Fluid Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), a second-generation platelet concentrate, was developed for the purpose of overcoming the limitations of Platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRF can produce a higher cumulative release of growth factors than PRP. Also, this release is slow and prolonged, making it ideal for tissue regeneration and growth stimulation. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of fluid PRF either alone or combined with needling versus PRP in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. A comparative study including 30 patients with atrophic acne scars who were divided into two equal groups. Group I included 15 patients in which the left side of the face was treated with intradermal injection of PRP while the right side was treated with combined needling with PRP. Group II included15 patients in which the left side of the face was treated with intradermal injection of fluid PRF while the right side was treated with combined needling with fluid PRF. All patients received four sessions with 3 weeks interval. The acne scars significantly improved in both sides of face in both groups. According to quartile grading scale and patient satisfaction; the therapeutic response was significantly higher in PRF group than PRP either alone or combined with needling. The combination with needling increases efficacy of PRF and PRP. Fluid PRF is highly effective, safe and simple procedure that can be used instead of PRP in the treatment of acne scars.

Cellular therapeutics and immunotherapies in wound healing – on the pulse of time?

“…Platelet concentrates are broadly divided into 4 distinct groups: platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), platelet lysate (PL), and platelet extracellular vesicles (PEVs). PRP is a first-generation plasma concentrate derived autologously from a patient’s blood and is the most widely known platelet concentrate [ 85 ]. It consists of a plasma fraction with a higher concentration of platelets than whole blood.…”

“…It consists of a plasma fraction with a higher concentration of platelets than whole blood. Its ease of generation, abundance of growth factors, and low immunogenicity make it a popular therapeutic choice in regenerative medicine, particularly in wound healing [ 85 ]. Farghali et al [ 86 ] tested subcutaneous PRP infiltration to assess its effect on full-thickness cutaneous wounds.…”

“…PRF is a second-generation plasma concentrate that builds and improves upon the success of PRP [ 85 ]. The generation procedure is similar to PRP.…”

Ten years of injectable platelet‐rich fibrin

“…The FACE‐Q scales, which measure satisfaction with appearance, all showed a significant improvement from baseline, including satisfaction with skin ( p = 0.002), facial appearance ( p = 0.025), cheeks ( p = 0.001), lower face and jawline ( p = 0.002), and lips ( p = 0.04), with no major adverse effects 94 . In a recent study titled “Fluid platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) versus platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: A comparative study,” 95 acne scars were compared using a quartile grading scale and patient satisfaction reports. It was found that the therapeutic response was significantly higher in the PRF group when compared to PRP, either alone or combined with needling 95 .…”

“…In a recent study titled “Fluid platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) versus platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: A comparative study,” 95 acne scars were compared using a quartile grading scale and patient satisfaction reports. It was found that the therapeutic response was significantly higher in the PRF group when compared to PRP, either alone or combined with needling 95 . Thus, a number of studies have now reported the benefit of utilizing PRF in facial esthetics (Figure 18, Figure S1: QR Code 14 ).…”