Journal article icon

Journal article

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

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.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

Actions


Access Document


Files:
Publisher copy:
10.1177/2059513118808773

Authors


More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
NDORMS
Oxford college:
Green Templeton College
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0001-6743-803X


Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Journal:
Scars, Burns and Healing More from this journal
Volume:
4
Pages:
1–15
Publication date:
2018-11-18
Acceptance date:
2018-09-29
DOI:
EISSN:
2059-5131


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
pubs:950507
UUID:
uuid:8280ed23-263b-49bd-977b-5df5b3380317
Local pid:
pubs:950507
Source identifiers:
950507
Deposit date:
2018-12-05

Terms of use



Views and Downloads






If you are the owner of this record, you can report an update to it here: Report update to this record

TO TOP