Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous serum containing high concentrations of platelets and growth factors. PRP continues to evolve as an important treatment modality with many applications in dermatology, particularly in the areas of hair restoration, skin rejuvenation, acne scars, dermal augmentation, and striae distensae. Furthermore, combining PRP with laser therapies, microneedling, dermal fillers, and autologous fat grafting produces synergistic effects, leading to improved aesthetic results. Future studies should standardize PRP treatment protocols for specific indications. PRP holds considerable promise in dermatology with therapeutic applications continuing to expand. 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an ever-expanding treatment modality that continues to demonstrate considerable promise in the field of dermatology. PRP has long been used in the medical fields of cardiac surgery, oral surgery, orthopedics, and facial plastic surgery, and it continues to develop as a versatile therapy in dermatology. PRP is an autologous serum containing high concentrations of platelets and growth factors.1 Alpha granules within the platelets are responsible for promoting stem cell regeneration and soft tissue remodeling.2 Many fundamental growth factors are contained within the PRP alpha granules, such as platelet-derived growth factors (aa, bb, ab), vascular endothelial growth factor, epithelial growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, and insulin-like growth factor.3 Mitogenesis and differentiation of monocytes, fibroblasts, stem cells, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells occur as a result of PRP alpha granule growth factors.2 These growth factors are also known to induce cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and chemotaxis, as well as contain serotonin, dopamine, histamine, adenosine, and calcium, which increase membrane permeability.2-4 

Figure 1A: Buttock augmentation with PRP/ACell®-enriched autologous fat grafting, male.

Figure 1B: Buttock augmentation with PRP/ACell®-enriched autologous fat grafting, female. 

There are many commercially available PRP systems and kits, and protocols vary according to brand name and treatment indication (Table 2). Traditionally accepted preparations involve initial venipuncture to obtain 10 to 22 mL of whole blood, which is combined with an anticoagulant agent. Centrifugation then separates the whole blood sample into three layers: red blood cells (RBCs), platelet-poor plasma (PPP), and the of-interest PRP layer. Subsequent centrifugations isolate and harvest the PRP layer, while discarding the RBCs and PPP. The now concentrated PRP pellet may be treated with calcium chloride or thrombin to activate the platelets (many harvesting systems do not require activation), releasing alpha granules and growth factors. For the most common dermatological uses, activation is not required, as a more viscous substance (once activated) is better suited for wound healing, post-surgical healing, and orthopedic uses. Activation of growth factors occurs within 10 minutes, with nearly 100% activation occurring within 1 hour.5 Some cosmeceutical brands have started to create “customized” skin care products that allow patients’ PRP to be added to a base formulation to complete a bespoke growth factor anti-aging skin care product. However, it is not yet known for how long the activated growth factors remain viable. It is thought that changes in pH and temperature may affect the viability of PRP within a few hours after collection. Current US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines also indicate that platelets should not be used beyond 5 days after collection, due to bacterial contamination during venipuncture. Nevertheless, patient demand for such autologous customized skin care products remains high. 

Platelet concentrations vary per harvest protocol; a platelet count of 1 million/mL is widely accepted as the necessary PRP platelet concentration for therapeutic efficacy.6 Moreover, PRP contains plasma at concentrations 2 to 8 times greater than unaltered whole blood.2 PRP preparations have been classified into four subtypes: pure platelet-rich plasma (P-PRP), leukocyte platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP), pure platelet-rich fibrin matrix (P-PRFM), and Leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin matrix (L-PRFM). Aesthetic dermatology indications predominantly use the pure PRP preparation with minimal leukocyte collection.3 The P-PRFM preparation has a lower platelet concentration and includes fibrin. The fibrin matrix created in P-PRFM binds and traps growth factors, releasing them more slowly over several days. This preparation may be used for fat grafting procedures, as it allows for sustained, prolonged release of growth factors within the grafted tissues.7 

PRP has demonstrated significant improvements in hair growth when treating androgenic alopecia (AGA) (Figure 2). PRP growth factors promote hair regrowth by stimulating stem cell differentiation of hair follicles, inducing and prolonging the proliferative anagen phase of hair follicles, as well as activating anti-apoptotic pathways and promoting angiogenesis to increase perifollicular vascularization and the survival of dermal papilla fibroblasts.2,8-10 

Figures 2A: Significant increased in hair density and color with six monthly injections of PRP/ACell®, male. 

Figures 2B: Significant increased in hair density and color with six monthly injections of PRP/ACell®, female. 

Several reports demonstrate improvements in traumatic scars and acne scars with PRP treatment. Increases in collagen density and dermal elastic fibers are notable benefits when using PRP in aesthetic dermatology. When PRP is used in combination with other therapies, such as laser treatments, microneedling, and hyaluronic acid fillers, further improvements in skin appearance are achieved (Figure 3). Autologous fat grafting combined with PRP to enhance long-term fat survival has preliminarily shown positive results. Furthermore, cosmetic improvements in striae distensae have been noted when combining radiofrequency, laser, and ultrasound therapies with PRP. 

Figure 3: Female full facial rejuvenation, notice the significant improvement in texture, color, and tone of the skin. Combination approach of: fillers to improve the lateral lateral cheeks, chin, and lips; internal radiofrequency (InMode FaceTite™) and liposuction to the lower face and neck; Botox® Cosmetic for chemical brow lifting (glabellar “11” lines) and eye wrinkles (crow’s feet); microneedling radiofrequency (InMode Fractora™) with PRP in a series of three treatments in a 12 month period. 

Multiple studies indicate significant improvement in appearance of acne scars, as well as traumatic scars, when using PRP13,14 (Figure 4). Cutaneous injuries may result in scar tissue, presenting aesthetic and functional issues. Optical coherence tomography revealed improved acne scar depth when PRP was used with fractional laser therapy, compared to laser alone.3

A decrease in erythema and edema is observed when treating acne scars with PRP. Improved skin elasticity and increased collagen and fibroblasts are also noted when treating scars.15

Figure 4: Acne scar improvement, laser resurfacing plus topical PRP. 

The use of PRP in conjunction with laser therapies and microneedling is increasingly popular in aesthetic dermatology. Fractional laser resurfacing and microneedling treatments create small holes in the skin, which act to enhance uptake and delivery of PRP.2 Combining PRP with laser therapies and microneedling procedures improves wound healing and shortens recovery times, as well as reduces erythema and melanin index of treated areas.14,16,20 Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and inflammatory hyperpigmentation are also found to be significantly lower when combining PRP with device treatments. Patients treated with PRP after CO2 or erbium fractional resurfacing have improved skin elasticity, increased fibroblasts, and notably thicker collagen bundles when compared to laser treated sites without added PRP.20 Furthermore, there is anecdotal evidence of improved healing times with PRP combined with laser therapy, as well as earlier granulation, decreased erythema, and improved outcomes. 

Combining PRP with hyaluronic acid-based fillers has been popular and widespread in cosmetic dermatology for several years. The “Vampire Facelift” was coined after combining PRP and dermal fillers; this technique has become well-known via social media. The numerous growth factors in PRP are thought to rejuvenate the skin, improving texture and smoothness, while also decreasing rhytids.22,23 Hyaluronic acid fillers or other dermal augmentation agents serve as a scaffold to which PRP can bind and enhance skin rejuvenation, as well as enhance soft tissue augmentation2 (Figure 5). Lasting cosmetic improvements are seen when treating nasolabial folds, horizontal neck bands, skin homogeneity and tonicity, and facial rhytids with dermal fillers combined with PRP. Studies have also indicated significant improvements in rhytids and skin tone in the infraorbital region.24 

Figure 5: Substantial improvements in texture and color of the skin along with dark circles and ocular hollows (i.e., tear troughs) with topical and injectable PRP combined with fractional CO2 laser resurfacing at 1 month. 

Combining PRP with autologous fat grafting is thought to bolster survival of the injected fat. Autologous fat injections have gained popularity for facial rejuvenation and dermal augmentation, as the fat grafts are deemed safe and free from potentially transmissible blood-borne pathogens due to the autologous origin of the fat. Pure PRP preparations with a fibrin matrix (P-PRFM) binds and traps growth factors contained within PRP, releasing them more slowly, ensuring prolonged survival of injected fat.7 Reports have indicated considerable potential for the use of PRP with augmented fat injections, while some investigations indicate no significant improvement was observed. Patients with HIV-associated facial fat atrophy treated with PRP fat grafting did not experience a significant difference in cosmetic appearance when compared to fat injections alone.17 However, results from other studies indicate PRP enhances volume retention of injected fat, maintains volume overtime, and reduces revision rates.7,18,19 In the author’s opinion (JE) there is a substantial improvement in fat viability and retention with the use of PRP in a high enough ratio of PRP to fat; although that “ratio” is not defined based on the current studies in the literature and in practice at least 4-8:1 (fat to PRP) is utilized for a noticeably improved long-term outcome. 

Continuous stretching of the skin often leads to atrophic dermal scars, known as striae distensae. Reports indicate beneficial cosmetic outcomes when combining intradermal radiofrequency and ultrasound devices with PRP.21,25 Ultrasound therapies often follow radiofrequency treatments, as ultrasound assists in transepidermal penetration of PRP. Abdominal biopsies posttreatment have indicated increases in collagen density and elastic fibers, and the majority of patients report good or very good improvements in cosmetic appearance of their striae distensae.21 

PRP continues to evolve as a consequential therapeutic tool in dermatology. Numerous growth factors contained within PRP promote neocollagenesis, angiogenesis, and overall proliferation of stem cells and soft tissue remodeling. PRP is easily harvested from patients’ own whole blood using numerous commercially available systems, making it a safe, in-office procedure. Top evidence-based dermatologic indications for PRP include hair restoration and skin rejuvenation, as well as improvements in acne scars. Moreover, combining PRP with other treatment modalities, such as laser therapies, microneedling, dermal fillers, and autologous fat injections has demonstrated synergistic effects, enhancing overall cosmetic outcomes. The dermatologic community stresses that more studies are needed to further standardize and define PRP protocols beyond anecdotal experience for specific indications.