What the Research Shows
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become an area of growing interest in dermatology and aesthetics. Derived from a patient’s own blood, PRP contains a concentrated level of platelets and naturally occurring growth factors that have been studied for their role in tissue repair and regenerative processes.
What Is PRP and Why Preparation Matters
PRP is created by centrifuging whole blood to separate and concentrate platelets into plasma. Research consistently notes that PRP is not a single, standardized product. Differences in preparation methods can affect platelet concentration, cellular content, and overall composition.¹⁶
Because of this variability, researchers often emphasize preparation quality and consistency when evaluating PRP outcomes. Platelet concentration, removal of unwanted blood components, and reproducibility are frequently cited as important factors across studies.
Preparation systems like the Tropocells© PRP System are designed with these considerations in mind, supporting consistent platelet concentration while minimizing red blood cells and inflammatory components, which are commonly discussed in the literature.
Tropocells© PRP System available at delasco.com
PRP and Hair Loss Research
PRP has been studied extensively in relation to androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as pattern hair loss.
- Systematic reviews and meta-analyses report that PRP injections were associated with increases in hair density compared with placebo or baseline measurements in the studies reviewed.¹
- Additional reviews note considerable variation in treatment protocols and emphasize the need for standardized methods and further high-quality trials.⁷
These findings suggest PRP has been actively studied for hair-related applications, while reinforcing that results depend on multiple variables, including preparation and technique.
Facial Rejuvenation and Skin Quality
PRP has also been evaluated for facial rejuvenation and photoaged skin.
- Systematic reviews of clinical studies report improvements in parameters such as skin texture, fine wrinkles, and elasticity in some study populations.⁶⁸
- Authors consistently note that outcomes vary based on study design, PRP preparation, and assessment methods, making direct comparison between studies challenging.⁶
Overall, the literature reflects continued interest in PRP as part of aesthetic skin procedures, alongside calls for more standardized research.
Acne Scars and Combination Treatments
In dermatology, PRP is most often studied as an adjunct rather than a standalone approach.
- Meta-analyses show that microneedling combined with PRP was associated with greater improvement in atrophic acne scars compared with microneedling alone in the included studies.⁴
- Reviews of the broader evidence base confirm that PRP is commonly evaluated alongside procedural treatments such as microneedling or lasers, rather than as monotherapy.⁵
These findings suggest PRP may play a complementary role in procedural dermatology settings.
Explore Delasco Microneedling Pen System
Safety and Research Considerations
Across published reviews and clinical studies:
- PRP is generally described as well-tolerated in the included patient populations.¹⁷
- Variability in PRP preparation methods, platelet concentration, and outcome measures remains a key limitation in interpreting results across studies.¹⁶
Researchers consistently emphasize the importance of standardized protocols and careful study design in future investigations.
What This Means for Dermatology Practices
The research shows that PRP has been studied across multiple dermatologic applications, including hair, skin rejuvenation, and acne scars. While outcomes vary, several consistent themes appear across the literature:
- PRP composition and preparation may influence observed effects
- Consistency and purity are frequently cited considerations
- PRP is most often evaluated as part of a broader treatment approach
As interest in PRP continues to grow, studies highlight the importance of preparation quality and reproducibility. Systems designed to support consistent PRP processing and controlled cellular composition align closely with factors discussed in peer-reviewed research. Tropocells© PRP, available through Delasco, is one example of a preparation system built around these principles.
References
- Leo MS, et al. Systematic review of the use of platelet-rich plasma in clinical cosmetic dermatology. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015;14(4):315-323. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26205133/
- Asubiaro J, et al. Platelet-rich plasma in aesthetic dermatology: review and future directions. Dermatol Ther. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39268288/
- Xiao H, et al. Platelet-rich plasma in facial rejuvenation: a systematic review. Dermatol Surg. 2021. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8606573/
- Kang C, Lu D. Microneedling combined with platelet-rich plasma for acne scars: meta-analysis. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.788754/full
- Cruciani M. Platelet-rich plasma for acne scars: systematic overview. Dermatol Ther. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37677095/
- Qin N, et al. Systematic review of platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin for skin aging. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40167104/
- Pixley JN. Platelet-rich plasma in dermatology: evidence overview. J Dermatolog Treat. 2023. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09546634.2022.2142035
- Rodríguez-Castro MJ. Platelet-rich plasma in facial rejuvenation: systematic review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2025. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2445147925000517
