The Effect of Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Postoperative Morbidity after Rhinoplasty: A Comparative Analysis with Respect to Edema, Ecchymosis and Pain

Abstract

Aim: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) effectively improves the surgical effect in augmentation rhinoplasty; while there are a limited number of studies regarding its impact on postoperative morbidity in primary open rhinoplasty with conventional osteotomy (COS). This study was designed to investigate the utility of PRF in reducing the short-term postoperative morbidity in primary open rhinoplasty with conventional osteotomy. Methods: A total of 61 adult patients who underwent primary open rhinoplasty with conventional osteotomy, either alone (COS group; n=31) or combined with the application of PRF over the osteotomy line (COS-PRF group; n=30) were included in this prospective study conducted between March 1, 2020 and March 1, 2021. Data on postoperative morbidity, including edema and periorbital ecchymosis (on postoperative day 2 and day 7), pain [via visual analogue scale (VAS) and verbal rating scale (VRS)] and the analgesic use (on postoperative days 1, 2, 3 and 7) were recorded. Results: COS and COS-PRF groups were similar in terms of the likelihood of eyelid edema and periorbital ecchymosis on any postoperative day. The study groups were also similar in terms of average VAS (median 2.5 vs. 2.4, p=0.680) and VRS (median 1.5 vs. 1.4, p=0.521) scores and the number of analgesics used (median 1.5 vs. 1.3, p=0.196) during the 7-day postoperative period and daily VAS, VRS and analgesic usage records. Conclusion: Our findings indicate no significant impact of using local PRF application over osteotomy line in reducing postoperative eyelid edema, periorbital ecchymosis, or pain within the first postoperative week of open rhinoplasty.