Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a medical device system that processes a sample of your own blood to be used to minimize bleeding and bruising and enhance healing after a surgical procedure. A special dual syringe system (one side loaded with your concentrated blood serum and the other with thrombin and collagen) sprays the mixed solution as a “tissue glue” across the surgical area. In our operating room, we use a system known as Vitagel.

My clinical experience over several years with facial surgical procedures convinced me that PRP significantly decreases bruising and bleeding (eliminating the need for drains in most cases) and enhances healing and post-operative tissue health. A recent presentation at the 2011 American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) meeting confirmed my experience.

Growth factors and stem cell activities appear to be involved in the process and contribute to healing. In my practice we use it for many procedures including: facelift, eyelid lift and brow lift, along with selective breast and body contour procedures.

                                                                                                              -J. Barry Boyd, MD, Director, Winter Park Plastic Surgery