Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP can permanently address skin imperfections such as fine lines and wrinkles related to aging and prolonged sun exposure. Upon injection of the platelet-rich plasma, the skin is genuinely rejuvenated by the growth factors, allowing new skin cells to replace the damaged cells. In addition, new collagen and elastin are formed which causes the skin to become tighter, firmer, and more elastic.

A study investigated whether PRP injection improves the texture and color of sun-damaged facial skin. ^[1] Participants were adults aged 18 to 70 years with moderate wrinkles on both cheeks. Each participant received 3 mL of PRP injections to one cheek and sterile normal saline on the other cheek. At 6 months after a single treatment, the participants reported that the cheek area treated with PRP injections had reduced wrinkles and improved skin texture compared to the area treated with normal saline.

A total of 30 females between the ages of 30 and 50 years who have facial wrinkles were recruited in one study. ^[2] One ml of PRP was injected at multiple sites on the right side of the faces of the participants at a depth of 2.0 mm while an equal volume of normal saline was injected on the left side. PRP and normal saline injections were given 3 times at 15-day intervals. A special machine was used to analyze the skin of the participants. After 1 month, skin analysis showed a significant reduction in wrinkles and pores and an improvement in skin texture in the PRP-treated facial skin compared to the normal saline-treated area.

A study assessed the effects of PRP injections in female participants with dark circles and wrinkles around the lip area, nose, and mouth. ^[3] A special machine was used to analyze the skin of the participants and before-and-after photos were taken to evaluate the effects of the treatment. Follow-ups were conducted at 3 and 6 months. Results showed that the participants had reduced dark circles and wrinkles in the treated facial area. An excellent improvement in skin rigidity was also observed.

Treatment Options

PRP therapy increases the release of growth factors and boosts collagen and elastin production, resulting in smoother, tighter, and younger-looking skin.

During an acne breakout, skin inflammation occurs which in turn causes trauma to the skin tissue. As skin regeneration happens, the affected area can develop scarring and depression (sunken skin areas). The administration of PRP can improve the appearance of acne scars by stimulating collagen production. The treatment allows collagen to repair the damaged skin tissues and fill the sunken areas with new skin. Over time, the treated area becomes smoother and has more volume.

A study evaluated the effects of PRP in patients with indented acne scars. ^[4] As part of the standard protocol, the right side of the face of the patients was treated with PRP combined with microneedling (a procedure that makes use of tiny sterilized needles to prick the skin) while the left side of the face was treated with microneedling alone. Skin evaluation was performed by a physician before and after the treatment. The patients also graded the improvement in acne scars after the treatment period. Results showed that the facial area treated with PRP combined with microneedling had a decrease in scar severity grade compared to the area treated with microneedling alone.

Thirty patients with indented acne scars on both sides of the face were enrolled in a study. ^[5] One side of the face was treated with PRP injections alone while the other side was treated with subcision (makes use of a needle to separate the top skin layer from the scar tissue) followed by PRP injections. The patients were then assessed at 3 and 6 months after the last treatment session. It was observed that PRP injections alone reduced acne scars with fewer side effects and shorter downtime compared to combined subcision and PRP injections.

The effects of PRP versus 50% trichloracetic acid (a substance used in chemical peel treatment) were assessed among patients with indented acne scars. ^[6] A group of patients received monthly 1 ml PRP injections while another group received 50% trichloracetic acid. Both treatments were given for 3 months. The patients were assessed every 4 weeks for the first 3 months and the final outcome was observed after 6 months. It was concluded that PRP is significantly better than 50% trichloracetic acid in reducing the appearance of indented acne scars.

Treatment Options

PRP treatment boosts the production of collagen to repair the damaged skin tissues and fill the sunken areas with new skin, thus reducing the appearance of acne scars.

Hyperpigmentation is characterized by skin patches that are usually darker than the surrounding areas of the skin. This condition is caused by excessive production of melanin, the natural pigment that gives color to your skin. While this skin condition isn’t generally harmful, dark skin patches can be a cosmetic concern and can affect your self-esteem.

To erase signs of hyperpigmentation, we use PRP therapy to break down excessive amounts of melanin in the target area. Over time, the treated area becomes smoother, radiant, and free from dark skin patches.

Treatment Options

PRP therapy can help reduce the appearance of dark skin patches by targeting the root cause of the condition – excessive production of melanin.

A review of studies assessing the safety and efficacy of PRP in the treatment of patients with melasma (gray-brown skin patches on the face) was conducted. ^[7] Most of the reviewed studies used PRP injections alone in the treatment of melasma and have shown significant improvements. It was found that PRP treats hyperpigmentation in melasma by inhibiting the production of melanin.

Ten female patients with melasma on both sides of the face were included in a study. ^[8] PRP was injected into one side of the face while the other side was injected with normal saline. Both treatments were given 4 times every 2 weeks. Digital skin analysis was performed using a special machine. After 6 weeks, the PRP-treated facial area had reduced signs of melasma and lower melanin levels and was associated with increased patient satisfaction compared to the area treated with normal saline.

A study assessed the effects of PRP and carboxytherapy (involves the injection of carbon dioxide gas) among patients with dark circles under the eyes. ^[9] Twenty-one patients were included and were treated with carboxytherapy on one side of the face and PRP on the other side. Carboxytherapy was given via injections at 5 ml once weekly for 6 weeks while PRP injections were given every 2 weeks three times. After 8 weeks, both carboxytherapy and PRP treatment significantly improved the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

Whether it’s caused by trauma, injury, or an underlying medical condition, wounds have a higher chance of developing into unsightly scars once they heal completely. Moreover, wounds that take time to heal can increase your risk of getting different infections.   

PRP therapy can help speed up the rate of healing of different types of wounds. Whether the wounds are caused by trauma, injury, or a certain medical condition (e.g. diabetes or vein disorders), the administration of PRP can accelerate wound healing by promoting the formation of new blood vessels and increasing collagen at the wound site.

Treatment Options

PRP therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that can help accelerate the healing of different types of wounds.

A study enrolled 100 patients undergoing plastic and reconstructive surgeries in the maxillofacial region (jaw and lower face area). ^[10] Fifty patients received PRP injections during the surgical procedure while the other 50 did not. The stages of wound healing were assessed using a microscope and ultrasound within a month. It was found that the group treated with PRP injections had higher levels of IL-1β and TNFα, which are substances necessary for the inflammatory phase and formation of new tissue. The PRP-treated group also had increased collagen fibers in the wound and decreased swelling compared with the untreated group.

The safety and efficacy of PRP were evaluated in sixty patients (39 males and 21 females) with chronic wounds. ^[11] One group of patients received PRP injections combined with standard wound care while another group received standard wound care alone. After 30 days of treatment, the group treated with PRP injections combined with standard wound care had a shorter healing time compared with the group who received standard wound care alone.

A review of several clinical trials was performed to evaluate the safety and clinical effectiveness of PRP for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. ^[12] Eight clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of PRP compared to standard treatment or any other alternative therapy were reviewed. It was found that PRP therapy was associated with faster healing of diabetic foot ulcers and decreased volume of the ulcer with a lower rate of adverse events.

PRP therapy can also be considered a treatment option for a type of hair loss called androgenetic alopecia. In men, it is characterized by a receding hairline that forms the characteristic “M” shape, which can result in complete baldness. In women, it presents with thinning of hair all over the head but rarely leads to complete baldness.

Thirty-five participants with androgenetic alopecia received PRP injections on one side of the scalp and saline on the other side. ^[13] Two 7.6-cm × 7.6-cm squares were tattooed on the scalps of the participants to identify the treatment area. The participants received 3 monthly treatment sessions. Three months after the final treatment, they were evaluated and it was found that both PRP and saline injections increased hair density with no serious adverse events.

A study assessed the safety and efficacy of PRP injections in 54 patients with androgenetic alopecia (35 men and 19 women). ^[14] PRP was injected into the scalp areas with evident hair thinning. One month after the first PRP injection, the participants had increased hair thickness. In addition, a reduction in hair loss was observed after 3 months. In most of the participants, the improvements continued for up to a year.

A total of 30 patients (20 men and 10 women) with androgenetic alopecia were enrolled in a study. ^[15] The patients received PRP injections in the bald areas of the scalp for a total of two treatment sessions with an interval of one month. After 6 months, the patients exhibited higher hair density and increased satisfaction.

Treatment Options

PRP therapy activates growth factors to boost blood supply to the hair follicles, resulting in fuller and healthier hair.

No. It takes about three months for your body to produce sufficient amounts of collagen. During this time, you can start to see an improvement in the texture, firmness, and elasticity of your skin.

This will greatly depend on the condition being treated. In general, you will achieve your desired results in 3 or more treatment sessions.

The treatment is right for you if you are in good overall health. This means that you shouldn’t have any serious medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, hepatitis C, heart disease, or low platelet count.

The results vary from patient to patient. In general, the results of the treatment can last up to 18 months. After that, you will need maintenance treatments every 4-6 months.

The total cost of the treatment will depend on several factors such as the condition being treated, the practitioner’s fee, and the number of treatment sessions required.

Before PRP injections, a local anesthetic will be applied to the treatment area to minimize pain or discomfort.

PRP therapy is usually combined with laser treatments, microneedling, anti-wrinkle injections, and radiofrequency treatments for best results.