Tear Through
Preparation & Aftercare Guide
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Consultation: You’ll have a detailed discussion with your Radiant team to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure. They will assess your medical history, skin type, and specific concerns.
Preparation: You may be advised to avoid blood-thinning medications, alcohol, and smoking a few days before the treatment to minimize bruising.
Skin Assessment: Your provider will take photos and evaluate the area to be treated to tailor the PRP treatment plan to your needs. -
Blood Draw: A small amount of blood will be drawn from your arm, similar to a routine blood test.
PRP Preparation: The blood is placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
Injection: The PRP is injected into the tear trough area using fine needles and cannula. You might feel some pressure or mild discomfort, but it’s generally well-tolerated.
Duration: The injection process itself usually takes around 30-45 minutes. -
Immediate Effects: The area might appear slightly swollen, bruised, or pink due to the injections, but this usually subsides within a few days.
Post-Treatment Care: Your doctor might give you specific instructions, such as avoiding vigorous exercise, sun exposure, and certain skincare products for a short period.
Recovery: Most people can return to their normal activities immediately, though some prefer a day or two off due to swelling or bruising.
Results: PRP isn't an instant fix. It works by stimulating collagen production and improving blood flow, so results typically become noticeable within a few weeks and improve gradually up to several months.Follow-Up Treatments: To achieve and maintain the desired look, multiple treatments may be recommended. Touch-ups every 6-12 months could be necessary for maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the PRP procedure involve?
Patients often want to understand the steps involved in PRP treatment. The procedure typically includes a blood draw, processing the blood to isolate the platelets, and then injecting the platelet-rich plasma into the tear trough area. Patients may inquire about the injection technique, whether topical anesthesia is used to minimize discomfort, and the duration of the procedure (usually 30-60 minutes).
What results can I realistically expect from PRP for tear troughs?
Patients need realistic expectations. PRP stimulates collagen production, which can improve skin thickness and reduce the appearance of hollowness and dark circles. However, it's essential to explain that PRP provides gradual improvement over several weeks or months and may not completely eliminate tear troughs, especially in cases with significant volume loss. Multiple sessions might be needed for optimal results. It is important to mention that results can vary depending on individual factors such as skin quality and age.
What is the recovery time and what can I expect during recovery?
Understanding the recovery process is crucial. Patients should be informed about potential side effects like mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site. These effects usually subside within a few days.
What are the potential side effects and risks associated with PRP injections in the tear trough area?
While PRP is generally considered safe since it uses the patient's own blood, patients need to know about potential risks. Common side effects include temporary bruising, swelling, redness, and tenderness at the injection site.
How many sessions do I need?
The number of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) sessions needed for treating the tear trough area can vary based on individual needs and responses to treatment. Generally, people undergo a series of 2 to 4 sessions spaced several weeks apart to start. Some might notice improvements after just a few sessions, but optimal results usually require multiple