Platelet-Rich Plasma in Cosmetic Surgery

The 2013 document reviews the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in cosmetic surgery, particularly for enhancing wound healing, hair restoration, and soft tissue augmentation. PRP, rich in growth factors such as PDGF, TGF-ß, and VEGF, is obtained by centrifuging whole blood and aids in collagen synthesis and angiogenesis. The document reports that PRP has been used to improve skin rejuvenation, reduce recovery time in procedures like CO₂ laser resurfacing, and stimulate hair regrowth. It also details PRP preparation methods and the importance of its timely application. While PRP is easy to prepare and apply, outcomes can vary based on factors like platelet concentration and patient conditions. The document notes that PRP can be kept anticoagulated for up to 8 hours and mentions FDA-approved systems for its preparation. The conclusion calls for consideration of clinical variability in PRP literature and suggests that with continued positive results, PRP could become commonplace in cosmetic surgery.