A comparative study on the influences of platelet-rich plasma vs its derived cytokines on skin rejuvenation

Background Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a cytokine therapy, concentrates the growth factors in platelets and is considered independent of platelet function. We compared the effectiveness of cell-free PRP cytokine (PRP-C) and ordinary PRP therapies on skin rejuvenation. Methods We selected 1340 patients (125 men and 1215 women) who received facial treatment from February 2020 to June 2022. PRP ( n = 705) or PRP-C ( n = 635) therapies were chosen by the patient; 6 ml of the substance was administered intradermally or subcutaneously. PRP was prepared from peripheral blood using sodium citrate solution and centrifugation and was used directly, or further frozen and centrifuged and the lysate was used as PRP-C. Results Patient satisfaction improved significantly after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment in both the PRP and PRP-C therapy groups ( p < 0.0001 for all four values). No significant difference was reported in the therapeutic effect between the two treatment groups after 4 and 8 weeks ( p = 0.119 and p = 0.6686, respectively). Doctor evaluation efficacy of both therapies improved at both time points ( p < 0.0001 for all four values). However, at 4 weeks, doctors estimated a more significant improvement in the PRP therapy group than in the PRP-C group; 8 weeks later, no significant differences were observed. Conclusions Both therapies improved skin texture and elasticity. The efficacy rate was greater than the improvement for wrinkles. The effectiveness of nasolabial lines and facial lift was not significant. PRP-C therapy can be used as cell-free therapy. Level of evidence: level III, therapeutic study