Under-Eye Swelling After Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Injections
Under-eye swelling after PRF injections is a common, expected, and temporary side effect that typically resolves on its own within days to weeks—you should monitor for resolution while applying cold compresses and elevating your head during sleep. 1
Expected Side Effects and Timeline
- Bruising and swelling are typical temporary reactions that patients should be warned about before PRF treatment in the periorbital area 1
- These side effects generally resolve with time without intervention 1
- PRF treatments are generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects overall 1
Immediate Management Steps
Conservative Measures
- Apply cold compresses to the under-eye area to reduce swelling
- Elevate your head while sleeping (use extra pillows) to minimize fluid accumulation
- Avoid touching or massaging the injection site to prevent migration of the PRF or additional inflammation
- Limit salt intake temporarily, as sodium can worsen fluid retention
Monitoring for Complications
While swelling is expected, you should watch for signs that require immediate medical attention:
- Severe pain (beyond mild discomfort)
- Vision changes including blurriness, double vision, or vision loss
- Increasing redness that spreads beyond the injection site
- Warmth or fever, which could indicate infection
- Swelling that worsens after 48-72 hours rather than improving
When to Contact Your Provider
Contact your injector if:
- Swelling persists beyond 2 weeks 1
- You develop any of the warning signs listed above
- The swelling is asymmetric and significantly worse on one side
- You experience any visual disturbances
Why This Occurs
PRF injections involve introducing autologous material into the delicate periorbital tissue, which naturally triggers a mild inflammatory response as part of the healing and rejuvenation process 1. The under-eye area has particularly thin skin and loose tissue that allows fluid to accumulate more easily than other facial areas.
Prevention for Future Treatments
For your next treatment session, discuss with your provider:
- Using smaller gauge needles (30G) for enhanced safety in the delicate under-eye area 1, 2
- Intradermal placement only at shallow depths (0.25 mm) to minimize deeper tissue trauma 2
- Pre-treatment arnica supplementation, which some practitioners recommend to reduce bruising and swelling
- Scheduling injections when you have several days of downtime available
Important Distinction
The evidence provided focuses primarily on anti-VEGF injections for retinal conditions 3, which are intravitreal (inside the eye) procedures—completely different from cosmetic PRF injections under the eye. Your under-eye swelling from cosmetic PRF is a superficial soft tissue response, not an intraocular complication 1, 2.