PRP Treatment
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy for tear trough treatment is a cosmetic procedure that involves using the patient’s own blood to rejuvenate and improve the appearance of the under-eye area, also known as the tear troughs. This innovative technique is gaining popularity as a natural and non-surgical approach to addressing concerns like dark circles, hollowing, and fine lines in this delicate region.
The Benefits
- Natural results – PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or adverse effects.
- Minimal downtime – Recovery time is usually minimal, with most patients able to return to their daily activities shortly after the procedure.
- Collagen stimulation – PRP encourages the body to produce its own collagen, which can lead to long-lasting improvements.
- Safe and well-tolerated – PRP has a low risk of side effects because it utilizes the patient’s own biological material.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The procedure starts with a blood draw from the patient’s arm, using sterile technique and equipment. This blood is then spun in a centrifuge machine to separate the different components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. The platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is isolated from the rest of the blood components. PRP contains a concentrated amount of growth factors and proteins that are essential for tissue repair and regeneration.
Before the PRP is injected, a medical grade numbing cream (topical anesthetic) is applied to the under-eye area to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
There are two approaches to treat this area:
1) Using a fine needle, the PRP is carefully injected into the tear troughs, just beneath the skin’s surface. The growth factors and proteins in the PRP work to stimulate collagen production, enhance blood flow, and improve the skin’s texture and elasticity.
2) Using a cannula, the PRP is carefully injected in order to fill the area and stimulate collagen and elastin production, and improve the skin’s texture and elasticity.
Before the PRP is injected, a medical grade numbing cream (topical anesthetic) is applied to the under-eye area to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Over time, the PRP stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin fibers, leading to gradual improvements in the appearance of the tear troughs, including reduced dark circles, increased volume, and a smoother, more youthful look.
PRP treatment for this area works optimally when 3 treatments are done, approximately 4 weeks apart. The results build over time, they are not instantly noticeable like with filler treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tear troughs are the hollow areas under the eyes that can develop dark circles, puffiness, or a sunken appearance.
PRP for tear trough treatment involves using a patient's own blood, processed to isolate platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is then injected into the under-eye area to address concerns like hollowing.
PRP contains growth factors that stimulate collagen production and improve blood flow. When injected into the tear troughs, PRP can rejuvenate the skin, reduce darkness, and create a smoother, more youthful appearance.
PRP treatment is considered safe because it is a natural product derived from the patient's own blood, with extremely low risks of allergic type reactions and other complications. However, like any medical procedure, there can be potential risks and side effects.
Common side effects include swelling, bruising, redness, and mild discomfort at the injection site. These side effects generally resolve within hours or days after the treatment. Serious complications, such as infection, are very rare.
According to medical literature, there are no known cases of PRP treatment for tear troughs causing tissue damage or vision loss due to a clot in a blood vessel.
The PRP tear trough procedure typically involves a blood draw, PRP isolation, numbing of the treatment area, and precise injections. It's a relatively quick and minimally invasive procedure.
Most patients experience minimal downtime, with some possible swelling, bruising, or redness that typically resolves within a few days. Makeup can usually be applied shortly after the procedure. Please refer to the detailed before and after care instructions for more information, and to plan and prepare for your treatment.
The number of PRP sessions required can vary depending on the individual's specific concerns and the desired results. Typically, a series of 3 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart are recommended for optimal results.
Results are typically gradual and become more noticeable over the weeks and months following the procedure as collagen production increases. Individual response times and results vary, due to variability in the pre-existing skin, patient genetics, and environmental factors.
After the initial round of 3 treatments, the results generally last approximately 1 year. A single maintenance treatment is recommended approximately every 6 months, depending on the patient's response to treatment. Individual results vary, depending on many factors including the pre-existing condition of the patient’s skin, lifestyle factors, skin maintenance care and sun exposure.
PRP may not be suitable for the following patients:
- History of metastatic conditions like cancer, particularly blood cancers
- Infection in the areas targeted for PRP therapy
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Anemia (low blood count)
- Platelet disorders
- History of severe liver disease
- Incidence of a recent fever or illness
- Excessive smoking or alcohol use
- Recent or regular NSAIDS use (Patients are advised to avoid taking NSAIDS like Advil, Voltaren, and Naproxen for 7 days before and after their PRP session.)
- Anticoagulant prescription medications or antiplatelet therapy
Other alternatives for tear trough treatment include dermal fillers and surgical procedures like blepharoplasty (surgical removal of loose eyelid skin).
PRP tear trough treatment costs $800/session. Packages for a series of 3 treatment sessions are available, and may be discussed during your consultation.