Is Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) safe to use under the eye for cosmetic purposes?

Safety of Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Under the Eye for Cosmetic Purposes

Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is considered safe and effective for periorbital rejuvenation, demonstrating promising outcomes in terms of safety and long-term effects in improving skin condition around the eyes. 1

Safety Profile and Effectiveness

• PRF shows satisfactory outcomes in terms of safety when used in the periocular region, with clinical studies demonstrating its potential for skin rejuvenation 1
• As an autologous material derived from a person's own platelets, PRF has a favorable safety profile compared to chemical fillers, which many injectors avoid due to safety concerns 1
• Injectable PRF is a second-generation, fully autologous blood-derived biomaterial that can be used for periorbital rejuvenation with favorable results 2

Clinical Benefits for Periorbital Area

• PRF treatment has demonstrated improvements in:

  • Periocular wrinkles (crow's feet) 1
  • Periorbital hyperpigmentation (dark circles) 1
  • Skin thickness (increased by 1.6 times in some studies) 1
  • Overall skin freshness of the injection site 1

• Multiple studies have shown PRF can improve skin condition in the periorbital area, with high patient satisfaction rates 1

Administration Techniques and Safety Considerations

• For safe administration in the delicate under-eye area, it is recommended to use:

  • Small gauge needles (30G) for injection 1
  • Lower depth settings (0.25 mm) when using microneedling devices 1
  • A 22G × 2 inches (~5 cm) cannula when using Alb-PRF formulation for enhanced safety around the eyes 1

• Patients should be warned about potential side effects:

  • Bruising and swelling are common when treating the periorbital area 1
  • These side effects are typically temporary and resolve with time 1

Comparison with Other Treatments

• PRF is considered a promising alternative to other periorbital treatments such as:

  • Hyaluronic acid injections 1
  • Botulinum toxin injections 1
  • Chemical peels 1
  • Laser treatments 1

• While PRF is effective, some studies suggest that chemical peels may be more effective for periorbital hyperpigmentation specifically 1

Preparation Protocols

• For optimal results, PRF preparation should follow specific protocols:
  • Centrifugation must begin within 90-120 seconds of drawing blood 3
  • A-PRF+ protocol (200g for 8 min) is recommended for solid PRF 3
  • C-PRF protocol (700g for 8 min) is recommended for liquid PRF 3
  • Horizontal centrifuge or swing-out bucket model is preferred 3

Limitations and Future Research

• While PRF shows promising results, there remains a need for larger controlled research studies 1
• Further studies are needed to determine the optimal way to administer PRF to the under-eye area (intradermal injection, cannula, or microneedling) 1
• Studies combining PRF with other periocular treatments such as neurotoxins and lasers would be beneficial 1

In conclusion, PRF represents a safe autologous option for periorbital rejuvenation with demonstrated effectiveness for improving skin quality, reducing wrinkles, and addressing hyperpigmentation in the under-eye area 1.