The Use of Aerosolized Fibrin Glue in Face-Lift Surgery

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to report the use of aerosolized fibrin glue in face-lift surgery. A prospective study was conducted of 48 patients undergoing face-lift surgery sequentially assigned into two groups. The first 24 patients underwent face lifts without glue and the next 24 patients with the use of aerosolized fibrin glue. One surgeon (J.P.F.) performed all the face lifts using the same technique. Drains were only used in those patients who did not receive fibrin glue. The amount of bruising and edema was compared in the two groups, as was the incidence of complications, such as hematomas. Operating time was also assessed in the two groups. The patients in whom glue was used had significantly less bruising and swelling (p < 0.0001), with a more rapid healing response. The risk of hematoma was also less with the use of glue (0 percent) than without glue (8.3 percent), but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.489). Another benefit was that drains were not needed when glue was used. Operating times were shorter by 13.3 minutes with the use of glue (p < 0.0001). Aerosolized fibrin glue has great promise in improving face-lift results, with excellent outcomes and fewer complications. The added cost of the glue is partially offset by an expedited patient recovery period without the need for drains.

Fibrin-based biomaterials: Modulation of macroscopic properties through rational design at the molecular level

“…Clinically, fibrin sealants can be applied utilizing multiple techniques including application through a double barrel syringe or by spray application [128]. Aerosolized fibrin glue is widely used, particularly in plastic surgery [129], however, spraying techniques can alter the properties of the final fibrin mesh [130]. In the double barrel syringe application system, fibrin sealants are administered in a two-component system in which high concentrations of fibrinogen (80–120 mg/mL) are immediately mixed with high concentrations of thrombin (300–600 NIH U/mL) of equal volume at the delivery site.…”

Fibrin biomatrix-conjugated platelet-derived growth factor AB accelerates wound healing in severe thermal injury

“…The use of fibrin sealants for skin graft fixation has been extensively explored in an effort to improve graft adherence and to enhance wound healing, especially in anatomical locations that are difficult to graft and immobilize (Fezza et al ., ; Yildirim et al ., ; Cohen et al ., ). Fibrin sealant was found to be safe and effective for the attachment of skin grafts, with outcomes at least as good as, or better than, staple fixation (Foster et al ., ; Gibran et al ., ).…”

Efficacy and safety of fibrin sealant for tissue adherence in facial rhytidectomy

“…Case reports,11,12,31 large series,13,14,32–35 and randomized prospective trials27,36,37 support the value of using fibrin sealant in rhytidectomy. Several investigators question some of the reported advantages of this material 38–40.…”

“…In a sequential endoscopic series using fibrin sealant for proper brow fixation, a significant improvement in the last 69 patients compared to the first 28 patients was found for eye brow positioning and muscle weakening14 highlighting the fact that there may be a learning curve for the use of fibrin sealant 4. In another sequentially controlled series of first using no fibrin sealant with drains followed by aerosolized fibrin sealant without drains in facelift surgery,32 significant reductions were found in bruising and swelling ( P < 0.0001) as well as operating room time by 13 minutes ( P < 0.0001). No statistically significant reductions in hematomas were found.…”