Platelet-rich plasma treatment for melasma: A pilot study

Melasma treatments have varying success and are associated with some complications.

To assess the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment for melasma.

Ten female patients with bilateral mixed-type melasma were enrolled in our randomized, split-face, single-blinded prospective trial. Over 4 treatment sessions that each took place every 2 weeks, PRP was injected intradermally on one side of the face (PRP condition) and normal saline on the other (control condition). PRP was prepared by using the YCELLBIO Kit^® . Outcomes were evaluated with the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI), Mexameter^® , and Antera^® 3D. Patient satisfaction was also assessed at baseline, at 2, 4, and 6 weeks, and 1 month after treatment completion.

mMASI score and Antera^® 3D-assessed melanin levels show significant improvement in the PRP condition than control condition between baseline and week 6, while patient satisfaction significantly increased over time. However, Mexameter^® -assessed erythema and melanin indices did not significantly differ between the control and PRP conditions, though there was a trend toward reduced pigmentation in the latter. Finally, side effects of treatment were mild and resolved spontaneously within a few days.

This is the first randomized, placebo-controlled trial study using PRP for treatment of melasma. PRP injection significantly improved melasma within 6 weeks of treatment in terms of mMASI scores, patient satisfaction, and Antera^® -assessed melanin levels. Hence, intradermal PRP injection could be used as an alternative or adjuvant therapy for melasma. However, additional trials are needed for more rigorous evaluation of its long-term efficacy and safety.