From the Guidelines
PRP is a viable treatment option for the tear trough and under-eye area, offering improvements in dark circles, hollowness, and skin texture, although results are inconsistent and typically modest compared to other treatments. The procedure involves drawing blood, processing it to concentrate platelets, and injecting the resulting plasma into the under-eye area, usually requiring 2-3 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart with maintenance treatments every 6-12 months 1. According to a study published in Periodontology 2000, PRP has great potential as an effective and safe treatment for periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH), with high patient satisfaction rates 1.
Key Considerations
- PRP is generally safer than fillers for this delicate area, with minimal risk of vascular complications, making it suitable for patients seeking subtle improvements or those who cannot use hyaluronic acid fillers 1.
- Patients should expect mild swelling and bruising for 3-7 days after treatment.
- The variability in results stems from differences in individual healing responses and preparation techniques across providers.
- A study comparing PRP and chemical peeling found that both treatments were effective, but chemical peeling was more effective, tolerable, and satisfying for patients 1.
Treatment Protocol
- A standard PRP treatment involves drawing blood, processing it to concentrate platelets, and injecting the resulting plasma into the under-eye area 1.
- The treatment protocol typically consists of 2-3 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart, with maintenance treatments every 6-12 months 1.
- Some studies have used different treatment protocols, such as three sessions with a 1-month interval, or four sessions with 2-week intervals 1.
Patient Selection
- Patients with severe hollowing or prominent fat herniation may benefit more from fillers or surgery 1.
- PRP is suitable for patients seeking subtle improvements or those who cannot use hyaluronic acid fillers 1.
- The treatment is also suitable for patients with periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH) and periocular wrinkles 1.
From the Research
Effectiveness of PRP for Tear Trough and Under-Eye Area
- There are no research papers provided to directly assess the effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for treating the tear trough and under-eye area.
- However, studies have explored the use of hyaluronic acid injections for addressing tear trough deformities, which may provide some insight into the treatment of the under-eye area.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Tear Trough Deformity
- A study published in 2007 2 found that hyaluronic acid injections can be an effective treatment for tear trough deformity, with results lasting over a year.
- Another study from 2020 3 discussed the use of hyaluronic acid filler injections for treating tear troughs and eye bags, outlining a comprehensive treatment algorithm for addressing different etiologies.
- A 2021 study 4 reported the successful use of hyaluronic acid soft tissue filler placement inferior to the lateral orbital thickening for correcting tear trough deformity.
- Earlier studies, such as those from 2011 5 and 2012 6, also explored the use of hyaluronic acid gel fillers for treating tear trough deformity, highlighting the effectiveness and feasibility of this treatment approach.
Limitations and Future Directions
- While these studies provide valuable information on the treatment of tear trough deformity, they do not directly address the use of PRP for this purpose.
- Further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of PRP for treating the tear trough and under-eye area, as well as to compare its outcomes with those of hyaluronic acid injections and other treatment modalities.