At Wise Aesthetics, our approach to regenerative medicine is guided by science, safety, and compliance.  Lately, there’s been buzz about Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) — often marketed as a “growth factor serum” for rejuvenation. Here’s what PDGF really is, what’s approved, what’s being marketed, and why we’ve chosen autologous PRF injections instead.

What Is PDGF (and What Does “Recombinant PDGF” Mean)?

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) is a natural protein released by your body to help repair tissue and promote healing.
“Recombinant PDGF” means a lab-engineered version of this protein.

In the United States, recombinant PDGF products are FDA-approved only for specific medical uses, not for cosmetic injections. Examples include:

  • REGRANEX® (becaplermin) Gel 0.01% – for diabetic foot ulcers (Rx drug)

  • GEM 21S® – for periodontal bone regeneration (medical device)

  • AUGMENT® Bone Graft and Injectable – for orthopedic fusion of the hindfoot/ankle (drug/device combination)

All of these are prescription-based and approved only for defined clinical indications — not skin rejuvenation.

Safety History: The REGRANEX® Label

In 2008, the FDA added a boxed warning for REGRANEX® after data suggested a higher cancer-related mortality rate in patients using large amounts over time.
That warning was removed in 2018 after further review, but the product label still includes malignancy cautions and a contraindication for use over known tumors.

What’s Being Marketed in Aesthetics

Several brands now sell topical recombinant PDGF serums, describing them as cosmetic products meant to “improve the appearance of skin.”
While they can legally be marketed for topical use, injecting such products is a different matter.

Under FDA law, the moment a “cosmetic” product is injected, its intended use changes, and it becomes regulated as a drug or device.
In short:

A topical cosmetic ≠ an injectable drug.

Injecting a product that’s only labeled for topical use would fall outside FDA cosmetic regulations.

Does PDGF Work for Skin?

There’s well-established data for PDGF in wound healing, dentistry, and orthopedics, but no robust, peer-reviewed evidence showing that recombinant PDGF serums meaningfully improve skin texture or tone when used cosmetically.
At this point, claims for anti-aging or rejuvenation benefits are still theoretical.

Why We Choose Autologous PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin)

Instead of introducing a synthetic growth factor, PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) uses your own blood — creating a completely autologous, biologically active concentrate.

PRF contains your platelets, leukocytes, and fibrin, forming a natural matrix that slowly releases your own growth factors, including PDGF, VEGF, and TGF-β, over time.

Clinical Benefits of PRF

  • Improves skin texture, elasticity, and fine lines (especially around the eyes and mouth)

  • Promotes collagen synthesis and skin regeneration

  • Enhances healing after procedures and reduces downtime

  • Demonstrates an excellent safety profile with only mild, transient effects (redness, swelling, or bruising)

Why We Prefer PRF

  • 100% autologous — no recombinant or synthetic proteins

  • Processed chairside in minutes

  • Supported by a growing body of dermatologic and regenerative medicine research

  • Compliant and evidence-based, unlike unapproved recombinant PDGF injections

Our Current Stance

Wise Aesthetics does not offer recombinant PDGF treatments at this time because:

  • Cosmetic use remains unapproved and unvalidated by the FDA

  • Injecting cosmetic-labeled PDGF products would be non-compliant

  • Medical PDGF products still carry label cautions regarding malignancy risk

We remain focused on evidence-based regenerative options like PRF — safe, natural, and supported by peer-reviewed research.

The Wise Aesthetics Bottom Line

Until high-quality research confirms the safety and efficacy of recombinant PDGF for cosmetic injection, we’ll continue to trust what we know works — autologous PRF injections.

They’re safe, compliant, and scientifically grounded in your body’s natural healing potential.