Platelet-rich plasma improves esthetic postoperative outcomes of maxillofacial surgical procedures.

Background: Postoperative facial scars after plastic and reconstructive surgery are visible results that can seriously affect the quality of life of recovering patients. Currently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in medicine to improve tissue regeneration.

Purpose: To analyze the esthetic outcomes of using PRP in the late postoperative period of maxillofacial surgical interventions.

Material and methods: A total of 100 patients aged 18-60 years who were undergoing plastic and reconstructive surgery in the maxillofacial region were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided in two groups. Fifty patients in the treatment group received PRP injections at the time of surgery. Patients in the control group did not receive any injections. PRP was injected intradermally after suturing the wound. Evaluation of treatment outcomes was carried out by planimetry, the Image J programme during 1 month after surgery and by the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale 30 and 90 days after the surgical procedure. The Dermatological Quality of Life Index was used to assess the negative impact of treatment outcomes on various aspects of the patients life.

Results: The change of scar width was twice less pronounced in the treatment group. The patients in the treatment group were more satisfied with the results of the treatment and had a higher quality of life. The treatment group exhibited less scaring at all time points than the control group 3 months after surgery.

Conclusions: The use of PRP had a pronounced beneficial therapeutic effect in influencing the esthetic outcomes of surgical interventions.