PRP Contraindications & After Care

Vicki Hexter
2 hours ago
2 min read

PRP is an autologous treatment using your own blood. After processing, the platelet-rich plasma is re-injected or microneedled into the skin to stimulate collagen production, improve skin quality, and support tissue regeneration.

Used for: skin rejuvenation, under-eyes, acne scarring, fine lines, hair restoration and overall skin quality.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Absolute Contraindications

Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Active infection (local or systemic)
Active skin infection in treatment area
Blood disorders (e.g. platelet dysfunction syndrome)
Severe anaemia
Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
Current anticoagulant therapy that cannot be paused (warfarin, DOACs unless medically cleared)
Active cancer or undergoing chemotherapy
Sepsis
Chronic liver disease
Haemodynamic instability
Known clotting disorders
Severe uncontrolled diabetes

Relative Contraindications (Require Clinical Assessment)

Autoimmune disorders
Immunosuppression
History of keloid scarring
Recent steroid use
Recent filler or toxin in treatment area (within 2–4 weeks)
Recent laser or peel (within 2–4 weeks)
Smoking (reduced efficacy due to impaired healing)

PRE-TREATMENT ADVICE

Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours before treatment.
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and anti-inflammatory medication for 5–7 days prior (if medically safe).
Avoid blood-thinning supplements (omega-3, turmeric, ginkgo, vitamin E) 5–7 days prior if safe to pause.
Increase water intake 24–48 hours before treatment (well-hydrated blood improves PRP quality).
Eat a light meal before your appointment (do not attend fasting).
Avoid intense exercise on the day of treatment.
Avoid active skincare (retinol, acids, exfoliants) 3–5 days prior.

AFTERCARE ADVICE

PRP works by stimulating a natural inflammatory healing response. Mild inflammation is expected and part of the regenerative process.

Immediate Aftercare

Redness and swelling for 24–72 hours.
Bruising may occur.
Skin may feel tight, warm or sensitive.
If microneedling is combined, mild pinpoint marks may be visible.

First 24 Hours

Do not wash the treated area for 6–8 hours (or as advised).
Avoid makeup for 12–24 hours.
Avoid touching or massaging the area unless instructed.
Avoid heat (sauna, steam, hot showers).
Avoid intense exercise.
Avoid alcohol.

First 3–5 Days

Avoid anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen) unless medically necessary, as it may reduce PRP effectiveness.
Avoid active skincare (retinol, AHA/BHA, vitamin C).
Use gentle cleanser and moisturiser only.
Apply SPF 30–50 daily.
Avoid sun exposure.

Expected Treatment Response

Skin may look slightly worse before it looks better (temporary inflammation phase).
Collagen stimulation begins within weeks.
Noticeable improvements typically develop over 4–6 weeks.
A course of 3 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart is commonly recommended.
Full regenerative benefits continue for up to 3 months.

PRP is an autologous treatment using your own blood. After processing, the platelet-rich plasma is re-injected or microneedled into the skin to stimulate collagen production, improve skin quality, and support tissue regeneration.

Used for: skin rejuvenation, under-eyes, acne scarring, fine lines, hair restoration and overall skin quality.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Absolute Contraindications

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Active infection (local or systemic)

Active skin infection in treatment area

Blood disorders (e.g. platelet dysfunction syndrome)

Severe anaemia

Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)

Current anticoagulant therapy that cannot be paused (warfarin, DOACs unless medically cleared)

Active cancer or undergoing chemotherapy

Sepsis

Chronic liver disease

Haemodynamic instability

Known clotting disorders

Severe uncontrolled diabetes

Relative Contraindications (Require Clinical Assessment)

Autoimmune disorders

Immunosuppression

History of keloid scarring

Recent steroid use

Recent filler or toxin in treatment area (within 2–4 weeks)

Recent laser or peel (within 2–4 weeks)

Smoking (reduced efficacy due to impaired healing)

PRE-TREATMENT ADVICE

Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours before treatment.

Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and anti-inflammatory medication for 5–7 days prior (if medically safe).

Avoid blood-thinning supplements (omega-3, turmeric, ginkgo, vitamin E) 5–7 days prior if safe to pause.

Increase water intake 24–48 hours before treatment (well-hydrated blood improves PRP quality).

Eat a light meal before your appointment (do not attend fasting).

Avoid intense exercise on the day of treatment.

Avoid active skincare (retinol, acids, exfoliants) 3–5 days prior.

AFTERCARE ADVICE

PRP works by stimulating a natural inflammatory healing response. Mild inflammation is expected and part of the regenerative process.

Immediate Aftercare

Redness and swelling for 24–72 hours.

Bruising may occur.

Skin may feel tight, warm or sensitive.

If microneedling is combined, mild pinpoint marks may be visible.

First 24 Hours

Do not wash the treated area for 6–8 hours (or as advised).

Avoid makeup for 12–24 hours.

Avoid touching or massaging the area unless instructed.

Avoid heat (sauna, steam, hot showers).

Avoid intense exercise.

Avoid alcohol.

First 3–5 Days

Avoid anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen) unless medically necessary, as it may reduce PRP effectiveness.

Avoid active skincare (retinol, AHA/BHA, vitamin C).

Use gentle cleanser and moisturiser only.

Apply SPF 30–50 daily.

Avoid sun exposure.

Expected Treatment Response

Skin may look slightly worse before it looks better (temporary inflammation phase).

Collagen stimulation begins within weeks.

Noticeable improvements typically develop over 4–6 weeks.

A course of 3 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart is commonly recommended.

Full regenerative benefits continue for up to 3 months.

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