The therapeutic effect of sufficient oxygen-rich PRP injection in facial rejuvenation by multiple objective evaluations in 26 cases

Background

Ozone can enhance the expression of some growth factors (GFs) in platelet rich plasma (PRP), recent study showed oxygen-rich PRP (ozonized PRP) have better therapeutic effects on bone and joint diseases. PRP injection has been widely used in the treatment of facial rejuvenation, but the efficacy of sufficient oxygen-rich PRP in facial rejuvenation has not been studied.

Objective

Firstly, we examined whether ozone treatment can increase the concentration of GFs of PRP in vitro. And then a variety of subjective and objective detection methods were used to evaluate the effect of sufficient(10–12 mL each time for the injection of face and neck) oxygen-rich (ozonized PRP) PRP injection in facial rejuvenation by follow-up for 6 months. At last, we investigated the satisfaction, side effects and pain score of the treatment through a questionnaire survey.

Methods

The concentration of main GFs in PRP treated with different dose of ozone in vitro was measured by ELISA. Clinical picture, the collagen thickness of dermis by reflectance confocal microscope(RCM), skin conditions (including spots, ultraviolet (UV) spots, brown spots, red area, pores, wrinkles, texture and porphyrin) by VISIA were collected before treatment and each month follow-up visit after treatment until 6-month follow-up period was finished. Patients’ satisfaction, side effects and pain score were collected at the end of follow-up period.

Results

PRP treated by high-dose ozone (57 μg/mL, ozone/PRP volume ratio:1/1) in vitro showed a significant increase in endothelial growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) compared to baseline(P < 0.05). Collagen thickness of forehead, cheek and neck improved significantly compare to the baseline until to the 6 months after treatment. Spots, UV spots, brown spots, red area and texture improved significantly compare to the baseline(P < 0.05). All of participants reported improvement and have a median pain score of 4.19. No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

Ozone treatment can increase the concentration of GFs such as EGF and TGF-β in PRP in vitro. Sufficient oxygen-rich PRP injection may be an effective and promising method to treat facial rejuvenation.