Platelet-Rich Plasma in Cosmetic Surgery

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is blood plasma containing an above baseline level of platelets and growth factors. PRP is an emerging new treatment utilized to enhance wound healing and has been in clinical use over the last several decades within many disciplines, such as orthopedic, oral-maxillofacial and cardiac surgery. Recently, PRP has come to the attention of esthetic surgeons, with burgeoning new applications ranging from hair restoration to soft tissue augmentation. The goal of this review is to describe the current body of literature on PRP as it pertains to the field of esthetics, and to review its current real-world applications. PRP’s utility in cosmetic surgery is rapidly growing and offers a promising and exciting new therapeutic modality.