Dark circles are not one problem-they’re several. Pigment, thin skin, and under-eye hollows cause different shadows. This guide compares PRP vs PRF for dark circles and when “something else” works better-specific to Chicago.
Pure Medical Spa serves River North (N. Dearborn), Old Orchard/Skokie, Oakbrook, and Roscoe Village with platelet-based eye treatments and fillers.
Why dark circles need a tailored plan
- Hollows (volume loss): cast shadows; respond to PRF or carefully placed hyaluronic acid filler. Mayo Clinic notes fillers and PRP as options for infra-orbital concerns.
- Thin, crepey skin: improves with collagen stimulation from PRP/PRF; emerging studies show aesthetic benefit around the eye.
- Pigmentation: may need peels or lasers; PRP can be combined with lasers in select cases.
Benefits & what to expect
- PRP under-eye injections: autologous platelets release growth factors that support collagen and skin quality; multiple small injections; minimal downtime (24-72 hours of puffiness/bruising possible).
- PRF under-eye treatment: a fibrin matrix that stays longer where injected; acts as a “regenerative, gel-like” scaffold that can subtly fill and improve texture-useful for mild hollows.
- Microneedling with PRP (optional add-on): enhances surface tone/texture; useful adjunct when crepiness dominates. PURE Medical Spa
Seed terms used naturally above: PRP under-eye injections, PRF under-eye treatment, tear trough dark circles treatment, PRF vs PRP results under eyes, under-eye hollows platelet therapy, dark circles pigmentation vs volume loss.
How each option works (simple)
- Assessment: Identify whether pigment, thin skin, or hollows dominate.
- PRP: Blood draw → centrifuge → platelet-rich plasma injected with micro-needling or tiny syringes under the eye. PURE Medical Spa
- PRF: Low-spin prep yields a fibrin clot rich in platelets/leukocytes → placed precisely in the tear trough.
- Adjuncts: Consider gentle laser/peel for pigment, or hyaluronic acid filler for deeper hollows when appropriate.
Candid pros & cons
PRP
Pros: collagen support; minimal additives; versatile with microneedling/lasers. Cons: typically several sessions; subtle volumization; rare but reported injection risks if technique is improper.
PRF
Pros: longer residence as a matrix; gentle regenerative “biofiller” effect; useful for mild hollows. Cons: technique-sensitive; may still need staged sessions; not a substitute for true filler in moderate-to-severe hollows.
“Something else”
- Filler: best when shadowing is mainly structural hollowing.
- Lasers/peels: for pigment/blood-vessel show-through; sometimes combined with PRP.
Who is a good candidate in Chicago?
- Skin & climate: Chicago winters are dry, which can worsen under-eye crepe; hydrating care plus platelet therapy can help texture.
- Great for: thin skin, mild hollows, or mixed causes.
- Not ideal: uncontrolled allergies or significant eyelid fat pads (surgical consult may be better).
- Safety & oversight: Illinois regulators emphasize physician oversight and infection control for platelet procedures-choose qualified clinics. PURE Medical Spa
Shaping PRP/PRF to Your Aesthetic Goals
Your aesthetic goals should drive the plan-not the other way around. For dark circles, platelet rich plasma (PRP) and platelet rich fibrin (PRF) target the treatment area with your own growth factors. PRP treatments can improve skin texture, brighten thin under-eye skin, and help in reducing dark circles.
PRF (a fibrin matrix) behaves like a gentle biofiller for mild hollows, offering more long-lasting results. Because both are autologous, the risk of allergic reactions is low across most skin types.
Translate aesthetic goals into technique: the clinician chooses the precise injection site and depth based on whether pigment, texture, or volume loss dominates.
Consider the broader benefits of PRP (it’s also used for hair loss) and when PRF platelet rich fibrin may suit structural shadowing. Either can pair with other cosmetic procedures if needed, forming a staged plan aligned to your timeline and tolerance for downtime.
Cost & timeline (Chicago context)
- PRF under eyes (Chicago): commonly $600-$1,200 per session; many plans include 2-3 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. PURE Medical Spa
- PRP under eyes: similar ranges; packages may bundle microneedling for texture. PURE Medical Spa
- Downtime: swelling/bruising 1-3 days; makeup typically next day if gentle.
Results & aftercare
- Timeline: early plumpness in 1-2 weeks; collagen benefits build over 6-12 weeks; series improves durability.
- Care: cold compress, sleep elevated, avoid blood thinners if medically permissible; sunscreen daily; in Chicago winters, add humectants/occlusives to reduce dryness.
- Before-and-after: expect softening of fine creases and softer shadows; best outcomes come from matching treatment to cause.
Your aesthetic goals should guide budgeting and planning. Review PRF under-eye cost and pricing versus filler packages, and factor PRP under-eye downtime and recovery (usually brief). Discuss PRF under-eye side effects and safety-expect temporary swelling or bruising when performed by trained injectors.
Translate aesthetic goals into the right modality: compare PRF vs tear trough filler for dark circles when hollows dominate; add microneedling with PRP for under eyes for texture; consider laser vs PRF for under-eye pigmentation if color is the main issue. Finish with an under-eye treatment consultation near me to map your staged plan.
Why Pure Medical Spa (Chicago)
- Medical oversight & technique: platelet protocols and sterile technique aligned with Illinois guidance.
- Regenerative focus: PRP and PRF options, plus conservative tear-trough filler when indicated.
- Convenience: River North (N. Dearborn), Old Orchard/Skokie, Oakbrook, Roscoe Village. PURE Medical Spa+1
- Transparent pricing & plans: clear quotes and staged treatment plans.
Explore options:
- Read: PRF Under-Eyes-Does It Work? (Pure) PURE Medical Spa
- Learn: PRP for Face & Hair (Pure) PURE Medical Spa
- Pricing: Chicago PRF Cost Guide (Pure) PURE Medical Spa
FAQs
How many PRF sessions for dark circles?
Often 2-3 sessions, 4-6 weeks apart; maintenance varies by skin and goals.
Is PRF safer than filler under the eyes?
Both are safe in trained hands; risks differ. PRF is autologous; filler is synthetic but reversible. Technique and anatomy knowledge are critical.
Can PRP be paired with microneedling?
Yes; it can improve texture when crepiness dominates.
What if pigment is the main cause?
Consider lasers/peels or skincare; PRP may be combined case-by-case.
Conclusion
If hollows dominate, start with PRF or conservative filler; for thin skin, consider PRP/PRF; for pigment, add lasers/peels. Book a consultation at Pure Medical Spa Chicago to map your mix and timeline.
References
- Mayo Clinic. Dark circles under eyes-causes & options. Mayo Clinic
- Mehryan P, et al. Assessment of PRP on periorbital dark circles. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2014. PubMed
- Mahmoodabadi RA, et al. PRF matrix for periorbital rejuvenation. PMC
- Lu Y, et al. PRP + Q-switched laser for periorbital hyperpigmentation. PMC
