Study finds melasma improvement with PRP

A study to assess the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a treatment for melasma found that PRP injections can have significant results within six weeks of treatment. 

The study, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in September 2019, is the first randomised, placebo-controlled trial study using PRP for treatment of melasma. 

Ten female patients with bilateral mixed-type melasma took part in the split-face, single-blinded prospective trail. 

The participants had PRP injected intra-dermally on one side of the face and normal saline on the other over four treatment sessions that took place every two weeks. 

Outcomes were evaluated with the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI), Mexameter melanin and haemoglobin-measuring device and Antera 3D skin analysis camera. 

Patient satisfaction was also assessed at baseline, two, four and six weeks and one month post-treatment completion. 

mMASI score and Antera3D‐assessed melanin levels showed significant improvement in the PRP condition than control condition between baseline and week six, while patient satisfaction significantly increased over time. 

However, Mexameter‐assessed erythema and melanin indices did not significantly differ between the control and PRP conditions, though there was a trend toward reduced pigmentation in the latter. 

The study concluded that intradermal PRP injection could be used as an alternative or adjuvant therapy for melasma, though additional trials are needed for evaluation of long-term efficacy and safety.