Applications of platelet-rich plasma in dermatology: A critical appraisal of the literature
October 2015
in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”
TLDR Platelet-rich plasma may have some benefits in dermatology, but there's not enough evidence to widely recommend its use.
The document critically reviews the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in dermatology, focusing on wound healing, fat grafting, alopecia, scar revision, and dermal volume augmentation. It concludes that while PRP may offer modest benefits for certain conditions, the evidence is insufficient to support its widespread use in dermatology. The literature is particularly lacking in high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs), except for chronic wound healing and alopecia areata. In the case of alopecia areata, a study involving 45 patients showed a 60% complete remission rate with PRP treatment after 12 months, compared to 27% with triamcinolone. For androgenetic alopecia and other applications, the studies were small, unblinded, or poorly controlled, indicating a risk of bias. The document suggests that PRP is generally safe with few complications, but emphasizes the need for well-designed trials to determine its true efficacy in dermatological applications.
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