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Author Spotlight: Non-Surgical Treatment of Melasma– Microneedling with Tranexamic Acid
Published on: January 19, 2024
Efficacy of Microneedle Fractional Radiofrequency Combined With Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Melasma: A
Ziyan Chen1, Yuhao Li1, Yi Ou1
1Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Background:
Melasma is a common facial pigmentary disorder that markedly impairs quality of life, yet current treatments often yield incomplete clearance and frequent relapse. Microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFR) can remodel the dermis and enhance transdermal delivery, whereas platelet-rich plasma (PRP) provides growth factors that may modulate melanogenesis and inflammation.
Aims:
To compare the efficacy and safety of MFR combined with PRP versus MFR alone in the treatment of facial melasma.
Methods:
In this prospective, randomized, evaluator-blinded, split-face trial, 30 patients with stable, symmetrical facial melasma received two sessions of MFR. One facial side was randomly assigned to receive adjunctive PRP and the contralateral side received saline. Outcomes included modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) and hemi-mMASI scores, VISIA skin analysis, patient-reported satisfaction, and adverse events. Ultrasound was used to measure epidermal and dermal thickness at predefined facial landmarks.
Results:
Twenty-nine patients completed the study. Overall mMASI and hemi-mMASI scores decreased on both sides at the 3-month follow-up after the last treatment. VISIA analysis showed significant reductions in red area and brown spot scores on the combination side, whereas changes on the MFR-alone side did not reach statistical significance. Ultrasound demonstrated increased dermal thickness at selected landmarks on each side, but the magnitude of change did not differ between sides.
Conclusions:
MFR is an effective and safe option for melasma in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III-IV. Adjunctive PRP did not further improve global clinical pigment scores or ultrasound-detected structural changes, but may offer added benefit for erythematous and pigmentary features detected by VISIA.
Insights
Microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFR) effectively treats melasma. Adding platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to MFR did not significantly improve overall pigment scores but showed benefits in specific skin features.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Aesthetic Medicine
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder impacting quality of life.
- Current melasma treatments have limitations in efficacy and relapse rates.
- Microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFR) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) show potential for melasma treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of MFR combined with PRP versus MFR alone for facial melasma.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes using clinical scores, skin analysis, and ultrasound measurements.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, evaluator-blinded, split-face trial involving 30 patients with melasma.
- Two sessions of MFR were administered, with one side receiving adjunctive PRP and the other receiving saline.
- Outcomes assessed included mMASI scores, VISIA skin analysis, patient satisfaction, and ultrasound-measured skin thickness.
Main Results:
- Both MFR with PRP and MFR alone reduced melasma severity scores.
- VISIA analysis revealed significant improvements in red and brown spot scores on the MFR+PRP side.
- Ultrasound showed increased dermal thickness on both sides, with no significant difference between treatments.
Conclusions:
- MFR is an effective and safe treatment for melasma in Fitzpatrick skin types III-IV.
- Adjunctive PRP did not enhance overall pigment scores or structural changes compared to MFR alone.
- PRP may offer additional benefits for specific erythematous and pigmentary aspects of melasma.
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