Plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery

Soft-tissue and bone repair

Plastic and reconstructive surgery encompasses skin, muscle, tendons, bone and fat. Platelet gel is discussed in soft-tissue repair, bone grafting and surgical wound healing.

Abdominoplasty and breast reconstruction

Seroma, haematoma, flap survival, drain requirements and wound complications are research outcomes in abdominoplasty, breast lift and breast reconstruction. Suitability depends on application site, surgical technique and product instructions.

Blepharoplasty, facelift and rhinoplasty

Blepharoplasty, face and forehead lift, cervicofacial liposuction and rhinoplasty are contexts discussed for platelet-based approaches. Bleeding, bruising, oedema, pain, incision healing and recovery time are distinct outcomes; the same benefit should not be assumed for every procedure.

PRP application and platelet gel dressing

Injectable PRP and platelet gel dressings after laser procedures are different applications. Tissue repair, re-epithelialisation and facial rejuvenation studies depend on preparation and procedure. A fixed duration of effect after one session, zero risk or superiority to other aesthetic methods is not guaranteed.

Collagen organisation and scar assessment

Keloids and hypertrophic scars involve excessive collagen deposition. Platelet-based approaches are studied for wound healing and collagen remodelling. Findings from tendon surgery should not be generalised as proof of reduced scarring across aesthetic surgery.

• Sanchez M et al., AJSM, 2007; 35:245–251