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

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.