You see hollows, shadows or crepey skin under your eyes, you have heard about PRFM, and you want to know if it really works. Maybe you would rather avoid filler, or you had filler there before and did not love it. This guide explains what PRFM is, what it can and cannot do under the eyes, how long results take, and when another option fits better.
The short answer
- PRFM may improve crepey texture and fine lines under the eyes, while its effect on dark pigment under the eyes is only moderate.
- Results build gradually, and more than one session is typically needed.
- Improvements often fade by about 6 months.
- Deep hollows usually need filler, and puffy bags from fat usually need surgery.
What PRFM is and how it works
PRFM stands for platelet-rich fibrin matrix. We draw a small amount of your blood and spin it in a centrifuge, so the red and white cells settle below a separator gel and the platelet-rich plasma sits on top.
That plasma then forms a fibrin matrix, a soft mesh that acts as a protective scaffold for the platelets. Platelets release growth factors that start and support healing, and the fibrin scaffold keeps those growth factors concentrated where they are placed.
For the under-eye area we use Selphyl Gel, made by gently heating the PRFM until it becomes a soft, gel-like filler. Because it is made entirely from your own blood, it reduces the likelihood of hypersensitivity reactions.
Does PRFM work under the eyes?
PRFM can help some under-eye concerns, but not all of them. Under-eye hollows and darkness come from a mix of causes: volume loss, pigment changes, visible blood vessels and loose skin. That mix differs from person to person, so under-eye concerns need an individual plan.
Under the eyes, platelet fibrin treatments have been linked with better skin texture, fewer fine lines and less crepiness. Patient satisfaction was high, but the effect on dark pigment under the eyes was only moderate, and measured changes in wrinkles and texture were mixed.
Some people look fuller right after treatment, but that early fullness is likely swelling that settles. In skin treated with PRFM, new collagen was seen as early as 7 days after treatment and new blood vessels by 19 days.
Which under-eye concern fits PRFM?
| Your concern | What is usually behind it | Where PRFM fits |
|---|---|---|
| Crepey skin and fine lines | Skin laxity and texture change | PRF has been linked with better texture, fewer wrinkles and less crepiness. |
| Hollows or a deep tear trough | Volume loss in the fat pads under the eye | Filler remains the foundation for volume loss; PRFM is a slower, conservative option. |
| Brown dark circles | Pigment changes in the skin | PRFM is only moderately effective for pigment; peels, topicals or lasers may be added. |
| Puffy bags | Fat pushing forward or weak lower lid support | Surgery is preferred; PRFM does not fix bags. |
Who may be a good candidate
PRFM tends to suit people who want a conservative, gradual change rather than instant volume.
- You want a natural, conservative approach under the eyes.
- You had problems with filler under the eyes before.
- Your main concern is crepey texture or fine lines.
- Your hollows are mild rather than deep.
- You are happy to come back for more than one session.
PRFM is not the right choice if you need a large, immediate change in volume, or if your bags come from fat pushing forward. Surgery is preferred for herniated fat and poor lower eyelid support.
Under-eye shadows rarely come from one thing, so we look at volume, pigment, vessels and skin before recommending anything.
What a PRFM session looks like
- Assessment. Dr. Munib looks at volume, pigment, vessels and skin quality under your eyes.
- Blood draw. We take a small sample of your blood in the office.
- Preparation. Your blood is spun in a centrifuge for 6 minutes, then the plasma is turned into Selphyl Gel.
- Treatment. Dr. Munib places the gel under the eyes in a simple procedure of about 20 minutes.
- Aftercare. Mild swelling, redness or bruising can follow and is usually short-lived.
Results, sessions and recovery
Results build gradually rather than all at once. PRFM may show some change after one treatment, but additional sessions are often recommended, and some plans use three treatments at 1 month intervals. Progressive improvement with repeated treatments is the pattern to expect.
PRF results under the eyes often lessen by 6 months. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived: swelling, redness and bruising. Most bruising after PRFM lasts 1 to 3 days.
PRFM can also be combined with other treatments, such as microneedling, lasers or filler. Learn more about our PRFM under-eye treatment. Performed by Sabeen Munib, MD. PRFM Under Eye Treatment (Selphyl Gel) is $850, and every treatment books online with a $65 deposit that counts toward your treatment. If you are also weighing collagen stimulators, read Sculptra, Radiesse or PRFM.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does PRFM under the eyes last?
Results vary from person to person. PRF improvements under the eyes often lessen by 6 months.
How many PRFM sessions will I need?
Most people need more than one, since additional sessions are often recommended. Some plans use three treatments at 1 month intervals.
Does PRFM get rid of eye bags?
No. Puffy bags from fat pushing forward or weak lower lid support usually need surgery, which PRFM cannot replace.
Is PRFM or filler right for under-eye hollows?
Filler remains the foundation for volume loss and is the most common in-office option for under-eye hollows. Filler also carries risks under the eyes, including vascular occlusion, nodules and the Tyndall effect, which is why some people prefer a conservative PRFM approach.
Can PRFM under the eyes go wrong?
Side effects are usually mild and temporary, mostly swelling, redness and bruising. Early fullness is often swelling, so judge your result after it settles.
How much does PRFM under the eyes cost?
PRFM Under Eye Treatment (Selphyl Gel) is $850 at Spectrum. Online booking takes a $65 deposit that counts toward the treatment.
Have a question about your own skin?
See Sabeen Munib, MD in person. Every assessment and treatment is performed by the physician.
