Platelet-rich plasma versus carboxytherapy in the treatment of periorbital dark circles: A split-face study.

BACKGROUND

Periorbital hyperpigmentation is a recurrent problem in dermatologic clinics that affect the patients' quality of life and their psychological status. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may serve as a source of different growth factors which may reduce the pigmentation in this problem. Carboxytherapy is carbon dioxide infusion into human tissue for therapeutic purposes.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of PRP and carboxytherapy in the treatment of periorbital dark circles (PODC). Histopathological evaluation was also done.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Split-face study of 23 patients with PODC treated with PRP at the right side and carboxytherapy at the left side. Patients received four sessions; one session/week. Final follow-up evaluation was done 3 months after the last session by clinical and histopathological assessment.

RESULTS

PRP showed significant better response (p = 0.002), shorter downtime, and tolerable side effects than caboxytherapy. Reduction in area percent of melanin after PRP injections showed 46.6% improvement, while after carboxytherapy, it showed only 14.3% improvement.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that PRP is more effective and tolerable than caboxytherapy in the treatment of PODC.