Current Evidence for Clinical Efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma in Aesthetic Surgery: A Systematic Review

Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Microneedling for Scar Management: Introduction to an Innovative Technique and Initial Results From 107 Patients

Background Scars are known to negatively impact patients' quality of life or even disable them. A broad spectrum of different scar treatments is used in clinical practice. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and microneedling are promising treatments that enhance tissue regeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, clinical effects, and patients' experience of a combination treatment consisting of a series of PRP plus microneedling. Methods One hundred seven patients with scars, with various etiology and scar age, were included in our study. PRP had been prepared using the ACP double syringe system and was injected with high pressure into the dermis of the affected tissue, using the U225 meso injector as an injection and microneedling device. This treatment was applied three times at four-week intervals. On the days of treatment and at the 4-week follow-up, patient records were collected and clinical investigations and interviews were performed to assess clinical effects, adverse effects, and patient's experience. Results The results of this retrospective study indicate that 23 patients (21.5%) reported softer and more elastic scar tissue, 8 patients (7.5%) experienced improved mobility and functionality, 6 patients (5.6%) showed an overall healthier skin appearance, and 8 (7.5%) patients observed an improvement in color. Adverse effects reported were mild and only temporary. Twenty-three (21.5%) patients felt stressed before the treatment, and 12 patients (11.2%) reported tenderness during the first treatment of which two rated it as mildly painful. After the first treatment, two patients (1.9%) reported transient itchiness. Serious adverse effects did not occur. Conclusions PRP plus microneedling can enhance the pliability, mobility, and color of different scar types and scar ages. Overall, the treatment was easily feasible, well-tolerated and safe. Therefore, it can be considered a promising new treatment modality for scar management.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetic Dermatology: Current Evidence and Future Directions

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a promising treatment in aesthetic dermatology. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current evidence for PRP applications in skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, wound healing, and fat grafting. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases and 13 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for review. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the quality of included studies. The reviewed studies consistently reported positive outcomes for PRP across various applications. In skin rejuvenation, significant improvements in collagen density and overall skin appearance were observed. For hair restoration, studies showed mean increases of 18-27.7 hairs/cm² in treated areas. PRP demonstrated efficacy in accelerating wound healing across various wound types, including chronic ulcers. In fat grafting, PRP was associated with improved graft survival and integration. Patient satisfaction was generally high across all applications. However, there was significant heterogeneity in PRP preparation methods and treatment protocols among studies. This systematic review provides evidence supporting the efficacy of PRP in aesthetic dermatology, particularly in skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, wound healing, and fat grafting. PRP demonstrates a favorable safety profile across applications. However, the variability in study designs and PRP protocols highlights the need for standardization. Future research should focus on large-scale randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols and longer follow-up periods to solidify the evidence base for PRP in aesthetic dermatology.

Autologous platelet concentrates for facial rejuvenation

Autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) are promising therapeutic agents in facial rejuvenation since they are a great source of cytokines, growth factors and other biologically active substances. Obtained from the patient’s blood, they have the advantages of reducing immunological reactions, making the procedure safer, well tolerated, with minimal adverse effects and lower cost. Currently, they are used for facial rejuvenation both in combination with microneedling and in mesotherapy techniques, as well as to treat facial acne scars, melasma and wounds after laser ablative treatments. This review summarizes current knowledge on the use of APCs, ranging from basic concepts related to their composition and mechanisms of action to up-to-date information on their clinical efficacy.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Facial Rejuvenation: Myth or Reality?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) rejuvenation's efficacy has been reported by numerous uncontrolled clinical case studies of inconsistent quality rather than large randomized and placebo-controlled trials. It was suggested that PRP could be considered as a valid anti-aging and rejuvenation treatment modality. The current literature review summarizes available evidence so far described in the literature with special critical attention to higher quality comparative studies published over the last 10 years. The few studies that could be retrieved and included in this review documented less favorable results. So far, there is no international consensus on clinical PRP use for esthetic rejuvenation. Whether a mix of growth factors does in fact generate a clinically significant more youthful look and whether PRP injections result in comparable or better rejuvenation than what can be expected from other simpler non-surgical modalities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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 .

Physiological Parameters to Identify Suitable Blood Donor Cows for Preparation of Platelet Rich Plasma

Simple Summary

Platelet rich plasma is a biological product obtained from blood and used for regenerative treatments of different pathologies. It is characterized by a high concentration of platelets (at least 3 times the physiological level) containing many growth factors with anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and regenerative properties. In human medicine, PRP is used in an autologous way, it means that the blood donor is also the recipient. In veterinary medicine, PRP is used to treat different diseases or lesions and in bovine species to treat mastitis. In this context, the opportunity to have PRP ready to use, stored from donor cows of the same farm where it will be used, would be very useful in treating this pathology immediately when it occurs. For this purpose, the present research aimed to detect parameters useful to identify the most suitable cows to be used as blood donors to obtain the highest yield of PRP (milliliters of PRP obtained with respect to milliliters of initial blood). Our results showed that blood collection from the mammary vein within three months of parturition, from nonpregnant cows at 5 years of age, but not the blood collection season, were associated with a high yield of PRP.

Abstract

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of bovine mastitis, with an action comparable to that of antibiotics. Autologous treatment is feasible in experimental conditions but is difficult to apply in field conditions, particularly in acute mastitis. The ideal scenario would be to have heterologous PRP stored on every farm so that it is readily available when needed. In this paper, we analysed data collected during bovine mastitis treatment with heterologous PRP produced by casual donor cows on several farms. We tried to identify parameters which might be useful to identify the most suitable cows to be used as blood donors, to obtain the highest yield of PRP. Variables considered for each animal were the age, the parity, the date of the last parturition, the season of blood collection, the site of blood collection (jugular or mammary vein) and the reproductive status e.g., pregnant or not pregnant. There were statistically significant differences for all the variables considered from the 135 blood cows, except for the blood collection season. The highest yield of PRP was associated with nonpregnancy blood collection within three months of parturition, parity 3 or 4, and blood collection from the mammary vein.

Research trends of platelet-rich plasma application in orthopaedics from 2002 to 2020: a bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely used to treat various orthopaedic diseases, and there are a large number of studies on the matter. However, there have been no bibliometric reports on the publications in this field. Bibliometrics is an excellent method to systematically evaluate the current research status of a specific field. In this study, CiteSpace 5.7.R2 software was used to analyse the status, hotspots, and frontiers of PRP in the treatment of orthopaedic diseases in the past 19 years.

METHODS

All articles about the application of PRP in orthopaedics from 2002 to 2020 were searched from the Web of Science Core Collection. The author, country, institution, journal, cited journal, and keywords were retrieved, and the bibliometric analysis was done in CiteSpace 5.7.R2.

RESULTS

A total of 321 articles were retrieved. The analysis showed that the number of publications increased in the past 19 years, and the most productive author in this field was Brian J. Cole. The most productive country and the most productive institution were the US and the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, respectively. The journals with the highest output and the highest citation frequency were the Journal of Orthopaedic Research and the American Journal of Sports Medicine, respectively. From the keyword analysis, we observed that the primary research hotspots were the study of the PRP composition, growth factors, and the combination of PRP and mesenchymal stem cells. The frontiers of PRP were in vivo experiments, the treatment of rotator cuff and cartilage injury, and the comparison of clinical efficacy between PRP and hyaluronic acid.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of PRP in treating orthopaedic diseases remains controversial. There are still some problems with the experimental methods, such as insufficient sample size, low level of evidence, confusion of system naming, lack of standardisation of preparation methods and application programs, and lack of in-depth basic scientific research. The research status shown by co-occurrence and cluster maps and the analysis of hotspots and frontiers may help solve present problems and explore new directions.

Novel Approaches in Addressing Ovarian Insufficiency in 2019: Are We There Yet?

Ovarian insufficiency is described as a multifaceted issue typically encountered in the field of assisted reproduction. The three main identified diagnoses of ovarian insufficiency include premature ovarian failure (POF), poor ovarian response (POR), and advanced maternal age (AMA). Patient heterogeneity in the era of individualized medicine drives research forward leading to the emergence of novel approaches. This plethora of innovative treatments in the service of adequately managing ovarian insufficiency is called to undertake the challenge of addressing infertile patients exploring their reproductive options. This review provides an all-inclusive presentation and critical analysis on novel treatments that have not achieved routine clinical practice status yet, but have recently emerged as promising. In light of the lack of randomized controlled trials conveying safety and efficiency, clinicians are left puzzled in addressing the "how" and "for whom" these approaches may be beneficial. From ovarian injection employing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cells to artificial gametes and ovaries, ovarian transplantation, and mitochondrial replacement therapy, this descriptive review provides insight toward assisting the practitioner in decision making regarding these cutting-edge treatments. Biological mechanisms, invasiveness levels, efficiency, as well as possible complications, the current status along with bioethical concerns are discussed in the context of identifying future optimal treatment.

Level of Evidence on Platelet-rich Plasma in Plastic Surgery

BACKGROUND

Despite the increased popularity of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in plastic surgery, there is no detailed analysis on the level of evidence on PRP use in plastic surgery. As the number of applications of PRP in plastic surgery increases, it is important for plastic surgeons to understand the scientific and validated evidence behind its use. Therefore, we performed a literature review to identify current level of evidence on platelet-rich plasma in plastic surgery.

METHODS

We performed a computerized search of platelet-rich plasma in plastic surgery using the MEDLINE, Cochran Library, and EMBASE databases. Data regarding the type of study, PRP application, and outcomes were collected. Then, the level of evidence was assigned using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Level of Evidence Rating.

RESULTS

Our search identified 105 articles, and about 78.1% of studies were lower-quality studies: 37 level-III articles (35.2%), 32 level-IV articles (30.5%), and 13 level-V articles (12.4%). There were only 6 level-I articles and 17 level-II studies. Level-I studies were on facial rejuvenation using a laser, carpal tunnel release, cleft lip repair, trauma wounds, breast reconstruction using latissimus dorsi, and hair regrowth.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review of the literature shows that the level of evidence on PRP use in plastic surgery is low (21.9%). Nevertheless, we believe level-III to level-V studies are still valuable, as performing high-level quality studies in plastic surgery is difficult due to variability in surgical techniques, experiences, and materials.

The optimal platelet concentration in platelet-rich plasma for proliferation of human cells in vitro-diversity, biases, and possible basic experimental principles for further research in the field: A review

BACKGROUND

In the last decades, several in vitro studies have tested the effect of plate-rich plasma (PRP) on the proliferation of human cells in search of a wizard for the use of PRP in a clinical setting. However, the literature displays striking differences regarding this question despite the relatively similar experimental design. The aim of this review is twofold: describe and explain this diversity and suggest basic principles for further in vitro studies in the field. The optimal platelet concentration in vivo will also be discussed.

METHODS

A search in mainly EMBASE and PubMed was performed to identify in vitro studies that investigate the effect of different PRP concentrations on human cell proliferation. The assessment of bias was based on the principles of "Good Cell Culture Practice" and adapted.

RESULTS

In total, 965 in vitro studies were detected. After the initial screening, 31 studies remained for full-text screening. A total of 16 studies met the criteria of final inclusion and appeared relatively sound. In general, the studies state consistently that PRP stimulates the proliferation of the human cell. Two main types of experimental techniques were detected: 1. The Fixed PRP Concentration Group using a fixed PRP concentration throughout the experiment, which leads to a substantial decrease in nutrition available at higher concentrations. 2. The Fixed PRP Volume Group using a fixed PRP-to-media ratio (Vol/Vol) throughout the experiment. A general tendency was observed in both groups: when the PRP to media ratio increased (Vol/Vol), the proliferation rate decreased. Further, The Low Leukocyte group observed a substantial higher optimal PRP concentration than The High leukocyte group. No prominent tendencies was seen regarding anticoagulants, activation methods, and blood donor (age or sex).

DISCUSSION

Two major biases regarding optimal proliferation in vitro is pointed out: 1. Too high PRP volume. It is speculated that the techniques used by some studies led to an adverse growth condition and even cell starvation at higher concentrations. 2. High leukocyte levels. Reduced proliferation rate due to proinflammatory substances released during degranulation of leukocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

The two main biases may explain the bell-shaped effect of PRP and the detrimental effects at higher platelet concentrations observed in several studies. These biases may also explain the low optimal PRP concentration observed in some studies. Even if one universal optimal PRP concentration does not exist, the review indicates that PRP concentrations in the upper parts of the scale is optimal or at least beneficial. Finally, following basic experimental principles are suggested. 1: The PRP/media ratio (Vol/Vol) should be kept as constant. 2: The PRP/media ratio should provide a sufficient nutrition supply, that is, PRP ≤ 10% (Vol/Vol). 3: The cell density per well (cells/mL) should be defined. 4: Leukocyte level should be kept low, preferable depleted (< 0.1 PLT/µL).

Leucocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma Enhances Fibroblast and Extracellular Matrix Activity: Implications in Wound Healing

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood product that contains a high concentration of platelets and leucocytes, which are fundamental fibroblast proliferation agents. Literature has emerged that offers contradictory findings about leucocytes within PRP. Herein, we elucidated the effects of highly concentrated leucocytes and platelets on human fibroblasts. Methods: Leucocyte-rich, PRP (LR-PRP) and leucocyte-poor, platelet-poor plasma (LP-PPP) were compared to identify their effects on human fibroblasts, including cell proliferation, wound healing and extracellular matrix and adhesion molecule gene expressions. Results: The LR-PRP exhibited 1422.00 ± 317.21 × 10³ platelets/µL and 16.36 ± 2.08 × 10³ white blood cells/µL whilst the LP-PPP demonstrated lower concentrations of 55.33 ± 10.13 × 10³ platelets/µL and 0.8 ± 0.02 × 10³ white blood cells/µL. LR-PRP enhanced fibroblast cell proliferation and cell migration, and demonstrated either upregulation or down-regulation gene expression profile of the extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules. Conclusion: LR-PRP has a continuous stimulatory anabolic and ergogenic effect on human fibroblast cells.

Development and Prospect of Intra-Articular Injection in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: A Review

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease that affects the vast majority of the elderly and may eventually embark on the road of the total knee arthroplasty (TKA), although controversy still exists in the medical community about the best therapies for osteoarthritis. Compared with physical therapy, oral analgesics and other non-operative treatments, intra-articular injection is more safe and effective. Moreover, intra-articular injection is much less invasive and has fewer adverse reactions than surgical treatment. This article reviews mechanism, benefits and adverse reactions of corticosteroids (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs), stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and other new therapies (for example: gene therapy). The application prospect of intra-articular injection was analyzed according to the recent progress in drug research.

Effects of autologous platelet-rich plasma injections on facial skin rejuvenation

Autologous serum platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used to rejuvenate wrinkled and aged skin for years; however, the molecular mechanism for the positive effects of PRP on the skin remains unclear. The present study aimed to clarify the potential molecular mechanisms for the role of PRP in wrinkled and aged skin rejuvenation, and provide evidence for future clinical applications. A total of 30 healthy females were recruited for PRP treatment and signed informed consent was obtained. A total of 3 autologous PRP injections were administered to each patient with 15-day intervals between injections. The effects of PRP injections were evaluated using the VISIA^® Complexion Analysis System and skin computed tomography. A human organotypic skin model was established and treated with PBS or PRP before ultraviolet (UV)-B light (10 mJ/cm²) irradiation. The distribution of the epidermal structure and dermal fibers were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichome staining. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), tyrosinase, fibrillin and tropoelastin was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence. The present results showed that PRP treatment improved skin quality in the participants. In addition, the VISIA^® results showed that wrinkles, texture and pores were decreased in the PRP groups compared with the PBS treatment. The in vitro study demonstrated that PRP treatment ameliorated photoaging by inhibiting UV-B-induced MMP-1 and tyrosinase upregulation, and by inducing fibrillin and tropoelastin expression that was downregulated by UV-B. Collectively, it was demonstrated that PRP treatment ameliorated skin photoaging through regulation of MMP-1, tyrosinase, fibrillin and tropoelastin expression.

Photoaging Skin Therapy with PRP and ADSC: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

Stem cells from adipose tissue (ADSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are innovative modalities that arise due to their regenerative potential.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to characterize possible histological changes induced by PRP and ADSC therapies in photoaged skin.

METHODS

A prospective randomized study involving 20 healthy individuals, showing skin aging. They underwent two therapeutic protocols (protocol 1: PRP; protocol 2: ADSCs). Biopsies were obtained before and after treatment (4 months).

RESULTS

PRP protocol showed unwanted changes in the reticular dermis, mainly due to the deposition of a horizontal layer of collagen (fibrosis) and elastic fibers tightly linked. Structural analyses revealed infiltration of mononuclear cells and depot of fibrotic material in the reticular dermis. The ADSC protocol leads to neoelastogenesis with increase of tropoelastin and fibrillin. There was an improvement of solar elastosis inducing an increment of macrophage polarization and matrix proteinases. These last effects are probably related to the increase of elastinolysis and the remodeling of the dermis.

CONCLUSIONS

The PRP promoted an inflammatory process with an increase of reticular dermis thickness with a fibrotic aspect. On the other hand, ADSC therapy is a promising modality with an important antiaging effect on photoaged human skin.

Platelet-rich plasma activates AKT signaling to promote wound healing in a mouse model of radiation-induced skin injury

Background

The skin is impacted by every form of external radiation therapy. However, effective therapeutic options for severe, acute radiation-induced skin reactions are limited. Although platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is known to improve cutaneous wound healing, its effects in the context of high-dose irradiation are still poorly understood.

Methods

We investigated the regenerative functions of PRP by subjecting the dorsal skin of mice to local irradiation (40 Gy) and exposing HaCaT cells to gamma rays (5 Gy). The cutaneous benefits of PRP were gauged by wound size, histologic features, immunostains, western blot, and transepithelial water loss (TEWL). To assess the molecular effects of PRP on keratinocytes of healing radiation-induced wounds, we evaluated AKT signaling.

Results

Heightened expression of keratin 14 (K14) was documented in irradiated HaCaT cells and skin tissue, although the healing capacity of injured HaCaT cells declined. By applying PRP, this capacity was restored via augmented AKT signaling. In our mouse model, PRP use achieved the following: (1) healing of desquamated skin, acutely injured by radiation; (2) activated AKT signaling, improving migration and proliferation of K14 cells; (3) greater expression of involucrin in keratin 10 cells and sebaceous glands; and (4) reduced TEWL, strengthening the cutaneous barrier function.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that PRP enhances the functions of K14 cells via AKT signaling, accelerating the regeneration of irradiated skin. These wound-healing benefits may have merit in a clinical setting.

Platelet-Rich Plasma: Principles and Applications in Plastic Surgery

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autogenously harvested liquid platelet concentrate extracted from a patient's peripheral blood that contains higher than baseline concentrations of growth factors and cytokines. This innovative new technology has demonstrated great promise in the field of plastic surgery, and its use has been evaluated in several clinical settings including wound healing, hair restoration, and skin rejuvenation. The goal of this article is to explain the biology behind PRP and to review the basic principles involved in its preparation. This will be followed by a discussion of some clinical applications of PRP in both aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

PEGylated Platelet-Free Blood Plasma-Based Hydrogels for Full-Thickness Wound Regeneration

Objective: To develop a cost-effective and clinically usable therapy to treat full-thickness skin injuries. We accomplished this by preparing a viscoelastic hydrogel using polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified platelet-free plasma (PEGylated PFP) combined with human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). Approach: PEGylated PFP hydrogels were prepared by polymerizing the liquid mixture of PEG and PFP±ASCs and gelled either by adding calcium chloride (CaCl₂) or thrombin. Rheological and in vitro studies were performed to assess viscoelasticity and the ability of hydrogels to direct ASCs toward a vasculogenic phenotype, respectively. Finally, a pilot study evaluated the efficacy of hydrogels±ASCs using an athymic rat full-thickness skin wound model. Results: Hydrogels prepared within the range of 11 to 27 mM for CaCl₂ or 5 to 12.5 U/mL for thrombin exhibited a storage modulus of ∼62 to 87 Pa and ∼47 to 92 Pa, respectively. The PEGylated PFP hydrogels directed ASCs to form network-like structures resembling vasculature, with a fourfold increase in perivascular specific genes that were confirmed by immunofluorescent staining. Hydrogels combined with ASCs exhibited an increase in blood vessel density when applied to excisional rat wounds compared with those treated with hydrogels (110.3 vs. 95.6 BV/mm²; p < 0.05). Furthermore, ASCs were identified in the perivascular region associated with newly forming blood vessels. Innovation: This study demonstrates that PFP modified with PEG along with ASCs can be used to prepare cost-effective stable hydrogels, at the bed-side, to treat extensive skin wounds. Conclusion: These results indicate that PEGylated plasma-based hydrogels combined with ASCs may be a potential regenerative therapy for full-thickness skin wounds.

Platelet-rich plasma as a site-targeted approach in wound healing: a molecular perspective

Wound healing remained an equation with multiple variables that experts in the medical field are trying to solve. The need to find an adjuvant that can quicken the healing process is increasing with every day, as longer wound healing times raise the risk of infections. Platelet-rich plasma is a promising tool promoting faster healing in a variety of wounds (thermal wounds, burn wounds, surgeries, etc.), as a series of studies present encouraging results in patients that received platelet-rich plasma treatment. The aim of this paper is to review and comment on the useful benefits and limitations of using platelet-rich plasma as an adjuvant strategy in wound healing, emphasizing on skin related wounds.

Systematic review of the efficacy of fat grafting and platelet-rich plasma for wound healing

Adipose-derived stem cells found in fat grafts may have significant healing properties. When fat is combined with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), there may be enhanced healing effects due to the pro-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of PRP. This study aimed to evaluate the current evidence on fat grafting in combination with PRP for wound healing to establish the efficacy of this technique. A comprehensive search in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Science Citation Index, and Google Scholar databases (to March 2017) was conducted to identify studies on fat grafting and PRP for wound healing. Case series of less than 3 cases and studies only describing harvest technique were excluded. The database identified 571 articles, of which 3 articles that used a combination of fat and PRP for wound healing (1 RCT and 2 case series) were included in this review. A total of 69 wounds in 64 patients were treated with an average wound size of 36.32cm² . Of these, 67% of wounds achieved complete healing. When reported, the mean time to healing was 7.5 weeks for those who underwent a single treatment. There were no significant complications in any patients. The combination of fat grafting and PRP may achieve adequate wound healing with relatively quick wound healing time compared with standard wound management options. However, evidence is extremely limited, and further studies are required to evaluate its efficacy for wound healing.

A Systematic Review of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma and Fat Graft Preparation Methods

BACKGROUND

The addition of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to adipose tissue may improve fat graft survival, although graft retention rates vary markedly between studies. To what extent this outcome heterogeneity reflects differing methodological factors remains unknown. This systematic review aims to synthesize and critically review methodological approaches to autologous PRP and fat cotransplantation in both human and animal studies.

METHODS

In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to April 2017. Data were extracted from all in vivo studies involving autologous PRP and fat cotransplantation. A secondary aim was to assess reporting of technical detail; authors were not contacted to provide missing data.

RESULTS

From 335 articles, 23 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Some 21 were performed in humans and 2 in rabbits. Six studies were randomized control trials; the remainder reported on observational data. Methods of PRP extraction and activation varied markedly between studies. Fat graft preparation was comparatively more consistent. Methods of PRP and fat mixing differed significantly, especially with regards to relative volume/volume ratios.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study represents the first systematic review of methodological factors in autologous PRP and fat cotransplantation. It demonstrates that technical factors in graft preparation and administration vary significantly between in vivo studies. Such methodological heterogeneity may explain observed differences in experimental and clinical outcomes. Reporting of key procedural information is inconsistent and often inadequate. These issues make meaningful evaluation of the PRP-enhanced fat grafting literature difficult and may limit its translation into clinical practice.