I Tried Prp for Dark Under-Eye Circles—Here Are My Thoughts
Dark Under-Eye Circles Can Be a Real Bummer. While They're Usually the Telltale Sign of Burning the Midnight Oil, Sometimes a Good Night's Sleep Isn't the Right Treatment. Genetics and/or Skin Tone Could Be the Real Culprits in This Case. Potent Creams and Brightening Superstars Like Niacinamide May Help Somewhat, but Like Most Cosmetic Solutions, They Don't Fully Reduce the Appearance of Dark Under Eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Prp?
"Prp or Platelet-Rich Plasma Is the Portion of a Patient's Blood That Contains the Growth Factors That Can Trigger Cell Reproduction and Tissue Regeneration," Explains Dr. Evans. the Plasma Has Been Used as an Injectable for Injury Recovery in Parts of the Body Such as Tendons, Ligaments, and Joints. More Recently, It’s Become a Concept Many in the Aesthetics and Beauty Industries Are Familiar with for Its Usage as a "Vampire Facial," Where Prp Is Injected All over Your Face and Results in Overall Plumping and Wrinkle Reduction. but Prp Injections Can Also Have a More Targeted Approach. "They Can Be Injected Under the Eyes Instead of Filler to Improve the Under-Eye Appearance," Says Dr. Evans.
Benefits of Prp Under-Eye Treatment
"It's Effective for Treating Dark Circles Under the Eyes, Puffy Under Eyes, Crepey Skin, and Increases Blood Flow," Notes Dr. Sobel. the Premise Behind Prp Is That the Platelets in Your Blood Have Regenerative and Healing Properties. the Plasma Incites Your Body to Produce More Collagen and Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties. as Far as Under-Eye Circles Go, the Idea Is That the Platelet-Rich Plasma Will Trigger the Under-Eye Area to Create More Collagen and Blood Vessels and Thicken the Skin There. in Turn, You Not Only Have New Skin with a Healthier Structure but There Will Also Be More Flesh in Between the Blood Vessels Under Your Eyes and the Skin of Your Face. Both of Those Things Help to Reduce the Appearance of Under-Eye Circles.
How to Prepare for a Prp Under-Eye Treatment
First and Foremost, Prp Treatments Require Blood to Be Drawn for Each Session. According to Dr. Sobel, This Can Require up to Three to Four Vials Depending on the Severity of the Issue. "Drink Lots of Water!" Advises Dr. Evans. "If You Are Hydrated Before Your Blood Draw It Is Easier to Obtain a Good Sample." Blood Thinners Must Be Avoided Before the Procedure, as Well as Aspirin, Advil, and Motrin. Taking Certain Supplements Such as Multivitamins, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Fish Oil, Flax Seed Oil, and Turmeric Must Also Be Stopped 10 Days Prior. Alcohol and Smoking Can Also Be Added to the List. "Stop Using Exfoliating or Brightening Ingredients Like Retinol and Vitamin C a Week Prior to Your Appointment," Adds Dr. Sobel.
What to Expect During a Prp Under-Eye Treatment
To Get the Plasma for My Under-Eye Injections, I Needed a Single Vial of Blood Drawn. Then, That Blood Was Taken into a Different Area and Spun in a Centrifuge. the Centrifuge Concentrates the Platelets, and the Resulting Liquid Is a Golden Color. the Plasma Color Surprised Me, as I Anticipated That It Would Still Look Like Blood, but the Color We Know as "Blood Red" Is Removed Once the Red Blood Cells Are Spun Out. the Plasma Is Then Injected in About Half a Dozen Different Spots Under Each Eye, Which the Practitioner Massages Gently into Your Skin as They Go.
Potential Side Effects
Because Prp Is Composed of Your Blood and Not Something Foreign, the Risk Factor for Injecting It into Your Face May Be Significantly Less Than with Fillers, Which Were Previously the Standard Option for Under-Eye Circles. "Bruising Can Occur and Last up to a Week Before Going Away," Says Dr. Sobel. "You May Experience Temporary Puffiness, but This Resolves Quickly." in Addition to Bruising and Swelling, Dr. Evans Notes Underwhelming Outcomes as a Potential Side Effect. "If You Do Not Like Getting Your Blood Drawn or Do Not Like Injections This Treatment Is Not for You," She Continues. "Anyone on Medicines That Thin Their Blood and Make Them More Susceptible to Bruising Should Consult Their Physical Before Attempting the Procedure."
The Results
Byrdie / Ariane Resnick
The Cost
Targeted Prp Injections Can Range from $800 to $2500 Depending on the Location, Injector Experience, and Size of the Area Receiving Treatment. "Most People Will Need a Series of Injections About 4 Weeks Apart," Adds Dr. Sobel. After Four Sessions of Prp, the Results Are Claimed to Last up to Two Year's. If You Get It Done Once Annually, That Is Purported to Be Sufficient to Keep the Effects Indefinitely.
Aftercare
Cool Compresses Will Be Your Best Friend Post-Treatment. "Use a Cool Compress Gently on the Area to Alleviate Discomfort and to Help with Swelling," Advises Dr. Sobel. "Ask Your Doctor to Give You Something to Take Home That Easily Contours to the Area and Is Used Post-Injection." Dr. Evans Is Also a Big Fan of Following up with Ice and Lots of Relaxation After the Procedure. "Make Sure You Don’t Exercise or Exert Yourself the Following 3-4 Days Following Treatment to Allow for a Speedy Recovery and to Avoid Inflammation in the Area," Adds Dr. Sobel. "And Do Not Tug or Rub the Area; Gently Wash with a Creamy, Lotion-Type Cleanser That Can Be Tissued Off."
Final Takeaway
Ultimately, Prp Functions to Lighten the Dark Under-Eye Circles Quickly, and Because It’s Made of Your Blood, It's Extremely Safe. It Also Costs a Fraction of What You’d Pay for the Alternatives, and It May Last Longer.
