I Tried PRP Injections for Dark Circles and I Look Like I Slept for a Month

I never worried about dark under-eye circles until my son was born five years ago—when everything changed in a sleep-deprived instant. The dark circles so often associated with early motherhood just never went away. I unsuccessfully tested every eye patch on the market, became a concealer connoisseur, and considered trying under-eye filler—but dermatologists warned me I wasn’t a good candidate, because I didn’t have noticeable volume loss. The dark circles and the clear line of demarcation between my under-eye area and my cheeks, called malar lines, were what really bothered me. I couldn’t hide those pesky lines with makeup. In fact, makeup often made them look worse: shiny and more noticeable.

I was complaining to my friend Christina DeMartino, a certified dermatology physician assistant who practices in Southampton, New York, who suggested trying platelet-rich plasma. I was familiar with PRP as the social-media-famous “vampire facial” and a treatment for hair loss—but I’d had no idea it could be used for dark circles and under-eye area lines. I read a few studies highlighting fairly impressive results and figured I’d give it a go.

A PRP procedure involves drawing a patient’s blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the blood, DeMartino explains. Then, the PRP is injected directly into the target area. Because PRP is rich in growth factors and cytokines, it promotes healing and the production of new collagen and elastin to create a smoother and tighter appearance overall.

PRP has been used to treat hair loss for years, but it’s a newer treatment for the under-eye area. “The skin under the eyes is delicate and often the first area to show signs of aging, fatigue, and stress, which can cause dark circles and wrinkles to become more prominent,” says DeMartino. “PRP works so well for this area because the procedure forces your body to heal this delicate tissue and create collagen and elastin. This process thickens and tightens the skin, which reduces the appearance of dark circles and fine lines, making you look more well rested.”

The blood draw was no different from any other blood draw; spinning it took about 10 minutes, and I didn’t need any numbing cream for the injections. DeMartino used a microcannula to inject the PRP: After making a tiny hole with a needle, she inserted a small, flexible tube into my cheek and up to the eye area. This helped prevent bruising and swelling, which would have been much more likely had she injected directly into the fragile under-eye skin.

I experienced zero downtime. After the procedure, I had a barely visible red dot on each cheek at the cannula insertion point and very moderate swelling. It is recommended not to ice after a PRP treatment, because doing so can block the platelets from working their magic. I experienced no bruising, and any swelling was gone by the next day.

The immediate results were subtle, but by two days later, my dark circles looked better and my fine lines and malar lines looked much smoother. Even when my eye area is in shadow (like when I’m wearing a hat), these lines are now hard to see.

Before (left) and after (right) PRP injections for dark circles

Costs vary depending on your location and practitioner, but generally range from $500 to $2,000 per under-eye area treatment. While practitioners commonly recommend three treatments spaced about a month apart, I saw enough of a difference after one treatment that I may not go back for a second right away—or at all.

I’m only a few weeks out, so I’m not sure how long my results will last, but I’m super happy with how things look. My dark circles are about 50 percent brighter, and my malar lines are almost invisible. In general, practitioners are seeing results last anywhere from six months to a year or longer.

Before (left) and immediately after (right) one session of PRP treatment

Patients with blood clotting disorders or those who are immunocompromised aren’t good candidates for PRP. As always, you should talk to your doctor or injector before trying any procedure—aesthetic or otherwise. And be sure to go to a licensed health care professional with experience using PRP, as the procedure carries the same risks of infection as any other involving blood and needles.

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