Intraoperative Platelet-Rich Plasma Is Associated With Improved Scar Quality Following Blepharoplasty: A Randomized, Single-Blinded Controlled Trial
In brief
PRP improves eyelid-surgery scar scores, but not mood or quality of life
In a randomized trial of 54 patients having upper eyelid surgery, those given platelet-rich plasma had lower patient- and observer-rated scar scores at 1 and 6 months than those who received no additional treatment. Anxiety, depression, and quality of life improved in both groups, with no added benefit from PRP; whether the scar-score differences are meaningful to patients remains unclear.
- Journal
- The Journal of craniofacial surgery (Q2)
- Published
- 25 September 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Sermin Kibar Şayan, Zeynep Erdoğan Çetin, Pelin Uslu
- PMID
- 42788940
- DOI
- 10.1097/SCS.0000000000013451
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Otorhinolaryngology (top studies of the week, 27 September 2026): PRP in blepharoplasty, aesthetic ophthalmology
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as an adjunct to enhance wound healing; however, its role in aesthetic eyelid surgery remains unclear. This study evaluated the effect of intraoperative PRP application on wound healing, scar formation, and psychosocial outcomes in patients undergoing upper eyelid blepharoplasty. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, single-blinded controlled trial, 54 patients undergoing upper eyelid blepharoplasty were assigned to either a PRP group (n=26) or a control group (n=28). PRP was applied intraoperatively in the treatment group, while no additional intervention was performed in the control group. Scar outcomes were assessed at postoperative months 1 and 6 using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales. Anxiety and depression were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 months using the Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. Quality of life was assessed at 6 months using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory. RESULTS: At both 1 and 6 months, patient- and observer-reported scar scores were significantly lower in the PRP group than in the control group (P<0.01), indicating improved wound healing and scar quality. Both groups showed significant reductions in anxiety and depression at 6 months compared with baseline (P<0.001), with no significant between-group differences. Quality of life improved in all patients, with no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative PRP improves wound healing and scar quality after blepharoplasty but does not provide additional benefit in anxiety, depression, or quality-of-life outcomes.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.