International Journal of Research in Dermatology | April-June 2019 | Vol 5 | Issue 2 Page 1 International Journal of Research in Dermatology Ozer K et al. Int J Res Dermatol. 2019 May;5(2):xxx-xxx http://www.ijord.com Original Research Article Evaluation of platelet-rich plasma on infraorbital dark circles by using the FACE-Q scales Kadri Ozer 1 *, Ozlem Colak 2 INTRODUCTION Infraorbital dark circles, also referred to as idiopathic cutaneous hyperchromia of the orbital region, periorbital melanosis, periorbital hyperpigmentation or infraorbital pigmentation, is a common condition frequently observed in dark skinned patients, but has little data in scientific literature. 1 Dark rings under the eyes are defined as bilateral, round, homogeneous pigment macules over the infraorbital regions. 2 Dark circles can be caused by a variety of conditions such as infection, inflammation, allergies, and lifestyle factors. 3 Possible causative factors of the dark circles include excessive pigmentation; thin and translucent lower eyelid skin overlying the orbicularis oculi muscle; and shadowing due to skin laxity of aging and tear trough. 3 Excessive sun exposure, ABSTRACT Background: Infraorbital dark circles, also referred to as idiopathic cutaneous hyperchromia of the orbital region, periorbital melanosis, periorbital hyperpigmentation or infraorbital pigmentation, is a common condition frequently observed in dark-skinned patients, but has little data in scientific literature. We aimed to discuss our results of PRP procedure in the treatment of infraorbital dark circles using objective scales based on patient satisfaction and the quality of life. Methods: Between 2016 and 2017, 9 patients complaining of infraorbital darkness were included who underwent 3 sessions of platelet-rich plasma injection. The outcome was determined by the difference in pre- and post- procedure FACE-Q modules which were designed as patient-reported outcome instrument to evaluate the unique outcomes of patients undergoing facial cosmetic procedures. Surveys conducted were modules of satisfaction with facial appearance, satisfaction with skin, psychological function, social function, aging appearance appraisal and satisfaction with outcome. Results: All patients were followed up a minimum of 9 months. No major complications were recorded. Only transient ecchymosis and edema were seen in all patients who were improved during follow-up. The patient-reported FACE-Q satisfaction and FACE-Q quality of life pre- and post- procedure results showed statistically significant improvement (<0.05). Overall satisfaction with outcome was 83.33±16.25 (range 63–100). Conclusions: PRP as a potent source of growth factors, can be seen as a safe, biocompatible, autologous and appropriate treatment modality for the dark eye circles formed in lower eye regions which can increase the quality of patients’ lives in terms of social and psychological function. Keywords: Dark circle, Hyperpigmentation, Infraorbital, Platelet-rich plasma Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic, 1 Aydin State Hospital, Aydin, 2 Istanbul Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey Received: 21 January 2019 Revised: 03 March 2019 Accepted: 05 March 2019 *Correspondence: Dr. Kadri Ozer, E-mail: kadriozer@hotmail.com Copyright: © the author(s), publisher and licensee Medip Academy. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License, which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20191001