Overview
PRP and PRF are concentrates made from the patient's own blood platelets that release growth factors for tissue repair. The authors did a narrative review of clinical studies, meta-analyses and systematic reviews on their use in facial plastic surgery. Outcomes included wound healing, graft retention, swelling and bruising, scar improvement and patient satisfaction.
Findings
- Rhinoplasty: PRP improved wound healing, reduced crusting and raised satisfaction; PRF reduced cartilage resorption and improved graft stability.
- Rhytidectomy: PRP gave modest reductions in edema and ecchymosis.
- Scar revision and fat grafting: both improved outcomes, with PRF showing better remodeling and long-term graft retention.
- Periorbital rejuvenation: PRP improved pigmentation and satisfaction; PRF improved skin texture and wrinkles.
- Both were safe, with minimal adverse events.
- Results depend on patient factors and technique.
- High-quality, procedure-specific trials are needed to set protocols.
What it means for a patient
- After a facelift, PRP may slightly reduce swelling and bruising.
- If fat grafting is part of the plan, PRF may help more of the fat survive over time.
- Both are made from your own blood and had few side effects in the studies reviewed.
- Limits: a narrative review. The abstract gives no numbers, and the authors state that better trials are needed.
Why this paper matters
It summarizes the evidence for PRP and PRF across facial plastic surgery procedures, including a modest benefit on swelling and bruising after rhytidectomy. It notes that protocols are not yet standardized.
Terms
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): a concentrate of platelets from the patient's own blood, used in liquid form.
- Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF): a platelet concentrate from the patient's own blood that forms a gel-like clot.
- Autologous: taken from the patient's own body.
- Growth factors: proteins that signal cells to repair and build tissue.
- Edema: swelling from fluid in the tissue.
- Ecchymosis: bruising.
- Graft retention: how much of a grafted tissue, such as fat, survives over time.
- Narrative review: a summary of published research without a formal pooled analysis.