Aim: To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment on patients after blepharoplasty surgery.
Materials and methods: After undergoing blepharoplasty, 20 patients were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10 each). One was treated with autologous PRP and the other was not given any post-surgery treatment (basal group). Autologous PRP application was performed intradermically 24 h, 1 month, and 2 months post-surgery, and the outcome of the applications was assessed 1, 2, and 3 months post-surgery. The postoperative wound was assessed on a patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) by patients and by an unblinded clinical observer. Statistical comparison between the two groups was analyzed by using the Mann-Whitney unpaired, two-tailed test. Significant differences were considered with P ≤ 0.05.
Results: Patient-reported data indicate that compared to the basal group, the PRP group showed no significant differences regarding pain, itching, or color, but had better values for stiffness and thickness (months 1 and 2) as well as scar irregularity (month 1). Data reported by the clinical observer showed that in comparison with the basal group, the PRP group showed no differences in vascularization or pigmentation, but had lower (better) scores regarding thickness, relief, and pliability (at all assessment times). The total assessment values from patients and the observer were significantly better for the PRP than the basal group.
Conclusion: Autologous PRP treatment enhanced some parameters associated with healing properties, suggesting a potential therapeutic value after blepharoplasty surgery.
Keywords: Blepharoplasty; eyelid; platelet-rich plasma; wound healing.