PRP Under-Eye Treatment: Benefits And Side Effects

What Is PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated component of blood with high levels of platelets way above the baseline. PRP contains at least seven growth factors and is used in many medical therapies and beauty procedures.

PRP is produced by isolating plasma from blood and concentrating it. The cytokines and growth factors in PRP promote the healing process and help restore and regenerate damaged tissues (1).

Anecdotal evidence suggests that injecting PRP into damaged skin cells and tissues will help regenerate new cells, fight against wrinkles, and make skin youthful.

Why Does PRP Work?

PRP is a specific type of treatment falling under the umbrella of regenerative medicine.

PRP is a highly concentrated autologous (obtained from the same individual) solution of plasma. It contains platelets believed to release numerous growth factors and other bioactive molecules with numerous dermatological benefits (2). PRP treatments have been used for a few decades and continue to grow in popularity.

Platelets play a key role in the process of wound healing. They release enzymes when activated. These enzymes initiate clot formation, promote collagen production, and create an environment conducive to healing and rejuvenation. PRP also contains white blood cells that promote a healing response in the body (3).

PRP may rejuvenate the skin when used as an under-eye treatment (4). The production of new, healthy skin under the eyes may eliminate dark under-eye circles. However, more large-scale studies are warranted in this regard.

That said, PRP under-eye treatment does offer certain benefits.

What Are The Benefits Of PRP?

Note that the beauty benefits of PRP treatment are yet to be proven scientifically. However, as per anecdotal evidence, it may smoothen your skin and make it supple. Here are a few potential benefits of this treatment:

1. Your Own Plasma Is Used

Your own blood is used to make the PRP that is used in your treatment. Hence, you need not worry about injecting foreign elements or harmful chemicals into your skin.

2. May Promote Collagen Production

People often experience a drop in their body’s collagen production rate as they hit their late 20s and early 30s. PRP is believed to increase dermal collagen levels (5). It may delay the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, eye bags and other signs of aging.

3. Is Non-Invasive

A PRP sitting is a totally non-invasive process that doesn’t require you to go under the knife.

4. May Improve Your Skin Tone

Do you have scars on your face that make your skin tone uneven? The PRP treatment may help your skin regenerate and produce healthier skin cells. It may repair the damage caused by stretch marks, injury, and hyper-pigmentation. PRP treatments might improve the overall appearance of your skin. However, more information is warranted in this regard.

5. Is A Painless Procedure

PRP under-eye treatments are minimally invasive and painless procedures. While you would be able to feel the device, you may not experience pain. You may stop using any anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet medicines a few days before your procedure to better promote post-procedural healing.

6. Has Fewer Risks

A PRP treatment is a non-invasive procedure and comes with a very low risk of side effects. No surgery is involved. The recovery time is minimal. There is no risk of plasma rejection either as the plasma is created from your own blood.

7. Offers Long-Lasting Results

The effects of certain skin care treatments last only a few weeks. However, PRP offers you results that can last several months. Collagen production takes some time, and you will continue to experience better skin even after several months. Taking PRP injections every few months can give you sustained results.

Quick Tip

You can get PRP under-eye treatment for hollow eyes, puffy eyes, eye bags, dark circles, and crow’s feet.

These benefits of a PRP treatment may have got you excited. Would you want to know what happens during a PRP under-eye treatment?

What Happens During A PRP Under-Eye Injection Appointment?

PRP eye treatments can provide optimum hydration, treat your dark circles, rejuvenate your sun-damaged skin, smooth out your fine lines and wrinkles, and eliminate a plethora of other skin issues. This is what you can expect if you choose to go for a PRP treatment.

Step 1

The practitioner first draws one vial of your blood to get your PRP. They will then apply a numbing topical cream under your eyes to make the procedure painless.

Step 2

The blood sample is transferred to a centrifuge after activation. It is spun rapidly to separate your blood’s components. This process takes about 15 minutes. The centrifuge concentrates the platelets to result in a golden-colored liquid, which is your PRP.

Step 3

The PRP is then injected in about 6 to 7 different spots under each eye. This triggers the process of collagen production and skin cell healing.

Quick Tip

Your doctor may use a micro-cannula to inject PRP under the eyes. Since it is not safe to microneedle under the eyes, the doctor may microneedle only around the areas adjacent to the under-eye area.

You can return to your daily activities immediately after undergoing this non-invasive procedure. Most people start seeing positive results in a couple of days. However, noticing the full impact of the PRP treatment may take a little longer.

Peeva, a YouTuber, documented her journey with PRP for under-eye treatment. A week after the treatment, she shares a candid assessment in one of her vlogs: “I feel like when I first got the injection, it looked plump, it looked good. I definitely saw a difference right away, but now that a week has gone by, I kind of feel like I look the same (i).”

Collagen production takes time. You might continue to see improvements in your skin texture even months after your treatment. The effects of your first PRP treatment typically last between four and six months.

Ensure you are well prepared before going for a PRP under-eye treatment procedure.

How To Prepare For A PRP Treatment

A PRP treatment is non-invasive and painless. However, you need to be properly prepared for achieving the best results. You are advised to avoid any other facial treatments in your under-eye region before going for a PRP appointment.

Avoid any blood thinners or medications like Plavix or Aspirin on the day of the treatment. Also avoid consuming alcohol before your session. Go with your face freshly cleansed and with no trace of any makeup.

The PRP is derived from your own blood. Hence, make sure you reach your practitioner’s office on time. The PRP under-eye treatment is a micro-needling process. A topical solution or cream is applied under your eyes a few minutes before the procedure to minimize discomfort. Those with a low pain intolerance might be given a local anesthesia.

What To Expect During A PRP Treatment?

While PRP eye treatments are generally said to be painless, they may cause some discomfort. The application of a numbing cream usually nullifies the actual pain. The micro-needling procedure may raise a minute amount of blood to the top of the skin, which the practitioner will wipe off. Some people may experience a little swelling or soreness immediately after the procedure. While many people don’t feel anything at all, some people may find the process mildly uncomfortable.

What Are The Potential Side Effects Of A PRP Treatment?

A PRP treatment is a safe procedure with minimum side effects. However, those with extremely sensitive skin may experience a few side effects. These include:

• Redness
• Bruising
• Mild pain
• Itching
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Puffiness
• Tiny bumps

These side effects usually subside within a few days in most cases.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

In most cases, you can return to your daily activities immediately after getting a PRP under-eye treatment. It usually takes about 2 to 3 hours before you can return to your regular work. Apply ice packs to the treated areas should you experience any inflammation.

Any swelling, bruising, or redness will usually subside within a few days.

How Much Does A PRP Injection Cost?

PRP treatments are highly effective and are priced at a premium. One PRP under-eye session is likely to cost you anywhere between $500 to $2,000, depending upon the location and the practitioner. While it is possible to get it done for rates as low as $300, certain beauty clinics may even charge up to $5,000 for a single sitting.

Are The Results Of PRP Treatments Permanent?

The result of PRP under-eye treatments last longer than many other facial beauty treatments. But do keep in mind that these effects do not last forever. You can expect to see continued improvements in your skin texture for up to 6 to 12 months after a PRP injection. However, you have to repeat your treatment every year to enjoy continued results for a long time.

Infographic: Top 5 Benefits Of PRP Under-Eye Treatment

Dark eye circles can be pretty tough to get rid of. But worry not! You can try PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatment to treat them. It helps restore and regenerate damaged tissues, rejuvenating your skin in the process. Check out the infographic below to know about the benefits of the PRP treatment.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PRP better than fillers?

Under-eye fillers are another cosmetic option that address similar concerns similar to the PRP therapy. PRP is a safer alternative to getting fillers, which may cause side effects like allergic reactions.

Can I wear makeup after PRP?

Wait for at least three to four days before applying makeup after a PRP treatment.

Is PRP painful on the face?

PRP may cause some discomfort, but you can ask your dermatologist for a numbing cream. After the procedure, you may feel some pain and swelling which goes away after some time.

Is PRP better than Botox?

PRP is safer than Botox, which may cause stiffness and other side effects. Apart from that, the effects of PRP last longer.

Rejuvenate your under-eyes with PRP! Check out this video to learn how this revolutionary treatment can help reduce wrinkles and dark circles for a youthful, glowing look.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Sravya TipirneniMBBS, MD DVL, AMPH (ISB)

     

Dr. Sravya Chowdary Tipirneni is a consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist with 7 years of experience and practices at Columbia Asia Hospital Whitefield, Bengaluru, India. She is a life member of the Indian Association of Dermatologists and Venereologists and Leprologists and the Association of Cutaneous Surgeons of India (ASCI).

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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