PRP

What is PRP Treatment?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses your own blood to help rejuvenate your skin, promote healing, and stimulate hair growth. A small amount of blood is drawn, processed to concentrate platelets that contain growth factors, and then injected or applied to the treatment area.

PRP may be used topically after procedures such as microneedling or laser treatments, injected for collagen stimulation and skin rejuvenation, or injected into the scalp to support hair restoration.

How Does It Work?

A small blood sample is taken from your arm and spun in a centrifuge to separate platelet-rich plasma from other blood components. The concentrated plasma contains platelets, growth factors, and cytokines that support tissue repair and collagen production.

When applied topically after a controlled procedure, PRP may support recovery and skin renewal. When injected into the skin or scalp, PRP may stimulate collagen production, tissue regeneration, and activity around hair follicles.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

  • Avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, as well as supplements such as fish oil and vitamin E, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.
  • Stay hydrated and eat a light meal before your appointment.
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking for 24-48 hours before treatment.
  • Inform your provider of any allergies, medical conditions, recent illness, active infections, or medications you are taking.
  • For hair restoration, arrive with a clean scalp and avoid heavy styling products unless otherwise instructed.
  • Avoid sunburn, tanning, or irritated skin in the treatment area before treatment.

What to Expect During Treatment

  • A small blood sample will be taken from your arm.
  • The blood is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelet-rich plasma.
  • PRP may be applied topically after a procedure or injected using fine needles or microinjections.
  • Treatment typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on the area and whether blood processing time is included.
  • Mild pressure, stinging, tenderness, or pinpoint bleeding may occur with injections.

Post-Treatment Care and Expectations

  • Expect mild redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising for a few days after treatment.
  • If PRP was applied after a procedure, follow the aftercare instructions for the primary treatment you received.
  • Keep the treated area clean and avoid touching the area unnecessarily.
  • For scalp PRP, mild headache, tightness, or tenderness can occur temporarily.
  • Results usually appear gradually and are not immediate.

What to Avoid

  • Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs, and alcohol for 24-48 hours after treatment.
  • Avoid makeup for at least 24 hours after facial injections or as instructed after the paired procedure.
  • Avoid harsh skincare, exfoliants, retinoids, or acids until cleared by your provider.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning while the skin is healing.
  • Do not pick, scratch, scrub, or massage the treated area unless instructed.

Skin Care

  • Use gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen as directed.
  • Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs, and harsh products until your provider clears you to resume them.
  • For post-procedure PRP, use only approved post-care products until the skin barrier has recovered.
  • Continue pharmaceutical-grade skincare as recommended once your provider says it is appropriate.

Additional Recommendations

  • Hydrate well before and after treatment.
  • Follow all provider-specific instructions for topical PRP, injectable PRP, or scalp PRP.
  • For hair restoration, consistency with the recommended treatment series and maintenance plan is important.
  • Avoid anti-inflammatory medications after treatment unless your healthcare provider says they are necessary, as they may interfere with the inflammatory healing response PRP is intended to support.

Integrative Therapy Options

  • A Haus Ritual Facial or Hydrafacial may be recommended after the skin has fully healed and your provider clears you.
  • LED Light Therapy may be recommended to calm the skin and support recovery.
  • Exosomes may be recommended as an additional regenerative support option when appropriate.
  • IV hydration, vitamin therapy, or wellness support may be discussed depending on your goals and provider recommendations.
  • For Hair Restoration, prescriptive medications or Nutraceuticals like Nutrafol or Xtresse may be recommended in support,

Risks and Possible Side Effects

  • Mild pain or discomfort at the injection site.
  • Temporary redness, swelling, bruising, itching, or irritation.
  • Pinpoint bleeding, tenderness, or scalp soreness if injected.
  • Infection, allergic reaction, nerve or muscle injury, or prolonged inflammation, rarely.
  • Because PRP is prepared from your own blood, allergic reaction is uncommon, but risks related to blood draw, injection, and skin barrier disruption still apply.
  • Results vary and cannot be guaranteed.

When to Contact Your Provider

  • Excessive pain, swelling, or redness beyond the expected healing period.
  • Signs of infection such as increasing warmth, drainage, pus, fever, or worsening tenderness.
  • Unusual numbness, weakness, or persistent bleeding.
  • Worsening irritation, rash, or prolonged pigmentation changes.
  • Any unexpected or concerning symptoms following treatment.

Seek Immediate or Emergency Care If

  • You experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, or severe dizziness.
  • You develop severe allergic-type symptoms such as hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, or throat tightness.
  • You experience severe headache, neurologic symptoms, or sudden vision changes after treatment.

Follow-Up Care

  • Results usually begin to appear within 4 weeks and may improve gradually over several months.
  • A series of treatments may be recommended for best results, especially for hair restoration or collagen stimulation.
  • Maintenance treatments may be recommended depending on your goals, response, and treatment area.
  • Attend all recommended follow-up appointments and notify your provider of any concerns.

FAQ

Q: Is PRP a filler?

A: No. PRP is derived from your own blood and is not a dermal filler. It supports your body’s natural repair processes and results develop gradually.

Q: Can PRP be used for both skin and hair?

A: Yes. PRP may be used topically after certain skin procedures, injected for collagen stimulation, or injected into the scalp to support hair restoration when appropriate.

Q: How soon will I see results?

A: Some patients notice improvement within several weeks, while collagen and hair-related improvements may take several months and often require a series of treatments.

Q: Is there downtime?

A: Downtime is usually minimal, but redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising, or scalp sensitivity may occur depending on how the PRP is used.

Summary

PRP can be a helpful regenerative treatment option for skin rejuvenation, post-procedure recovery support, collagen stimulation, and hair restoration when performed for the right candidate with proper preparation, realistic expectations, and appropriate follow-up care.

If you have any questions or concerns before or after your treatment, please contact our office.