Treatment Comparison

Under eye Filler vs PRP Under eye: What is Best For Me?

Torn between under eye filler and PRP? Here is how to tell which treatment actually matches your concern.

Written by Dan Medically reviewed by Dr. Dan Xu Published 2025.09.18 Updated 2025.09.24 Read time ~7 min

Key Takeaways

The bottom line

✓ Under eye filler instantly corrects hollow tear troughs by restoring lost volume with hyaluronic acid, giving eyes a brighter, more rested appearance right after treatment.
✓ PRP harnesses your body's own platelets to rebuild collagen and improve skin texture under the eyes, making it a natural-origin option with no foreign material introduced.
✓ Both treatments are physician-led at ID Cosmetic Clinic, meaning assessment, product selection, and injection technique are overseen by Dr. Dan Xu, M.D. CCFP, for a medically sound outcome.
✓ The two treatments can be combined in a staged plan when a patient has both volume loss and skin quality concerns, addressing multiple under-eye issues without a single large intervention.
✓ Downtime for both options is minimal—typically limited to possible mild bruising or swelling—allowing most patients to return to daily activities within a day or two.

Direct Answer

Under Eye Filler vs PRP Under Eye: Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Under eye filler is a Health Canada–regulated hyaluronic acid dermal filler injected to restore lost volume and reduce hollow, dark-looking tear troughs. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a biologic treatment derived from your own blood that stimulates collagen and improves skin quality beneath the eyes. Filler suits people with hollowness and volume loss; PRP suits those with thin, crepey, or dull under-eye skin. Both are minimally invasive, in-office procedures available at ID Cosmetic Clinic in Markham and Toronto, performed personally by Dr. Dan Xu, M.D. CCFP. Filler delivers immediate results in one session lasting up to two years; PRP typically requires a series of two to three sessions with gradual improvement over several weeks.

Under eye Filler vs PRP Under eye

If you’ve been wanting to transform your tired eyes, there’s a good chance that you’ve been looking into under eye filler and PRP under eye. Both treat the under eyes, but you’re probably wondering, what’s the difference? These two treatments both help to rejuvenate the under eyes, but in their own unique way.

Under Eye Filler

For many of us, the darkness under our eyes is caused by a lack of tissue and volume. This lack of volume creates indents under the eyes which makes the eyes look dark and hollow. To eliminate the hollowness and make the under eyes look bright and awake, we need to add volume to the area. This is where dermal filler for undereye rejuvenation comes into play! By injecting the filler into the hollows of the under eye, the areas that were lacking volume become plumped and smooth. Giving you a bright-eyed appearance.

For those who suffer from darkness and loss of volume under the eyes, dermal filler is a life saver. Wake up every day looking refreshed, awake, and rejuvenated. Under eye hollowness and darkness can be hereditary or a natural effect of aging, but regardless of the cause, dermal filler can brighten up the eyes and face better than even the best nights sleep!

Time: 1 hour

Longevity: up to 2 years

Potential side effects: bruising and tenderness

You can read more here: Dermal Filler: Your Ultimate Guide

PRP Under Eye

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is produced by your own body, and when injected into the skin it stimulates collagen and elastin production! This treatment is perfect for those looking to address:

thin and crepey skin
fine lines
wrinkles
and improve the overall quality of the skin under the eyes.

While PRP does increase volume under the eyes, it is best used as a treatment to increase smoothness and improve the appearance of the skin under the eyes. If treating hollowness is your main concern, under eye filler will likely yield more satisfying results.

Under Eye Filler and PRP Combo

To really make an impact, combining the volume enhancing results from filler and the skin smoothing effects of PRP, you will see even more dramatic results than from just PRP or filler alone. This power duo will give you the best of both worlds by making your under eyes look plump, smooth, and bright, leaving you looking refreshed and rejuvenated!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does under eye filler or PRP under eye cost in Toronto?

Pricing for both treatments varies depending on the amount of product used, the number of sessions recommended, and the individual assessment. In the Toronto and Markham area, hyaluronic acid under eye filler is generally priced per syringe, while PRP is priced per session. Ranges across reputable physician-led clinics in the GTA typically fall in the hundreds of dollars per session for each option. At ID Cosmetic Clinic in Markham and Toronto, Dr. Dan Xu provides a personalized consultation to recommend the appropriate volume or number of PRP sessions before any pricing is confirmed. Contact the clinic directly for current fee information.

What is under eye filler made of and how does it work?

Under eye filler used at physician-led clinics is typically a hyaluronic acid (HA) gel—a substance naturally found in the body's connective tissue. When injected into the tear trough area, the HA gel physically fills the hollow space beneath the eye, smoothing the indentation and reducing the shadow that causes a dark, tired appearance. Because HA attracts and retains water molecules, it also adds subtle hydration to the treated area. The filler is gradually broken down by the body over time, which is why results are long-lasting but not indefinite. Dr. Dan Xu selects filler formulations appropriate for the delicate under-eye anatomy.

Does under eye filler or PRP hurt?

Discomfort for both treatments is generally described as mild to moderate and brief. For under eye filler, a topical numbing cream is applied beforehand, and many filler formulations contain lidocaine to further minimize sensation during injection. For PRP, the blood draw itself feels like a routine blood test, and a numbing cream is also used prior to the injections into the under-eye area. Some patients report a pressure or pinching sensation during either procedure. At ID Cosmetic Clinic, Dr. Dan Xu takes care to manage comfort throughout the appointment, and most patients tolerate both treatments well.

How long does under eye filler last compared to PRP?

Under eye filler with hyaluronic acid typically lasts up to approximately two years in the tear trough area, though individual metabolism, lifestyle, and the specific product used can influence longevity. PRP results are generally more gradual and cumulative; skin quality improvements from a PRP series can last roughly one to two years before a maintenance session may be considered beneficial. Neither treatment is considered a long-term solution without eventual touch-ups. During your consultation at ID Cosmetic Clinic in Markham or Toronto, Dr. Dan Xu will give you a realistic timeline based on your anatomy and goals.

How soon will I see results from under eye filler or PRP?

Under eye filler produces visible improvement almost immediately after injection—the hollow or dark area is physically filled, so the change is apparent the same day, with optimal results visible once any minor swelling subsides, usually within one to two weeks. PRP works differently: because it stimulates your body's own collagen production, results develop gradually over four to eight weeks following each session, with continued improvement after a full course of treatments. Patients at ID Cosmetic Clinic are counselled by Dr. Dan Xu to have realistic expectations about this timeline difference before choosing or combining treatments.

How often do I need to repeat under eye filler or PRP treatments?

For under eye filler, a single syringe often suffices initially, with a touch-up or repeat treatment recommended when volume starts to diminish—often after one to two years. For PRP under eye, a starting course of two to three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart is commonly recommended to build collagen effectively, followed by annual or as-needed maintenance sessions. Individual treatment frequency depends on how your body responds, your age, and the degree of correction needed. Dr. Dan Xu at ID Cosmetic Clinic will outline a maintenance plan tailored to your results during follow-up appointments.

Is under eye filler authorized for sale by Health Canada? Is PRP regulated?

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers used in Canada must be approved as medical devices by Health Canada before they can be legally sold and used in clinical settings. Reputable physician-led clinics use only Health Canada–cleared filler products. PRP is an autologous biologic procedure—meaning it uses your own blood—and is performed under general medical oversight rather than product-specific device approval, as no foreign substance is permanently introduced. At ID Cosmetic Clinic, serving patients from Markham, Toronto, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Scarborough, and North York, Dr. Dan Xu M.D. CCFP uses only appropriately regulated products and evidence-informed techniques for both treatments.

Can I combine under eye filler and PRP in the same treatment plan?

Yes, under eye filler and PRP can be used together as part of a staged treatment plan when a patient has both volume loss and skin quality concerns beneath the eyes. Typically, practitioners recommend spacing the two treatments rather than performing them simultaneously on the same day, to allow for accurate assessment of each treatment's contribution and to minimize cumulative swelling or bruising. At ID Cosmetic Clinic, Dr. Dan Xu evaluates whether a combined approach is appropriate during the initial consultation, designing a sequence that addresses your specific anatomy without overtreatment.

What are the serious risks or side effects of under eye filler and PRP?

Common side effects for both treatments include temporary bruising, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site, which typically resolve within a few days to two weeks. Under eye filler carries additional considerations specific to the tear trough: because the area has delicate vasculature, vascular occlusion—though rare—is a serious risk that requires immediate medical management; this underscores the importance of having filler administered by a qualified physician. PRP side effects are generally mild given that it uses your own blood, but infection or localized pain can occur. At ID Cosmetic Clinic, Dr. Dan Xu M.D. CCFP performs thorough assessments and uses careful injection techniques to mitigate risk.

What is the difference between under eye filler and under eye PRP—which one should I choose?

The core difference is what each treatment corrects. Under eye filler adds physical volume to hollow tear troughs, making it the preferred option when darkness is caused by structural volume loss or a deep indentation. PRP stimulates your skin's own collagen and regenerative processes, making it better suited for patients whose concern is thin, crepey, or dull skin texture beneath the eyes rather than hollowness. Some patients benefit from both. The right choice depends on a clinical assessment of your anatomy. Dr. Dan Xu at ID Cosmetic Clinic in Markham and Toronto will examine your under-eye area and recommend the treatment—or combination—most appropriate for your specific presentation.

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Medical Disclaimer

This article is for educational and reference purposes only and cannot replace an in-person consultation, diagnosis or personalized treatment plan from a qualified physician. Skin condition, degree of laxity, medical history and treatment response vary from person to person — suitability, risks and expected outcomes should be assessed by a qualified medical aesthetic physician during a consultation. If you are considering treatment, please book a consultation with ID Cosmetic Clinic or a licensed medical provider in your area.

Last Updated · 2025.09.24