Use of Liquid Platelet-Rich Fibrin (Liquid PRF) as a New, Effective Regenerative Treatment for Steroid-Induced Subcutaneous and Dermal Atrophy

Subcutaneous and dermal atrophy are known complications of corticosteroid injections. Due to aesthetic and/or functional concerns, such as fat loss, visible depressions, skin thinning, and discoloration of the affected area, an effective treatment modality for reconstructing the area remains needed. Considering the regenerative properties of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), its potential in soft tissue repair, and its efficacy in aesthetics, we used this natural autologous biomaterial to treat steroid-induced dermal and subcutaneous atrophy in our patient. A 35-year-old woman developed a well-defined atrophic area measuring approximately 3 × 7 cm² in the scapular region following a triamcinolone injection for shoulder pain. The area was characterized by a pronounced depression with irregular indented borders, along with dermal thinning and dyspigmentation. Treatment included three sessions of liquid PRF injections at monthly intervals. Each PRF injection session resulted in progressive improvement in the depth and quality of the atrophic area. One month after the third session and at six-month follow-up, significant improvement with marked restoration was observed in subcutaneous tissue volume, skin texture, depigmentation, and overall aesthetic outcomes based on subjective clinical assessment. No adverse effects were observed during treatment and follow-ups. Liquid PRF may represent a promising regenerative treatment for steroid-induced subcutaneous and dermal atrophy, warranting further controlled studies. Its potential to improve the thickness, volume, texture, and quality of both the dermal and subcutaneous fat layers may support the role of PRF as a therapeutic option for soft tissue restoration in dermatology and aesthetic medicine.