Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), as I have discussed in previous posts, has the ability to promote healing and rejuvenation of various tissues. The growth factors that are secreted have shown promise in the production of collagen and other matrix components through the activation of fibroblasts (the most common type of cell in human connective tissue, actually an activated stem cell) in the skin.
An article from the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2010 May; 9(5):466-72, by Redaelli et. al., involved a three month study with 23 patients who received injections of PRP in the face and neck in an effort to promote skin rejuvenation. The patients each received three treatments over the course of the study, with documentation and imaging before and after each session with a final follow-up one month after the last treatment. The injections were given at specific points in both the face and neck, identical in all patients and with every treatment. The study used the following imaging techniques: dermascope, digital camera, and a comprehensive state-of-the-art imaging system with dedicated medical imaging software. The results were evaluated by a special "spider improvement score", a patient's satisfaction score, a doctor's satisfaction score, and a photograph score. In addition, a definitive graduated score was calculated for each patient. Overall the results were satisfactory and showed promise. Also, there were no serious or persistent side-effects. The authors felt like this was a useful therapy for skin rejuvenation.
As a later follow-up to this, a group of researchers (Kim, et.al.) in Korea published an article in the Annals of Dermatology, 2011 Nov.; 23(4): 424-31, evaluating the actual effects of PRP on dermal fibroblasts. This study looked at the effects of PRP on matrix protein synthesis, collagen production, and fibroblast cell proliferation. PRP showed an increase in the expression of type 1 collagen, MMP-1 protein (matrix metalloproteinase), and mRNA in human dermal fibroblasts, thus verifying that PRP does promote tissue remodeling. The researchers hypothesized that the PRP may promote extracellular matrix remodeling through the removal of photo-damaged components and through the induction of new collagen synthesis by the fibroblasts, which in turn proliferate by their stimulation.
It is felt that PRP can be beneficial as either a stand-alone procedure, or as an adjuvant therapy with lasers for skin rejuvenation. We are currently interested in comparing the results of both a superficial application and injections, or possibly even a combination of both. In addition, the use of stem cells might improve the results even more, although at a higher dollar cost.
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