Cosmetic Transfusion Medicine: Clinical Promise, Regulatory Gaps, and Quality Challenges

Proposed Session Description: The use of blood-derived products for cosmetic and aesthetic applications—particularly platelet-rich plasma (PRP)—has expanded rapidly. These practices intersect increasingly with transfusion medicine through shared reliance on blood collection, processing, quality, and regulatory oversight. Despite growing public and clinical interest, many transfusion medicine professionals have limited exposure to how these products are being used in the community.

This interprofessional session will explore the emerging field of “cosmetic transfusion medicine” from both clinical and laboratory perspectives. The first portion of the session will focus on dermatologic applications of platelet-rich plasma and other blood-derived therapies for cosmetic purposes, including mechanisms of action, common preparation methods, and a critical review of the current evidence supporting safety and efficacy. Areas of controversy, variability in practice, and gaps in clinical data will also be discussed.

The second portion of the session will examine platelet-rich plasma and other blood-derived therapies through the lens of transfusion medicine and quality. Topics will include regulatory classifications, oversight considerations, quality and validation issues, and how existing regulations and standards may or may not apply to the cosmetic uses of PRP, as well as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), platelet-derived growth factor, and exosomes derived from umbilical cord blood. The session will highlight potential risks, compliance challenges, and opportunities for collaboration between clinical users and transfusion services.

By bringing together clinical dermatology and aesthetic surgery experience with transfusion medicine experts, this session aims to equip attendees with a balanced understanding of the cosmetic uses of blood-derived therapies. Opportunities for future basic science and clinical research will also be highlighted.