Abstract
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) rejuvenation’s efficacy has been reported by numerous uncontrolled clinical case studies of inconsistent quality rather than large randomized and placebo-controlled trials. It was suggested that PRP could be considered as a valid anti-aging and rejuvenation treatment modality. The current literature review summarizes available evidence so far described in the literature with special critical attention to higher quality comparative studies published over the last 10 years. The few studies that could be retrieved and included in this review documented less favorable results. So far, there is no international consensus on clinical PRP use for esthetic rejuvenation. Whether a mix of growth factors does in fact generate a clinically significant more youthful look and whether PRP injections result in comparable or better rejuvenation than what can be expected from other simpler non-surgical modalities.
Level of Evidence IV
This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Wang X, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Miron RJ (2019) Fluid platelet-rich fibrin stimulates greater dermal skin fibroblast cell migration, proliferation, and collagen synthesis when compared to platelet-rich plasma. J Cosmet Dermatol 18(6):2004–2010
Kaushik A, Kumaran MS (2020) Platelet-rich plasma: the journey so far! Indian Dermatol Online J 11(5):685
Schoenberg E, Hattier G, Wang JV, Saedi N (2020) Platelet-rich plasma for facial rejuvenation: an early examination. Clin Dermatol 38(2):251–253
Zhang M, Park G, Zhou B, Luo D (2018) Applications and efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in dermatology: a clinical review. J Cosmet Dermatol 17(5):660–665
Samadi P, Sheykhhasan M, Khoshinani HM (2019) The use of platelet-rich plasma in aesthetic and regenerative medicine: a comprehensive review. Aesthetic Plast Surg 43(3):803–814
Hausauer AK, Humphrey S (2020) The physician’s guide to platelet-rich plasma in dermatologic surgery part II: clinical evidence. Dermatol Surg 46(4):447–456
Abu-Ghname A, Perdanasari AT, Davis MJ, Reece EM (2019) Platelet-rich plasma: principles and applications in plastic surgery. Seminars in plastic surgery. Thieme Medical Publishers, New York
Marx RE (2001) Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): what is PRP and what is not PRP? Implant Dent 10(4):225–228
Gupta S, Paliczak A, Delgado D (2021) Evidence-based indications of platelet-rich plasma therapy. Exp Rev Hematol 14(1):97–108
Kassir M, Kroumpouzos G, Puja P, Katsambas A, Galadari H, Lotti T et al (2020) Update in minimally invasive periorbital rejuvenation with a focus on platelet-rich plasma: a narrative review. J Cosmet Dermatol 19(5):1057–1062
Peng GL (2019) Platelet-rich plasma for skin rejuvenation: facts, fiction, and pearls for practice. Facial Plast Surg Clinics 27(3):405–411
Araco A (2019) A prospective study comparing topic platelet-rich plasma versus placebo on reducing superficial perioral wrinkles and restore dermal matrix. J Cosmet Laser Ther 21(6):309–15
Draelos ZD, Rheins LA, Wootten S, Kellar RS, Diller RB (2019) Pilot study: autologous platelet-rich plasma used in a topical cream for facial rejuvenation. J Cosmet Dermatol 18(5):1348–1352
Hausauer AK, Humphrey S (2020) The physician’s guide to platelet-rich plasma in dermatologic surgery part I: definitions, mechanisms of action, and technical specifications. Dermatol Surg 46(3):348–357
Lei X, Xu P, Cheng B (2019) Problems and solutions for platelet-rich plasma in facial rejuvenation: a systematic review. Aesthetic Plast Surg 43(2):457–469
Elghblawi E (2018) Platelet-rich plasma, the ultimate secret for youthful skin elixir and hair growth triggering. J Cosmet Dermatol 17(3):423–430
Yuksel EP, Sahin G, Aydin F, Senturk N, Turanli AY (2014) Evaluation of effects of platelet-rich plasma on human facial skin. J Cosmet Laser Ther 16(5):206–208
Kumaran MS (2014) Platelet-rich plasma in dermatology: boon or a bane? Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 80(1):5
Cho EB, Park GS, Park SS, Jang YJ, Kim KH, Kim KJ et al (2019) Effect of platelet-rich plasma on proliferation and migration in human dermal fibroblasts. J Cosmet Dermatol 18(4):1105–1112
Magalon J, Chateau A, Bertrand B, Louis M, Silvestre A, Giraudo L et al (2016) DEPA classification: a proposal for standardising PRP use and a retrospective application of available devices. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2(1):e000060
Lin J, Sclafani AP (2018) Platelet-rich plasma for skin rejuvenation and tissue fill. Facial Plast Surg Clin 26(4):439–446
Sclafani AP, Azzi J (2015) Platelet preparations for use in facial rejuvenation and wound healing: a critical review of current literature. Aesthetic Plast Surg 39(4):495–505
Ehrenfest DMD, Rasmusson L, Albrektsson T (2009) Classification of platelet concentrates: from pure platelet-rich plasma (P-PRP) to leucocyte-and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF). Trends Biotechnol 27(3):158–167
Lin M-Y, Lin C-S, Hu S, Chung W-H (2020) Progress in the use of platelet-rich plasma in aesthetic and medical dermatology. J Clin Aesth Dermatol 13(8):28
Tekin L (2018) Re: histologic evidence of new collagen formulation using platelet rich plasma in skin rejuvenation: a prospective controlled clinical study. Ann Dermatol 30(1):110
Emer J (2019) Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): current applications in dermatology. Skin Therapy Lett. 24(5):1–6
Kawase T, Okuda K (2018) Comprehensive quality control of the regenerative therapy using platelet concentrates: the current situation and prospects in Japan. BioMed Res Int 2018:1–10
Leo MS, Kumar AS, Kirit R, Konathan R, Sivamani RK (2015) Systematic review of the use of platelet-rich plasma in aesthetic dermatology. J Cosmet Dermatol 14(4):315–323
DeLong JM, Russell RP, Mazzocca AD (2012) Platelet-rich plasma: the PAW classification system. Arthrosc J Arthrosc Relat Surg 28(7):998–1009
Chen J, Jiang H (2020) A comprehensive review of concentrated growth factors and their novel applications in facial reconstructive and regenerative medicine. Aesthetic Plast Surg 44(3):1047–1057
Godfrey L, Martínez-Escribano J, Roo E, Pino A, Anitua E (2020) Plasma rich in growth factor gel as an autologous filler for facial volume restoration. J Cosmet Dermatol 19(10):2552–2559
Jiménez Gómez N, Pino Castresana A, Segurado Miravalles G, Truchuelo Díez M, Troya Estavillo M, Anitua Aldecoa E et al (2019) Autologous platelet-rich gel for facial rejuvenation and wrinkle amelioration: a pilot study. J Cosmet Dermatol 18(5):1353–1360
Fedyakova E, Pino A, Kogan L, Eganova C, Troya M, Anitua E (2019) An autologous protein gel for soft tissue augmentation: in vitro characterization and clinical evaluation. J Cosmet Dermatol 18(3):762–772
Sclafani AP, McCormick SA (2012) Induction of dermal collagenesis, angiogenesis, and adipogenesis in human skin by injection of platelet-rich fibrin matrix. Arch Facial Plast Surg 14(2):132–136
Sclafani AP (2011) Safety, efficacy, and utility of platelet-rich fibrin matrix in facial plastic surgery. Arch Facial Plast Surg 13(4):247–251
Hassan H, Quinlan DJ, Ghanem A (2020) Injectable platelet-rich fibrin for facial rejuvenation: a prospective, single-center study. J Cosmet Dermatol 19(12):3213–3221
Weibrich G, Kleis WK, Hafner G, Hitzler WE (2002) Growth factor levels in platelet-rich plasma and correlations with donor age, sex, and platelet count. J Cranio-Maxillofac Surg 30(2):97–102
Görgü M, Gökkaya A, Karanfil E (2021) What should be adequate PRP dose for an effective treatment? An in-vitro experimental study on the skin. Aesthet Surg J. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjab043
Weibrich G, Hansen T, Kleis W, Buch R, Hitzler W (2004) Effect of platelet concentration in platelet-rich plasma on peri-implant bone regeneration. Bone 34(4):665–671
Giusti I, Rughetti A, D’Ascenzo S, Millimaggi D, Pavan A, Dell’Orso L et al (2009) Identification of an optimal concentration of platelet gel for promoting angiogenesis in human endothelial cells. Transfusion 49(4):771–778
Sevilla GP, Dhurat RS, Shetty G, Kadam PP, Totey SM (2015) Safety and efficacy of growth factor concentrate in the treatment of nasolabial fold correction: split face pilot study. Indian J Dermatol 60(5):520
Mishra A, Tummala P, King A, Lee B, Kraus M, Tse V et al (2009) Buffered platelet-rich plasma enhances mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 15(3):431–435
Kim DH, Je YJ, Kim CD, Lee YH, Seo YJ, Lee JH et al (2011) Can platelet-rich plasma be used for skin rejuvenation? Evaluation of effects of platelet-rich plasma on human dermal fibroblast. Ann Dermatol 23(4):424
Berndt S, Turzi A, Pittet-Cuénod B, Modarressi A (2019) Autologous platelet-rich plasma (CuteCell PRP) safely boosts in vitro human fibroblast expansion. Tissue Eng Part A 25(21–22):1550–1563
Owczarczyk-Saczonek A, Wygonowska E, Budkiewicz M, Placek W (2019) Serum sickness disease in a patient with alopecia areata and Meniere’disease after PRP procedure. Dermatol Ther 32(2):e12798
Badran KW, Nabili V (2018) Lasers, microneedling, and platelet-rich plasma for skin rejuvenation and repair. Fac Plast Surg Clin 26(4):455–468
Willemsen JC, van der Lei B, Vermeulen KM, Stevens HP (2014) The effects of platelet-rich plasma on recovery time and aesthetic outcome in facial rejuvenation: preliminary retrospective observations. Aesthet Plast Surg 38(5):1057–1063
Bulam H, Ayhan S, Sezgin B, Zinnuroglu M, Konac E, Varol N et al (2015) The inhibitory effect of platelet-rich plasma on botulinum toxin type-A: an experimental study in rabbits. Aesthet Plast Surg 39(1):134–140
Lee ZH, Sinno S, Poudrier G, Motosko CC, Chiodo M, Saia W et al (2019) Platelet rich plasma for photodamaged skin: a pilot study. J Cosmet Dermatol 18(1):77–83
Fabi S, Sundaram H (2014) The potential of topical and injectable growth factors and cytokines for skin rejuvenation. Fac Plast Surg 30(02):157–171
Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, Group P (2009) Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. PLoS Med 6(7):e1000097
ASPS Evidence Rating Scales [Available from: www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/medical-professionals/health-policy/evidence-practice/ASPS-Rating-Scale-March-2011.pdf.
Kang BK, Shin MK, Lee JH, Kim NI (2014) Effects of platelet-rich plasma on wrinkles and skin tone in Asian lower eyelid skin: preliminary results from a prospective, randomised, split-face trial. Eur J Dermatol 24(1):100–101
Kang BK, Lee JH, Shin MK, Kim NI (2013) Infraorbital rejuvenation using PRP (platelet-rich plasma): a prospective, randomized, split-face trial. J Am Acad Dermatol 68:24
Abuaf OK, Yildiz H, Baloglu H, Bilgili ME, Simsek HA, Dogan B (2016) Histologic evidence of new collagen formulation using platelet rich plasma in skin rejuvenation: a prospective controlled clinical study. Ann Dermatol 28(6):718
Gawdat HI, Tawdy AM, Hegazy RA, Zakaria MM, Allam RS (2017) Autologous platelet-rich plasma versus readymade growth factors in skin rejuvenation: a split face study. J Cosmet Dermatol 16(2):258–264
Alam M, Hughart R, Champlain A, Geisler A, Paghdal K, Whiting D et al (2018) Effect of platelet-rich plasma injection for rejuvenation of photoaged facial skin: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermatol 154(12):1447–1452
Hu S, Bassiri-Tehrani M, Abraham MT (2020) The effect of platelet-rich fibrin matrix on skin rejuvenation: a split-face comparison. Aesthet Surg J. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaa244
Neinaa YMEH, Hodeib AAEH, Morquos MM, Elgarhy LH (2020) Platelet-poor plasma gel vs platelet-rich plasma for infraorbital rejuvenation: a clinical and dermoscopic comparative study. Dermatol Ther 33(6):e14255
da Silva LQ, Cancela RBB, de Lima Montalvão SA, Huber SC, Vieira-Damiani G, Triglia RM et al (2021) The effect of lyophilized platelet rich-plasma on skin aging: a non-randomized, controlled, pilot trial. Arch Dermatol Res. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-021-02186-2
Hersant B, SidAhmed-Mezi M, Aboud C, Niddam J, Levy S, Mernier T et al (2021) Synergistic effects of autologous platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid injections on facial skin rejuvenation. Aesthet Surg J. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjab061
Rivers JK (2014) Platelet-rich plasma: should we wait for the verdict? SAGE Publications Sage CA, Los Angeles CA
Redaelli A, Romano D, Marciano A (2010) Face and neck revitalization with platelet-rich plasma (PRP): clinical outcome in a series of 23 consecutively treated patients. J Drugs Dermatol JDD 9(5):466–472
Cameli N, Mariano M, Cordone I, Abril E, Masi S, Foddai ML (2017) Autologous pure platelet-rich plasma dermal injections for facial skin rejuvenation: clinical, instrumental, and flow cytometry assessment. Dermatol Surg 43(6):826–835
Elnehrawy NY, Ibrahim ZA, Eltoukhy AM, Nagy HM (2017) Assessment of the efficacy and safety of single platelet-rich plasma injection on different types and grades of facial wrinkles. J Cosmet Dermatol 16(1):103–111
Atiyeh BS, Chahine F (2020) Evidence-based efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in aesthetic body contouring. Aesthet Plast Surg 45(2):570–578
Pavlović MD, Loubser MD (2019) Use of platelet-rich plasma injection for rejuvenation of photoaged facial skin? JAMA Dermatol 155(6):755
Atiyeh BS, Fadul R, Chahine F (2020) Cryolipolysis (CLL) for reduction of localized subcutaneous fat: review of the literature and an evidence-based analysis. Aesthet Plast Surg 44(6):2163–2172
Mehryan P, Zartab H, Rajabi A, Pazhoohi N, Firooz A (2014) Assessment of efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on infraorbital dark circles and crow’s feet wrinkles. J Cosmet Dermatol 13(1):72–78
Du R, Lei T (2020) Effects of autologous platelet-rich plasma injections on facial skin rejuvenation. Exp Ther Med 19(4):3024–3030
Everts PA, Pinto PC, Girão L (2019) Autologous pure platelet-rich plasma injections for facial skin rejuvenation: biometric instrumental evaluations and patient-reported outcomes to support antiaging effects. J Cosmet Dermatol 18(4):985–995
Aust M, Pototschnig H, Jamchi S, Busch K-H (2018) Platelet-rich plasma for skin rejuvenation and treatment of actinic elastosis in the lower eyelid area. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.2999
Atiyeh BS, Ibrahim AE, Dibo SA (2008) Cosmetic mesotherapy: between scientific evidence, science fiction, and lucrative business. Aesthet Plast Surg 32(6):842–849
Atiyeh BS, Abou Ghanem O, Chahine F (2020) Microneedling: percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) therapy for management of scars and photoaged skin—scientific evidence and review of the literature. Aesthet Plast Surg 45(1):296–308
Charles-de-Sá L, Gontijo-de-Amorim NF, Takiya CM, Borojevic R, Benati D, Bernardi P et al (2018) Effect of use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in skin with intrinsic aging process. Aesthet Surg J 38(3):321–328
McLeod MD, Austen WG Jr (2018) Commentary on: effect of use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in skin with intrinsic aging process. Aesthet Surg J 38(3):329–331
Frautschi RS, Hashem AM, Halasa B, Cakmakoglu C, Zins JE (2017) Current evidence for clinical efficacy of platelet rich plasma in aesthetic surgery: a systematic review. Aesthet Surg J 37(3):353–362
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Human and animal participants
This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.
Informed consent
For this type of study, informed consent is not required.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Atiyeh, B., Oneisi, A. & Ghieh, F. Platelet-Rich Plasma Facial Rejuvenation: Myth or Reality?. Aesth Plast Surg 45, 2928–2938 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-021-02300-9
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-021-02300-9