Background
Despite the increasingly popular use of platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) for facial rejuvenation, no studies have evaluated its effects on skin.
Objectives
To determine the effect of PRFM on skin quality using the Canfield VISIA Complexion Analysis System.
Methods
This was a 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted at a single center comparing two groups. Thirty patients received a PRFM injection in the mid-cheek region and nasolabial fold on one side of the face and saline on the contralateral side. The primary outcome measure was the difference between pre- and post-treatment total VISIA skin scores for each group at 6 weeks and 12 weeks. The change in sub-scores for each skin parameter was also calculated.
Results
There were thirty participants, with a mean (SD) age of 49.9 (13.9) years. At 6 weeks, the median decrease in total VISIA score (IQR) was -1.77 (2.36) in the PRFM group and -0.73 (2.09) in the saline group (p=0.003). The only skin parameter that had a significantly different change in score between the groups was texture (p=0.004). At 12 weeks, median score improvement was -1.31 (3.26) in the PRFM cohort and -0.76 (2.21) in the saline cohort (p=0.34). There was no statistical significance in the change in score for any of the individual skin parameters.
Conclusions
PRFM can objectively improve skin quality compared to placebo. Texture was the only skin parameter that significantly improved, which is consistent with PRFM's role as a filler agent. The results appear to persist for at least 6 weeks.
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