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.

[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 and 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 < 0.001).

[CONCLUSIONS] Results significantly favor the use of fibrin glue and show that it was 68.1% more effective than suction drainage in preventing hematoma or seroma in rhytidectomy procedures.