24 hours post-op, PRP Injections, How long will it take the plasma to get absorbed? (photos)

Question

I got PRP injections under my eyes. It's been 24 hours. I need to look close to normal on 2 days. What can I do to speed this up?

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

Hellomy0604, thank you for your question!

Swelling after PRP is completely normal and typically lasts a few days- when it comes to the under eye, recovery can be longer and is often unpredictable. In our practice, we generally do not advise PRP treatments (especially under eye) if the patient has an event or needs to look "normal" in less than 2 weeks. If swelling does occur, we recommend elevating the head at night (extra pillows), *very* gentle massage of the undereye area, and cool packs 20 minutes on 20 minutes off (no ice). Try to avoid medication such as ibuprofen or steroids- the inflammatory response is valuable!

Additionally, for patients that wish to have undereye rejuvenation without the downtime, we offer Thermage RF treatment. This is a very comfortable treatment with only minor redness for a few hours afterward and helps to tighten and brighten the undereye area. (Pair it with ThermiSmooth for the ultimate gentle, no-downtime skin tightening - video below)

Best of luck in your journey, I hope this helped! 
Sincerely,
Genie Alexander, RN BSN for Dr. Anna Petropoulos, MD FRCS at Center for Classic Beauty, Danvers & Boston, MA

Benjamin Gonzalez, MD · Answer

PRP treatments under the eyes are the most unpredictable when it comes to recovery. In general it takes 3 to 7 days for recovery and in some cases longer. If someone tells me they need to look "more normal" for an event in less than a week I let them know that it may not happen and to put off the procedure after their event and to do a less invasive procedure for temporary improvements like Radio Frequency TempSure Face treatment, an Ultrasound or Galvanic Facial, or masks that can help reduce under eye swelling and give the entire face a youthful glow. To recover I do not recommend things that can inhibit PRP response like steroids or ibuprofen. Mild massage from inside corner out and upward is helpful. Do not press too hard as it may increase swelling temporarily. It will improve. If it takes longer than a week I recommend you see your provider to see if there are any other issues not recognized here in the photo.

Stephen Lowe, MBChB, MPH MSc · Answer

Hello, 
Swelling after PRP is completely normal and typically lasts a few days. I often advise elevating the head more than usual during sleep, gentle massage of the undereye area from the corner of the eye to the outside of the eye and plenty of patience! I try to avoid treatments that inhibit the inflammatory response such as anti-histamines, anti-inflammatories or steroids because they will have negative effect on the PRP.
Call your provider if you are worried.

Eric T. Carniol, MD · Answer

After all eyelid procedures (blepharoplasty, fillers, and PRP), I advise patients the importance of cool packs to help with swelling. Cool and not frozen and usually on a regimen of 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, with head elevation while sleeping.  There are different philosophies about massaging the area after treatment. In general, you should call your surgeon and ask their staff for advice. Also, if you have any concerns, the staff may want you to send in a photo or do a quick stop-in to assess your progress. I wish you success in your under-eye rejuvenation!

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Swelling is expected for 3-7 days, you still will have residual swelling at day 9-10. If a vein is accidentally traumatised, bruise may occur. I advocate the 5-10 minutes of ice packs per hour, every hour for the day of the procedure. No alcohol for 24 hour post procedure. Every Specialist will have their own protocol, injection technique will also determine downtime. Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

24 hours post-op, PRP Injections, How long will it take the plasma to get absorbed? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: 24 hours post-op, PRP Injections, How long will it take the plasma to get absorbed?

Answer: 24 hours post-op, PRP Injections, How long will it take the plasma to get absorbed?

Answer: Swelling after PRP is expected for 3-7 days.

Answer: Swelling after PRP is expected for 3-7 days.

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Everything you need to know about PRP Injections

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

24 hours post-op, PRP Injections, How long will it take the plasma to get absorbed? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: 24 hours post-op, PRP Injections, How long will it take the plasma to get absorbed?

Answer: 24 hours post-op, PRP Injections, How long will it take the plasma to get absorbed?

Answer: Swelling after PRP is expected for 3-7 days.

Answer: Swelling after PRP is expected for 3-7 days.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about PRP Injections

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.