Sensitive Skin: Is MCT Safe If It Uses Your Own Components?

Because MCT uses your own blood components, the risks of embossing (bumpy, raised texture at the injection site) and allergic reactions are relatively low, but not zero. Here is an overview of the changes you can expect and the limitations for sensitive skin.

During your consultation, we first check your skin condition and then decide whether treatment is appropriate.

How Is MCT Performed on Sensitive Skin?

This is the MCT procedure at Seorae Plastic Surgery.

· STEP 01 — Separate the platelet-rich component (PRP) from your own blood.

· STEP 02 — The separated component is placed in a single-use dedicated kit. A new kit is used for every treatment.

· STEP 03 — Inside the device, the component is activated using five wavelengths of light and a temperature range of 4–45°C.

We covered the principle behind MCT in a previous article.

Because It Uses Your Own Components, the Burden Is Relatively Low

This is a conceptual image representing the component separated from your own blood.

Because autologous exosomes are obtained from your own platelets, the risks of embossing (bumpy, raised texture at the injection site), allergic reactions, and rejection reactions are relatively low. Results vary from person to person, and side effects may occur.

In two Thai studies using the MCT device, the reported side effects were mild and resolved on their own.

The device applies light and temperature to the extracted blood component itself. The process of introducing that component into the skin is a separate step.

We Recommend a Consultation for the Following People

People with sensitive skin or frequent breakouts

· Those who prefer treatment with autologous materials that carry a lower risk of foreign-body reactions

· Those who want to improve post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or damaged skin recovery

· Those who want a treatment with a lower risk of embossing

Meeting these criteria does not automatically make you a candidate. Eligibility depends on your skin condition.

How Might Redness, Breakouts, and Marks Change?

This is a conceptual image and not an actual patient photo. Results vary by individual.

· Facial redness — You can expect it to fade. In a study of 28 people with aging skin, MCT and standard PRP were each applied to one half of the face. Redness decreased similarly on both sides through 6 months after treatment.

· Inflamed, pus-filled acne — The goal is to reduce it. In a study of 40 people in which standard PRP and a topical acne antibiotic were each applied to one half of the face, the PRP side improved more and had fewer recurrences. It does not replace acne medication.

· Brown marks left after acne — The goal is to fade them. In a study of 26 people with melasma (not acne marks), MCT and standard PRP were each applied to one half of the face. At 12 weeks, melanin content in the skin was lower on the MCT side, but the visible severity of the melasma was similar.

· Depressed acne scars — The goal is to make them less noticeable. Across studies that combined laser or microneedling with standard PRP, scar improvement and satisfaction were higher. At Seorae Plastic Surgery, MCT is sometimes performed together with PRP. Whether to apply it to pores and scarred areas is decided during the consultation based on your skin condition.

MCT is not a fundamental cure for sensitive skin. It is an option that may help manage redness, breakouts, and marks, with a relatively low expected risk of side effects. Depending on the area being treated and your skin condition, other methods may be more suitable, so our director will carefully consult with each patient individually.

Side Effects and Post-Treatment Care

The following reactions or side effects may occur after treatment.

· Pain and soreness — Pain and soreness at the treatment site may last about 1–3 days. This is a temporary, normal response.

· Redness and swelling — may occur at the treatment site.

· Bruising — may last several days.

· Darkening — Even without visible bruising, the treated area may darken slightly for several months.

· Itching — may last about a day.

· Allergy-like reactions — Even with autologous material, facial or neck swelling may rarely occur and require medication. It may recur at a future treatment.

· Vascular occlusion — Although rare, cases have been reported in which the injected material blocked blood vessels and resulted in vision loss.

If your vision suddenly becomes blurred during or after treatment, or if the skin color at the treatment site changes unusually, please let us know immediately.

This is a conceptual image representing post-treatment care.

You may shower on the day of treatment, but please avoid vigorous massage and heat therapy. For 2–3 days after treatment, please avoid saunas, intense exercise, alcohol, and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

If You Have Sensitive Skin, What Should You Do Before MCT?

· Bring a record of past reactions — Please note any cosmetics, temperatures, or treatments that stung or caused redness, and whether you experienced bumpiness, allergic reactions, or marks after a previous procedure.

· Tell us about medications and ointments you use — If you are taking any medication, please inform your medical team before treatment. This includes drugs that impair blood clotting, such as aspirin, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs, topical steroids, and acne medications. Do not stop any medication on your own.

· Share your skin and health status — Please let us know about any wounds, infections, or severe inflammation at the treatment site; a tendency to develop raised scars; blood disorders such as anemia or platelet disorders; and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Once we have this information, we will determine the timing and whether treatment is suitable based on your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does MCT hurt a lot?

Some discomfort is possible. In one study using the MCT device, pain measured immediately after treatment, following application of a topical anesthetic, averaged about 4 on a 10-point scale. If you are concerned, please mention it during your consultation.

Consultation and Booking Information

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References

· Wanitphakdeedecha R, Ollero MPGCR, Bhorntarakcharoen W, Sittiwanaruk S, Phokai W, Woramongkol T, et al. Efficacy and safety of photothermal biomodulated platelet-rich plasma versus standard platelet-rich plasma for facial rejuvenation: a prospective split-face randomized study. Sci Rep. 2026;16(1):25017. PMID 42225690. — Study conducted with the MCT device. The manufacturer supported manuscript preparation, and the clinical trial was registered after participant recruitment had begun.

· Siriphanit R, Ranoppawan N, Charoensuksira S, Thanasarnaksorn W, Suwanchinda A, Meephansan J. Photothermal-Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Conventional Platelet-Rich Plasma for Melasma: A Split-Face, Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2026;42(5):e70122. PMID 42731113. — Study conducted with the MCT device. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

· Labidi Menif Y, Cordero L. Photothermal Biomodulated Autologous PRP Combined with Laser and LED Phototherapy for Acne Sequelae: A Report of Three Illustrative Cases. Case Rep Dermatol. 2026;18(1):559-569. PMID 42677306. — Case report using the MCT device (combined with laser and LED). One author is employed by the manufacturer, and the publication fee was covered by the manufacturer.

· Hernández Sanz C, Pinto H. Efficacy of photo-thermal-bioactivated platelet-rich plasma for skin biostimulation in patients not eligible for other medical-aesthetic treatment: A pilot study. Skin Res Technol. 2023;29(7):e13412. PMID 37522505. — Pilot study using the MCT device. One author is a scientific advisor to the manufacturer.

· Ibrahim ZA, Gheida SF, El-Halaby AR, Hassan GFR, Mohammed DA. Platelet rich plasma injection versus topical erythromycin 2% in treatment of acne vulgaris. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022;33(2):946-953. PMID 32643473. — Standard PRP study.

· Cruciani M, Masiello F, Pati I, Pupella S, De Angelis V. Platelet rich plasma use for treatment of acne scars: an overview of systematic reviews. Blood Transfus. 2024;22(3):226-238. PMID 37677095. — Overview of studies on standard PRP.

· Cruciani M, Masiello F, Pati I, Pupella S, De Angelis V. Platelet rich plasma for facial rejuvenation: an overview of systematic reviews. Blood Transfus. 2024;22(5):429-439. PMID 38557322. — Overview of studies on standard PRP.

· Misery L, Weisshaar E, Brenaut E, Evers AWM, Huet F, Ständer S, et al. Pathophysiology and management of sensitive skin: position paper from the special interest group on sensitive skin of the International Forum for the Study of Itch (IFSI). J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020;34(2):222-229. PMID 31660659.

· Alam M, Hughart R, Champlain A, Geisler A, Paghdal K, Whiting D, et al. Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Rejuvenation of Photoaged Facial Skin: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(12):1447-1452. PMID 30419125.

· Kalyam K, Kavoussi SC, Ehrlich M, Teng CC, Chadha N, Khodadadeh S, et al. Irreversible Blindness Following Periocular Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Skin Rejuvenation Treatment. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017;33(3S Suppl 1):S12-S16. PMID 27015236.

· De-Pablo-Gómez-de-Liaño L, Ly-Yang F, Burgos-Blasco B, Fernández-Vigo JI. Ophthalmological Complications of Aesthetic Medicine Procedures: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med. 2025;14(15):5399. PMID 40807018.

This article is general information prepared by Seorae Plastic Surgery based on abstracts and full texts of papers indexed in PubMed, as well as our in-clinic treatment information. It does not guarantee diagnosis or treatment results. All cited studies report results from other medical institutions, not from Seorae Plastic Surgery. The effects and recovery periods of procedures and surgeries may vary depending on individual conditions, and side effects may occur. For more details, please consult a specialist during your visit.

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