The details you are looking for
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy Care Instructions
To achieve the best possible outcomes from your regenerative medicine treatments at SD PRP Clinic in San Diego, it is essential to follow the proper preparation and recovery protocols. Because Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy relies on your body’s natural inflammatory response to stimulate cellular regeneration, adhering to these guidelines will help maximize tissue repair and hair follicle stimulation.
- Section 1: PRP for Hair Loss
- Pre-Treatment Instructions for Hair Restoration (What to Do Before Your Appointment)
Proper preparation ensures a smooth blood draw and optimal concentration of growth factors for your scalp.
- Hydrate Well: Drink plenty of water in the 24 hours leading up to your appointment. A well-hydrated body makes the blood draw significantly easier.
- Clean the Treatment Area: Shampoo your hair on the morning of your treatment. Do not apply any hairsprays, gels, styling creams, or topical medications (like Minoxidil) to your scalp before arriving.
- Pause Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Discontinue systemic steroids (e.g., Prednisone) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Naproxen, Meloxicam, or Mobic at least 2-3 days prior to your injection. These medications suppress the healing response PRP is designed to trigger.
- Avoid Blood Thinners: Stop taking herbal supplements that can increase bruising, such as Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamin E, Garlic, and Omega-3 capsules, for 7 days before treatment. ( Consult with your doctor if taking prescription blood thinner) - ASA low dose is okay.
- Reschedule if Ill: If you develop a fever, cold/flu symptoms, or a rash/cold sore near the scalp, please contact the clinic to reschedule.
- Feel free to BRING A HAT or a head cover for the post PRP therapy for Hair loss.
- Post-Treatment Care for Scalp PRP
The growth factors require time to fully penetrate the scalp and begin the cellular repair process.
- Keep the Scalp Dry: Do not wash your scalp, shower, or expose your head to direct water pressure for at least 12 hours after your PRP injection.
- Do Not Touch: Avoid excessive touching, pressing, or rubbing the treated areas of your scalp for at least 12 hours.
- Manage Discomfort Safely: It is normal to experience mild soreness, redness, or itching for 3 to 7 days. If you experience pain, you may take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or apply an ice pack. Do not take NSAIDs (Motrin, Advil, Aleve, etc.), steroids, or Ginkgo Biloba for at least 7-14 days following your procedure.
- Avoid Heat and Strain: Avoid vigorous exercise, heavy sweating, and direct sun or heat exposure for the first few days.
- No Smoking: Avoid cigarettes and smoking for at least 3 days post-procedure, as nicotine constricts blood vessels and inhibits the healing process.
- Prevent Forehead Swelling: Swelling is a normal response to the fluid volume injected into the scalp. To minimize gravity-induced swelling in the forehead or around the eyes, sleep with your head elevated on extra pillows for the first few nights.
- Section 2: PRP for Joint, Tendon, and Spine
- Pre-Treatment Instructions for Orthopedic PRP
Preparing the joint or tissue environment is critical for successful orthopedic regeneration.
- Hydrate Well: Drink ample water the day before and the morning of your procedure to ensure a fast, comfortable blood draw.
- Stop Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Discontinue all NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Naproxen, Meloxicam) and systemic steroids at least 3 days prior to your procedure. Blocking inflammation prior to an orthopedic PRP treatment directly limits its effectiveness.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows the medical team easy access to the targeted joint, tendon, or spine area.
- Reschedule if Ill: We cannot proceed with treatment if you have an active infection, fever, or cold/flu symptoms.
- Post-Treatment Care for Joints and Spine:
Rest and proper rehabilitation are vital for allowing the fibrin matrix to form and heal damaged tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
- Rest the Treated Area: We recommend 2 to 3 days of rest immediately following joint or spine injections. Keep weight-bearing and repetitive movements to an absolute minimum during this initial inflammatory phase.
- Manage the Healing Response: You may feel a temporary increase in localized soreness or stiffness during the first 3 to 7 days—this is the body's natural healing cascade at work. For pain relief, use Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time. Avoid all NSAIDs and steroids for 14 days after your injection.
- Keep the Site Clean: Do not touch, press, or rub the injection site for at least 12 hours. You may shower, but avoid baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools for 48 hours to prevent infection.
- Avoid Strenuous Activity: Do not engage in vigorous exercise or targeted workouts involving the treated joint for at least 2 weeks.
- Rehabilitation Timeline: Physical therapy or a guided return to normal activities typically begins 2 weeks post-procedure. The timeline for a full return to load-bearing sports will depend on the specific tendon or spine condition treated.
- No Smoking: Avoid cigarettes for at least 3 days, as oxygen delivery is crucial for joint and tissue repair.
- Section 3: PRP Microneedling
- Pre-Care Instructions (What to Do Before Your Appointment)
To ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications, please follow these steps leading up to your PRP microneedling treatment:
- Avoid Blood Thinners: Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen, and other NSAIDs for 5–7 days prior to treatment (consult your physician before stopping any prescribed medications). Also avoid supplements like fish oil, Vitamin E, and ginkgo biloba, as they can increase bruising.
- Skip Retinoids & Active Skincare: Discontinue the use of topical retinoids (Retin-A, tretinoin), glycolic/salicylic acids, AHAs/BHAs, and exfoliating scrubs 3 days before your session.
- No Sun Exposure: Avoid direct, unprotected sun exposure and tanning beds for at least one week prior. Sunburned or irritated skin cannot be treated.
- Pause Hair Removal: Refrain from waxing, threading, laser hair removal, or chemical peels on the treatment area for 1 week before your appointment.
- Arrive Clean: Come to your appointment with a clean face free of makeup, lotions, and heavy skincare products.
- Post-Care Instructions
Proper aftercare ensures your skin heals quickly and allows you to get the absolute maximum glow from your platelet-rich plasma (PRP):
- Leave the PRP On: Keep the topical PRP serum on your skin for at least 4 to 6 hours (or overnight if instructed by your practitioner) before washing your face gently with a mild, hydrating cleanser.
- Hands Off: Do not touch, pick, peel, or scrub the treated area. Let any micro-flaking shed naturally to prevent scarring or infection.
- Gentle Skincare Only: For the first 3–5 days, use only gentle, fragrance-free cleansers, hyaluronic acid serums, and rich moisturizers. Avoid makeup for at least 24–48 hours.
- Strictly Avoid Actives: Stay away from retinoids, Vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and physical scrubs for at least 3-5 days post-treatment.
- Shield from the Sun: Wear a physical sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher containing zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) daily. Avoid direct sun exposure for at lease one week.
- Skip Sweating and Heat: Avoid heavy workouts, saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, and swimming pools for 48–72 hours to prevent irritation and excessive sweating.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your skin heal and optimize cellular regeneration.
🚨 URGENT SAFETY WARNING:
Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience any high fever, severe joint swelling and intolerable pain, or any sign of infection or bleeding.
