Dermatologic PRP Application |
PRP Protocol |
Details |
Outcome |
Hair Restoration |
Androgenic alopecia |
PRP injections alone, with dalteparin and protamine microparticles |
PRP administered every 2–3 weeks for 12 weeks; hair shaft diameters measured |
Both PRP alone and PRP with dalteparin had increases in mean hair numbers and significant increases in collagen, fibroblasts, and angiogenesis around hair follicles when compared to control group. PRP with dalteparin significantly increased hair diameter.3,11 |
PRP injections with progesterone |
PRP administered every 4 weeks for 24 weeks, then every 8–12 weeks indefinitely |
PRP administered with progesterone inhibits 5-alpha reductase, preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT damages hair follicles, contributing to genetic hair loss. Progesterone inhibits 5-alpha reductase and DHT, allowing hair growth to recover. |
PRP injections with CD34+ cells |
PRP with CD34+ cells injected every 3 months |
An increase in hair count, thickness, density, and cosmetic appearance.2,12 |
Skin Rejuvenation |
Acne scars |
L-PRP injections or topical application after fractional ablative CO2 laser |
L-PRP administered via injection or topical application following fractional ablative CO2 laser treatments for acne scars |
L-PRP administered topically and intradermally post fractional ablative CO2 laser treatments both showed significant improvement in clinical appearance or acne scars. The duration of erythema and edema was also reduced.3,14,16 |
Injected subdermally after subcision to atrophic/indented scars; applied topically with microneedling at 1–1.5 mm depth immediately after laser resurfacing |
Microneedling with PRP immediately post-resurfacing; can be applied topically daily for 7–14 days after aggressive laser resurfacing |
Improved collagen production in scars and overall enhanced outcomes; decreased redness, pain, and swelling post-treatment; improved healing times. |
Dermal Augmentation |
Facial rhytides |
PRP injections infraorbitally, as well as facial, neck regions, and nasolabial folds |
Split-face PRP and saline injections for comparison |
PRP has been noted to significantly improve wrinkles and skin tone through stimulated neocollagenesis and angiogenesis.3 |
Combination Therapies |
Hyaluronic acid fillers |
Combining PRP with hyaluronic acid fillers and dermal augmentation agents |
Hyaluronic acid fillers and dermal augmentation agents serve as scaffolds to which PRP binds, enhancing skin rejuvenation, soft tissue augmentation, and overall aesthetic appearance.2 |
Augmented fat injections |
PRFM injections combined with autologous fat grafts |
PRFM traps growth factors contained in PRP, slowing their release, which prolongs the survival of the injected fat.7 PRP can enhance overall volume retention of injected fat and may be beneficial in treating HIV-associated facial fat atrophy.7,17–19 |
Microneedling |
0.25–2.5 mm depth depending on anticipated outcome; multiple passes until pin-point bleeding without petechia or ecchymosis |
Microneedling creates small holes in the skin, which enhances uptake of PRP, assisting in increased neocollagenesis. |
Laser |
Combining fractional laser resurfacing with PRP application |
Administering PRP after fractional laser resurfacing improves skin elasticity, induces fibroblasts, and increases collagen density.20 |
Striae Distensae |
Striae distensae |
Combining PRP administration with radiofrequency and ultrasound devices |
PRP administered and followed by radiofrequency once every 4 weeks, or every 2 weeks for 8 weeks with ultrasound to enhance PRP penetration |
Abdominal biopsies indicate increases in collagen density and elastic fibers, along with good or very good cosmetic improvements.21 |