Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Pre and Post Care Instructions

Your doctor will provide you with more details based on your specific needs, but here are a few recommendations. 

PRP is a totally natural treatment since it is derived from your own blood. This means there are no preservatives and no chance of the body rejecting the cells. However, the injection of your plasma is still a minor invasive procedure and most of the reactions that may occur are from the needles themselves. These reactions may include: redness, local swelling, itching, discolouration, and tenderness. These are common to any injection procedure and are temporary, typically resolving on their own within 1 to 3 days. There is also potential for minor bruising in the treated area, which may last 3-10 days. We recommend that you plan your treatment when you can take some downtime if necessary. There are always general risks concerning the technique, methods, and material to which you will be exposed, even after precise injections by highly skilled physicians. 

Immediately contact your treating physician for a professional opinion if you experience any side effects that concern you. 

Before:

  • For optimal results and to decrease the chance of bruising at the draw site, please avoid all blood thinning medications and herbal supplements for 1 week prior to your appointment.
  • Avoid taking Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil and Alieve.
  • Avoid taking alcohol, St. John's wort, Tumeric, Green Tea or high doses of Vitamin E supplements and Arnica. These agents may increase bruising and bleeding at the injection site. 
  • Please notify your provider if you are taking Coumadin, Plavix, or any other blood thinners for a medical condition.
  • During the course of your treatments, notify our staff of any changes to your medical history, health status, or personal activities that may be relevant to your treatment. 
  • Keep well hydrated the day of the treatment - drink water not coffee. 

After:

  • Do NOT wash the treated area for at least 8 hours. 

For the next 24 hours following the treatment do NOT:

  • Apply makeup
  • Touch the injection area or rub the skin where the treatment has been performed.
  • Swim or undertake any strenuous exercise.
  • Expose yourself to long periods in the sun.
  • Go to sauna or steam room.
  • Expose yourself to extreme hot or cold temperatures.
  • Avoid using alcohol, aspirin, non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications (as listed above).
  • Undergo any peelings or laser treatments for at least 2 weeks after your treatment.

After treatments involving your hair/scalp area: (for 24 hours do NOT):

  • Wash your hair
  • Use any hair styling products or hair mask or conditioner.
  • You may wear a hat.

Recommendations for best results and efficacy:

Face: A series of three treatments administered at 4 week intervals.

Hair: A series of four to five treatments at 3 week intervals. 

Maintenance: Every 6 months.

Results are generally visible at 4-6 weeks and continue to improve gradually over the next 3-6 months with improvement in texture and tone.