Dark Circles and Under Eye Treatment - Can PRP Help?
You slept eight hours. You do not feel tired. But your face tells a different story.
Dark circles make you look exhausted, stressed, and older than you are. People ask if you are feeling alright. You have tried creams, concealers, and cucumber slices. Nothing makes a real difference.
Understanding why dark circles form is the first step to treating them effectively.
Why You Have Dark Circles
Dark circles have multiple causes, often more than one occurring together.
Volume loss: The under-eye area loses fat and collagen with age. This creates hollowing (tear troughs) that casts shadows appearing as darkness.
Thin skin: Skin under the eyes is already thin. As it thins further with age, underlying blood vessels show through more prominently.
Hyperpigmentation: Actual darkening of the skin from melanin deposits. More common in darker skin tones and can be hereditary.
Blood vessel visibility: Poor circulation or dilated blood vessels create a bluish or purplish appearance.
Allergies and congestion: Nasal congestion can impair drainage, causing blood to pool and vessels to dilate under the eyes.
Lifestyle factors: Sleep deprivation, dehydration, excessive alcohol, and smoking all worsen under-eye darkness.
Genetics: Some people inherit tendency toward dark circles regardless of lifestyle.
Effective treatment depends on which factors are contributing to your dark circles.
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How PRP Helps Under Eyes
PRP addresses several factors contributing to dark circles.
Skin thickening: Growth factors stimulate collagen production, thickening the thin under-eye skin. Thicker skin shows less of underlying vessels.
Improved skin quality: PRP enhances overall skin health, improving texture and tone in the delicate eye area.
Vascular improvement: Some evidence suggests PRP may improve circulation and vascular health.
Mild volumisation: While not dramatic like filler, PRP can provide subtle plumping effect over time.
PRP is particularly valuable for dark circles because the under-eye area is delicate. More aggressive treatments carry higher risks here. PRP's gentle regenerative approach suits this sensitive zone.
The PRP Under-Eye Treatment
Treatment involves preparing PRP from your blood and carefully injecting small amounts into the under-eye area. Multiple tiny injection points distribute growth factors throughout the treatment zone.
Topical numbing ensures comfort. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.
Mild swelling and possible bruising are expected for a few days. Results develop over weeks as collagen builds and skin quality improves.
A series of three treatments typically produces optimal results, with maintenance treatments sustaining improvement.
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PRP vs Tear Trough Filler
Dermal filler in the tear trough provides immediate volume restoration. Dark hollows can be filled in one session with visible results immediately.
However, under-eye filler carries risks. The area has delicate blood vessels. Filler can migrate, creating puffiness. The Tyndall effect can create a bluish discolouration. Filler requires repeated treatments as it dissolves.
PRP takes longer to show results but works by improving your actual tissue rather than adding foreign material. Results look natural because they are your own enhanced skin.
For some patients, filler is the right choice. For others, PRP's gradual natural improvement is preferable. Some benefit from combining both approaches.
Other Under-Eye Treatment Options
Topical treatments: Retinoids, vitamin C, and specific eye creams can improve skin quality over time. Results are modest but useful as maintenance between treatments.
Chemical peels: Light peels can improve hyperpigmentation. The under-eye area requires gentle formulations.
Laser treatments: Certain lasers can target pigmentation or stimulate collagen. Require expertise in this delicate area.
Lifestyle optimisation: Better sleep, reduced alcohol, adequate hydration, and allergy management address contributing factors.
Managing Expectations
Dark circles rarely disappear completely. Genetic factors and permanent anatomical features cannot be entirely corrected.
The realistic goal is significant improvement. Looking less tired. Needing less concealer. Feeling better about how your eyes look.
Multiple treatments and ongoing maintenance produce best long-term results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before I see results from PRP under my eyes? Initial improvement in skin quality within weeks. Full collagen building takes two to three months.
Is PRP safe around the eyes? Yes, when performed by experienced practitioners. The natural origin of PRP makes it particularly safe for delicate areas.
Will I have bruising? Possible. The under-eye area bruises easily. Allow a week before important events.
How does PRP compare to filler cost? Comparable per session, but filler may need repeating more frequently. Discuss long-term costs during consultation.
Can PRP help if I have allergic dark circles? PRP improves skin quality but does not address underlying allergies. Combining allergy management with PRP produces better results.
Wake up looking like you actually slept.
