PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) is your answer to natural under-eye rejuvenation! By Paige Brougher RN, BSN. Aesthetic Injection Specialist at Gig Harbor Aesthetics
The under eye or “tear trough” is one of the first areas to show aging. The lower eyelid skin is an area of thin tissue, allowing for subdermal features to be accentuated. Due to the thin tissue and its involvement with underlying muscle, aging changes frequently appear earlier than other areas of the face and body. Collagen and elastin loss due to the aging process leads to skin laxity, discoloration, volume loss, and development of fine wrinkles around the eyes.
Hyaluronic acid fillers have been used for many years to treat under-eye volume loss. Due to the complexity of the under-eye area, filler can be problematic. The fillers have a tendency to migrate and often can cause unwanted swelling. Placing filler in the under-eye tissue will not address the collagen loss that is experienced due to the aging process, or quality of the skin. Thankfully, there is an effective alternative to under-eye filler that will not only help restore volume loss but also thicken and brighten the under-eye tissue.
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a natural and regenerative treatment that uses your body’s own platelets, fibrin, and stem cells. The treatment is done by performing a blood draw, centrifuging the blood sample, which separates out the PRF. The PRF is then injected into the under-eye area. There are no additives in the blood collection tubes for this procedure, meaning the substance injected is entirely made up of the patient's own blood components. Growth factors are released after injection, leading to increased production of collagen, elastin, and new skin cells.
After treatment, swelling will be present for two to five days. Skin quality will gradually improve over the one to two months following treatments. To optimize results, a series of two to three treatments four to six weeks apart is recommended.
PRF has many uses in various medical specialties, including medical aesthetics. Outside of aesthetics, PRF has been used for over a decade in oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthopedics, plastic surgery, and more.
Platelet-rich fibrin is a natural and effective way to address the discoloration, hollowing and thinning of the under-eye tissue that is experienced due to the aging process. For those looking for a more youthful and refreshed appearance, PRF may be the right option.
If you would like to discuss whether under-eye PRF is the right treatment for your aesthetic goals, set up a consultation with your aesthetic provider today.