Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): pre- and post-care

Pre-treatment care instructions

1. General recommendations

• Ensure you get at least 6-7 hours of sleep per night for at least 1-2 days prior to PRP treatment.
• Avoid going to the gym for at least 24 hours before and after your PRP treatment.
• Please notify the clinic of any acute illnesses that occur within 2 days of your PRP treatment, for effective PRP treatment you should not be on any antibiotics.
• Please continue all your normal medications as per usual prior to and after your PRP treatment.
• If you develop a fever, cold/flu, or develop a cold sore, blemish, or rash, etc. in the area to be treated prior to your appointment, you must reschedule.
• It is recommended, if you have a special event or vacation coming up that you schedule your treatment at least 2 weeks in advance.

If you have any queries or concerns, please ensure you discuss this with us at your consultation.

2. Medications

Pain relief medications, e.g: paracetamol may be taken as needed prior to the treatment.

Blood thinning medications, please notify us if you are taking blood thinners and discontinue use at least 1-2 weeks prior to your treatment.

• Blood thinning supplements include: Vitamin A, Ginkgo, Garlic, Flax oil, Cod Liver Oil, Essential Omega 3 Fatty Acids and multivitamins. It is fine to continue Iron and Vitamin D.
• Anti-coagulant (blood thinning) medications include: Plavix (clopidogrel), Heparin, Coumadin (warfarin), Clexane (enoxaparin sodium) and Xarelto (rivaroxaban)

Anti-inflammatory medications inhibit the mechanisms by which PRP works and they include:

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) e.g: Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Neurofen, Naproxen, Voltaren and other anti-inflammatory medications.
• Steroidal drugs e.g: prednisolone, prednisone, cortisone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone and betamethasone.

If you have a required prescription for blood thinning or anti-inflammatory medications, please discuss this with us as you may not be qualified for PRP treatments.

Other prescribed heart and blood pressure medication can be taken as prescribed right up to and including day of and after treatment.

• Broad beta-blockers such as Inderal (propranolol) may need to be changed by your doctor to a selective beta-blocker prior to PRP treatments.

3. Diet

Please ensure that you are adequately hydrated prior to your PRP treatment

• Increase your fluid intake the day before your procedure by simply drinking 2 glasses of water in the morning, 2 glasses at lunch, and 2 glasses at dinner, in addition to your normal intake of water the day before your treatment session.

For 1-2 days prior to your PRP treatment, please ensure you consume (not in the form of a juice or smoothie) if possible:

• At least 3 of the following fruits: banana, berries, mangoes, citrus fruits and/or pineapples.
• At least 5 of the following vegetables: kale, spinach, sweet potato, carrot, beetroot, broccoli, asparagus, green beans, peas, and dark coloured lettuce.

For 1-2 days prior to your PRP treatment, please ensure you avoid if possible:

• Bread, pasta, rice, breakfast cereals, pastries, pies, fatty meats such as mince meat, sausages, kebab meat or fried meat, curries, excessive spices, fried foods, sugar rich soft drinks and sweets.
• All caffeinated drinks including drinks such as Redbull and pre-gym workout products, as well as coffee and caffeinated sugary drinks.
• Minimise or avoid any alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is a blood thinner, it can make your scalp more sensitive to micro-needling and injections as well as making the blood draw process more painful.

4. Habits and behaviours

• If possible, refrain from or minimise smoking prior to your procedure as it impacts the healing process.
• Avoid prolonged and excessive sun or heat exposure 3-7 days prior to treatment as this can dry out the natural oils in your hair and scalp making it dry and brittle.

Specific to PRP hair treatments

• Avoid having any hair treatments done like chemical hair straightening or keratin, colouring and styling as well as having hair extensions put in, at least one week before your treatment. Colouring your hair is permitted up to 7 days before the treatment and you may have hair extensions put in 1 week after.
• Do not apply any oils, serums or minoxidil for at least 1-2 days before your PRP treatment and for at least 24 hours afterwards.

Specific to PRP face treatments

• Ensure that you have not used Accutane (a type of retinoid medication that treats severe acne) in the past 6 months.
• Avoid spray tanning.
• Avoid use of retinol containing products at least 1 week prior to treatment.

Things to do on the day of your PRP treatment

• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy intake of fluid, two hours before your treatment, drink at least 2 glasses of water (500 mls). This eases the blood draw procedure.
• Please eat a normal breakfast or lunch the day of your PRP session to help with your blood circulation and ensure your body is functioning at its best.

Specific to PRP hair treatments

• Shower the morning of your treatment and wash your hair thoroughly. This can get rid of all the dirt, oils, and other particles in your hair and scalp that could cause infection during treatment. Use your regular shampoo.
• Avoid using new shampoos on the day of your treatment to avoid an adverse reaction.
• Towel or air-dry your hair; do not apply sprays, gels, or any other styling products to your hair.
• If you wear hair extensions, remove them before showering. Don't wear hair systems like wigs or toupees over your hair after showering as these can trap dirt and other particles on your newly-washed hair.