Role Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Management of Acne Scar

Abstract

Inflammatory acne can cause different types of scars. These scars negatively affect patient’s relational and social life. The abnormal production or degradation of collagen that occurs in healing processes leads to various types of acne scars. In most cases (80–90%), there is a degradation of collagen at the dermal level which results in atrophic scarring. More rarely, there is an increased production of collagen which causes hypertrophic or keloid scars.Platelet-Rich Plasma is used with variable success for the treatment in specialties of dermatology, plastic surgery and aesthetics, ear-nose-throat surgery, orthopedics, sports medicine, gynecology and ophthalmology. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) came into the acne scar management picture after platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) was shown to promote wound healing, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Platelet‐rich plasma modalities are minimally invasive and have the advantages of short downtime and low cost.Platelet‐rich plasma is derived from autologous blood containing other factors, such as transforming growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and insulin‐like growth factor that upon activation lead to collagen induction which may ultimately enhance the remodeling of atrophic acne scars.