PRF / PRP PRECARE & AFTERCARE

Precare Instructions

PRF / PRP

• Schedule your PRF / PRP appointment at least 2 weeks in advance of a special event such as a wedding or vacation to allow for the healing time. Though swelling typically subsides within 24-48 hours, some individuals may experience bruising, particularly around the eye area. Results are not immediate with this treatment and can take 2-4 months to fully develop. Some individuals may also need more than one treatment to achieve the desired result. 
• Reschedule your appointment at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance if you find a rash, cold sore, or blemish in the treatment area. If you have a history of cold sores, please let your provider know. They may elect to put you on an anti-viral medication prior to treatment.
• Do not wax or shave any areas to be treated for at least 2 days prior to your treatment.
• Avoid blood thinners if possible, prior to and after aesthetic procedures. Patients that bruise easily, or who take blood thinners including frequent use of NSAIDs may bruise more. Please be patient and allow additional time for final results.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to treatment. Alcohol may thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising.
• Stay Hydrated in the days leading up to and following your treatment. Hydrated skin ensures smoother application and can enhance results. Maintaining hydration in the body can minimize side effects and speed up recovery time if bruising does occur.
• Discontinue Retin-A (Tretinoin) two (2) days before and two (2) days after treatment.

If you would like to minimize the risk of bruising after treatment, please consider these options. They generally need to be ordered online or purchased in advance of treatment. Please note, this is entirely optional and at your discretion:

• Homeopathic Arnica Montana ointment, or SinEcc (pill form). Usage depends on the formulation. For ointment, apply to bruise three (3) times a day. For capsules, it’s typically one pill three (3) times a day for four (4) days beginning the day of treatment.
• Bromelain (homeopathic medicine)
• Good nutrition and fresh fruit consumption (pineapple and papaya recommended)
• Ocumend gel pads (available online 

AFTERCARE Instructions

PRF / PRP

A Note for those receiving PRF / PRP around the eye area: The skin around the eyes is very delicate and can “bruise” easily. The word bruise is in quotes because it is obviously not the same a true bruise from the area being hit or bumped, it instead represents evidence of blood under the skin where the needle punctures occur. This blood can be more easily seen through thin skin. The injection technique is performed as carefully as possible to avoid bruising, but it can certainly occur.

For all PRF / PRP Treatments: 

You should expect some immediate swelling, since fluid is being administered into the area. It usually resolves in 24-48 hours. The possible range is a few hours to a few days.

You will want to keep the treated area clean and dry. However, otherwise limit touching the area more than necessary. Only gentle smoothing for the next 72 hours, no massage. Smooth on facial cleanser, rinse it off, and pat dry.

Avoid use of make-up on the area for 2-3 days (no make-up at all is recommended).

No chemical peels, laser treatments or other intensive skin care procedures for at least one month.

For the next 2-3 days:

• No swimming
• No sauna, hot tub, jacuzzi
• No strenuous exercise
• No long periods in the sun
• No exposure to extreme heat (minimize as able, given that this is Arizona)

While it is natural to want to treat swelling or discomfort using typical approaches, it is important to avoid anything that decreases inflammation as this will hinder the very process of tissue healing and repair that PRF promotes.

Do NOT ice the area.

For the next few days do not use the following, and limit them as much as possible for the next month:

• Advil/Motrin/ibuprofen

• Aleve/naproxen

• Mobic/meloxicam

• Celebrex/celecoxib

• Diclofenac

• Indomethacin

• Aspirin, unless required due to history of stroke, heart attack, or another indication as per your physician 

For the next 6 weeks, do not use oral steroids or receive steroid injections

For the next 4 weeks, do not use supplements targeting inflammation/swelling. These include but are not limited to: Omega-3, fish oil, curcumin, turmeric, quercetin, bromelain, ginger, resveratrol, spirulina, green tea, garlic, and vitamin C (beyond what is in a multivitamin).

Avoid alcohol entirely for 24 hours after the procedure and limit to moderate consumption for the next 2-4 weeks to optimize response to the treatment.

DO hydrate well, as this is important for tissue healing

Aseptic technique is used to minimize the risk of infection, and this complication is rare. However, the risk is never zero when the skin is punctured for any type of procedure. Should any of the following occur, they should be promptly reported:

• Pain that persists or worsens
• Redness/warmth in or around the treated area
• Drainage from the treated area
• Fever >100 degrees

An allergic reaction is extremely unlikely given that the components used are derived from your own blood products. However, if you feel that you may be experiencing a reaction, this too should be promptly reported.