To give you the best results possible, there are some things you will need to do in the days and weeks leading up to your treatment. Though your doctor will go over this in more detail with you, we will highlight a few important things to remember. Prior to your PRP treatment, you should:
- Avoid NSAIDs within 48 hours before treatment
- Not use oral or injected steroids within two weeks prior
- Drink 100 ml of water prior to arriving at the office
- Avoid fatty foods 24 hours before your PRP treatment
During treatment
It’s treatment day. As you sit down for your PRP best treatment, here’s what you can expect to happen.
- Blood will be drawn from your arm.
- This blood is placed into a centrifuge, which separates the platelets from the rest of your blood.
- The blood with high amounts of platelets will be re-injected back into the area being treated.
This simple, three-step process usually only takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Though it is not usually painful, your doctor may apply a numbing agent to the area to help relieve any discomfort that you may feel.
Recovering after treatment
PRP treatments have relatively short downtimes, which is part of what makes them so appealing to people. Initial redness will occur at the treatment area and will last anywhere from two to four days. However, some patients will heal in as little as 24 hours. The area being treated and how deep the treatment needs to go will impact your recovery time. But, if you feel comfortable, you can return to work afterward.
Beyond your first treatment
It is important to note that you will need multiple PRP treatments to achieve good, lasting results. To achieve your PRP best treatment results, follow the guidance of your DSC team. At Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte, we typically recommend monthly PRP treatments for three months, then maintenance treatments every three to six months after that.
Contact Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte, Charlotte’s top Ballantyne and Blakeney Dermatologist, for your dermatology care.