The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new technique of harvesting and preparing autologous platelet gel and autologous fibrin glue (body glue) and to evaluate their effectiveness in stopping capillary bleeding in the surgical flaps of patients undergoing cosmetic surgery. A convenience sample of 20 patients ranging from 25 to 76 years of age undergoing cosmetic surgery involving the creation of a surgical flap were included in the study. The types of surgical procedures included face lifts, breast augmentations, breast reductions, and neck lifts. Platelet-poor and platelet-rich plasma were prepared during the procedure from autologous blood using a compact, tabletop, automated autologous platelet concentrate system (SmartPReP, Harvest Autologous Hemobiologics, Norwell, Mass.). The platelet-poor and platelet-rich plasma were combined with a thrombin-calcium chloride solution to produce autologous fibrin glue and autologous platelet gel, respectively. Capillary bed bleeding was present in all cases and effectively sealed within 3 minutes following the application of platelet gel and fibrin glue. The technique for making the solution and for evaluating its effectiveness in achieving and maintaining hemostasis during cosmetic surgical procedures is described. Autologous platelet gel and fibrin glue prepared by the automated concentrate system are compared with autotransfusor-prepared platelet gel and Tisseel (Baxter Healthcare Corp.), a commercially prepared fibrin sealant preparation.

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In summary, we think that the intradermal injection of the tumescent solution with epinephrine, which produced a peau d'orange appearance of the overlying skin, resulted in superficial flap loss secondary to the vasoconstrictive property of epinephrine combined with the hydrostatic pressure of the injection in this patient within a superficial plane and flap elevation. This delayed the clearance of epinephrine from the flaps. In this case, removal of the sutures did not result in any improvement in the flap, and this maneuver was performed too late. If a peau d'orange appearance is observed after injection, we recommend waiting until the fluid has time to recirculate (15 to 30 minutes, at a minimum) and avoid immediate incising or undermining of the flap.