The History & Science Behind PDFG Injections
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) has become an exciting area of interest in regenerative medicine and aesthetics, particularly through injectable treatments designed to stimulate natural healing and rejuvenation in the facial structures. As the use of Topical & Injectable PDGF grows in Denver, I wanted to educate my patients on why this “new” treatment isn’t as new as your may think. In fact, PDGF was discovered over 55 years ago and has been used in modern medicine since the 70s. What’s new is that we are able to mass produce injectable PDGF-BB faster and safer than ever, making it readily accessable to health care practitioners like never before. Not to mention, the product is quality controlled in FDA-regulated facilities under strict pharmaceutical-grade standards. Also, this Growth Factor has a long history of use in FDA approved medical treatments for wound healing in patients suffering from cancer, organ failure, diabetes, auto-immune diseases, etc. So if this miracle substance can heal the sickest of the sick, imagine what it can do for those staving off chronic illness? I can’t hlep but think we may have found the actual fountain of youth…. but what does this truly mean for the aesthetics industry? Let’s dive into some history first.
Early Discovery of PDGF
PDGF was first identified in the 1970s by researchers studying blood platelets and wound healing. Scientists discovered that when platelets are activated at an injury site, they release a cocktail of proteins called growth factors. Among these, PDGF emerged as a key player in orchestrating tissue repair. It stimulates the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and other connective tissue cells. This activity is crucial for collagen production, angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), and the overall wound-healing cascade.
By the 1980s and 1990s, the medical community recognized PDGF’s potential beyond natural wound healing. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved PDGF-based therapies for specific uses, such as treating chronic ulcers and diabetic foot wounds. This marked one of the first times a purified growth factor was harnessed as a therapeutic agent.
Mid- 1980’s: Scientists cloned the genes for PDGF A & B and expressed them in mammilian cell lines. Recombinant PDGF-BB could now be produced in the lab rather than extracting them from each patient’s blood.
1990’s: Recombinant PDGF entered preclinical and clinical research for tissue engineering, bone healing, and chronic wound repair.
1997: FDA Approved Becaplermin Gel (Regranex) hit the market to treat diabetic foot ulcers enabling more studies & medical applications to boom going forward.
Scientific Basis of PDGF Injections
The science of PDGF injections lies in its ability to accelerate and enhance the body’s regenerative responses. When injected into targeted areas, PDGF binds to specialized receptors on the surface of cells, triggering intracellular signaling pathways. These pathways regulate cell growth, division, and migration.
In aesthetics and regenerative medicine, PDGF injections are often derived from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet-derived products. After a patient’s blood is drawn and processed, concentrated platelets are activated to release growth factors, including PDGF. The resulting solution can be injected into the skin or soft tissue to stimulate collagen remodeling, improve elasticity, and restore youthful volume.
Clinical and Aesthetic Applications
PDGF injections are now being explored and used in several contexts:
• Aesthetic rejuvenation: Stimulating collagen and elastin production for firmer, smoother skin.
• Hair restoration: Encouraging follicle activity in cases of thinning hair.
• Orthopedics and sports medicine: Supporting recovery in tendons, ligaments, and joint injuries.
• Wound healing: Assisting in chronic or slow-healing wounds.
In aesthetics, PDGF is especially appealing because it uses the body’s own biological signals to improve tissue quality naturally, with less reliance on synthetic fillers or invasive procedures.
Ongoing Research and Future Directions
Modern studies continue to explore the full potential of PDGF in regenerative therapies. Researchers are investigating combination approaches—pairing PDGF with other growth factors, stem cells, or biomaterials—to further enhance results. Advances in biotechnology may also lead to more precise formulations, delivering PDGF in controlled-release systems for longer-lasting effects.
While PDGF injections are generally considered safe when prepared and administered correctly, patient outcomes can vary depending on age, health status, and treatment goals. As with any medical procedure, proper patient selection and practitioner expertise are key.
Conclusion
From its discovery in platelet biology over 40 years ago to its current role in regenerative medicine, PDGF has proven to be a powerful mediator of healing and rejuvenation. Today, PDGF injections represent the intersection of natural biology and modern medical innovation, offering patients a way to harness their body’s own growth factors for healthier, more youthful tissue. With ongoing research, the future of PDGF-based therapies looks promising, not only in aesthetics but across a wide spectrum of medical applications.
About Skin By Char’s technique
Char’s innovative injection techniques are on the cutting edge of Aesthetic Medicine allowing her to bring her patients the luxe experience they deserve. Her recent achievements include, but are not limited to, training with renowned medical institutes such as Dr. Paris with Ageless Aesthetics and Allergan Medical Institute (AMI), Galderma Aesthetic Injector Network (GAIN), Dr. Dhillon and Dr. Cetto with Master Injector Series, RevanceU and more,.
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