PRP IN DERMATOLOGY

Potential applications for PRP in dermatology encompass both traditionally medical and aesthetic conditions. Among the former are melasma, acne scarring, and androgenetic alopecia. PRP may be applied topically to the skin, usually after microneedling or fractional resurfacing, or via injection.

A systematic review of articles published between 2006 and 2015 looked at 22 clinical studies and case reports for platelet-rich plasma alone and/or in combination with fat grafting for facial rejuvenation, acne scarring, or androgenic alopecia. Researchers concluded that the majority of studies reported positive results for all indications evaluated. However, the authors noted it was challenging to compare studies due to lack of standardized method for preparation and application of PRP.

When researchers compared the effects of PRP application using microneedling versus microinjections for the management of melasma, they found that PRP provided a statistically significant improvement in the appearance of skin discoloration with no significant difference in the degree of improvement between the two application approaches.

A total of 40 patients participated in a split-face trial of autologous PRP and subcision against subcision alone in acne scars. Platelet-rich plasma and subcision showed greater improvement (32.08 percent) in post-acne scars compared to subcision alone (8.33 percent). There was a slightly higher rate or response in rolling acne scars, followed by box-type scars.