Synergistic Effects of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (a-PRP) and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injections on Facial Skin Rejuvenation
The demand for facial skin rejuvenation is increasing. Facial skin aging is clinically associated with a number of features like changes in elasticity and reduced hydration. In a pilot study (J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017), Hersant et al. reported preliminary results showing that a combination of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Hyaluronic acid (HA) significantly improved the net elasticity of the skin and the overall facial appearance at 6 months. These results have been confirmed in the latest publication from Prof. Hersant and her team. This controlled prospective study comparing the PRP-HA combination (prepared with Cellular Matrix® medical device), PRP alone and HA alone was published this summer in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
The purpose of this work was to assess and investigate the synergistic effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) and autologous platelet-rich plasma (a-PRP) injections on facial skin rejuvenation.
For this randomized controlled prospective study, 93 eligible patients were enrolled and randomized into 3 intervention groups (31 patients in each group) to undergo a series of 3 treatment sessions with either a-PRP, HA, or a combination of a-PRP and HA prepared with a dedicated medical device (Cellular Matrix®; Regen Lab) injected into facial cheeks.
Treatment with Cellular Matrix® PRP-HA combination (CM-PRP-HA) led to a very significant improvement in the overall facial appearance compared with treatment with a-PRP or HA alone (p < 0.0001). Participants treated with CM-PRP-HA showed a 20%, 24%, and 17% increase in FACE-Q score at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment, respectively. The improvement in FACE-Q score at the same time points was 12%, 11%, and 6% for the HA group, and 9%, 11%, and 8% for the a-PRP group. Cutometer® measurements (MPA 580) showed significantly improved skin elasticity for CM-PRP-HA group compared with the groups receiving a-PRP or HA alone. No serious adverse events were reported.
The authors concluded that the Cellular Matrix PRP-HA combination seems to be a promising treatment for facial skin rejuvenation with a highly significant improvement in facial appearance and skin elasticity compared with a-PRP or HA alone.
Bruno BOEZENNEC, MD, Managing Editor
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