The use of autologous blood and tissue derivatives aligns with the growing demand for regenerative, autologous, and minimally invasive procedures that offer natural results with reduced downtime.
Clinical applications encompass for example the treatment of acne and keloid scars, chronic wounds, rosacea, skin revitalization and management of hair loss. Autologous blood derivatives can be used alone and may even have a synergistic effect in combination with other modalities like for example laser-treatments, derma-fillers, botolinumtoxin or micro-fat.
Autologous blood and tissue derivatives, also called orthobiologics, in dermatology primarily act by:
• Stimulating fibroblast activity and collagen production
• Enhancing angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels)
• Reducing inflammation and modulating immune responses
• Supporting epidermal and dermal remodeling
Chronic Ulcers and Wounds:
As autologous blood derivatives like PRP are rich in growth factors such as PDGF, VEGF, and TGF-β, which promote angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen synthesis, they can facilite wound healing by promoting promote faster epithelialization and closure. Recent analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicate that PRP therapy can enhance healing rates in chronic wounds of various etiologies, including diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. However, results across studies are not entirely consistent, highlighting the need for standardized protocols and further research.
Acne scars1:
PRP showed promising results enhancing scar remodeling, especially when combined with microneedling or laser resurfacing.
Burns and Surgical Wounds:
Meta-Analyses and systematic reviews have demonstrated that PRP application in burn wounds can accelerate healing, reduce pain, and decrease infection rates. With the release of growth factors like PDGF, VEGF, and TGF-β, PRP and PRF promote angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen synthesis, essential for tissue regeneration.
(1) Tenna, S., et al.(2017): Comparative Study Using Autologous Fat Grafts Plus Platelet-Rich Plasma With or Without Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing in Treatment of Acne Scars: Analysis of Outcomes and Satisfaction With FACE-Q. Aesthetic Plast Surg, 2017. 41(3): p. 661-666.
PRP, PRF and ACS are rich in growth factors such as PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, and EGF and have anti-inflammatory properties. These factors stimulate fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis, leading to enhanced skin texture, elasticity, and overall rejuvenation. They are often injected or applied topically after microneedling or laser. PRF, in particular, forms a fibrin matrix that allows for a sustained release of growth factors, potentially offering prolonged benefits compared to PRP.
ACS with its increased concentrations in exosomes and its strong anti-inflammatory characteristics reduces chronic inflammatory responses in the skin fromthe moment of injection and may be a promising alternative to PRP.
Androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata belong to the most prevalent types of progressive hair loss. Although standard of care treatments* show satisfying effects in AGA and AA, they require long-term treatment and involve the risk of potential side effects.
Novel, more effective and fasteracting therapeutic strategies are therefore needed. Autologous blood derivatives, especially autologous conditioned serum (ACS), rich in antiinflammatory cytokines and exosomes, have been shown to be a very promising alternative with vast therapeutic effects in hair loss. Patterns of progressive hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and some forms of scarring alopecia (Lymphocytic inflammation), are increasingly being associated with underlying inflammatory processes, although the nature and extent of inflammation can vary by type. Recent research suggests low-grade, chronic perifollicular inflammation may play a role in AGA, especially in early stages. Elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF-α) are noted in some AGA studies.
Thus, a treatment with autologous conditioned serum (ACS), rich in antiinflammatory cytokines represents a promising alternative to standard of care treatments. Alopecia areata is characterized by autoimmune inflammation, which can be targeted with immunomodulatory therapy. Understanding the inflammatory component can help guide early and targeted therapies, potentially improving outcomes and preserving hair follicle integrity.
Orthobiologics, particularly PRP, are increasingly utilized as adjunctive therapies in hair transplantation procedures. Their application aims to enhance graft survival, accelerate healing, and stimulate hair regrowth. Application protocols may include Preoperative Scalp Conditioning, Graft Preservation, and Postoperative Injections
(*namely: minoxidil, finasteride)
