Influence of platelet-rich plasma on the histologic characteristics of the autologous fat graft to the upper lip of rabbits.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the influence of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the histologic characteristics of autologous fat grafts to the upper lip of rabbits. METHODS: Nine New Zealand white rabbits were used. Eight of the rabbits underwent fat harvest from the groin fat pads using a modified Coleman technique. One side of the upper lip was infiltrated with autologous fat and the other side with fat and PRP. Four of the infiltrated rabbits were killed 8 weeks after the lip augmentation, and the remaining four infiltrated rabbits plus one control case were killed 12 weeks after the procedure. Coronal sections of both upper lips were analyzed microscopically to evaluate the quality of the fat graft, the inflammatory reaction, the presence of oil cysts, the degree of fibrosis, and the neovascularization. RESULTS: The infiltration of adipose tissue plus PRP presented less inflammatory reaction (p < 0.05) and fewer oil cysts (p < 0.05) than the infiltration of adipose tissue without PRP. CONCLUSIONS: The infiltration of fat tissue plus PRP generates a lower inflammatory reaction and less formation of oil cysts than the infiltration of isolated fat. Platelet-rich plasma increases the maintenance of the transplanted fat cells.