Combined therapy with Endoret-Gel and plasma rich in growth factors versus Endoret-Gel alone in the management of facial rejuvenation: a comparative study

Background: Skin suffers progressive decrement. An endogenous regenerative technology has been developed that has the versatility to provide an autologous injectable gel (Endoret-Gel) or a liquid plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) based on the patient´s own platelet rich plasma.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of the combined therapy with Endoret-Gel and PRGF versus Endoret-Gel alone in the management of facial rejuvenation.

Materials and methods: Twenty clinically diagnosed patients with aged skin received either Endoret-Gel monotherapy or Endoret-Gel+PRGF combined therapy. Patients underwent three sessions at one-month intervals and were clinically assessed for six months. Corneometry, sebumetry and high-resolution topographic analysis were carried out. Patient self-assessment questionnaires and clinical improvement scores were also performed.

Results: The combined therapy showed to promote a higher hydration index. These results were also significant for spot improvement at three months, while conversely, monotherapy with Endoret-Gel demonstrated higher UV spot improvement. A significant decrease of sebum production and wrinkle development was observed for both treatment groups. Red areas also improved in a similar way at the end of the follow up period. After Endoret-Gel or Endoret-Gel+PRGF therapy, 30% and 70% of patients refereed to be very satisfied, respectively. Accordingly, 40% and 80% showed a "very improved" aesthetic performance. None of the patients reported a negative change and no adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion: Both Endoret-Gel monotherapy and the combined treatment with PRGF were shown to promote facial rejuvenation and to palliate the age-related cutaneous atrophy. The combined therapy may exert a synergistic effect that addresses both skin quality improvement and soft tissue restoration in a shorter period.

Keywords: autologous gel; growth factors; platelet rich plasma; skin rejuvenation.