PRP Injections for Under-Eye Circles

Dark circles that appear under eyes are commonly caused by shadows that come from aging. The contours of the skin around the eyes change and often increase as a person grows older. This changing skin gives the appearance of dark circles, which can be unsightly. 

Thankfully, there are many options for treating dark under-eye circles, ranging from creams to plastic surgery. For patients searching for a treatment option that is more effective than topical creams but less invasive than surgery, PRP injections may be a good choice. Keep reading to learn more about PRP treatments for under-eye circles.

What Are PRP Injections?

PRP is an acronym for platelet-rich plasma. First, the patient’s blood is drawn and run through a centrifuge. Then, the platelets (known as “liquid gold” among doctors) are extracted and injected back into the patient wherever needed. PRP injections are used in a variety of ways. PRP therapy uses the patient’s own platelets to accelerate the healing of injuries and to rejuvenate facial and breast tissue. 

During the procedure, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is injected into the skin under the eyes. The treatment generally takes between 30 to 60 minutes to complete. For best results, it is recommended that patients undergo as many as three treatments, with at least a month of healing time between each session.

Is PRP Really Effective?

PRP injections work to correct dark circles and under-eye pigmentation because the plasma can repair and rejuvenate under-eye tissue. Platelets, stem cells, growth factors, and cytokines can all be found in PRP. When PRP is injected through a process called microneedling, healing that works gradually to remove dark circles is induced.

Most patients are very happy with the results of their PRP injection procedures and studies show that the results of treatment are oftentimes better than the results from topical creams and other non-invasive procedures. 

What Results Can I Expect?

PRP injections repair the skin under the eyes where the dark circles are seen. Many patients report seeing results from their treatment in as few as two days after a session. However, it is important to note that it can take time to see the complete results of a PRP injection. 

Many patients continue to see results long after their original PRP injection. In fact, most patients enjoy the results of their treatment and continued improvement for six to 12 months after the original injection.

Are PRP Injection Results Permanent?

Although PRP injection results last longer than most available treatments, it is important to know that the results are not permanent.

Your doctor will work with you to choose the correct number of PRP treatment sessions to best treat the condition of your skin and to achieve the results you want. Patients can typically expect to undergo three or more PRP injection sessions after the initial treatment. 

The results of these injections last longer than topical under-eye solutions. However, patients should expect to need a follow-up treatment once within six to 12 months of the final PRP injection session. This timing varies depending on the patient’s age, how the body responds to the PRP treatment and the initial severity of the under-eye circles.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of PRP injections under the eyes can vary greatly depending mostly on location, facilities, and the doctor’s experience. It’s important to note that treatments are not normally covered by insurance, so you’ll need to make other arrangements if you’re planning to try PRP injections for under-eye circles. PRP injections generally cost between $500 and $2000 per session.

PRP can be costly, but it is much less expensive than invasive blepharoplasty (under-eye) surgeries. You can also talk with your doctor about options for off-setting procedure costs. Some offices offer:

• Payment plans
• Member discounts
• Financing through a third-party provider
• Package pricing discounts

What Are the Possible Side Effects?

Since PRP treatments inject your own blood back into your body there isn’t much risk of serious side effects. However, there are some common side effects that you may experience, which include:

• Mild itching or irritation
• Minor swelling
• Bruising at the injection site

How Long Does It Take to Recover?

After PRP injections, many patients experience redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site. Don’t worry; these side effects are mild and dissipate quickly. Some PRP facial recipients say it can feel like a sunburn. One of the best things about PRP treatments is that recovery is quick! In as few as three days, your skin will appear normal again with no visible redness or bruising.

It’s important to take care of your skin after a PRP treatment session since the injections are actually tiny wounds on the skin. Gentle skincare is important, so moisturizers without harsh ingredients that will hydrate and pamper the skin are a good choice. Many providers recommend hyaluronic acid because it’s one of the most powerful and effective ingredients in moisturizers. You’ll also want to protect yourself from the sun, so it’s important to continue using sunblock after a PRP treatment.

Here are some things to do during recovery from PRP injection treatment:

• DO sleep on your back with head slightly elevated for at least two nights
• DO use sunscreen and a gentle moisturizer
• DO wait six hours before applying makeup
• DO ice the area for brief periods of time (between five and 15 minutes) to reduce swelling

And here’s what you should avoid while recovering:

• DO NOT touch the injection area for at least 6 hours after treatment
• DO NOT take Aspirin for pain as it can lead to complications because it is a blood-thinner
• DO NOT scrub, exfoliate, or massage the area for 72 hours after treatment
• DO NOT drink alcohol after injection for at least 72 hours

Where Can I Get PRP Treatments?

There are many different providers that offer PRP injections. The cost can vary greatly depending on the location and expertise of the doctor, too. Still, it’s important to find a well-qualified doctor to administer your PRP injections. 

PRP Injection MD offers qualified doctors in high-quality facilities all across the US. PRP injection facilities can be found in the following cities, to name a few:

• Dallas, TX
• Miami, FL
• New York, NY
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA

Take your time to find a doctor for your PRP injection treatments. You’ll want to choose a doctor who has experience injecting PRP, as well as an understanding of how to harvest PRP for injections properly. PRP is less effective when it has not been harvested properly. You should also look for a facility equipped to harvest high-quality plasma, as the quality of the PRP used for the injections greatly affects the overall results of the treatment.

What Is PRFM?

PRFM is an acronym that stands for the platelet-rich fibrin matrix. PRFM is naturally found in your blood. PRFM is used by your body to aid in the healing process. Its platelets contain crucial growth elements that can stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. 

Is There a Difference Between PRP and PRFM?

PRP and PRFM both contain platelets, which are the body’s “liquid healing gold.” However, PRFM is believed to contain a higher concentration of platelets than PRP.  Additionally, some studies suggest that PRFM may last longer in the body than PRP due to this concentration.  

In short, PRP and PRFM have a difference in quality. While it would seem that PRFM is a better choice than PRP, it is important to note that PRFM does not produce high platelet counts as PRP injections do.

PRP injection treatments offer patients the ability to look and feel younger and healthier. Under-eye injections help treat dark circles which may result because of genetics or aging and can help patients feel more confident in their own skin. Fortunately, injections offer the same fantastic results as more invasive plastic surgeries without the risks, side effects, and painful recoveries associated with surgery. 

While PRP injections can be costly, the results are worth much more and last longer than treatments like topical creams. If you’re considering PRP injections, find a qualified provider near you and learn more about the results you can expect from the “liquid gold” plasma.

PRP Under Eyes Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do PRP injections last? PRP injection treatment results last six to 12 months after the final injection.
• What is PRP treatment for eyes? PRP eye treatment is a cosmetic procedure that tightens the skin around the eyes to achieve a more youthful appearance.
• How much does a PRP injection cost? PRP injections can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, and cost varies greatly depending on the location of the provider, the doctor’s experience level, and the facility where the procedure is performed. 
• Can PRP injections cause blindness? No, the most common side effects include minor swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site. 
• What are the side effects of PRP injections? The most common side effects of PRP injections are swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site.
• What can PRP do for lips? PRP injections in the lips work to stimulate the cells and reverse the effects of aging by encouraging new cell growth and removing damaged cells.
• What is a “vampire facial?” The vampire facial (known as a PRP injection facial) is a procedure where a sample of the patient’s blood is taken, plasma is extracted, and then the plasma is injected back into the face via a procedure called microneedling.
• Can you exercise after PRP injections? After a PRP injection facial, strenuous exercise should be avoided for a period of 24 hours, but light exercise is fine. 
• Is PRP covered by insurance? No, PRP injections are not usually covered by insurance. However, payment arrangements can sometimes be made. It is important to talk with your provider to better understand your options.
• Can I drink alcohol after PRP injection? Alcohol should be avoided after PRP injections treatments for 72 hours.
• Should I ice after PRP injections? Applying ice to the area after PRP treatment can help with swelling. However, a barrier should be used between your skin and the ice. Also, ice should not be applied to the area for more than 15 minutes at a time. Remember, swelling should dissipate two to three days after the procedure.
• How painful are PRP injections? Most patients report that PRP injections are not painful. However, some discomfort may be experienced depending on which part of the body is treated. Any pain following the procedure should not last more than a few days. Pain can be treated with over-the-counter Tylenol if needed.
• How long after PRP do you see results? Many patients report noticeable results in just a few days, however, it can take two to three months to see the full effect of PRP injections. Results typically last six to 12 months.
• Can PRP cause blood clots? Blood clots are caused by damage to the blood vessels.  Since PRP injections use a needle (and create a micro-wound), there is a small chance that blood vessels could be damaged during the procedure. 
• Can you drive after the PRP injection? The answer depends largely on the location of your PRP injection. If you get a PRP injection in your hip, knee, ankle, or foot, you cannot drive and should arrange a ride home following your procedure. Patients receiving PRP facials may drive themselves home following the procedure, but may still want to arrange a ride for peace of mind.
• How long does swelling last after PRP injection? Swelling commonly goes away 24 to 48 hours after injection. However, if you experience bruising, that bruise may last up to two weeks.
• How many PRP treatments are needed for the face? As many as three to six treatments may be needed to achieve the best results. The number of PRP injection procedures needed depends on the desired results and the severity of the condition prior to injection.