A Comprehensive Review of Concentrated Growth Factors and Their Novel Applications in Facial Reconstructive and Regenerative Medicine.

Abstract

Concentrated growth factors (CGFs) are the latest generation of platelet concentrates. The objective of developing CGF is to increase therapeutic efficacy. However, few studies have supported the superiority of CGF in composition and efficacy. The reconstruction and regeneration process is complicated and long term, whereas bioactivity of CGF is not durable. The purpose of this review is threefold. The first is to recommend more comparative studies between CGF and other platelet concentrates. The second is to constitute a continuous drug delivery system by combining CGF with other biomaterials. Finally, the novel use of CGF in facial regenerative and reconstructive medicine will be highlighted. A comprehensive review of literature regarding the use of CGF in facial regenerative and reconstructive medicine was performed. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 135 articles were included. The use of CGF involving facial rejuvenation, cartilage grafting, facial bone defects, facial peripheral nerve injury and wounding is reviewed. The reconstructive and regenerative principles lie in firm fibrin scaffolds and continuous in situ delivery of multiple growth factors. CGF represents an advance in personalized medicine concept. However, the current scientific evidences about the use of CGF are limited. More basic and clinical studies should be conducted to understand the characteristics and clinical application of CGF. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.