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Received: 22 January 2019 Revised: 3 May 2019 Accepted: 26 August 2019 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13157
ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION
Platelet‐rich plasma treatment for melasma: A pilot study Punyaphat Sirithanabadeekul MD1
| Arada Dannarongchai MD1 |
Atchima Suwanchinda MD2 1 Department of Dermatology, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand 2
Department of Dermatology, School of AntiAging and Regenerative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Bangkok, Thailand Correspondence Punyaphat Sirithanabadeekul, Department of Dermatology, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand Email: punyaphats.cicm@gmail.com
Abstract Background: Melasma treatments have varying success and are associated with some complications. Aims: To assess the effectiveness of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) treatment for melasma. Methods: Ten female patients with bilateral mixed‐type melasma were enrolled in our randomized, split‐face, single‐blinded prospective trial. Over 4 treatment ses‐ sions that each took place every 2 weeks, PRP was injected intradermally on one side of the face (PRP condition) and normal saline on the other (control condition). PRP was prepared by using the YCELLBIO Kit®. Outcomes were evaluated with the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI), Mexameter®, and Antera® 3D. Patient satisfaction was also assessed at baseline, at 2, 4, and 6 weeks, and 1 month after treatment completion. Results: mMASI score and Antera® 3D‐assessed melanin levels show significant im‐ provement in the PRP condition than control condition between baseline and week 6, while patient satisfaction significantly increased over time. However, Mexameter®‐ assessed erythema and melanin indices did not significantly differ between the con‐ trol and PRP conditions, though there was a trend toward reduced pigmentation in the latter. Finally, side effects of treatment were mild and resolved spontaneously within a few days. Conclusion: This is the first randomized, placebo‐controlled trial study using PRP for treatment of melasma. PRP injection significantly improved melasma within 6 weeks of treatment in terms of mMASI scores, patient satisfaction, and Antera®‐assessed melanin levels. Hence, intradermal PRP injection could be used as an alternative or adjuvant therapy for melasma. However, additional trials are needed for more rigor‐ ous evaluation of its long‐term efficacy and safety. KEYWORDS
hyperpigment, intradermal, melasma, platelet‐rich plasma, treatment
1 | I NTRO D U C TI O N
people with darker skin (Fitzpatrick type IV‐VI). Although its pathogenesis remains unknown, common risk factors for melasma
Melasma is an acquired skin pigmentation disorder characterized
include genetics, UV light exposure, pregnancy, and use of oral
by symmetrical hyperpigmented macules and patches in sun‐ex‐
contraceptives and drugs such as phenytoin. Recently, there has
posed areas of the face such as the forehead, cheeks, lips, and
also been evidence that dermal factors, including increased mast
nose. It occurs commonly and is found especially in women and
cell numbers, vascular growth factor levels, solar elastosis, and
J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19:1321–1327.
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