A comparison of the efficacy of autologous fibrin glue/platelet-poor plasma versus suction drainage in preventing hematoma and seroma in rhytidectomy: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study

ABSTRACT Background One of the most feared complications of rhytidectomy is the formation of hematoma and seroma, which may harm patients’ health and compromise the surgical outcome. Objective To compare the efficacy of autologous fibrin glue/platelet-poor plasma versus suction drainage in preventing surgical complications such as hematoma and seroma following rhytidectomy procedures. Methods A prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study was conducted to compare the efficacy of the two interventions. Seventy-two patients were selected, divided into two groups of 36 (autologous fibrin glue versus suction drainage). Forty-eight hours after the procedures, all patients underwent ultrasound examination, always by the same radiologist, to measure the volume of exudate under the facial skin flaps. Results The mean total volume of exudate was 3.21 mL in the suction drainage group and 1.02 mL in the fibrin glue group, with effect size of 68.1% and confidence interval of 55.3 to 77.2 (P Conclusions Results significantly favor the use of fibrin glue, showing that it was 68.1% more effective than suction drainage in preventing hematoma or seroma in rhytidectomy procedures.