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Review
. 2018 Nov 18:4:2059513118808773.
doi: 10.1177/2059513118808773. eCollection 2018 Jan-Dec.

The evidence behind the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in scar management: a literature review

Osaid H Alser  1 , Ioannis Goutos  1
Affiliations
Review

The evidence behind the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in scar management: a literature review

Osaid H Alser et al. Scars Burn Heal. .

Abstract

Introduction: Autologous platelet-based concentrates represent increasingly popular adjuncts to a variety of medical, surgical and aesthetic interventions. Their beneficial potential rests on the ability to deliver a high concentration of growth factors to the target tissues. There are currently no reports in the literature appraising the evidence behind the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in scar management.

Methods: A detailed English literature review was conducted using PubMed Medline, Embase and Web of Science; the manuscripts were appraised and classified according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Levels of evidence. The results are presented in descending order of evidence separately for atrophic, keloid, surgical and traumatic scars.

Discussion: On the basis of level 1 evidence currently available, it appears that PRP can improve the quality of atrophic acne scars treated with ablative fractional CO2 laser and decrease the duration of laser-related side effects including oedema and erythema. Regarding surgical scars, the current data suggest that PRP may improve wound healing and early scar quality; furthermore, incorporation of PRP in fat-grafting procedures undertaken in conjunction with non-ablative, fractional laser can contribute to better wound healing as well as a significant improvement in texture, colour and contour in traumatic scar resurfacing. There are no high level studies at present to support the incorporation of autologous platelet-based concentrates in the management of keloid scars.

Conclusion: PRP is a promising adjunct in scar management practice. Further research with long-term follow-up is warranted to delineate the value of this modality in different subtypes of scars.

Keywords: Atrophic; PRP; concentrate; keloid; management; platelet; platelet-rich plasma; scar; traumatic.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of conflicting interests: The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Image 1.
Image 1.
Appearance of whole blood centrifugates illustrating the separation of platelet (top) and red blood cell (bottom) portions before the platelet rich plasma (PRP) is extracted for clinical use.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Pierce GF, Mustoe TA, Lingelbach J, et al. Platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta enhance tissue repair activities by unique mechanisms. J Cell Biol 1989; 109: 429–440. - PMC - PubMed
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    1. Marx RE. Platelet-rich plasma: evidence to support its use. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2004; 62: 489–496. - PubMed

How to cite this article

    1. Alser OH and Goutos I. The evidence behind the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in scar management: a literature review. Scars, Burns & Healing, Volume 4, 2018. DOI: 10.1177/2059513118808773 - PMC - PubMed