Platelet‐rich plasma treatment for melasma: A pilot study

Abstract Background Melasma treatments have varying success and are associated with some complications. Aims To assess the effectiveness of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) treatment for melasma. Methods Ten female patients with bilateral mixed‐type melasma were enrolled in our randomized, split‐face, single‐blinded prospective trial. Over 4 treatment sessions that each took place every 2 weeks, PRP was injected intradermally on one side of the face (PRP condition) and normal saline on the other (control condition). PRP was prepared by using the YCELLBIO Kit ® . Outcomes were evaluated with the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI), Mexameter ® , and Antera ® 3D. Patient satisfaction was also assessed at baseline, at 2, 4, and 6 weeks, and 1 month after treatment completion. Results mMASI score and Antera ® 3D‐assessed melanin levels show significant improvement in the PRP condition than control condition between baseline and week 6, while patient satisfaction significantly increased over time. However, Mexameter ® ‐assessed erythema and melanin indices did not significantly differ between the control and PRP conditions, though there was a trend toward reduced pigmentation in the latter. Finally, side effects of treatment were mild and resolved spontaneously within a few days. Conclusion This is the first randomized, placebo‐controlled trial study using PRP for treatment of melasma. PRP injection significantly improved melasma within 6 weeks of treatment in terms of mMASI scores, patient satisfaction, and Antera ® ‐assessed melanin levels. Hence, intradermal PRP injection could be used as an alternative or adjuvant therapy for melasma. However, additional trials are needed for more rigorous evaluation of its long‐term efficacy and safety.