Safety, efficacy, and utility of platelet-rich fibrin matrix in facial plastic surgery.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of the use of autologous platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) in facial plastic surgery. METHODS Medical charts of the last 50 patients with at least 3 months of follow-up who were treated by the author with PRFM for aesthetic purposes were reviewed for patient satisfaction, objective clinical results, and adverse events. RESULTS The study cohort of patients was followed up for a mean (SD) of 9.9 (8.0) months (range, 3-30 months). Most patients were treated for deep nasolabial folds, while the volume-depleted midface region, superficial rhytids, and acne scars were other commonly treated areas. The patients underwent an average of 1.6 treatments (range, 1-5 treatments). No patients reported any swelling lasting longer than 5 days, and most noted only minimal bruising lasting for 1 to 3 days. Most patients were satisfied with the results of their treatments, although 1 patient felt that there was limited or no improvement after 2 treatments. CONCLUSIONS Autologous PRFM treatment is a well-tolerated, excellent choice for use in the face. Further studies on the precise mechanism of action of PRFM are ongoing.