The use of autologous platelet-rich plasma (platelet gel) and autologous platelet-poor plasma (fibrin glue) in cosmetic surgery

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new technique of harvesting and preparing autologous platelet gel and autologous fibrin glue (body glue) a nd to evaluate their effectiveness in stopping capillary bleeding in the su rgical flaps of patients undergoing cosmetic surgery. A convenience sample of 20 patients ranging from 25 to 76 years of age undergoing cosmetic surge ry involving the creation of a surgical flap were included in the study. Th e types of surgical procedures included face lifts, breast augmentations, b reast reductions, and neck lifts. Platelet-poor and platelet-rich plasma we re prepared during the procedure from autologous blood using a compact, tab letop, automated autologous platelet concentrate system (SmartPReP, Harvest Autologous Hemobiologics, Norwell, Mass.). The platelet-poor and platelet- rich plasma were combined with a thrombin-calcium chloride solution to prod uce autologous fibrin glue and autologous platelet gel, respectively. Capil lary bed bleeding was present in all cases and effectively sealed within 3 minutes following the application of platelet gel and fibrin glue. The tech nique for making the solution and for evaluating its effectiveness in achie ving and maintaining hemostasis during cosmetic surgical procedures is desc ribed. Autologous platelet gel and fibrin glue prepared by the automated co ncentrate system are compared with autotransfusor-prepared platelet gel and Tisseel (Baxter Healthcare Corp.), a commercially prepared fibrin sealant preparation.