The princess and the PRP

Regenerative expert, nurse Claudia McGloin answers all your burning questions

“HOW CAN I USE PRP IN COMBINATION THERAPIES TO ENHANCE AESTHETIC OUTCOMES?”

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has become a cornerstone in regenerative aesthetic medicine due to its autologous nature, safety profile, and ability to enhance dermal remodelling. While PRP is effective as a stand-alone treatment, its use in combination therapies particularly with microneedling, laser resurfacing, and radiofrequency (RF) has shown significantly improved clinical outcomes. This combined approach can optimise clinical efficacy, reduce recovery times, and improve patient satisfaction.

One of the most widely adopted combination protocols involves microneedling with PRP. Microneedling induces controlled dermal injury via fine needles, triggering a wound-healing cascade and collagen synthesis. When PRP is applied immediately post-procedure, the microchannels facilitate deeper penetration of platelets and their growth factors, amplifying fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix remodelling. Intradermal injection of PRP can also be employed in areas requiring more targeted correction, such as the periorbital region or nasolabial folds. Multiple clinical studies, including a randomised trial by Alam et al., have demonstrated improved outcomes in acne scarring, skin texture, and pigmentation with this combination compared to microneedling alone. Moreover, patient-reported recovery tends to be quicker, with less erythema and inflammation.

In the realm of laser resurfacing, PRP has shown strong potential to enhance posttreatment recovery and tissue regeneration. Fractional CO2 and Er:YAG lasers, though effective in treating photodamage and atrophic scars, are associated with significant downtime, erythema, and risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), especially in Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI. Applying PRP topically or via microinjection immediately after laser ablation reduces local inflammation, accelerates re-epithelialisation, and enhances dermal remodelling. Studies suggest faster resolution of post-laser erythema and oedema, with improvements in overall skin quality and tone. A clinical paper by Cho et al. found that patients treated with fractional CO2 laser plus PRP had significantly reduced healing time and improved collagen density on histological examination.

RF microneedling is another modality where PRP demonstrates additive value. Unlike traditional microneedling, RF microneedling delivers thermal energy directly into the dermis through insulated needles, stimulating neocollagenesis and skin tightening while preserving the epidermis. Combining RF microneedling with PRP injections can yield enhanced dermal thickening and texture refinement. This is particularly effective for treating mild to moderate skin laxity, acne scars, and fine lines. While RF does not create open channels for topical application, intradermal delivery of PRP post-treatment ensures optimal distribution and interaction with stimulated dermal fibroblasts.

Chemical peels and PRP can also be effectively paired, particularly when addressing superficial to moderate photoaging. While medium-depth chemical peels such as TCA (trichloroacetic acid) initiate exfoliation and dermal regeneration, the addition of PRP post-peel can modulate the inflammatory response and support rapid healing. This combination minimises downtime and reduces the risk of PIH, a notable concern in darker skin types. Although more robust data is needed in this area, preliminary findings and practitioner feedback suggest improved skin tone and reduced irritation with this protocol.

From a clinical perspective, successful integration of PRP into combination protocols depends on several critical factors. The quality of the PRP preparation is paramount. A concentration of four to six times baseline platelet count is generally accepted as optimal for regenerative purposes. Devices used should be CE-marked or FDA-approved to ensure consistency and optimal results. Furthermore, patient selection is essential. Ideal candidates are those with early signs of ageing, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or mild laxity who seek gradual, natural improvement rather than instant, dramatic change. Protocols need to be created by a medical professional with knowledge of both PRP and the combination treatment.

If you have questions regarding any aspect of regenerative medicine – PRP, PPP, PRF, polynucleotides, exosomes – or questions relating to treatments, please get in touch, either by contacting Aesthetic Medicine magazine or emailing claudia@thenewyouclinic.ie.

CLAUDIA MCGLOIN

Claudia McGloin is a registered nurse and holds dual registration in both the UK and Ireland. With over 26 years nursing experience, McGloin is the clinical director and nurse practitioner at The New You Clinic in Sligo. She is one of Ireland’s leading platelet-rich plasma experts and has performed thousands of PRP treatments. She has shared her expertise on the international stage and in various publications.