What is Under Eye PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a treatment that uses a patient's own blood plasma, which is rich in growth factors, to promote healing and tissue regeneration. Under eye PRP is a treatment in which PRP is injected under the eye area to improve the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines.
After the procedure, the area may be slightly swollen and bruised, but it usually subsides within a few days. Some improvement in the appearance of the under-eye area can be seen immediately, but the full effects of the treatment usually take several weeks to become visible.
How does it work?
Under eye PRP therapy works by using a patient's own blood plasma, which is rich in growth factors, to promote healing and tissue regeneration in the under-eye area. The procedure begins by drawing a small amount of blood from the patient's arm. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which is a machine that spins the blood at high speeds to separate the plasma from the red blood cells. The plasma, which is rich in platelets and growth factors, is then collected and prepared for injection.
The practitioner will then use a very fine needle to inject the PRP under the eye area, into the skin and the soft tissue. The growth factors in the PRP stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which helps to improve the texture and tone of the skin. Collagen and elastin are the two proteins that give the skin its structure and elasticity.
Additionally, the platelets in the PRP release growth factors that can promote the healing and regeneration of tissues, which can help to reduce dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines under the eyes.
How long will the effects last?
The effects of under eye PRP can last for several months, but the duration of the results depends on a number of factors, such as the individual's skin condition and type, the number of treatments, and the technique used.
As the body naturally depletes collagen over time, the effects of PRP will eventually fade. However, many people choose to have follow-up treatments to maintain their results. Typically, PRP treatments are spaced about 4-6 weeks apart, and a series of 3-6 treatments are recommended for optimal results.
It's important to note that PRP is not a one-time solution, it's a treatment that requires maintenance to keep the skin looking healthy and youthful. Additionally, maintaining a good skincare routine with appropriate products and sunscreen is crucial to prolong the effects of the treatment.
Does it hurt?
Under eye PRP therapy is considered a minimally invasive procedure and is generally well-tolerated. We will apply a numbing cream before the procedure to minimize any discomfort. Some people may feel a slight stinging or burning sensation during the injection, but this is usually mild. After the procedure, you may experience mild swelling and redness, but it usually subsides within a few hours.
It's important to keep in mind that everyone's pain tolerance is different, so the level of discomfort experienced may vary. It's important to discuss any concerns about pain or discomfort with your practitioner before the procedure, and to follow their post-treatment instructions carefully to minimize any potential risks and to ensure the best possible outcome.
Overall, under eye PRP is considered a well-tolerated procedure with minimal downtime and discomfort.
What can I expect?
During an under eye PRP procedure, a practitioner will use a small amount of the patient's own blood plasma, which is rich in growth factors, to promote healing and tissue regeneration in the under-eye area.
The procedure typically begins with a blood draw, where a small amount of blood is taken from the patient's arm. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which is a machine that spins the blood at high speeds to separate the plasma from the red blood cells. The plasma, which is rich in platelets and growth factors, is then collected and prepared for injection.
The practitioner will then use a very fine needle to inject the PRP under the eye area, into the skin and the soft tissue. The procedure usually takes around 30-60 minutes.
After the procedure, the practitioner will apply a soothing lotion or serum to the skin. The skin may be slightly swollen and red for a few hours, but this is normal and should resolve on its own.
It's important to avoid sun exposure and to use sunscreen for the next 48 hours to avoid any complications. The practitioner may also recommend avoiding makeup and other skincare products for a certain period of time after the treatment.
How should I prepare?
Here are a few things you can do to prepare for an under eye PRP procedure:
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Schedule a consultation to determine if this is the right procedure for you and to understand the potential risks and benefits.
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Inform us of any medical conditions or allergies you have and any medications you are taking.
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Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least a week before the procedure to reduce the risk of complications.
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Avoid using any exfoliating products, such as scrubs or acids, for at least a week before the procedure.
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Avoid taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, for at least a week before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding or bruising.
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Avoid alcohol and any kind of anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, for at least 24 hours before the procedure.
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Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to the appointment, and avoid tight-fitting clothing or underwear that may put pressure on the treated area.
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Make sure to get enough sleep and eat well before the procedure
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It's important to follow your practitioner's instructions carefully to minimize any potential risks and to ensure the best possible outcome.
Are there side effects?
Under eye PRP therapy is considered a minimally invasive procedure, and side effects are generally mild. The most common side effects of under eye PRP are mild and short-lived, such as mild swelling, redness, and some discomfort or pain at the treatment site. These side effects typically resolve within a few hours to a day.
Other possible side effects include:
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Bruising: This is more common if blood-thinning medications have been taken before the procedure.
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Infection: Any procedure that breaks the skin comes with a risk of infection, that's why it's important to have your procedure done by a licensed and experienced practitioner.
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Hyper-pigmentation: Rarely, some people may develop hyper-pigmentation, which is an increase in skin color in the treated area.
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Hypersensitivity: Rarely, some people may have an allergic reaction to the numbing cream or any other product used during the procedure.
It's important to keep in mind that PRP is a non-surgical procedure, therefore the recovery time is minimal, and the side effects are usually mild.