Platelet‐rich plasma for striae distensae: What do we know about processed autologous blood contents for treating skin stretchmarks?—A systematic review

Abstract

Striae distensae, also known as stretch marks, particularly associated with female sex, pregnancy, obesity, and/or hormonal change, are linear bands of benign dermal lesions. Although not posing any health risk, aesthetically unpleasing stretch marks can cause significant psychological distress among those affected. In abundance of therapeutic approaches, some literature sources proclaim platelet‐rich plasma to be a promising treatment modality for striae distensae. We aimed to shed some light on the current literature evidence of platelet‐rich plasma for treating stretch marks and performed an English literature analysis with two independent reviewers in accordance with PRISMA guidelines searching the PubMed and Web of Science databases in June 2019. Of the 12 found studies, 6 matched inclusion criteria. With no control groups in two, just two other reports used intraindividual comparisons, and all but one publication performed histopathological assessments. All studies observed clinical and subjective improvements without using validated scores or patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs). The main findings were that multiple treatments with platelet‐rich plasma demonstrated increased epidermal thickness, rete ridges formation, and collagen/elastin formation, while decreasing the inflammatory cell infiltrate. The current literature evidence supporting the use of platelet‐rich plasma for striae distensae is poor. We propose in this review an outline for a study protocol with intraindividual control groups, standardised scores, validated PROMs, and participant incentives to enhance the scientific power in future clinical trials.

Subcision, chemical peels, and platelet‐rich plasma: Combination approaches for the treatment of striae distensae

“…The results of the PRP group in this study were better than a study utilized PRP for the treatment of 20 patients with SA. The PRP group showed (25%) marked improvement versus (28%) in the PRP group of our study 18 . Also, our findings in PRP group were higher than previous studies used PRP in treatment of SD 16‐21 .…”

“…The PRP group showed (25%) marked improvement versus (28%) in the PRP group of our study 18 . Also, our findings in PRP group were higher than previous studies used PRP in treatment of SD 16‐21 . The difference in the results may be related to the different methods of PRP separation and also the number of sessions.…”

“…18 Also, our findings in PRP group were higher than previous studies used PRP in treatment of SD. [16][17][18][19][20][21] The difference in the results may be related to the different methods of PRP separation and also the number of sessions.…”

“…• The impact of striae on a patient's quality of life was evaluated through a questionnaire that included 10 questions to determine the changes in the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) 12 ; score (0-1) no effect on patient's life, (2-5) mild effect, (6-10) moderate, (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20) severe, and (21-30) extremely large effect on the quality of life. The higher the score the more quality of life is impaired.…”

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review

“…The studies showed that PRP therapy is safe, and any complications that occurred were minor and temporary. This corresponds to the results of a systematic review on PRP treatment for stria distensae performed by Sawetz et al [61] in 2021. Their findings demonstrated that (multiple) PRP injections are a safe treatment option for stretch marks; however, the lack of comparability among the included reports made it impossible to draw clear conclusions about the efficacy of PRP in that field.…”