<< Back to the abstract archive
Platelet Rich Plasma: Current Applications in Aesthetic Surgery and a Classification System for Future Comparative Studies
Russell Frautschi; Ahmed Hashem; Brianna Halasa; Cagri Cakmakoglu; James E. Zins.
Cleveland Clinic/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
2016-02-06
Presenter: Russell Frautschi
Affidavit:
Russell performed approximately 85% of the work for this project.
Director Name: Steven Bernard
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Aesthetics
Background: Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has attracted attention in a variety of surgical fields due to a myriad of attributable benefits. Yet PRP has not gained wide popularity in aesthetic surgery, as a result of uncertainty surrounding finite clinical evidence. We aim to (1) describe the current applications, (2) define preparation and activation, (3) explore effectiveness, and (4) propose a classification system to facilitate comparisons across studies.
Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature regarding the use of platelet rich plasma in aesthetic surgery was performed. Data gathered included: PRP application, study type, subject number, centrifugation, anticoagulation, activation, PRP composition, and outcomes.
Results: Thirty-four reports were identified. Applications included injection into aging skin (29%), scalp alopecia (26%), lipofilling (21%), fractional laser (15%), and facial surgery (9%). The majority of studies (56%) were case series without controls. Randomized control studies were limited (18%). Leucocytes were sparsely defined (32%). The concentration of injected and/or baseline platelets was rarely clarified (15%). The mechanism of activation was described in 24 studies (71%), while anticoagulation was uncommonly elucidated (44%). While most studies (97%) claim effectiveness, objective measures were only utilized in 17 studies (50%).
Conclusions: Current studies produce context-dependent results with a lack of consistent reporting of PRP preparation, composition, and activation in aesthetic applications, making meaningful meta-analysis currently unrealistic. Thus the method of PRP preparation warrants increased attention. We recommend a set of descriptors, FIT PAAW, to produce scientifically grounded conclusions, facilitating a clearer understanding of the situations in which PRP is effective.
