Cosmetic Dermatology and Hair Care

Statement of the Problem: Melasma is an acquired symmetrical hypermelanosis with recurrence and resistance to treatment modaleties. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) may serve as a source of growth factors reducing the pigmentation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of PRP as a new treatment in melasma and role of intense pulsed light (IPL) as an activator for PRP. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Twenty female patients with facial melasma were treated with PRP combined with IPL in one side of the face and PRP only on the other. All cases were assessed by MASI score, modified MASI, photos before and after and patient and physician satisfaction scoring. There was no statistically significant difference (p-value >0.05) between study groups regarding patient and physician satisfaction. Most results reported moderate (25-50%) physician and patient satisfaction. The reduction in MASI score was 33.13% and modified MASI score of group1 showed 23.85% improvement and in group2 was 22.86%. Conclusion & Significance: PRP is considered moderately effective treatment for melasma. We don’t advise to follow injection of PRP by IPL as it didn’t improve the results. However, further studies are required.