Knowledge · Platelet-Based Treatments
PRP, PRF, ACP & ACP MAX Explained
Different names. A clearer understanding.
PRP, PRF, Arthrex ACP and ACP MAX are platelet-based preparations or preparation systems using your own blood. Understanding the process helps you ask better questions about the treatment being offered.
The key distinction: PRP and PRF describe preparation types. ACP and ACP MAX are named Arthrex systems. The system, consumables and protocol determine the preparation produced.
What does autologous mean?
Autologous means the material comes from your own body. For these treatments, a blood sample is processed to prepare selected components for use in your treatment.
At a glance
| Name | Meaning | What to understand |
|---|---|---|
| PRP | Platelet-rich plasma | A plasma preparation containing concentrated platelets; characteristics vary by method. |
| PRF | Platelet-rich fibrin | Fibrin-based preparations, including liquid injectable forms; handling and clotting matter. |
| Arthrex ACP | Autologous conditioned plasma | A double-syringe system. Preparation terminology depends on the protocol; current Arthrex aesthetics material describes fluid PRF. |
| ACP MAX | Arthrex PRP system | A larger-volume preparation pathway, described by Arthrex using a double-spin process. |
PRP: platelet-rich plasma
A centrifuge separates components of a blood sample so a platelet-rich plasma portion can be prepared. PRP is not one identical product across every system: the method affects the final preparation.
PRF: platelet-rich fibrin
PRF preparations involve fibrin formation. Injectable PRF can be handled in a liquid form before clotting. This gives it different preparation and handling characteristics; it is not simply a claim that PRF is stronger than PRP.
Arthrex ACP: understand the system and protocol
ACP stands for autologous conditioned plasma. For My BioHealth’s aesthetic protocol, the Arthrex double-syringe system prepares liquid PRF, also called fluid platelet-rich fibrin, from your own blood in a closed preparation system.
Arthrex uses PRP terminology in its orthobiologics material and fluid PRF terminology in current aesthetics material. Ask which protocol is being used and how the final preparation is described, rather than relying on the system name alone.
ACP MAX: an advanced PRP preparation system
Arthrex describes ACP MAX as a PRP system using a two-stage centrifugation process. Its published system information describes processing larger blood volumes and refining the platelet preparation.
Those are preparation characteristics. They do not establish a guaranteed result or a treatment course for a particular person. ACP MAX is described as PRP, not PRF.
Single-spin and double-spin: what do they mean?
These terms describe centrifugation stages. A second stage can change the concentration and cellular composition of the preparation. The number of spins is one part of the process, not a universal ranking of treatments.
Where do exosomes fit?
Arthrex’s current ACP MAX aesthetics information describes platelet-derived exosomes within the autologous PRP preparation. Exosomes are a type of extracellular vesicle: small biological particles involved in cell communication.
That is different from adding an externally sourced exosome product or offering an isolated exosome treatment. The manufacturer’s description of a preparation component should not be read as a promise about your skin or hair result.
What matters when comparing options?
Understand the preparation, treatment area, evidence for that use, practitioner, cost and plan. More concentrated does not automatically mean the right choice for every area or person.
Using your own blood does not remove the need for suitability assessment, careful preparation and aftercare.
Questions worth asking
- Which system and preparation protocol are used?
- What preparation will be used in my treatment area?
- Who performs the treatment and what are their qualifications?
- What evidence supports this use?
- What does the appointment cost and what is included?
- What aftercare and review are provided?
Explore the My BioHealth treatment pages
For appointments, published prices and booking routes at our Campbellfield clinic, explore Arthrex ACP & ACP MAX, PRP & PRF Skin and Under-Eyes or PRP & PRF Hair.
Common questions
What is the difference between PRP and PRF?
They describe different platelet-preparation approaches. Plasma composition, fibrin formation and handling depend on the method used.
Is ACP MAX the same as PRF?
No. Arthrex describes ACP MAX as a PRP system.
Is ACP always described as PRP?
No. Arthrex’s published terminology varies by material and protocol. Current aesthetics information describes fluid PRF; confirm the exact preparation offered by your provider.
Is one option always better?
No single preparation is the right choice for everyone. Ask how the proposed option fits your treatment area, assessment and plan.
Does ACP MAX mean an externally sourced exosome treatment?
No. Its manufacturer describes platelet-derived vesicles within an autologous PRP preparation made from your blood.
Understand your next step
Sources and further reading
- Arthrex Aesthetics — ACP double-syringe system
- Arthrex Aesthetics — ACP MAX PRP system
- Miron et al., 2017 — injectable PRF preparation study
Manufacturer material explains system features. Laboratory preparation studies do not establish an individual hair or skin outcome.
PRP or PRF: questions before you choose
The preparation name is one part of the decision. Ask what is being proposed for your skin or scalp, how it is prepared, how it will be used and what evidence supports that particular purpose. A different platelet concentration or fibrin structure does not establish a better result for you.
Compare suitability, limitations, risks, aftercare, appointment inclusions and the complete proposed cost. You can explore hair and scalp consultation options, facial skin and under-eye consultation options, or advanced preparation options. Your consultation can explain the differences before you choose a preparation.