The PRP Promise: My Journey from Excitement to Uncertainty
After years of research and hesitation, I finally decided to take the plunge into PRP—Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy. The price tag had always been the biggest barrier. Typically, PRP costs around $800 per session, with a recommended series of three. But when a local clinic ran a "spend more, save more" promotion, I saw my chance. I snagged each session for about $500, and it felt like a solid deal.
My motivations were clear. While my skin might look decent in certain lighting, I've always been bothered by the hollows and creases under my eyes. I considered filler for the longest time, but after reading countless reviews, I never felt fully convinced. Then I discovered that PRP was supposed to help with that too. It seemed like the answer to everything—a natural, regenerative approach using my own blood's growth factors.
I was nervous. I'd never had any needles poked into my face—no Botox, no filler. But I was ready to find out if this could really work.
The Procedure: What Actually Happens
Upon arrival, I learned something surprising: for injectables, PRP can only be used on the hair and under the eyes. I had assumed they'd treat my whole face, but no—it was just the under-eye area. That was fine; my eye bags needed help anyway. The provider said she'd do a little bit for me there.
The process began with a blood draw. I hate getting blood drawn, but it was necessary to extract the platelet-rich plasma. Then came the injections. I rate the pain a five or six out of ten, especially under my eyes. I asked if Botox feels similar, and she said Botox is actually much less painful because the needles are smaller and the procedure is faster. So expect some discomfort.
Afterwards, I was told to avoid working out for 24 hours, keep the area clean, and skip makeup. I could wash my face gently, but needed to be careful around the injection sites.
The Immediate Aftermath: Swelling and Bruising
Right after the treatment, I looked absolutely ridiculous—puffy and bruised around my eyes. One eye was significantly puffier than the other, leaving me wondering if the injector made a mistake or if that's just how it happens. That eye still felt tingly and painful for hours.
By six hours later, the swelling had subsided considerably. I felt like I looked fine—still a little puffy, but in a way that actually looked filled and not alarming. I thought it was fine to go outside without anyone noticing.
One Week Out: The Honest Results
By the next morning, there was slight bruising but the puffiness had gone down. The area still felt sensitive, but overall it looked promising. However, exactly one week after the injections, I have to be honest: I see no difference. When I first got the treatment, my under-eyes looked plump and good—there was an immediate visible change. But now that a week has passed, I feel like I look the same.
Different lighting shows different things, but my dark circles and creasing are still there. That's what I was hoping would go away. I know there's still a chance because I have two more treatments scheduled—PRP is typically done once every three months for a series of three. So I'll keep documenting and updating. But for now, I personally don't see a change.
I'm not giving up hope. The regenerative effects of platelet-rich plasma can take time, and multiple sessions are often needed to build collagen and stimulate lasting improvement. I'll continue to track my before-and-after photos and see if this thing actually works. The journey isn't over yet.