… of bias assessments mentioned in these two studies, which presents a possible limitation. Of the 38 studies we reviewed, the platelet concentrate was classified generally as PRP in 32 (84%), platelet rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) in 4 (11%), leukocyte-platelet rich plasma (L-PRP) in 1 (3%), and plasma rich…
Background:
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has attracted attention in a number of surgical fields due to a wide variety of potential clinical benefits. Yet PRP has not gained wide popularity in aesthetic surgery as a result of uncertainty surrounding objective clinical evidence.
Objectives:
We aim to describe the current applications, define preparation and activation, explore effectiveness, and 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-eight reports were identified. Applications included injection into aging skin (29%), scalp alopecia (26%), lipofilling (21%), fractional laser (13%), and facial surgery (11%). The majority of studies (53%) were case series without controls. Leucocytes were sparsely defined (32%). The concentration of injected and/or baseline platelets was rarely clarified (18%). The mechanism of activation was described in 27 studies (71%), while anticoagulation was uncommonly elucidated (47%). While most studies (95%) claim effectiveness, objective measures were only utilized in 17 studies (47%).
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 unrealistic. Thus the method of PRP preparation warrants increased attention. We recommend a set of descriptors, FIT PAAW (described below), to produce scientifically grounded conclusions, facilitating a clearer understanding of the situations in which PRP is effective.
Russell S. Frautschi, BS, Ahmed M. Hashem, MD, Brianna Halasa, Cagri Cakmakoglu, MD, James E. Zins, MD
in Aesthetic Surgery Journal
Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 37, Issue 3, 1 March 2017, Pages 353–362, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjw178
Published: 14 November 2016
