PRP, lipofilling and functional upper blepharoplasty are performed, when specialist assessment indicates them, at FlexorLab – San Sisto site (Perugia), under local anaesthesia. The information on this page does not replace a medical assessment.
This page is for general information and concerns only the clinical, functional, reparative and reconstructive field. Topics include dysfunctional scars and tissue sequelae of trauma, burns, surgery and cancer treatment. Mentioning a condition, including radionecrosis, does not imply that PRP or lipofilling is indicated or effective in every case. Evidence, alternatives, risks and appropriateness require an individual assessment, which may be multidisciplinary.
PRP – Platelet-rich plasma
What it is
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a platelet concentrate obtained from the patient’s own blood. Platelets contain growth factors that take part in the natural processes of tissue repair and regeneration. Because it is an autologous product, i.e. from the patient themselves, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is practically absent.
How the procedure is carried out
- Blood draw: a small amount of venous blood is taken, as for a routine blood test.
- Preparation: the blood is processed in a dedicated kit and centrifuged to separate and concentrate the platelets from the other components.
- Application: the concentrate is injected into the areas to be treated with fine needles or microcannulas, or combined with other procedures such as lipofilling.
Indications
Clinical and reconstructive indications
- post-traumatic and post-surgical facial scarring;
- acne scars with changes to the skin surface;
- support for healing after facial surgery;
- enrichment of fat tissue in reconstructive lipofilling.
Limitations of the evidence
- Biological plausibility does not guarantee recovery of damaged tissue. Results must be assessed for the specific condition and for the preparation used.
After treatment
In the following hours there may be swelling, redness or small bruises at the treated sites, which usually resolve within a few days. Normal activities can be resumed quickly. The number of sessions and the interval between them are set according to the goal and the individual response.
When it is not indicated
PRP is not indicated, or requires particular assessment, in the presence of platelet or clotting disorders, anticoagulant therapy, active infection in the area to be treated, ongoing cancer, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Lipofilling
Lipofilling, or autologous fat grafting, uses the patient’s own fat, harvested by micro-liposuction from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, to correct soft-tissue defects of the face, also thanks to the regenerative component of fat tissue.
Clinical and reconstructive indications: post-traumatic or post-surgical depressions and scars, results of removal of facial lesions, asymmetries and tissue loss, with improvement in the quality of the overlying skin.
Limitations: fat take and resorption are variable; the reconstructive result is not guaranteed.
The harvested fat is purified and re-grafted with microcannulas. Part of the grafted fat is naturally resorbed in the following weeks, so in some cases a second session may be useful. Lipofilling can be combined with PRP.
The appropriateness of reconstructive lipofilling and the setting are assessed for each patient.
Functional upper blepharoplasty
Functional upper blepharoplasty treats excess skin of the upper eyelid associated with documented functional impairment. The indication is established through an individual specialist assessment.
Functional indications: excess upper eyelid skin (dermatochalasis) can reduce the visual field, especially its upper part, and cause a feeling of heaviness and eye strain. In these cases the assessment includes visual field testing and photographic documentation.
The pathway described concerns upper eyelid surgery for functional purposes. Expected benefits, limitations, alternatives and the post-operative course are discussed at the consultation.
The indication for functional upper blepharoplasty requires a specialist assessment. The place and arrangements for any operation must be confirmed for each case, in line with the facility’s authorisations.
Functional and reconstructive septorhinoplasty
Septorhinoplasty corrects together the internal structures that regulate breathing (septum, nasal valve, turbinates) and the nasal pyramid. Functional and reconstructive indications: nasal obstruction due to deviation of the septum and pyramid, nasal valve insufficiency, results of trauma. Dr Dehgani-Mobaraki holds a second-level university Master’s in Functional, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Nasal Pyramid from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome.
The assessment starts from breathing function and includes clinical examination, nasal endoscopy and any further tests indicated. The choice of operation depends on the cause of the obstruction and on the available alternatives.
Any surgical indication, the type of anaesthesia and the care setting require an individual assessment and verification of the facility’s requirements.
Availability of procedures and individual assessment
An individual assessment defines the appropriateness of any pathway. The site of each procedure is confirmed at the consultation.
The fact that a venue is listed for consultations does not mean that all the procedures described on this site are available there.
Septorhinoplasty, on the other hand, is performed in a private healthcare facility. For information and booking see the page Where he sees patients.
The pathway
- First consultation: discussion, physical examination, endoscopy when indicated and definition of realistic goals.
- Treatment proposal: technique, type of anaesthesia, venue, recovery time, risks and alternatives, with the informed consent form.
- Follow-up: scheduled according to the procedure, to follow the result over time.
Personal information content. It is not an institutional communication and does not represent the opinions or positions of USL Umbria 1. Scientific information: it does not replace a medical assessment.