Stretch marks: does plasma lift work?

Plasma lift is a technique enabling stimulation of cellular regeneration. This platelet-rich plasma treatment relies on the use of the patient’s own blood plasma. Platelets are components present in the blood plasma. They serve to accelerate healing when the body undergoes an internal or external injury. Plasma lift ensures collagen stimulation, an active component naturally present in the body that plays a major role in regenerating skin cells. Thanks to collagen, the skin renews itself easily and quickly. The plasma used for the treatment is obtained by centrifuging a certain amount of the patient’s blood. Once collected, it is reinjected into the skin using a special injection technique or a specific device (for example: a microneedle pen). Plasma lift is a commonly used treatment. It can, for example, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, scars, age spots, and target hair loss.

Plasma lift can be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. This is made possible by the regeneration of skin cells stimulated by collagen produced in large quantities from blood plasma. Stretch marks benefit from a substantial infusion of new skin cells, which helps diminish their appearance and lessen the depth of the “crevice.” As noted above, plasma lift can be applied to any area of the body, provided it is affected by stretch marks.

A scientific review analyzed several studies concerning the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of stretch marks. The results suggest that this technique may be relatively effective at reducing their appearance.

For example, a 2018 study of 30 patients compared the efficacy of PRP with that of a 0.05% tretinoin cream. Tretinoin was used as the control because it is a well-established reference for stimulating collagen and improving recent stretch marks.

Patients received three PRP sessions over a four-week period. The results showed a improvement in the appearance of stretch marks in 87% of cases treated with PRP, compared with 60% in the tretinoin group. The difference was particularly pronounced for white stretch marks, with an 83.3% improvement in the PRP group, compared to only 44.4% in the tretinoin group. In another study, 18 Asian patients were treated with a combination of radiofrequency and PRP. After two months of treatment, 71.9% of participants reported an improvement they considered very satisfactory.

Although multiple studies report a notable improvement in the appearance of stretch marks with PRP therapy, caution is advised, as results can vary from person to person.

Plasma lift is not a procedure entirely devoid of risk. Certain side effects may occur following the treatment, such as redness, localized swelling, bruising, increased sensitivity of the injection site, or, more rarely, infection or an allergic reaction. These adverse effects are generally mild and transient: they tend to resolve spontaneously within a few days without major complications. However, to minimize risks and ensure appropriate management, it is essential to consult a qualified professional before considering this type of treatment. They will assess your health status, medical history, and the nature of your stretch marks in order to determine whether plasma lift is a suitable option. If not, they can guide you toward a more appropriate therapeutic alternative for your situation.