Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Treatment of acne scars with PRP and laser therapy: an up-to-date appraisal

  • Concise Communication
  • Published:
Archives of Dermatological Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Clinically significant scarring is a common complication of acne vulgaris. Recent treatments have included the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), especially in combination with laser therapy. Here, we offer backgrounds on PRP and laser therapy and review combination treatment for acne scars. It is important to note that current data are limited to small studies and that there is no standard protocol for PRP administration. Larger studies are needed to better evaluate combination treatment and determine the best modality.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

References

  1. Abdel Aal AM, Ibrahim IM, Sami NA, Abdel Kareem IM (2018) Evaluation of autologous platelet-rich plasma plus ablative carbon dioxide fractional laser in the treatment of acne scars. J Cosmet Laser Ther 20(2):106–113

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Al Taweel AI, Al Refae AA, Hamed AM, Kamal AM (2019) Comparative study of the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma combined with carboxytherapy vs its use with fractional carbon dioxide laser in atrophic acne scars. J Cosmet Dermatol 18(1):150–155

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Badran KW, Nabili V (2018) Lasers, microneedling, and platelet-rich plasma for skin rejuvenation and repair. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 26(4):455–468

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Connolly D, Vu HL, Mariwalla K, Saedi N (2017) Acne scarring—pathogenesis, evaluation, and treatment options. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 10(9):12–23

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  5. Fadadu PP, Mazzola AJ, Hunter CW, Davis TT (2019) Review of concentration yields in commercially available platelet-rich plasma (PRP) systems: a call for PRP standardization. Reg Anesth Pain Med 44(6):652–659 [Epub ahead of print]

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Faghihi G, Keyvan S, Asilian A, Nouraei S, Behfar S, Nilforoushzadeh MA (2016) Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma combined with fractional ablative carbon dioxide resurfacing laser in treatment of facial atrophic acne scars: a split-face randomized clinical trial. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 82(2):162–168

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Gawdat HI, Hegazy RA, Fawzy MM, Fathy M (2014) Autologous platelet rich plasma: topical versus intradermal after fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser treatment of atrophic acne scars. Dermatol Surg 40(2):152–161

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Hedelund L, Haak CS, Togsverd-Bo K, Bogh MK, Bjerring P, Haedersdal M (2012) Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing for atrophic acne scars: a randomized controlled trial with blinded response evaluation. Lasers Surg Med 44(6):447–452

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Kar BR, Raj C (2017) Fractional CO(2) laser vs fractional CO(2) with topical platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of acne scars: a split-face comparison trial. J Cutan Aesthet Surg 10(3):136–144

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  10. Lee JW, Kim BJ, Kim MN, Mun SK (2011) The efficacy of autologous platelet rich plasma combined with ablative carbon dioxide fractional resurfacing for acne scars: a simultaneous split-face trial. Dermatol Surg 37(7):931–938

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Majid I, Imran S (2014) Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing as monotherapy in the treatment of atrophic facial acne scars. J Cutan Aesthet Surg 7(2):87–92

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  12. Masoudi E, Ribas J, Kaushik G, Leijten J, Khademhosseini A (2016) Platelet-rich blood derivatives for stem cell-based tissue engineering and regeneration. Curr Stem Cell Rep 2(1):33–42

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  13. Min S, Yoon JY, Park SY, Moon J, Kwon HH, Suh DH (2018) Combination of platelet rich plasma in fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment increased clinical efficacy of for acne scar by enhancement of collagen production and modulation of laser-induced inflammation. Lasers Surg Med 50(4):302–310

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Na JI, Choi JW, Choi HR, Jeong JB, Park KC, Youn SW, Huh CH (2011) Rapid healing and reduced erythema after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing combined with the application of autologous platelet-rich plasma. Dermatol Surg 37(4):463–468

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Nagata MJ, Messora MR, Furlaneto FA, Fucini SE, Bosco AF, Garcia VG, Deliberador TM, de Melo LG (2010) Effectiveness of two methods for preparation of autologous platelet-rich plasma: an experimental study in rabbits. Eur J Dent 4(4):395–402

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Nofal E, Helmy A, Nofal A, Alakad R, Nasr M (2014) Platelet-rich plasma versus CROSS technique with 100% trichloroacetic acid versus combined skin needling and platelet rich plasma in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: a comparative study. Dermatol Surg 40(8):864–873

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Redaelli A, Romano D, Marcianó A (2010) Face and neck revitalization with platelet-rich plasma (PRP): clinical outcome in a series of 23 consecutively treated patients. J Drugs Dermatol 9(5):466–472

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Saedi N, Petelin A, Zachary C (2011) Fractionation: a new era in laser resurfacing. Clin Plast Surg 38(3):449–461

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Sobanko JF, Alster TS (2012) Management of acne scarring, part I: a comparative review of laser surgical approaches. Am J Clin Dermatol 13(5):319–330

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Tan J, Kang S, Leyden J (2017) Prevalence and risk factors of acne scarring among patients consulting dermatologists in the USA. J Drugs Dermatol 16(2):97–102

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Wang HL, Avila G (2007) Platelet rich plasma: myth or reality? Eur J Dent 1(4):192–194

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Wang JV, Saedi N (2018) The utility of understanding atrophic acne scar formation for prevention and treatment. Br J Dermatol 179(4):819

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Xie X, Zhang C, Tuan RS (2014) Biology of platelet-rich plasma and its clinical application in cartilage repair. Arthritis Res Ther 16(1):204

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  24. 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

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Zhu JT, Xuan M, Zhang YN, Liu HW, Cai JH, Wu YH, Xiang XF, Shan GQ, Cheng B (2013) The efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma combined with erbium fractional laser therapy for facial acne scars or acne. Mol Med Rep 8(1):233–237

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

None.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jordan V. Wang.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Schoenberg, E., Wang, J.V., Zachary, C.B. et al. Treatment of acne scars with PRP and laser therapy: an up-to-date appraisal. Arch Dermatol Res 311, 643–646 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-019-01936-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-019-01936-7

Keywords

Navigation