Hollowness and dark circles under the eyes can age men and women and make them look tired. While many patients seek cosmetic treatments to address this concern, some are not aware that the culprit is an area of the face known at the tear troughs.
Fortunately, experienced board-certified dermatologists can revitalize the eyes by injecting the tear troughs with the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Here’s how it works.
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
Platelet-rich plasma is a portion of the blood that contains growth factors and is responsible for accelerating wound healing.
Growth factors found in PRP include PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and TGF (transforming growth factor), and they are responsible for the formation of new blood vessels, cells, and collagen.
As a result of its reparative qualities, PRP is often used as part of cosmetic procedures to combat the signs of aging and rejuvenate the face, eyes, and hair.
How Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Obtained?
First, a blood sample is collected from the patient and then placed in a centrifuge. This device is able to separate platelet-rich plasma, which appears as a clear, yellow serum, from the rest of the blood.
It is then reinjected into the patient’s face or scalp, as a natural healing substance that does not pose any threat for an allergic reaction.
What Are Tear Troughs?
A tear trough is the facial area at the corner of the eyes, next to the nose. Age-related fat and volume loss can cause tear troughs to appear hollow and make patients look gaunt or older than they are.
In addition, younger patients may experience deficiency in this area after losing weight and cheek volume.
How Can Platelet-Rich Plasma Rejuvenate Tear Troughs?
Treatment of the tear troughs requires a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon or dermatologist who can assess the patient’s skin thickness, color, and quality before determining a course of treatment.
Often times, a two-step approach is taken to improve the appearance of this area. First, a hyaluronic acid filler, such as Juvederm or Restylane, is used to restore volume. Next, platelet-rich plasma is injected to the tear troughs to correct for pigmentary issues that present as dark circles under the eyes.
This combination reduces hollowness, removes discoloration, and eliminates dark shadows so that patients look younger and refreshed.
How Can Platelet-Rich Plasma Be Used to Address Under Eye Bags?
Under eye bags are often caused when orbital fat is pushed forward and creates a bulging appearance. It can be addressed with a transconjunctival lower eyelid blepharoplasty that incorporates a CO2 laser and platelet-rich plasma injections.
To learn more about rejuvenating the tear troughs and eyes with platelet-rich plasma, please call DC Derm Docs today to schedule a consultation.
