The Clinical Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Combined with Ultra-Pulsed Fractional CO₂ Laser Therapy for Facial Rejuvenation

Abstract

Ultra-pulsed fractional CO2 laser is an efficient, precise, and safe therapeutic intervention for skin refreshing, although accompanied with prolonged edema and erythema. In recent years, autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proven to promote wound and soft tissue healing and collagen regeneration. To investigate whether the combination of PRP and ultra-pulsed fractional CO2 laser had a synergistic effect on therapy for facial rejuvenation. Totally, 13 facial aging females were treated with ultra-pulsed fractional CO2 laser. One side of the face was randomly selected as experimental group and injected with PRP, the other side acted as the control group and was injected with physiological saline at the same dose. Comprehensive assessment of clinical efficacy was performed by satisfaction scores, dermatologists' double-blind evaluation and the VISIA skin analysis system. After treatment for 3 months, subjective scores of facial wrinkles, skin texture, and skin elasticity were higher than that in the control group. Similarly, improvement of skin wrinkles, texture, and tightness in the experimental group was better compared with the control group. Additionally, the total duration of erythema, edema, and crusting was decreased, in the experimental group compared with the control group. PRP combined with ultra-pulsed fractional CO2 laser had a synergistic effect on facial rejuvenation, shortening duration of side effects, and promoting better therapeutic effect.

Applications and efficacy of platelet‐rich plasma in dermatology: A clinical review

“…Also to assess the synergistic effect of PRP and ultra‐pulsed fractional CO2 laser, another RCT study was performed among 13 facial aging females. After a 3‐month treatment, experimental group showed excellent improvement of skin wrinkles and the total duration of erythema and edema, while crusting was decreased, compared to the control group …”

The Feasibility of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix Filler in a Nude Mouse Model

“…PRFM not only contains various growth factors, but also produces no adverse effects, such as immune rejection. It does not have limitations in terms of economic accessibility, even for extensive corrections, and can be used effectively both for the soft tissue augmentation of facial deficits and for general filler applications, such as wrinkle correction [17,18]. Therefore, since PRFM is effective at restoring deficits, and the growth factors also stimulate regeneration by inducing proliferation of the surrounding skin, PRFM could enhance skin elasticity and correct shallow wrinkles.…”

“…PRFM filler from autologous plasma is made up of the patient's own blood, which means that it produces no immune rejection. It has few economic limitations for extensive correction, contains various growth factors that enhance skin regeneration, and is effective at improving skin elasticity and correcting wrinkles [3,[14][15][16][17][18].…”

Platelet‐rich plasma, a powerful tool in dermatology

“…They observed that from the second application, there was an improvement of fine wrinkles and skin tone; and at the end of the sessions, it was observed that most of the wrinkles had disappeared and there was facial restoration (Ulusal, ). Moreover, it was shown that the combination of PRP and ultra‐pulsed fractional CO 2 laser shortened the duration of laser side effects and improved the efficacy of the treatment after 3 months (Hui, Chang, Guo, Zhang, & Tao, ).…”