Therapeutic Effect of Microneedling with Platelet-rich Plasma Versus Microneedling with Tranexamic Acid for Melasma

BackgroundMelasma is a chronic acquired focal pigment disorder showing symmetrical hyperpigmentation or hypermelanosis of photoexposed areas on the face. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a treatment for melasma. The regression of melasma after platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) treatment is an interesting finding.ObjectiveWe investigated the effect of microneedling followed by PRP versus microneedling followed by tranexamic acid in the treatment of patients with melasma. MethodsThe study included 26 patients with melasma divided into two groups of 13 patients each. Group 1 was treated with microneedling and PRP, and Group 2 was treated with microneedling and tranexamic acid.ResultsThe response to treatment was assessed using the Melasma Area and Severity Index scoring system before and after treatment. At the start of the study and at the first session, there were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05). At the second and third treatment sessions, there were statistically significant differences (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding side effects of pain, erythema and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.ConclusionMicroneedling with PRP offers better results than microneedling with TXA in treating melasma.