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Introduction: Despite increasing popularity of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating aging facial skin, the quality of evidence supporting its use is poor due to the lack of consistent methods of its preparation and application., Objective: This study was conducted to assess treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction with a single PRP treatment prepared with a simplified preparation and application technique., Methods: Four millilitre of PRP were injected into 6 standardized points on each side of the face. Outcomes were assessed by independent physician evaluation of pretreatment and posttreatment photographs using the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). In addition, patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the FACE-Q., Results: Thirty-one participants ranging from 27 to 71 years of age (median, 38; IQR 32-58) were recruited for this study. Posttreatment WSRS scores improved in only 1 patient; the GAIS scores of 14 patients indicated aesthetic improvement. Analysis of FACE-Q scores revealed statistically significant increases in participant satisfaction with overall facial appearance and cheeks. The most frequently reported adverse effects were tenderness (23.4%; 7 of 31), facial tightness (20.0%; 6 of 31), and swelling (20.0%; 6 of 31)., Conclusions: A simple method of PRP preparation offers modest benefit in treating the effects of skin aging and photodamage. Future research studies should alter our methods using a stepwise approach to optimize the treatment of aging facial skin with PRP., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Despite the growing popularity of platelet-rich plasma, existing evidence supporting its efficacy remains controversial due to the lack of large-scale studies and standardized protocols for preparation and application. This article reviews its use in facial rejuvenation, fat grafting, acne scarring, and androgenic alopecia. Emphasis is placed on comparing methods of platelet-rich plasma preparation and application across studies., Methods: A systematic review was performed for articles published between 2006 and 2015. All clinical studies and case reports that addressed platelet-rich plasma alone and/or in combination with fat grafting for facial rejuvenation, acne scarring, or androgenic alopecia were included., Results: Of the 22 articles included in the analysis, seven studies used platelet-rich plasma alone for facial rejuvenation, seven in combination with fat grafting, two for treatment of acne scarring, and six for treatment of androgenic alopecia. Individual study procedures, means of evaluation, and significant results are summarized. Although the majority of studies in this review report positive results, significant variation exists in preparation protocols and in the number and frequency of clinical treatments., Conclusions: The majority of studies report positive results for all indications evaluated in this review, but the procedure is limited by the lack of a standardized method for preparation and application of platelet-rich plasma. The extent to which significant variability in platelet-rich plasma preparation and/or application methods may affect clinical outcomes is not completely clear. In the interim, we present a consolidation of platelet-rich plasma treatment techniques and outcomes currently in use to help guide physicians in their clinical practice.