Patient Information: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Introduction

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses a concentrated form of your own blood to promote healing and tissue repair. It involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to isolate the platelets and growth factors, and injecting it into the targeted area. PRP is commonly used for conditions such as musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., tendonitis, ligament sprains), hair loss, skin rejuvenation, and chronic wounds. The procedure is minimally invasive and leverages your body's natural healing mechanisms. While generally safe, outcomes can vary based on the condition treated, your overall health, and adherence to preparation and aftercare guidelines. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice, as PRP applications differ (e.g., orthopedic vs. cosmetic).

How to Prepare for PRP Therapy

Proper preparation is essential to optimize the effectiveness of PRP therapy and minimize risks. Start by scheduling a consultation with your healthcare provider to discuss your medical history, current conditions, treatment goals, and whether PRP is suitable for you. This may include reviewing any blood disorders, infections, or contraindications like excessive bleeding tendencies, hepatitis C, HIV, or skin cancer in the treatment area.

Key preparation steps include:

  • Hydration and Nutrition: Drink plenty of water (at least 64-80 ounces) in the days leading up to your appointment to ensure high-quality blood for processing. Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich meal or light breakfast on the day of the procedure to prevent lightheadedness during the blood draw. Focus on lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and fatty fish.

  • Rest and Lifestyle Adjustments: Get a good night's sleep the night before to reduce anxiety and improve comfort. Avoid scheduling the procedure if you have a fever, cold, flu, or active inflammation in the treatment area—reschedule as needed to avoid complications.

  • Timing Considerations: Plan the treatment at least 3-4 weeks before any special events or vacations to allow time for healing and swelling to subside. If you have a history of cold sores, start prophylactic antiviral medication (e.g., Valtrex) no later than the day of treatment.

  • Clothing and Arrival: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area (e.g., short sleeves for blood draw). Arrive early to complete any paperwork and come with clean skin if it's a facial or skin procedure—no makeup, lotions, or creams.

What to Avoid Before PRP Therapy (Including Diet and Medications)

Certain substances and activities can interfere with platelet function, increase bleeding risk, or reduce the therapy's effectiveness. Your provider will give specific timelines, but general guidelines are:

Medications and Supplements

  • Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs): Discontinue ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), aspirin, and other NSAIDs at least 5-10 days before (and often after) the procedure, as they inhibit platelet activity and inflammation needed for healing.

  • Blood Thinners and Anticoagulants: Stop medications like warfarin or supplements such as fish oil, omega-3s, vitamin E, vitamin A, garlic, ginkgo biloba, flax oil, cod liver oil, curcumin, turmeric, aloe, and astaxanthin 1-2 weeks before, as they increase bruising and bleeding risks. Consult your doctor before stopping prescribed blood thinners.

  • Steroids: Discontinue oral systemic steroids 1-2 weeks before and steroid injections at least 1 month before. If on chronic steroids, discuss a tapering plan with your primary care provider to avoid side effects.

  • Other: Avoid niacin supplements if they cause flushing.

Diet and Lifestyle

  • Dietary Restrictions: Avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and cigarettes/smoking for at least 3-7 days before (and after), as they can dehydrate you, constrict blood vessels, impair healing, and increase bruising. Limit inflammatory foods like processed meats, fried items, refined carbs, and sugary snacks.

  • Activities: Minimize sun exposure, tanning, and heat (e.g., saunas) for several weeks before to reduce skin sensitivity, especially for cosmetic procedures. Do not stop any medications without your doctor's approval, as abrupt changes can be harmful.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

To ensure a smooth process:

  • A complete list of all current medications, supplements, and allergies for your provider to review.

  • Comfortable clothing, as mentioned in preparation.

  • Snacks or water if you tend to feel lightheaded after blood draws. While not always specified, bringing questions about the procedure or your condition can help clarify expectations.

What to Expect During the Procedure

PRP therapy is typically performed in an outpatient setting and takes 30-60 minutes, though cosmetic procedures like facelifts may extend to 1-2 hours.

Steps include:

  • Blood Draw: A small amount (1- several vials) of blood is drawn from your arm, similar to a routine blood test. This may cause mild discomfort.

  • Processing: The blood is placed in a centrifuge for 10-15 minutes to separate and concentrate the platelets in the plasma.

  • Preparation of Treatment Area: The site is cleaned, and a local anesthetic (numbing cream or injection) may be applied to minimize pain.

  • Injection: The PRP is injected into the targeted area in joints or tendons. You may feel a pinprick, pressure, or mild to moderate discomfort. For specific applications (e.g., hair loss or facials), additional steps like microneedling or fillers may be included. Multiple sessions (1-3, spaced weeks apart) may be needed for optimal results, with improvements appearing over weeks to months.