Platelet Gel
Dr. Mendelsohn has been one of the pioneers in
using Autologous Platelet Gel to help you get back
to your life more quickly. He has used APG since
June 2000 in hundreds of cases.
Plastic Surgery Advances - A simple, effective,
and safe preparation of Autologous Platelet Gel
aids in the healing of patients undergoing plastic
surgery procedures. The newest and most exciting
process used in cosmetic surgery involves the use
of an autologous platelet gel. It may be used to
increase the rate of healing and eliminate certain
potential complications during plastic surgery.
Many techniques have been described in an attempt
to achieve better, safer, and quicker results following
cosmetic surgery. This process is changing the way
many plastic surgical procedures are performed.
What is Autologous Platelet Gel?
Autologous Platelet gel is made from a natural
component of the patient's own blood that is used
to aid in the quicker recovery following certain
cosmetic procedures.
Where does it come from?
It is derived from your own blood. The preparation
adds no extra time to the procedure(s).
How is it made?
Prior to starting the surgery, approximately 45
cc of blood (1.5 oz) are taken from the patient.
This small blood volume is then placed into a tube
and spun in a centrifuge (a small device that spins
very quickly). This process automatically separates
the blood into several different components, one
of which we refer to as the "buffy coat" or platelet rich plasma. It takes 12 minutes.
What is in the Platelet rich plasma?
The main components of this solution are platelets.
Platelets are tiny cells that are partially responsible
for blood clotting (stops bleeding), and are critical
to healing. The normal concentration of platelets
is from 140,000 to 400,000 per cubic mm. During
this process, each cubic mm of solution contains
1.5 to 2 million platelets (very concentrated).
What is done with the Platelet Gel?
It is used at the end of a procedure (i.e. facelift)
by mixing it with another component and spraying
it under the skin.
What does it do?
Because it is so concentrated, it acts as a wound
sealant (tissue glue). This eliminates the need
for dressings and drains, and also reduces the incidence
of hematomas (blood collections) and seromas (fluid
collections). It also reduces bruising and swelling.
In addition, it promotes more rapid healing by secreting
healing and growth factors which enhance recovery.
How is this process different from others?
Many surgeons use other similar processes.
Fibrin glue (which is made by several companies)
is a product that uses pooled blood donors (blood
from many individuals) and produces a product that
may be used in a similar manner. There are two major
disadvantages to this product. The first is the
risk for viral transmission such as hepatitis B/C.
The second is that many of the growth factors are
depleted from this substance. While the "stickiness"
of this product is good, it does not contain some
of the other "healing factors," and may
actually delay healing.
Another company produces an autologous platelet
gel but uses a different process. This process involves
taking a unit of blood (we have about 6 units in
our body), and extracting the platelet rich plasma
from it. The remaining blood is then transfused
back into the patient. This requires experts to
use the special equipment (the same experts who
are required during coronary bypass surgery). It
also requires a much larger volume of blood, and
may cause fluid shifts during the operation. However,
it is safe because it is the patients own blood.
The advantage to the newest process is that it
requires very little of the patient's own blood,
is simple to perform, is safe from the risk of
disease transmission, and contains many healing
factors as well as "tissue glue" capabilities.
How long has platelet gel been used?
Since about 1997.
Who uses platelet gels?
Many surgeons from many different specialties including
neurosurgeons, cardiovascular surgeons, oral surgeons,
orthopedic surgeons and many others. The process
by which it is now produced allows plastic surgery
patients to derive the same benefits.
Is the use of platelet gel in plastic surgery
going to skyrocket in the next year?
Without a doubt.
Email us should you desire additional information.
|
