Dermal fillers and PRP are both injectable treatments used in the undereye area. Dermal fillers work by adding volume to the undereye area with a hyaluronic acid solution. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is derived from your own blood and works by stimulating the skin’s natural repair process to produce collagen and hyaluronic acid.

While dermal fillers are a popular choice for facial rejuvenation in other areas of the face, PRP treatment is often a preferred option for this delicate area.

Here’s why:

There are risks associated with administering dermal fillers in the undereye area. The biggest risk is for a vascular occlusion, which occurs when filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, and blocks blood flow to the eye. This is extremely rare, but it is also extremely serious, with the risk of permanent blindness.

In addition, the skin in the undereye area is very thin. If dermal filler is injected into the wrong layer it can give the skin a lumpy or unnatural look, or give the undereye area a blue tint, or block lymph drainage which can cause undereye swelling and persistent undereye bags.

PRP has a much lower risk of vascular occlusion. PRP has a consistency thinner than filler, and it is absorbed into the body, so it doesn’t cause long term lumps, blue tint, or lymph blockage. Rather than volumizing the undereye area with synthetic forms of hyaluronic acid, PRP simply encourages your skin to rejuvenate itself by generating collagen, elastin, and natural hyaluronic acid. These proteins strengthen, tighten and volumize the skin, improving the appearance of hollowing, dark circles and fine lines in the eye area.

First, patients will undergo a blood draw.

The blood tube is placed in a centrifuge and spun at a very high speed to separate out the PRP.

The PRP is drawn up and then administered into the undereye area using a fine needle or cannula.

After the PRP has been placed in the undereye area, your undereye area will look swollen for up to a few days.

Possible temporary side effects include swelling, bruising, redness, itching and irritation that can last several days.

After the treatment, try to avoid touching the injection site for the next 24 hours to minimize risk for infection. You can take Tylenol for pain relief, but try to avoid taking ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin. You should also avoid exfoliation, and massage for approximately 72 hours after the procedure has been performed.

Most people can resume normal activities the following day.

With PRP injections for undereye treatment, patients may notice improvement in the undereye skin quality after the first treatment. However, best results are seen with 3-4 treatments spread approximately 4-6 weeks apart.

It is important that patients understand that PRP injections are not designed to give the same results as surgical procedures such as a brow lift or eyelid lift.

For many patients, PRP injections will improve one’s undereye appearance for anywhere between one to two years, depending on the patient’s current skin condition (and severity of concerns) and one’s age.

It is essential that patients understand that this treatment is not permanent.

PRP injections are best suited for patients who have signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, dark undereye circles, or hollowing under the eyes.

These treatments are not recommended for patients with platelet dysfunction, hemostatic instability, septicemia, lupus, or other autoimmune diseases.