Close-up van hals en decolleté — PRF-membraan bij dr. Julien Colle

Regenerative membrane for scars and wound healing

A thin, flexible membrane is prepared from your own blood without additives, acting as an autologous wound dressing. It is used for hard-to-heal wounds, scar repair, and to support tissue around a surgical site.

What is an autologous regenerative membrane?

A small amount of blood is drawn and processed without the addition of anticoagulants or other substances. This naturally forms a clot with a fibrin network. This clot is then pressed into a thin, flexible membrane.

This membrane contains platelets, white blood cells, and the fibrin network itself. Together, they form an autologous wound dressing that releases growth factors gradually to the underlying tissue, rather than all at once.

How does it work?

A wound heals in phases: inflammation, tissue formation, and finally, maturation. In wounds that do not heal readily, this process often stalls in the inflammatory phase.

The fibrin network provides a structure for cell ingrowth. Platelets release growth factors that support the formation of new tissue and blood vessels. White blood cells contribute to local immunity. Because the membrane breaks down slowly, this release continues over several days, unlike liquid preparations that dissipate more quickly.

Who is this treatment suitable for?

  • wounds that heal slowly or with difficulty
  • chronic wounds where the underlying cause has been treated
  • scar repair when tissue quality is suboptimal
  • supporting tissue quality during or after a procedure

A significant advantage: blood thinners are not a contraindication here. This approach remains an option for patients taking anticoagulant medication who may not qualify for other treatments.

What happens during a session?

Blood is drawn as in a standard blood test and processed in the clinic into one or more membranes.

The wound is cleaned and prepared as necessary. The membrane is then placed on the cleaned wound bed, adapted to the shape of the wound. A silicone contact layer is applied, followed by a light pressure bandage.

This dressing remains in place for at least one week. At the next appointment, progress is assessed, followed by weekly follow-ups.

Number of applications and results

The number of applications depends on the nature of the wound. For chronic wounds, follow-up and repetition typically occur weekly; closure usually takes eight to twelve weeks. For scar repair or support around a procedure, fewer applications are generally required.

Progress varies from person to person and is strongly influenced by the underlying condition, blood circulation, nutritional status, smoking, and the extent to which pressure relief and compression are maintained. This is an obligation of means, not an obligation of result.

What this treatment does not do

  • The membrane does not treat the underlying cause of the wound.
  • It is not an antibiotic and does not treat spreading infections.
  • It does not make existing scars invisible.
  • It does not replace surgical wound treatment when medically indicated.
  • It does not replace compression therapy or pressure relief.

Safety and contraindications

Since only your own blood is used and nothing is added, the risk of rejection or allergy is very low. However, the treatment is not recommended in cases of an untreated underlying cause, atypical ulcers of unknown nature, suspected malignancy in the wound, bone inflammation beneath the wound, a spreading infection, or severe arterial vascular disease with insufficient blood flow.

Aftercare

  • Leave the dressing undisturbed until the scheduled check-up; at least one week.
  • Keep the dressing dry.
  • Do not remove the membrane yourself and do not apply any ointments or disinfectants to it.
  • Strictly follow the prescribed compression or pressure relief.
  • Contact us in case of increasing pain, fever, wound drainage with an unpleasant odor, or increasing redness around the wound.

Combination with surgery and other treatments

During a procedure, the membrane can be used to support local tissue quality. In aftercare, it fits within a broader regenerative aftercare program. Treatments such as microneedling are only considered once the wound is completely closed and the scar has sufficiently matured.

Frequently asked questions

Is anything added to my blood?

No. The blood is processed without anticoagulants or other additives, naturally creating a fibrin clot that is pressed into a thin membrane.

Is this allowed if I take blood thinners?

Yes. Blood thinners are not a contraindication for this treatment, which distinguishes it from several other treatments. Always provide your full list of medications.

How long does the membrane stay in place?

The membrane, along with the contact layer and pressure bandage, remains in place for at least one week. This is followed by a check-up and weekly follow-up.

How long does it take for a chronic wound to heal?

Closure typically takes eight to twelve weeks. This timeframe is a guideline and depends on the underlying cause and blood circulation.

Will this make my scar invisible?

No. The goal is to support the quality of recovery, making the tissue more supple and allowing the scar to evolve more smoothly.

Read also

This text is general in nature and does not replace personal medical advice. An obligation of means applies, not an obligation of results. What is possible in your situation is determined during a consultation and recorded in writing. Read the full medical disclaimer.

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