The time has come. You have finally decided to book your aesthetic treatment and you are excited for the outcome. However, there is some things that you can do to ensure the outcome is the best it can be.
This blog will cover how to prepare for your PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) appointment- Pre, on the day and post appointment at Dr Kara Cosmetic Clinic.
Please ensure that you have also read the latest guidance on aesthetic treatments and the COVID 19 vaccine
Please familiarise yourself with the clinic’s policy.
How to prepare for PRP treatments
Pre Procedure advice
If able to, please stop any medication 7 days prior that can increase your risk of bleeding e.g. Aspirin, fish oil, NSAIDs e.g. ibuprofen, St John’s Wort, Garlic and Vitamin supplements. Do not stop medication if recommended to do for a medical reason. Please discuss with Dr Kara who can provide advice.
Avoid using ‘active skincare’ products e.g. Retinol, AHA/BHAs, for 2 days pre procedure.
Avoid heavy exercise 24 hrs prior to your appointment.
Avoid heavy alcohol consumption 24 hrs prior.
On the day advice
Arrive make up free.
Take paracetamol and a non drowsy antihistamine 1 hr prior to your appointment.
Please arrive on time for your procedure. Anymore than 5 mins late I may have to reschedule your appointment and your deposit could be effected. You will need to attend alone.
Message me upon arrival and I will come out to meet you. Do not knock on the door please.
What happens during your procedure
Consent and photos taken. The area will be numbed using a cream and then cleaned. A series of injections will take place in the desired area. This may be combined with microneedling treatment. The treatment will take around 30-60 mins to complete. An aftercare sheet will be provided following the procedure.
Post procedure advice
It is advisable that you do not touch the area for a minimum of 6 hours, ideally 12 hrs. You may gently wash the area after 6 hrs with warm water. Do not use wash products like cleansers and shampoos for 48 hrs.
It is normal for your skin to become flaky / dry. You will be advised if you are able to moisturise or given an aftercare kit.
Take regular paracetamol over the next 24 hrs and then as required after this. Avoid ibuprofen as can cause increased bleeding.
Avoid heavy alcohol consumption for 24 hrs afterwards as minimises bruising.
Do not apply make-up for approximately 24 hours.
Avoid heavy exercise 24 hrs post treatment.
Avoid restarting ‘active skincare’ products e.g. Retinol, AHA/BHAs, for 3 days post procedure.
Avoid facials/sun beds/chemical peels / laser resurfacing for 14 days.
Avoid exposure to UV, extreme heat i.e. sauna, steam rooms, sun beds etc. as this may increase discomfort and swelling for 2 weeks.
Avoid extreme cold; this includes ice packs that are directly applied to the skin. If necessary you can apply a cool compress to the area to reduce any discomfort or swelling.
Arnica tablets/gel can be used to help reduce bruising or the application of vitamin k oxide cream.
If you have had a local nerve infiltration injection please be careful to avoid temperature extremes as could burn /harm the skin until full sensation comes back.
If you experience any redness, swelling, weeping or increased pain this could be a sign of infection. Please contact the clinic ASAP.
Common expected side effects
The above advice should help to minimise this but the following side effects can be expected to occur:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Redness
- Tightness
- Itchiness
- Discomfort
These side effects can last between 1-14 days. This means leave plenty of time for yourself to recover before any big events e.g. wedding, birthday. Your discomfort should be able to be managed with paracetamol alone. If not or any worsening symptoms, please contact the clinic immediately for advice, even if out of hours. You will be given an emergency number to contact in this instance.
If you are unsure about what has been explained in this article and want to ask questions please do not hesitate to contact myself as I am happy to help. Contact me now.
I am looking forward to seeing you
Dr Kara, Aesthetic GP doctor