Curative effect of autologous platelet rich plasma on facial acne scars

Abstract

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of two administration modes of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), intradermal injection (ID) and microneedle technique in the treatment of facial post acne scars. Methods From March 2017 to March 2018, 32 patients (8 male, 14 female) with facial acne scars were included. They were randomly divided into two groups (group A and group B) and both underwent splitface therapy. Each group was randomly divided into two subgroups. Group A was administered by microneedle + PRP (A1) on one side and by microneedle + saline (A2) on the other. In group B, one cheek was treated with ID PRP (B1) and the other received ID saline (B2). Each patient received overall 3 treatments per session with 28 days intervals. Patients were followed-up six months after their last treatment and clinical evaluation was assessed by 2 independent plastic surgeons and patients themself. Results The results were obvious difference between each group. The score of evaluation by physicians and patients in A1 group (2.565±0.504) point showed significantly better results compared with other groups. B1 group (1.820±0.592) point was significantly higher than B2 group (1.345±0.483) point (P 0.05). The total effective rate in A1 group was 100%, which was higher than B1 group (43.75%), A2 group (81.25%) and B2 group (25%), with statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusions The current study introduces the combination of autologous PRP and microneedle technique as an effective and safe modality in the treatment of facial post acne scars with short recovery time and easy operation. Any concerns of immunogenic reactions or disease transfer are eliminated because PRP is prepared from autologous blood. Therefore, the method is suitable to be widely used in clinic. Key words: Platelet-rich plasma; Acne vulgaris; Cicatrix; Atrophy; Microneedle acupuncture therapy