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Author Spotlight: Non-Surgical Treatment of Melasma– Microneedling with Tranexamic Acid
Published on: January 19, 2024
Efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy in Melasma Using Microinjections and Microneedling Techniques
Seema Sitaula1, Shree Ram Pokhrel2, Prayash Paudel2
1Department of Dermatology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Introduction:
Melasma is a long-term acquired disorder characterized by symmetrical darkening in facial regions exposed to sunlight. Although some risk factors have been identified, the etiology remains unclear, and interventions frequently do not totally improve outcomes.
Aim:
It compares the efficacy and side effects of platelet-rich plasma therapy administered by microneedling versus microinjection to detect any difference in the delivery methods, treatment outcomes, and safety profiles.
Methods:
In this prospective, single-center, randomized split-face research, 62 patients' melasma was treated with PRP therapy using microneedling versus microinjection. Microneedling and microinjection were used to apply PRP to the face's two sides. Photographs were obtained before therapy, and the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI), Physician Global Assessment, and Patient Global Assessment were used for monthly follow-up evaluation. In order to compare safety and efficacy, adverse events were recorded and statistical analysis was performed.
Results:
A significantly significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed in the mean change in MASI score between microinjection and microneedling. The microneedling group showed a 73.33% improvement while the microinjection group had an 18.33% improvement, both of which were greater than 50%. The microneedling group showed a 46.67% improvement and the microinjection group had a 5% improvement of over 75%. There were no noteworthy negative effects observed.
Conclusion:
PRP therapy with microneedling is superior to microinjection in treating melasma; patients who receive microneedling show noticeably better improvement.
Insights
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for melasma is more effective with microneedling than microinjection. Microneedling significantly improved melasma severity compared to microinjection, with no adverse effects reported.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Aesthetic Medicine
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Melasma is a chronic skin condition causing facial hyperpigmentation.
- Current melasma treatments have limitations in efficacy and etiology remains unclear.
- Sun exposure is a significant risk factor for melasma development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for melasma.
- To evaluate differences in treatment outcomes between microneedling and microinjection delivery methods for PRP.
- To assess the safety profiles of microneedling versus microinjection in PRP administration.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized split-face study involving 62 melasma patients.
- PRP was applied to one side of the face using microneedling and the other using microinjection.
- Outcomes were assessed monthly using MASI scores, Physician Global Assessment, and Patient Global Assessment, with adverse events recorded.
Main Results:
- Microneedling demonstrated significantly superior improvement in MASI scores compared to microinjection (p < 0.001).
- The microneedling group achieved 73.33% improvement, while the microinjection group showed 18.33% improvement.
- No significant adverse effects were reported for either treatment method.
Conclusions:
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy delivered via microneedling is more effective than microinjection for treating melasma.
- Microneedling offers a superior treatment outcome for melasma patients.
- Both methods were found to be safe, but microneedling showed enhanced efficacy.
