Platelet-rich Plasma use for facial rejuvenation: a clinical trial and review of current literature

Photothermal Biostimulation of Platelet-Rich Plasma Improves Hand Rejuvenation Clinical Outcome: A Pilot Study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate physical skin changes and patients' subjective perception of treatment with photothermal bioactivated platelet-rich plasma (MCT Plasma) for hand rejuvenation. Background: Age-related changes in the dorsum of the hand include volume loss, dyschromia, and soft-tissue atrophy, which result in wrinkles and prominent deep structures. Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center, randomized pilot study on 10 healthy female volunteers from 30 to 65 years with hand aging signs. Patients received two sessions of MCT Plasma on the treated hand and two sessions of standard platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the control hand. Results were assessed through high-frequency ultrasonography, photographs, a patient satisfaction survey, patient perception of skin aspect, and patient perception of amelioration survey. Results: Ten women with a mean age of 57.5 years (standard deviation 10.5, range 31 - 67) were included, and seven (70%) completed the study. The treated hands' skin subepidermal low-echogenic band (SLEB) decreased from 20% to 60%, and 57.1% (n = 4) had better results than control. Twenty percent of patients were very satisfied with the results, 40% were satisfied, 40% were neutral, and none were unsatisfied or very unsatisfied. Patients perceived the skin of the treated hand (MCT Plasma) as "much better" (20%), "better" (60%), and "no changes" (20%) compared with the skin of the control hand (standard PRP). No treatment-related adverse events were reported during the study. Conclusions: Hands treated with MCT Plasma tended to have better outcomes in reducing SLEB compared with those treated with standard PRP. Patients were satisfied and the treatment was safe with no technical complications. However, further randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are mandatory to validate the extent of improvement provided by this device based on photothermal biomodulation.

Clinically Actionable Topical Strategies for Addressing the Hallmarks of Skin Aging: A Primer for Aesthetic Medicine Practitioners

In this narrative review, we sought to provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms underlying cutaneous senescence, framed by the twelve traditional hallmarks of aging. These include genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, impaired macroautophagy, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, altered intercellular communication, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis. We also examined how topical interventions targeting these hallmarks can be integrated with conventional aesthetic medicine techniques to enhance skin rejuvenation. The potential of combining targeted topical therapies against the aging hallmarks with minimally invasive procedures represents a significant advancement in aesthetic medicine, offering personalized and effective strategies to combat skin aging. The reviewed evidence paves the way for future advancements and underscores the transformative potential of integrating scientifically validated interventions targeted against aging hallmarks into traditional aesthetic practices.

Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Promote Facial Rejuvenation? Revising the Latest Evidence in a Narrative Review

Facial aging is characterized by progressive macroscopic, histological, and molecular changes. Due to its regenerative and rejuvenating properties, the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a facial antiaging agent has gained popularity over the last decade. In order to gather and evaluate the latest evidence focusing on the effect of PRP on facial skin rejuvenating, a search through MEDLINE (PubMed) using relevant keywords, inclusion, and exclusion criteria was performed. A total of 539 articles were initially retrieved, and from those, 16 were included in the review. Treatment protocols comprised the use of PRP both in monotherapy and in combination with other substances and by means of direct injection or topical application following skin permeation. The selected studies presented high variability regarding PRP preparation methods, administration protocols, and results assessment. In most studies, PRP seemed to improve to some degree the signs of facial aging, such has wrinkles, skin quality, and pigmentation, accompanied by significant histological and molecular responses. Optimizing treatment protocols should be the next step in assessing the full potential of PRP.

Assessing the Rejuvenation Effectiveness of a Hyaluronic Acid and Amino Acid Mixture in the Periorbital Region

Purpose

We performed an assessment of the rejuvenation effect of an amino acid and hyaluronic acid mixture in the periorbital area.

Methods

A total of 23 of the 35 participants completed all application sessions and measurements. These 23 women were aged 30-55 years. A hyaluronic acid and amino acid mixture was injected into the participants' periorbital area. Three sessions of application with 15-day intervals were undertaken. Subjects' age, height, weight, smoking status, and sport participation were recorded. A photonumeric dark circle scale and Fitzpatrick's periorbital wrinkling classification were used for evaluation of dark circles and wrinkles in the periorbital area. Anatomical measurements (height of upper and lower eyelids) were done using ImageJ and a skin-analysis system (Observ 520).

Results

The 23 women had a mean age of 42.46±9.33 years, mean height 164.46±4.96 cm, and mean weight 63.94±8.26 kg. Before the sessions, the mean heights of the upper eyelids were 1.24±013 cm (right) and 1.21±013 cm (left), while those of the lower eyelids were 0.98±014 cm (right) and 0.97±0.17 cm (left). One month after the third session, mean upper-eyelid heights were 1.30±0.09 cm (right) and 1.28±0.11 cm (left) and lower-eyelid ones 1.02±0.11 cm (right) and 1.02±0.13 cm (left). Dark-circle and wrinkle-scale scores showed significantly positive results between before the sessions and 1 month after the third session.

Conclusion

A hyaluronic acid and amino acid mixture can be used to rejuvenation of the periorbital area in women aged 30-55 years.

A Comparative Study on Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Secretome Delivery Using Microneedling and Fractional CO2 Laser for Facial Skin Rejuvenation

Background

The efficacy of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) secretome for skin aging has been established, yet no studies hitherto directly investigated the best administration method for such purpose.

Purpose

We aimed to compare microneedling (MN) versus fractional CO₂ laser (FL) as methods of delivery for ADMSCs secretome in the treatment of aging skin.

Patients and Methods

A single-blind, randomized split-face clinical trial was conducted on 30 Indonesian women (aged 35-59 years old) with signs of facial cutaneous senescence. Their initial aging status was assessed by dermoscopy photoaging scale (DPAS) and Janus-III measurement system. In the second and fourth weeks, all participants were treated with both MN and FL, followed by the application of a four-fold concentrated ADMSC secretome. The assignment of which side of the face received MN or FL was done by computer-based randomization. Skin parameters were reevaluated on the fourth and sixth weeks, along with patient satisfaction, level of comfort, preference for administration techniques, and also adverse events experienced during the study. Appropriate statistical analyses were subsequently performed at a significance level of 0.05.

Results

Significant improvements in total DPAS and wrinkles were found in the MN and FL groups at the end of the trial. In contrast, no statistical differences in all parameters were observed between groups in the fourth and sixth weeks. FL scored higher than MN for satisfaction and preference, but lower in terms of comfort. Pain, burning sensation, and itch were the side effects experienced by subjects upon treatment. Two patients had prolonged reddish skin succeeding FL treatment, which relieved with moisturizer application.

Conclusion

Both MN and FL yielded comparable results for improving several skin aging features. However, subjective preference for ADMSCs secretome administration method may differ when considering satisfaction, comfort, and possible adverse events.

Autologous platelet concentrates for facial rejuvenation

Autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) are promising therapeutic agents in facial rejuvenation since they are a great source of cytokines, growth factors and other biologically active substances. Obtained from the patient’s blood, they have the advantages of reducing immunological reactions, making the procedure safer, well tolerated, with minimal adverse effects and lower cost. Currently, they are used for facial rejuvenation both in combination with microneedling and in mesotherapy techniques, as well as to treat facial acne scars, melasma and wounds after laser ablative treatments. This review summarizes current knowledge on the use of APCs, ranging from basic concepts related to their composition and mechanisms of action to up-to-date information on their clinical efficacy.