PRP for acne scarring & rosacea….

Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) is indicated for almost all skin conditions and types,  in aesthetics it is used primarily for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation purposes. Additionally,  it has been shown to be particularly beneficial in treating acne scarring and rosacea. The scientific reason behind this is the platelets in our blood play an important role in wound healing and can support cell growth and tissue regeneration.  Scientists discovered that the high concentration of platelets in PRP allows for the formation and release of growth factors and active proteins that promote growth of collagen and healing. 

One of the best thing about this technique is that it is completely natural as it utilises the client’s own blood, which is extracted and centrifuged (spun) to separate the platelets & growth factors from the rest of the blood cells, creating the PRP.  The prepared PRP (a straw coloured liquid) is injected back into the skin to the desired treatment area to begin working its magic.

Rosacea can have very negative psychological effects on sufferers, this is partly because there is no ‘final’ cure. However, the good news is that PRP can help to manage the condition very effectively by suppressing symptoms and relieving irritation long-term. As we know the plasma works to boost our body’s natural collagen production & PRP injections allow delivery of growth factors directly to the problem site. For rosacea sufferers, this is likely to be the facial skin.

PRP enables the skin to rejuvenate and repair the damaged capillaries which helps to alleviate and soothe the inflammatory symptoms of rosacea.

Studies have shown that after one or two treatments, sufferers of rosacea have seen significant improvements to their skin. These improvements can last between 6 – 18 months before further treatment is required to start the healing process again.

Acne Scarring

Like rosacea, acne is a chronic inflammatory condition which can severely affect confidence and quality of life for those individuals affected. It mostly affects the hair follicles and sweat glands. A very common disorder, particularly among the younger population, affecting up to 80% of adolescents.  Unfortunately one of the most common, lasting, side-effects of this disorder is scarring, often of the face and cheeks.

The scarring, which occurs in nearly 50% of all acne sufferers happens because the long term inflammation associated with active acne permenantly degrades collagen fibres and the underlying sub-cutaneous fat, leaving those tell-tale marks on the skin.

It is the same properties of PRP as mentioned above which  repair and remodel the damaged collagen leading to an improvements in the epi-dermis and appearance of scarring on the surface of the skin.

Multitudes of studies have been performed on the benefits of microneedling on scarring, and it is now generally accepted that microneedling is a common answer in effectively treating scarring of all causes. More recent studies conclude that when PRP is coupled with microneedling, up to a 50% improvement was seen in the results when compared to micro-needling alone.

PRP has also been shown to be effective in active acne, helping to reduce inflammation and shorten the length of an outbreak. However, it may not be beneficial to micro needle during an active flare-up as this could spread bacteria.

The best results were seen for scarring after 6 treatments at 4-6 week intervals. The results are permanent to the existing scarring which has been treated. 

The evidence of the benefits following treatment with PRP for these dermatological conditions is strong. Which is great news for anyone affected.

If you would like to discuss anything you have read please get in touch with Laura at  LHP Aesthetics & Skincare. 

Baumann’s Cosmetic Dermatology, Third Edition 8 Sept. 2022

Leslie S. Baumann (Author), Evan A. Rieder (Author), Mary D. Sun (Author)

Ghoz MT, Mohamed DA, Ibrahim ZA, Hassan GFR. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of platelet rich plasma injection in treatment of rosacea. Dermatol Ther. 2021 Sep;34(5):e15049. doi: 10.1111/dth.15049. Epub 2021 Jul 6. PMID: 34197656.

Kang C, Lu D. Combined Effect of Microneedling and Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Acne Scars: A Meta-Analysis. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022 Feb 14;8:788754. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.788754. PMID: 35237616; PMCID: PMC8882957.