser to enhance healing
- Hair loss — applied to the scalp to stimulate follicle activity
- Acne scarring — through collagen remodeling
- General anti-aging — fine lines, laxity, and crepiness

How Is PDGF Applied?

PDGF is typically applied topically during or after a treatment such as microneedling. The micro-channels created by the needling allow the growth factor serum to penetrate deeply and reach the dermal layer where it's most effective.

It can also be used as a stand-alone topical treatment on intact skin, though penetration—and therefore results—are more limited.

What Results Can I Expect?

Patients typically notice improved luminosity and skin quality within a few weeks of treatment. Collagen remodeling continues for 3–6 months after treatment. A series of 3–6 sessions is recommended for optimal and lasting results.

Is PDGF Safe?

PDGF treatments have an excellent safety profile with minimal risk of adverse reactions. Because they are not blood-derived from the patient, there is no risk of disease transmission and no need for lab testing before treatment.

Ask your Skin Clique provider if PDGF is a good addition to your treatment plan.