Microneedling Therapy With and Without Platelet-Rich Plasma
Microneedling therapy is an increasingly popular treatment of several dermatologic conditions. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may serve as a valuable adjunct to improve the regenerative effects of treatment. We review the evidence comparing the results of microneedling therapy with and without PRP. Based on the current preliminary literature, PRP appears to augment the cosmetic outcomes of microneedling without increasing the risk for adverse events.
Practice Points
- Microneedling is an effective therapy for skin rejuvenation.
- Preliminary evidence indicates that the addition of platelet-rich plasma to microneedling improves cosmetic outcomes.
Conclusion
Microneedling therapy continues to evolve with a range of applications now emerging in dermatology. As PRP has gained popularity, there has been increased interest in its utilization to amplify the regenerative effects of microneedling. Although the number of direct comparisons examining microneedling with and without PRP is limited, the available evidence indicates that the addition of PRP may improve cosmetic outcomes. These results have been demonstrated primarily in the management of acne scars, but favorable effects may extend to other indications. Continued study is warranted to further quantify the degree of these benefits and to elucidate optimal treatment schedules.
In addition, it is important to consider a cost-benefit analysis of PRP. The price of PRP varies depending on the clinical site but in certain cases may double the cost of a microneedling treatment session. Although studies have demonstrated a statistically significant benefit to PRP, the clinical significance of this supplementary treatment must be weighed against the increased expense. A discussion should take place with the consideration that microneedling alone can provide a satisfactory result for some patients.
