The right care after PRP treatment

  • News
  • likes
  • 536882 views
  • prp, plateletrichplasma, prptreatment, prptherapy

The right care after PRP treatment

Proper care after PRP treatment is not a side issue. In practice, however, it is often communicated too generally, too strictly or simply incorrectly. Some recommendations make sense. Others sound good, but are more a matter of habit than reliable evidence.

This is precisely why it is worth taking a sober look. If you want to classify PRP properly, you should not only talk about the application, but also about the time afterwards. This is because local reactions, medication, skin care, UV exposure and physical stress can be relevant to the course of treatment. At the same time, not every rule that is issued after PRP is automatically evidence-based.

What is realistic after a PRP treatment?

PRP is used in aesthetic, trichological, orthopaedic and other medical contexts. In this context, the focus is on PRP treatments for the skin and scalp.

PRP is not a finished product, but an autologous blood product that is only created through blood collection, processing and standardized centrifugation. This is a key point: anyone talking about aftercare must not ignore the quality of the preparation. Clean aftercare cannot compensate for a poorly prepared product.

What is realistic after a PRP treatment?

PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma, i.e. platelet-rich plasma from autologous blood. The aim is to obtain a processed blood product with an increased concentration of platelet-associated growth factors and apply it in a targeted manner.

In practice, it is important to note that PRP is not automatically the same as PRF or i-PRF. These procedures differ in terms of preparation, matrix, consistency and clinical classification. Anyone who summarizes everything under the term "PRP" is making it too easy for themselves professionally.

Why is aftercare not just a side issue?

Because this is precisely where it often becomes clear how well a treatment has been thought out overall. Patients are often given long lists of prohibitions, even though the data available for many points is limited. This looks professional at first glance, but is not always convincing from a technical point of view.

Aftercare makes sense if it reduces local irritation, avoids unnecessary disruptive factors and is appropriate to the actual stress on the tissue. This is different from a blanket standard sheet for every PRP treatment.

What reactions are normal after PRP?

Slight local reactions are common after PRP treatment. These include temporary redness, slight swelling, tenderness and minor hematomas at the injection sites. This is particularly true for applications to the face and scalp.

Such reactions are not usually a warning signal, but typical consequences of the injection itself. Classification is crucial: the strength, duration and accompanying symptoms must match the procedure. If PRP is combined with microneedling, laser or other more intensive methods, the reaction must be assessed differently than with a pure injection treatment.

When should we take a closer look?

If symptoms are unusually severe, increase or do not fit in with the expected course, a blanket "this is normal" is not enough. Systemic complaints or clearly pronounced local reactions should also be properly clarified.

When communicating with patients, it is therefore important to name normal reactions without trivializing them. PRP is minimally invasive, but not without consequences.

What care is recommended after a PRP treatment?

The short, honest answer is: less action, more clean basic care. In the first 24 to 48 hours, restraint is usually more sensible than an overloaded aftercare program.

The treated area should not be unnecessarily irritated. Strong friction, aggressive active ingredients, intense heat and high mechanical stress are rather unwise immediately after treatment. This is not special PRP magic, but sensible tissue protection.

What should be avoided in the first 24 to 48 hours?

After PRP treatment, it is often advisable to refrain from the following for a short time:

  • intense physical exertion
  • Sauna and intense heat
  • direct strong UV exposure
  • aggressive topical agents
  • unnecessary manipulation of the treated area

In the case of facial treatments, there is also much to be said for consistent sun protection. This is especially true if the skin barrier has been subjected to additional stress.

Does this apply equally to every PRP treatment?

No. In practice, this is often done too roughly.

A pure PRP injection is not the same as PRP in combination with microneedling, fractional procedures or other resurfacing-oriented applications. When multiple procedures are combined, follow-up care is no longer based on PRP alone, but on the more invasive component of the protocol.

This is important because many patients only hear that they have had a "PRP treatment", although the actual tissue trauma can be significantly different.

Activity and rest: finding the right balance

The recommendations for physical activity vary depending on the area treated. As a general rule, however, it is advisable to take it easy at first, followed by a gradual resumption of activity so as not to disrupt regeneration and at the same time promote blood circulation.

Orthopaedic applications (z.B. tendons, joints)

After PRP injections into tendons or joints, short-term immobilization or rest is often indicated. Studies show that exercise restrictions are rarely explicitly mentioned, but a phase of 2-7 days with reduced activity, followed by a progressive stretching and strengthening program, is common. A full load or return to sport is usually only recommended after 4-6 weeks.

Recommendation: The treated area should be rested for 2-3 days after the injection. Light, non-strenuous movements can then be started. A structured rehabilitation program, which includes stretching exercises (after 2-7 days) and strengthening exercises (after 2-3 weeks), should be individually adapted.

Dermatological and trichological applications (skin, hair)

For skin or scalp treatments, such as skin rejuvenation or hair loss, the activity restrictions are less strict but just as important. Heavy physical exertion, sauna visits or intensive sun exposure should be avoided for 48-72 hours to prevent increased swelling or irritation [3].

Recommendation: Avoid intense physical exertion, saunas and direct sunlight for 2-3 days after treatment. Light walks are generally harmless.

Specific care instructions

In addition to the general recommendations, there are area-specific instructions that should be observed.

Skin care after PRP treatments on the face (z.B. Microneedling with PRP)

The skin is temporarily vulnerable after a PRP treatment, especially in combination with microneedling. Gentle cleansing and protection from UV radiation are essential.

  • Cleansing: The treated area should not be washed for 4-24 hours to allow the microchannels to close. Mild, pH-neutral cleansing products are then preferable.
  • Sun protection: Consistent sun protection with a high SPF (at least 30-50) is essential for at least two weeks to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
  • Make-up & cosmetics: Make-up should be avoided for at least 24 hours, ideally 48 hours. Aggressive active ingredients such as retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) should be avoided for 3-5 days.

Hair care after PRP treatments of the scalp

The scalp also requires special attention after a PRP injection.

  • Hair washing: Gentle hair washing with a mild shampoo is possible after 24 hours. Rubbing or vigorous massaging of the scalp should be avoided.
  • Headgear: For the first few days, tight head coverings that could exert pressure on the injection sites should be avoided.

What role do medications play after PRP?

One point is often underestimated in practice: the use of painkillers after treatment.

With PRP in particular, the question is not trivial because platelet function is part of the biological logic of the procedure. Therefore, one should not pretend that all painkillers are equally unproblematic after PRP.

Why are NSAIDs viewed critically after PRP?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen can affect platelet function. This is precisely the reason why they are often viewed critically in the context of PRP treatment.

This does not automatically mean that PRP is rendered "useless" by an NSAID. However, there is an understandable professional logic to use these medications as sparingly as possible in the context of treatment if it is clinically justifiable.

What is the sensible line in practice?

No rigid ideology, but careful consideration. If analgesia is necessary, it should be chosen in consideration of the specific case. Many practitioners prefer alternatives to PRP that do not affect platelet function in a comparable way.

The decisive factor is that patients should not reflexively reach for classic NSAIDs without discussing this beforehand.

How reliable is the evidence on care after PRP treatment?

It is worth being clear here. The evidence for PRP application varies depending on the indication. It is often even thinner when it comes to specific aftercare.

There is no strong direct comparative literature for many aftercare recommendations. Some of the recommendations are clinically plausible and reasonable, but not backed up by studies to the extent that some information sheets suggest.

Which is better documented?

PRP has been better studied overall in certain areas of application, particularly in androgenetic alopecia. Here, too, the literature is not free of heterogeneity, but the data basis is generally more solid than for many aesthetic rejuvenation promises.

This means that there is more clinical orientation for scalp applications than for some statements on general skin quality.

Where does it get thin?

As soon as PRP is widely presented as a regeneration or rejuvenation solution in the aesthetic field, the data situation becomes much more inconsistent. Studies often differ in preparation method, protocol, indication, treatment interval and endpoints.

This is precisely why clinical relevance should not be confused with biological plausibility. The fact that a procedure sounds sensible in theory is not sufficient as reliable evidence.

Why standardization is more important than many aftercare myths

A common misconception is that the main thing is to provide the right care afterwards. This falls short.

PRP is a process-dependent procedure. Blood collection, filling quantity, time to centrifugation, anticoagulant, tube system, centrifugal force and preparation logic all influence the end product. If you do not work properly here, you will not achieve reliable reproducibility.

What role do PRP tubes play?

PRP tubes are not just accessories. They are part of pre-analytics and therefore part of standardization. Differences in the material system, anticoagulant and handling can influence the workflow and reproducibility.

If you want to use PRP in a standardized way in your practice, this topic is part of the technical process. You can find a factual overview of PRP tubes here:

https://prpmed.de/en/prp-tubes

Why is "we always do it this way" not enough?

Because routine does not automatically mean standardization. A reproducible procedure requires defined protocols. This includes not only treatment intervals and indications, but also preparation, centrifugation and material selection.

In the PRP field in particular, a lot of work is done with terms, but too little with clearly documented process chains. This is one of the reasons why studies are so difficult to compare and why results sometimes vary significantly between practices.

PRP, PRF and i-PRF - why the distinction remains important

In everyday language, everything that is prepared and injected from autologous blood is often summarized under PRP. This is technically incorrect.

PRP, PRF and i-PRF differ in their structure, manufacturing logic and clinical transferability. This also means that not every statement on aftercare or efficacy can simply be transferred from one system to another.

What does this mean for everyday practice?

If you work with different autologous blood concentrates, the information, protocol and aftercare should be precisely tailored to the system used. Everything else may seem simple to the outside world, but is technically too crude.

With i-PRF in particular, you should not pretend that the entire PRP literature can be easily transferred. The systems are too different for that.

Typical misunderstandings after PRP treatment

There are a number of persistent claims circulating after PRP. Some of them seem plausible, but only stand up to sober scrutiny to a limited extent.

"The stricter the aftercare, the better the result"

That sounds neat, but it's too simple. More bans do not automatically mean more quality. Sensible aftercare is precise, not overloaded.

"Post-treatment care decides everything"

No. It is relevant, but it is no substitute for a proper indication and standardized preparation. An unstable or poorly documented PRP preparation does not suddenly become reproducible with a good information sheet.

"PRP is always the same"

Exactly not. The question of how the sample was prepared, which tube system was used and what the final cell composition is can be clinically relevant. The term alone often says less than many people think.

Practical recommendation for aftercare in the practice

For a pure PRP treatment without an additional resurfacing-oriented procedure, sober aftercare is usually the best way to go.

Practical scheme

  • if possible, leave the treated area alone on the day of treatment
  • avoid intense heat and physical exertion for the first 24 to 48 hours
  • only use mild, non-irritating skin care products
  • ensure consistent UV protection for facial treatments
  • Do not choose painkillers uncritically
  • realistically communicate local reactions such as slight redness or small hematomas in advance
  • in the case of combined procedures, align aftercare with the more invasive procedure

What applies to the scalp?

Rigid rules are often applied to the scalp, for example when washing hair or using topical products. The honest answer here is the same: A lot depends on the protocol.

In the case of pure injection protocols, restrained but pragmatic aftercare is often sufficient. If additional needling or other stronger irritation has taken place, scalp care should be correspondingly more cautious.

Honest conclusion for specialist users

PRP is not a miracle cure, but neither is it an empty buzzword. There are useful clinical signals in certain fields of application. At the same time, the literature is heterogeneous and often more is claimed than is clearly documented, particularly in the area of aftercare.

Proper care after PRP treatment therefore means above all: taking local irritation seriously, avoiding unnecessary disruptive factors, not using medication thoughtlessly and not treating treatment as a minor matter.

If you want to work properly, you don't start with aftercare, but with the standardization of the entire process. This is exactly where reliable practice separates itself from mere PRP routine.

Overview of aftercare phases

0-24 hours

Acute phase

✓ This is what you should do:

  • Rest the injection area
  • Gentle hygiene after 24 hours

✕ What you should avoid:

  • No hair washing/face washing (first 24h)
  • No make-up
  • No massage or pressure on injection sites
24-72 hours

Initial phase

✓ What you should do:

  • Gentle cleansing with pH-neutral products
  • Light exercise/walks

✕ What you should avoid:

  • No intensive sport
  • No visits to the sauna
  • No direct exposure to the sun
Week 2-6

Regeneration phase

✓ What you should do:

  • Consistent sun protection (SPF 50)
  • Progressive training (orthopaedics)
  • Mild skin care

✕ What you should avoid:

  • NO NSAIDs / ibuprofen (at least 2 weeks)
  • No aggressive active ingredients (retinol, acids)
  • No microneedling or aggressive treatments
Week 6+

Consolidation phase

✓ What you should do:

  • Assess the initial reaction
  • Plan follow-up sessions
  • Normal activities

✕ What you should avoid:

  • Returning to intense sport too quickly

Critical recommendations

Avoid NSAIDs

Avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs for at least 14 days to avoid suppressing the natural healing cascade. These drugs can inhibit the important inflammatory response that is essential for regeneration

Sun protection

Use sun protection with SPF 50 for at least 2 weeks to avoid hyperpigmentation. Especially important after dermatological treatments to avoid post-inflammatory discoloration

Patience

PRP is not a miracle cure. Results take weeks to months to develop. Several treatment cycles are often necessary to achieve optimal and lasting results. Realistic expectations are crucial

Disclaimer

Note: This article is intended to provide a professional classification of care after PRP treatment and is aimed at medical professionals. It does not replace the individual indication or the patient-related examination, information, treatment or aftercare decision in individual cases. Statements on PRP refer to the procedure described in each case; transfer to other protocols, preparation systems, PRP tubes, PRF, i-PRF or combination procedures is only possible to a limited extent.

Study data

  1. Townsend C, Von Rickenbach KJ, Bailowitz Z, Gellhorn AC. Post-Procedure Protocols Following Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review. PM R. 2020 Sep;12(9):904-915. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pmrj.12347
  2. Levine OP, et al. Postinjection protocols following platelet-rich plasma injections for knee osteoarthritis. PM R. 2024. DOI: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/pmrj.13139
  3. Phoebe LKW, et al. Use of platelet rich plasma for skin rejuvenation. Skin Res Technol. 2024. DOI: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11035968/
  4. Nanda S, et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetics. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2021 Nov-Dec;12(6 ):845-852. DOI: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8664171/
  5. Ospina Medical. What Next? Maximizing PRP Treatment for Hair Loss with Proper After-Care. 2025 Apr 7. URL: https://ospinamedical.com/orthopedic-blog/what-next-maximizing-prp-treatment-for-hair-loss-with-proper-after-care
  • Leach T, Knapik DM, Seiter M, et al.

A Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Patients Taking Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs for Guideline Development.

Cureus. 2024.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11568791/

  • Nanda S, Bansal S, Garg S, Sharma VK, Sardana K, Gupta A.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetics.

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2021.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8664171/

  • Alam M, Hughart R, Champlain A, Geisler A, Paghdal K, Whiting D, Hammel JA, Maisel A, Rapcan MJ, West DP, Poon E.

Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Rejuvenation of Photoaged Facial Skin: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

JAMA Dermatology. 2018.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6583756/

  • Cruciani M, Masiello F, Pati I, Pupella S, De Angelis V.

Platelet rich plasma for facial rejuvenation: an overview of systematic reviews.

Blood Transfusion. 2024.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11390617/

  • Donnelly C, Minty I, n.d.

The role of platelet-rich plasma in androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2024.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38284294/

  • Umar M, n.d.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) versus Topical Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2025.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41219547/

  • Kieling L, n.d.

Is autologous platelet-rich plasma capable of increasing hair density in androgenetic alopecia?

Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira. 2024.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39013743

  • Rahman E, Williams W, n.d.

Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Medical and Surgical Specialties: Quality, Evaluation, Evidence, and Enforcement.

Medicina. 2024.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11313071/

  • Lim JJ, Belk JW, Wharton BR, McCarthy TP, McCarty EC, Dragoo JL, Frank RM.

Most Orthopaedic Platelet-Rich Plasma Investigations Don't Report Protocols and Composition: An Updated Systematic Review.

Arthroscopy. 2025.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38522650/

  • Mohale SA, Thakare PV, et al.

Effectiveness of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin Therapy in Alopecia and Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review.

Cureus. 2024.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11247247/

  • Dohan Ehrenfest DM, Rasmusson L, Albrektsson T.

Classification of platelet concentrates (Platelet-Rich Plasma-PRP, Platelet-Rich Fibrin-PRF) for topical and infiltrative use in orthopedic and sports medicine: current consensus, clinical implications and perspectives.

Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal. 2014.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4049647/

  • Buzalaf MAR, Talamoni I, Freschi H, et al.

Autologous platelet concentrates for facial rejuvenation.

Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira. 2022.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9444188/

Related products

PRP tubes | PRP-Pro | PU 10 pcs. PRP tubes | PRP-Pro | PU 10 pcs. 2
immediately available
PRP

PRP tubes | Vi PRP-PRO | with Anticoagulant PU 10 pieces

PRPMED Professional Cosmetic Treatments
100101
€131.00
The VI PRP-PRO glass tube offers a modern solution for producing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and ensures additional stability and reliability in treatments with a wall thickness of 2.4 mm. Developed with innovative technology and EC-certified (0425-MED-004180-00), it guarantees the highest level of safety and efficiency. Key Features: Certified...
Vi Serum – Cosmetic care cream for sensitive skin Vi Serum – Cosmetic care cream for sensitive skin 2
immediately available
Care

Vi Serum – Cosmetic care cream for demanding skin after aesthetic treatments

PRPMED Professional Cosmetic Treatments
100102
€24.95
€797.77 per Liter
Vi Serum is a high-quality, fragrance-free skincare cream for cosmetic use after intensive skin treatment, e.g. microneedling, laser or peeling. The formula has been specially developed for sensitive skin and supports the natural skin barrier with hydrating and soothing active ingredients. Made in Germany, vegan and dermatologically tested. Contents: 25ml
Product added to wishlist
Product added to compare.
group_work Cookie consent