Platelet-rich fibrin is a second-generation platelet concentrate, prepared from centrifuged blood. PRF is a fibrin clot rich in platelets without addition of thrombin during preparation. PRF would necessarily have very different effects from PRP, which would have a massive, uncontrollable, and short-term effect, because of the high thrombin rates initiate fast polymerization, which makes intimate incorporation of the cytokines in the fibrin matrix difficult. PRF derives from a natural and progressive polymerization occurring during centrifugation. A progressive or relatively slow polymerization mode may increase incorporation of the circulating cytokines in the fibrin meshes. Platelet-derived growth factor and TGFβ have been identified in PRF. It is hypothesized that these soluble molecules are trapped in the fibrin meshes of the PRF and can be released in a controllable, and relatively long-term effect, way. However the state of growth factors released from PRF over time has not been reported, and basic studies are insufficient to support the real efficacy of PRF. The most accepted theory of fat graft survival is the cell survival theory, which states that some of the graft adipose tissue survives after the host reaction subsides. Other factors which are important include the anatomic site as well as the mobility and vascularity of the recipient site. Various studies have also been performed to increase the survival of free fat grafts. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PRF, with its growth factors, was able to improve the survival of injected fat in clinical trial study of 10 female patients.

Conflict of interest: None declared.