PRP: Treatment Advice & Aftercare

Before & After Your PRP Treatment

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) uses a small sample of your own blood. The blood is processed to concentrate the platelet-rich portion of the plasma, which is then used as part of your treatment.

At Eco Skin Clinic, PRP may be injected into the skin using mesotherapy-style techniques or used alongside microneedling, depending on the area being treated and your individual treatment plan.

Because PRP is prepared from your own blood, there is no synthetic filler product being injected. However, PRP still involves blood collection, needles and/or microneedling, so correct preparation and aftercare are important.

Before Your Treatment

To help prepare for your PRP treatment:

• Keep well hydrated in the 24 hours before your appointment.

• Eat normally before attending rather than arriving on an empty stomach.

• Avoid alcohol for around 24 hours beforehand.

• Arrive with clean skin where possible.

• Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids and other potentially irritating active skincare for a few days before facial treatment.

• Avoid waxing, chemical peels or other treatments that may irritate the treatment area immediately beforehand.

• Tell us about all medication, supplements and herbal remedies you take.

• Let us know if your health, medication or skin has changed since your consultation.

Medication

Some medicines can affect bleeding, bruising, platelet function or healing.

Please tell us if you take anticoagulants, antiplatelet medication, anti-inflammatory medication or medication affecting your immune system.

Do not stop prescribed medication simply to have PRP. Any change to prescribed medication should only be made following advice from the healthcare professional responsible for your care.

I prefer this to the fairly common PRP advice online telling everyone to stop aspirin or ibuprofen before treatment. That's inappropriate for someone who has been medically prescribed them.

Is PRP Suitable for Everyone?

PRP isn't suitable for everybody, and your medical history should be assessed before treatment.

Please tell us before your appointment if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding

• have an active infection or are currently unwell

• have an active skin infection, cold sore, wound or significant inflammation in the treatment area

• have a blood or platelet disorder

• have significant anaemia

• have a bleeding or clotting disorder

• are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication

• have a condition affecting your immune system

• are undergoing treatment for cancer or have a significant current medical condition

• have a history of fainting or feeling unwell during blood tests

• have recently had another injectable or advanced treatment in the same area.

Because PRP relies on collecting and processing your own blood, blood and platelet-related conditions are particularly relevant and need to be disclosed during consultation.

What Happens During PRP?

A small amount of blood is taken from your arm, much like having a routine blood test.

The blood is placed into a centrifuge to separate its components and prepare the platelet-rich plasma.

Depending on your treatment plan, the PRP can then be:

Injected into the skinSmall injections are placed into the treatment area using a mesotherapy or skin-booster-style technique.

Used with microneedlingMicroneedling creates controlled microchannels in the skin, with PRP incorporated into the treatment protocol.

Your practitioner will advise which technique is most appropriate for the area and concern being treated.

What to Expect Afterwards

Your skin's response will depend partly on whether your PRP has been injected or combined with microneedling.

You may experience:

• redness

• tenderness

• mild swelling

• bruising

• small bumps at injection sites

• tightness or sensitivity

• pinpoint bleeding following microneedling.

With microneedling, the skin may look similar to mild-to-moderate sunburn immediately afterwards.

Most reactions gradually settle over the following few days, although bruising can last longer.

The under-eye area can be particularly prone to temporary swelling and bruising.

Aftercare

For the first 24–48 hours:

• Avoid touching the treated area unnecessarily.

• Keep the area clean.

• Do not pick, scratch or exfoliate the skin.

• Avoid strenuous exercise for approximately 24 hours.

• Avoid swimming, saunas, steam rooms and excessive heat while the skin is recovering.

• Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids, scrubs and other irritating active skincare until the skin has settled.

• Avoid alcohol immediately after treatment if possible.

• Don't massage injected areas unless your practitioner specifically advises you to do so.

Makeup

Following injectable PRP, I'd recommend avoiding makeup for approximately 24 hours.

Following PRP with microneedling, wait until the skin barrier has recovered sufficiently and follow the specific microneedling advice given by your practitioner — typically at least 24 hours, and longer if the skin remains red or sensitive.

Use clean applicators and brushes when you restart makeup.

Skincare & Sun Protection

Keep skincare simple while your skin is recovering.

Use:

• a gentle cleanser

• a simple moisturiser

• broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 during the day.

Avoid retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, strong vitamin C formulations and exfoliating products until the skin has returned to normal.

Avoid deliberate tanning and sunbeds while the skin is recovering.

When Should I Contact Eco Skin Clinic?

Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness and bruising can occur after PRP.

Please contact us if:

• redness, swelling or pain is becoming worse rather than improving

• the area becomes increasingly hot or tender

• you notice discharge or other signs of infection

• you experience a significant or unusual reaction

• you're concerned about how the treatment area is healing.

Seek appropriate medical attention for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms

Why PRP is different: PRP is prepared from a small sample of your own blood rather than using a manufactured injectable skin booster. The platelet-rich plasma contains naturally occurring components from your own blood and is used as part of a treatment designed to support the skin's natural repair processes.