From the Guidelines
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a highly effective treatment for hyperpigmentation, with studies showing significant improvement in melasma within 6 weeks of treatment, as evidenced by reduced MASI scores and improved patient satisfaction 1.
Key Findings
- PRP injection significantly improved melasma within 6 weeks of treatment in terms of mMASI scores 1
- Mean MASI reduced from 10, and Melanin index (MI) reduced from 256.5 after PRP treatment 1
- Patient satisfaction improved significantly in the PRP group, with a mean reduction in MASI, MI, and PSS after treatment found to be significant (p < 0.05) 1
Treatment Protocol
- Typically, patients require 3-6 treatment sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart to see noticeable improvement
- Each session takes about 30-60 minutes, with minimal downtime
- For optimal results, PRP is often combined with other treatments like microneedling or laser therapy rather than used alone
Safety and Efficacy
- PRP is considered safe because it uses the patient's own blood
- Side effects are generally mild and temporary, including redness, swelling, and bruising at injection sites
- PRP may not be as effective as other treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy for severe hyperpigmentation cases, but it is significantly better than intradermal tranexamic acid in management of melasma 1
Post-Treatment Care
- Patients should protect treated skin with SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, as sun exposure can worsen hyperpigmentation and counteract treatment benefits
- PRP is effective as an adjuvant therapy but also as a standalone treatment for melasma, inducing collagen synthesis thus improving the quality and texture of the skin 1
From the Research
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Hyperpigmentation
- PRP has been used to treat various dermatological conditions, including hyperpigmentation, due to its high concentration of growth factors 2.
- Studies have shown that PRP can stimulate tissue repair and regeneration, making it a potential treatment option for hyperpigmentation 2, 3.
- A clinical trial found that PRP injections significantly improved periorbital hyperpigmentation in skin phototypes III and IV, with more than half of the cases showing satisfaction and very satisfaction 3.
Efficacy of PRP in Hyperpigmentation
- PRP has been shown to be effective in improving melasma, a common relapsing hyperpigmentation disorder, with significant improvement in most studies 4.
- Microneedling mediated delivery of PRP has also been tried in melasma with good results 4.
- However, one study found that PRP may increase pigmentation, especially in the face region, and precautions should be taken before and after application 5.
Comparison with Other Treatments
- Topical lightening therapy, chemical peels, intense pulsed light, fractional non-ablative lasers, and microneedling are other treatment options for hyperpigmentation 6.
- PRP has been found to be a novel modality with a promising role in the treatment of melasma, with a moderate grade of recommendation according to the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 standards 4.