Clinical efficacy of autologous fat grafting with platelet-rich plasma for facial rejuvenation

Abstract

Objective This single-center prospective, case-controlled study was carried out to investigate clinical effects on patients with aging face who underwent facial autologous fat grafting with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Methods Thirty patients with facial sagging or partial depression and requiring autologous fat grafting were randomly selected for the study. Photograph and 3D scanning were taken before and 3-month after the operation. Patient and physician satisfaction was rated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ranging from 1 (most unsatisfactory) to 10 (most satisfactory) 3 months after the operation. Statistical difference between the patient and physician satisfactory scores was analyzed. Results The average physician VAS score was 7.9±1.0 while the average patient VAS score was 8.0±1.2. The scores between two groups had no significant difference (P> 0.05). Four patients developed bruising and swelling postoperatively that disappeared less than 7 days later. There was no feed back of serious complications from patients. Further investigation of patients with scores less than 7 showed the main reason of low patient satisfaction was that the improvement of facial depression did not meet the requirements of the patient, and fat absorption led to unsatisfactory filling. Conclusions The high satisfactory scores indicate good aesthetic result of facial autologous fat grafting with PRP. PRP may lead to higer survival rate of fat and satisfaction. Key words: Fat granule; Fat grafting, autologous; Platelet-rich plasma; Soft tissue; Facial rejuvenation