There is no convincing evidence supporting the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the management of various types of scars, despite its rising popularity. Accordingly, the present study reviewed the randomized clinical trials that examined the effectiveness and safety of PRP, alone or in combination with other methods, for managing atrophic or hypertrophic/keloidal scars. It systematically searched the Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library databases until September 2020. 

The study enrolled 13 clinical trials in the meta-analysis and reviewed 10 more for their results. 

The study found:

• Twenty-three percent overall response rate in patients treated with PRP, similar to the results with laser or microneedling (22% and 23%, respectively).
• Moderate improvement in the degree of response with PRP when used alone, whereas marked or excellent results when added to laser or microneedling.
• Regarding the hypertrophic/keloid scars, the only study meeting the required criteria reported a better improvement and fewer adverse effects on adding PRP to the intralesional corticosteroids. 

This study deemed PRP safe and effective in treating various types of atrophic scars. In addition, when added to ablative lasers or microneedling, it increases the efficacy of treatment and reduces the side effects.

Source: Ebrahimi Z, Alimohamadi Y, Janani M, et al. Platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of scars, to suggest or not to suggest? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Tissue Eng Regen Med. 2022;16(10):875-899.