PRP Under Eye Treatment: A Comprehensive Guide to Benefits and Expectations

There are a multitude of eye creams, serums, and gels available, ranging from drugstores to medical-grade quality. Many people who struggle with under eye aesthetic concerns like thin skin, dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines may feel like they have tried every single one of those products with little to no result. While it would be difficult–and expensive–to try every product out there, most people know after just a few tries that topical treatments don’t tend to make much difference for them. Is there another option? Something more effective without invasive surgery?

Yes, there is! Welcome to PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy. This innovative, natural solution for under eye rejuvenation harnesses healing properties within your body to brighten and smooth the under eye area.

What Is PRP And How Does It Work?

While the concept of PRP in medicine and aesthetics has been around for decades, its use in cosmetic applications has really expanded over the last several years as providers and patients discover new areas for effective treatment. It has also expanded as some patients begin to move away from artificial fillers and move toward a more natural path for injectable options. PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, making it a natural solution for rejuvenation.

When PRP is separated from the blood and injected into problem areas, it releases growth factors that increase the percentage of repair cells. Collagen stimulation occurs, and, in turn, skin quality improves. By encouraging and enhancing the body’s natural healing process, PRP can transform the skin from within and give the under eye area the renewal that topical treatments cannot.

Why PRP For The Under Eye Area?

Under eye aesthetic concerns can be especially difficult to treat because of the delicate and complex nature of the area. A loss of collagen in the area can cause a loss of volume, which produces a sunken or hollow look. Poor circulation under the eye or sagging skin can cause the appearance of dark circles. Sagging also results in creases and wrinkles, which further affect the appearance of the lower eyelids.

Creams and serums typically don’t penetrate deep enough to have much of an effect. When dermal fillers are used under the eyes, they may be able to restore some volume, but they typically do not help dark circles, they will not help build collagen over time, and there is a risk of allergic reaction. With PRP, healing properties are infused back into the skin and tissue under the eye to build collagen in the long term and increase reparative cells. This can, in turn, reduce dark circles, hollowness, wrinkles, and sagging and restore a vibrant, alert look to the area.

Benefits Of PRP Under Eye Treatment At A Glance

• Natural collagen stimulation
• Smoother, firmer skin texture
• Reduced dark circles and fine lines
• Long-lasting results
• Minimal to no downtime
• Low risk of allergic reaction or complications

The PRP Treatment Process

Consultation and Preparation

Your consultation is an important step as it will be used to determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment. Aesthetic goals, health history, and the nature of your under eye concerns will all come into play. At your consultation, your provider will also inform you of pre-treatment guidelines, including medications and supplements to avoid and other considerations.

During The Procedure

To start, a simple blood draw will be performed, and then the blood will be spun in a centrifuge to isolate the PRP and purify the sample. Next, the under eye area will be numbed for maximum comfort during injections. Finally, the PRP will be injected delicately and strategically for maximum efficacy and outcomes. For most patients, the entire process takes about one hour or less.

Post-Treatment and Recovery

There is no downtime needed after undergoing PRP injections. Some patients may experience mild swelling, redness, or bruising, but these usually resolve quickly. To allow for healing, it’s best to wait about 24 to 48 hours before applying makeup or returning to your usual skin regimen.

What Results Can You Expect?

Since PRP stimulates the natural healing process and collagen building, patients typically see gradual results over a period of weeks to months. Dark circles will begin to lighten and the area will look smoother and have added volume. This treatment makes for a subtle, natural rejuvenation and a brighter, noticeably more vibrant look.

Maximizing Your Results

To maintain and maximize your results, skincare and lifestyle choices are important. Your provider will be able to recommend products and practices that will be best for your delicate under eye skin. Avoiding sun exposure and harsh exfoliants is ideal, and sleep, hydration, and diet also factor into the health of your skin and in maintaining your results.