PRP skin treatments: What new studies show about skin ageing and acne scars
PRP skin treatments use a platelet-rich plasma fraction prepared from the patient’s own blood. Recent studies suggest possible changes in skin elasticity, thickness and scar structure. Evidence for many advertised effects, however, remains inconsistent.
This article reviews the current scientific evidence. It is not individual medical advice and does not recommend a treatment.
What is a PRP skin treatment?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. After blood collection, centrifugation separates the blood components. The intended plasma fraction is then used by a qualified medical professional, either by injection or as part of a combination procedure.
PRP is not a conventional dermal filler and does not replace surgical lifting. A PRP injection is also not the same as microneedling with PRP: in microneedling, the controlled micro-injury is created by the needles, while PRP is used as an adjunct.
PRP is not a filler · PRP is not PRF
PRP is not a conventional dermal filler and does not replace surgical lifting. A PRP injection is also not the same as microneedling with PRP: in microneedling, the controlled micro-injury is created by the needles, while PRP is used as an adjunct.
How a PRP treatment worksWhich skin areas are being studied?
Face and overall skin quality
Research mainly examines elasticity, skin thickness, fine lines and surface texture. These findings do not imply a pronounced lifting or volumising effect.
Atrophic acne scars
This is one of the most interesting current areas, especially PRP as an adjunct to microneedling. Scar type and baseline condition remain important.
Periorbital area
Fine lines, thin skin and dark circles have different causes. PRP is therefore not equally plausible for every presentation.
Pigmentation and melasma
Small studies report individual positive signals, but findings are inconsistent and do not support a general claim of pigment lightening.
Neck and décolletage
These regions are also being studied, although the evidence base is smaller than for the face and acne scars.
Hands
Changes in skin thickness and texture have been described, but robust long-term data are lacking.
How might PRP affect the skin?
Platelets contain signalling molecules that may participate in repair and remodelling processes. Biological plausibility must not be confused with a guaranteed visible clinical result.
Concentration
Platelets are concentrated in the intended plasma fraction.
Release
Signalling molecules may be released after activation or contact with tissue.
Cell response
Fibroblasts and other cells may respond to these signals.
Matrix remodelling
Collagen and extracellular matrix may be involved in remodelling.
Clinical result
Whether changes become visible depends on the protocol and individual factors.
What do current studies show?
Current research does not demonstrate a single, uniform “rejuvenation effect”. It shows different signals for specific outcomes. The scale below is an editorial interpretation of the literature, not an assessment of an individual treatment.
Skin elasticity and thickness
Recent reviews report measurable improvements comparatively often, but protocols and measurement methods vary markedly.
Atrophic acne scars plus microneedling
A 2026 meta-analysis suggests added benefit over microneedling alone. Scar types do not respond uniformly.
Wrinkles and skin texture
Some studies report modest improvements, while others do not. Certainty and comparability remain limited.
Periorbital area and pigmentation
Dark circles and pigmentation have heterogeneous causes. Broad efficacy claims are not justified.
Skin hydration
Systematic reviews have not found a consistent improvement in hydration.
PRP for atrophic acne scars
Atrophic acne scars are commonly described as rolling, boxcar and ice-pick scars. They differ in shape, depth and tissue architecture, so a single approach is unlikely to suit every scar.
Current data often concern the combination of microneedling and PRP. The controlled micro-injury is created by needling; PRP is studied as an adjunctive biological component. These findings cannot automatically be transferred to laser treatment, subcision or PRP alone.
PRP alone or in combination?
| Procedure | Principle | Current scientific interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| PRP injection | Autologous plasma is placed into or beneath the skin. | Possible changes in selected skin-quality parameters; protocols are heterogeneous. |
| Microneedling plus PRP | Controlled micro-injuries are combined with PRP. | Promising current data, particularly for atrophic acne scars. |
| Fractional laser plus PRP | A resurfacing procedure with adjunctive PRP. | Some positive findings, but PRP’s independent contribution is often unclear. |
| PRF | Autologous preparation with a fibrin network, usually without anticoagulant. | Increasingly studied; no general superiority over PRP has been established. |
| Preconditioned or activated PRP | PRP is technically or biologically modified. | An interesting research approach, but not enough evidence for general superiority. |
PRP and PRF: related, but not identical
PRP
- usually prepared with an anticoagulant
- liquid plasma fraction
- cell composition depends on the system
- generally a less narrow processing window than PRF
PRF
- usually prepared without anticoagulant
- a fibrin network forms during clotting
- time-sensitive processing
- not automatically more effective or more advanced
Why PRP results are difficult to compare
PRP is not identical everywhere. Blood volume, tube system, additives, leukocyte content, baseline platelet count, centrifugation steps and harvesting method all influence its composition.
Terms such as “high concentration” or a fixed RPM value are not sufficient for comparison. A documented workflow, intended use and the actual relative centrifugal force are more informative.
PRP tubes as part of the system
Products differ in material, fill volume, anticoagulant, separation gel and intended use. These characteristics cannot be transferred arbitrarily between protocols.
RPM is not RCF
RPM describes revolutions per minute. RCF describes the relative centrifugal force acting on the sample and also depends on rotor radius. The same RPM can therefore produce different RCF values in different rotors.
The Hettich EBA 200 MD is one example of a compact medical-device centrifuge with adjustable speed, time and RCF.
Mentioning this device does not constitute a universal PRP protocol. Settings must match the tube system, rotor, intended use and instructions for use.
How does a PRP skin treatment proceed?
Injection depths, volumes and centrifugation values are not universally transferable. They belong in qualified professional practice and product-specific instructions.
Adverse effects, risks and precautions
Autologous does not mean risk-free. Temporary local reactions are common; invasive procedures can also cause rare but serious complications.
- redness and swelling
- bruising
- pain or tenderness
- infection
- post-inflammatory pigment changes
- vascular or nerve injury during injection
Possible exclusion and precaution factors
- acute infection
- relevant coagulation disorders
- certain blood or platelet disorders
- medication affecting coagulation
- active skin disease in the treatment area
- pregnancy or breastfeeding depending on the indication
- unrealistic expectations
What can currently be said with confidence?
Current studies suggest that PRP may support selected skin properties and the treatment of atrophic acne scars. The findings cannot be applied to every skin concern. Differences in preparation, application and study methodology still make direct comparisons difficult. Individual medical assessment remains necessary.
Frequently asked questions about PRP skin treatments
What is a PRP skin treatment?
A platelet-rich plasma fraction is prepared from the patient’s own blood and used by a medical professional. Depending on the concept, it may be injected or used alongside procedures such as microneedling. PRP is neither a conventional filler nor a product with identical composition in every setting.
Does PRP improve wrinkles?
Some studies report modest improvements in fine lines or texture. Results are inconsistent and depend on the measurement method, protocol and baseline condition. They do not establish a lifting effect or reliable correction of pronounced wrinkles.
Does PRP help acne scars?
The most interesting current evidence concerns atrophic acne scars and PRP as an adjunct to microneedling. A 2026 meta-analysis found benefits over microneedling alone. Scar type, depth and accompanying procedures still influence outcomes.
What is the difference between PRP and PRF?
PRP is usually prepared with an anticoagulant as a liquid plasma fraction. PRF is generally processed without anticoagulant and forms a fibrin network. Both are autologous, but they are not interchangeable. Current evidence does not show PRF to be generally superior.
Is PRP better than microneedling?
The procedures use different mechanisms and are often combined. Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries, while PRP is studied as an adjunctive biological component. Evidence does not support a universal ranking for all skin concerns.
How many sessions are needed?
Studies use different treatment series and intervals. A fixed number cannot be applied reliably to every person or objective. Planning and follow-up require medical assessment of the baseline condition.
When may changes become visible?
Studies often assess changes after several weeks or months. Timing and magnitude depend on skin condition, procedure and measurement method. Early swelling should not be confused with a durable result.
How long may results last?
Controlled long-term data remain limited for many cosmetic dermatology uses. Duration may depend on baseline skin condition, treatment series, combination procedures and individual factors.
What adverse effects are possible?
Temporary redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness are common. Invasive procedures also carry risks including infection, pigment changes and, rarely, vascular or nerve injury.
Why do PRP tubes matter?
Tube material, fill volume, additives and separation system affect preparation. A protocol should not be transferred to another tube system without validation. Intended use and instructions for use are decisive.
Which centrifuge is needed for PRP?
The centrifuge must match the tube system and intended process. Rotor, vessel capacity, RCF range, timing and medical-device status are relevant. A specific device does not replace a validated protocol.
What is the difference between RCF and RPM?
RPM is rotational speed. RCF is the relative centrifugal force acting on the sample and also accounts for rotor radius. Two centrifuges can therefore generate different RCF at the same RPM.
Selected scientific sources
- 2026: Efficacy and Safety of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetic Treatment of Skin Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. Source
- 2026: Efficacy and safety of microneedling combined with platelet-rich plasma for atrophic acne scars: systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Dermatological Research. Source
- 2025: A systematic review of platelet-rich plasma for skin rejuvenation. PubMed. Source
- 2025: Platelet-rich plasma in facial rejuvenation: systematic review. PubMed. Source
- 2025: Platelet-rich plasma versus platelet-rich fibrin in facial rejuvenation: systematic review. PubMed. Source
- 2026: Photothermal biomodulated platelet-rich plasma for facial rejuvenation: randomized split-face study. Scientific Reports. Source
- 2024: Variability in platelet-rich plasma preparation and reporting across randomized trials. PubMed. Source
This selection is intended to contextualise the evidence and is not exhaustive.