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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
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.
- 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.
🚨 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.
