The use of platelet-rich plasma in plastic surgery remains unproven

The Safety and Efficacy of Cell-Assisted Fat Grafting to Traditional Fat Grafting in the Anterior Mid-Face: An Indirect Assessment by 3D Imaging

BACKGROUND

Numerous methodologies and algorithms have been suggested to enhance fat graft survival, including the usage of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), but no long-term studies are available.

OBJECTIVES

This single-center prospective, case-controlled study investigated the safety and efficacy of combining a modified Baker-designed lateral SMASectomy or plication face lift with simultaneous anterior mid-face grafting into site-specific compartments by (1) conventional Coleman's technique or (2) Yoshimura's cell-assisted lipografting technique.

METHODS

On the voluntary principle, candidates selected one of four techniques for volumization of their mid-face: conventional fat grafting; PRP-assisted fat grafting; SVF-assisted fat grafting; and PRP/SVF- assisted fat grafting. For comparison data, comparable fat volumes, SVF volumes and nucleated cells, and PRP volumes and platelet concentrations were injected into each designated group. Indirect volume retentions were determined by standardized Vectra 3D analyses up to 1 year.

RESULTS

PRP, SVF, and PRP/SVF cell supplementation of processed fat resulted in statistically significant percent mean graft retention over their baseline control at 12 months (p < 0.01). The use of either PRP or SVF alone resulted in almost equal outcomes. Combining cell populations provided no additional advantage over single cellular therapy. Complications were negligible.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous fat grafting continues to be a viable adjunct in facial aesthetic surgery. With refinements in the entire grafting process and the potential benefits of autologous cell approaches with SVF and PRP, future evidence-based controlled studies under regulatory approval may improve graft survival in a safe and effective manner.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

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A manual method to obtain platelet rich plasma

OBJECTIVE:

This study is to report a manual method to obtain platelet rich plasma (PRP).

METHODS:

For this study 61 ml of peripheral blood was obtained and submitted to centrifugation at 541g for 5 min. The centrifugation separates the blood into three components: red blood cells, buffy coat and platelet rich plasma. Blood and platelet rich plasma samples were sent to the Hospital's Laboratory and platelets and leukocytes were measured.

RESULTS:

A sample of 637 blood donors was evaluated. The platelet yield efficiency was 86.77% and the increase in platelet concentration factor was 2.89 times. The increase in leukocyte concentration factor was 1.97 times.

CONCLUSION:

The method described here produces leukocyte-rich and platelet-rich plasma with a high platelet and leukocyte increased factor. Level of Evidence IV, Controlled Laboratory Study.

Results and long-term patient satisfaction after gluteal augmentation with platelet-rich plasma-enriched autologous fat

Background

Buttock augmentation is gaining increasing popularity in aesthetic surgery. The relatively high incidence of complications after silicone implant placement lead to the increased use of lipofilling techniques, yielding variable results with respect to graft take rate and long-term stability. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been shown to have beneficial effects on wound healing and angiogenesis in the past. Therefore, we aimed at investigating the long-term results and patient satisfaction after PRP-enriched lipofilling for buttock augmentation.

Methods

Twenty-four bilateral gluteal augmentations with PRP-enriched autologous fat were performed. Additionally, contour shaping was achieved by liposuction of the adjacent zones. Post-operative results and complications were recorded, and satisfaction with buttock shape was estimated by a patient questionnaire.

Results

Mean follow-up time was 44 months, and mean amount of transferred fat was 481 cc for both sides. No seroma or hematoma formation, infection or liponecrosis were reported during the post-operative follow-up. Subjective patient satisfaction in general increased from preoperatively to 3 months postoperatively and declined only slightly in the long-term course. Satisfaction levels in general were specific for each patient. Patient recovery was quick, and the majority of patients returned to work within 10 days after surgery.

Conclusions

PRP-enhanced lipofilling of the buttocks proved to be a safe procedure including a low complication rate and consistent results. However, subjective patient expectations have to be taken into account when choosing the indication. Further large volume studies are needed to elucidate the potential and benefit of PRP in this context.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.