Autologous platelet concentrates for facial rejuvenation

Abstract

Autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) are promising therapeutic agents in facial rejuvenation since they are a great source of cytokines, growth factors and other biologically active substances. Obtained from the patient's blood, they have the advantages of reducing immunological reactions, making the procedure safer, well tolerated, with minimal adverse effects and lower cost. Currently, they are used for facial rejuvenation both in combination with microneedling and in mesotherapy techniques, as well as to treat facial acne scars, melasma and wounds after laser ablative treatments. This review summarizes current knowledge on the use of APCs, ranging from basic concepts related to their composition and mechanisms of action to up-to-date information on their clinical efficacy. Methodology: MEDLINE (PubMed) was searched from inception through 2021 for English language publications on APCs for facial rejuvenation. Results: A total of 100 files were found. Based on the available literature, APCs for skin rejuvenation are safe and well tolerated.The most studied product is the first-generation material, platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Conclusions: The results are in general favorable, but the quality of the studies is low. The second and third generation products, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF), respectively, are easier to be obtained and, at least in vitro, seem to induce greater collagen production than PRP, especially under lower relative centrifugation forces, but to date only a few clinical trials evaluating these products exist. More high-quality trials with appropriate follow-up are necessary to provide adequate evidence that may help to improve the treatment regimens with APCs. Many aspects should be considered when designing clinical trials to evaluate APCs, such as the patients' characteristics that best predict a favorable response, the optimal number of sessions and the interval between them, the characteristics of the studies and the development of better instruments to evaluate skin aging.

Ten years of injectable platelet‐rich fibrin

“…89 Similarly, in 2021, Buzalaf and Levy published an overview article on using autologous platelet concentrates in facial esthetics. 90 It was reported that i-PRF was easier to obtain and seemed to induce greater collagen production than PRP. 90 Regarding other uses of PRF in facial esthetics, several studies have noted that i-PRF is able to improve fat grafting and its stability.…”

“…90 It was reported that i-PRF was easier to obtain and seemed to induce greater collagen production than PRP. 90 Regarding other uses of PRF in facial esthetics, several studies have noted that i-PRF is able to improve fat grafting and its stability. [91][92][93] In a prospective single-center study, Hassan i-PRF for the treatment of alopecia.…”

“…In 2019, Karimi and Rockwell published an overview article on the topic, covering its immense potential in the field of cosmetic medicine 89 . Similarly, in 2021, Buzalaf and Levy published an overview article on using autologous platelet concentrates in facial esthetics 90 . It was reported that i‐PRF was easier to obtain and seemed to induce greater collagen production than PRP 90 …”

“…Similarly, in 2021, Buzalaf and Levy published an overview article on using autologous platelet concentrates in facial esthetics 90 . It was reported that i‐PRF was easier to obtain and seemed to induce greater collagen production than PRP 90 …”

Indications of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Dermatology

“…Dane naukowe wskazują na niewielką poprawę jakości skóry oraz redukcję drobnych zmarszczek w wyniku zastosowania osocza bogatopłytkowego (PRP) [13,24]. Niemniej jednak, aby zdobyć pełniejsze i bardziej przekonujące informacje na temat skuteczności tej metody, kluczowe jest przeprowadzenie większej liczby randomizowanych badań klinicznych [3,13,24].…”