Is it necessary to use PRP with fat transfer for a more successful retention rate?

Good question. There is not a tremendous amount of evidence showing that platelet rich plasma improves fat transfer survival. However, anecdotally some surgeons report that they believe there is an improvement with fat retention using platelet rich plasma. Therefore, it is not necessary to use platelet rich plasma for fat transfer but some surgeons such as myself do use it because there is no harm in doing it and it can likely improve results.

There is reasonably good evidence that adding PRP to facial fat grafting helps retention rate due to the growth factors in the PRP. That doesn't mean it is always necessary, especially for lower volumes. It is a difficult thing to measure because there are so many different systems for preparing PRP and the harvest and preparation of the fat. It does add some expense.

Harvesting is important to fat transfer. I use water-assisted fat harvesting which gives pure fat to transfer and combine with platelet rich plasma (PRP) to get the most viable and sustainable fat cells. This can be combined with Sculptra and/or implants to get desired results, if necessary. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Dear heydoctors,
fat viability depends a lot of surgeon technique. The fat has to be placed back into the buttocks as soon as possible so that it has a greater chance of survival. It has to be placed carefully so that not too much fat is placed in only one area.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

And I have some land to see in the Everglades. LOL. It really does not add to the results only adds to the $$$ the MD charges. Be careful out there.

PRP is totally unnecessary. Fat grafting has worked great for decades without it and there are no studies which show improved viability adding a little bit of PRP to the mixture. There are plenty of studies which Have tried to add things with no significant difference. Anyone who is suggesting it is just trying to charge you more. Best of luck! Dr. Boschert

There is not sufficient evidence to show that PRP has a significant advantage in fat transfer. In my opinion the most important variables are working with sufficient post tissue to support the graft and using proper grafting techniques.

Tissue grafting has been done for many many years on both plants and humans.

Understanding the process and following good technique is absolutely fundamentally key to success with this procedure.

Experienced providers typically have better technique and more experience understanding what it can and cannot accomplish.

Delivering consistent high-quality results with both Liposuction and fat transfer is more difficult than most people believe. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of choosing the most experienced and talented providers for these procedures.


Don’t look for gimmics or technology when it comes to getting quality results in plastic surgery.

Plastic surgeons have what they need to do their job properly. The difference between the grades and the rest is purely based on skill and experience.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

With our present state of knowledge, PRP is not needed, or even beneficial, with fat grafting. Many people use it as a marketing tool because it sounds exclusive or advanced and they can charge more for the procedure. The one thing that has been proven to improve the take of the fat is how the fat is obtained, processed and, especially, injected. Make sure you see an expert who has at least a 785-80% survival of the injected fat.