Your PRP Aftercare Guide: How to Heal Faster and Get Better Results

You just finished your PRP treatment. Your skin looks a bit red and feels tender. You might be wondering what comes next.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about PRP aftercare. You’ll learn how to heal faster, avoid common mistakes, and get the best results from your treatment.

PRP therapy uses your body’s healing power. The platelet-rich plasma from your patient’s blood contains growth factors that help repair damaged tissues. But how you care for your skin after treatment makes a big difference in your results.

Just had your PRP treatment or planning one soon? If you’re unsure about aftercare, feel free to book a free consultation with our Newcastle team.

What Happens Right After Your PRP Treatment

Your skin will react to the PRP injections right away. This is normal and shows the healing process has started.

Here’s what you can expect in the first few hours:

• Redness at each injection site
• Mild swelling
• Tender skin that feels warm to the touch
• Small bumps where the needles went in

These side effects are your skin’s natural response. The growth factors in your platelet-rich plasma are working to repair and refresh your skin cells.

Don’t panic if you look a bit flushed. This reaction typically lasts 24 hours to 48 hours. Some people see redness fade faster, others need a few extra days.

Your First 24 Hours: Critical PRP Aftercare Steps

The first day after PRP therapy sets the tone for your entire recovery. Follow these steps to support your healing process:

Keep Your Skin Clean and Gentle

Wash your face with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Pat dry with a clean towel. Don’t rub or scrub the injection sites.

Skip your usual skincare products for now. No acids, retinoids, or strong actives. Your skin needs time to heal without extra irritation.

Apply Ice Carefully

Use a cold compress for 10-15 minutes at a time. Wrap ice in a clean cloth before placing it on your skin. This helps reduce swelling and soothes tender areas.

Don’t put ice directly on your skin. This can cause damage and slow your healing.

Drink Plenty of Water

Your body needs extra fluids to support the healing process. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day.

Good hydration helps your blood flow better. This brings more nutrients to the injection sites, where your skin is working to repair itself.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Don’t touch or pick at your skin
• Skip makeup for the first 24 hours
• Avoid alcohol, as it can slow healing
• Don’t exercise or do heavy lifting
• Stay out of direct sunlight

Days 2-7: Supporting Your Skin’s Recovery

After the first day, your PRP aftercare routine shifts focus. Your skin is still healing, but you can start adding gentle care back into your routine.

Gentle Skincare Returns

You can start using a mild moisturiser on day 2 or 3. Choose something fragrance-free and simple. Your skin barrier is still rebuilding itself.

Add sunscreen when you go outside. Use SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Your skin is more sensitive to sun damage right now.

What’s Normal During This Week

• Light peeling or flaking skin
• Continued mild redness
• Skin that feels tight or dry
• Small scabs at injection sites (don’t pick them)

These signs show your skin is working hard to heal. The growth factors from your PRP treatment are encouraging new cell growth.

When to Check With Your Practitioner

Contact your clinic if you notice:

• Severe pain that gets worse each day
• Signs of infection (pus, excessive heat, red streaks)
• Allergic reactions (widespread rash, difficulty breathing)
• Unusual swelling that spreads beyond treated areas

Everyone’s skin heals differently. If you want expert advice on what’s best for your skin after PRP, our team at Skinduced is here to help — book a free chat today.

Weeks 2-4: Your Skin Starts to Transform

This is when you begin seeing the real benefits of your PRP therapy. Your skin has finished the initial healing phase and starts showing improvement.

PRP Aftercare During the Growth Phase

Continue protecting your skin with daily sunscreen. Your new skin cells are still delicate and need protection from UV damage.

You can return to your normal skincare routine, but introduce products slowly. Start with one new product every few days.

Exercise and Physical Activity

You can return to light exercise after one week. Start with gentle activities like walking or yoga.

For more intense workouts, wait until week 2. Heavy sweating too soon can irritate healing injection sites.

If you had PRP treatment for tendon injuries or other musculoskeletal injuries, follow your practitioner’s advice about returning to sports or heavy lifting.

What Results to Expect

• Smoother skin texture
• Reduced appearance of scars
• More even skin tone
• Better skin hydration
• Subtle lifting and firming

Remember, PRP uses your body’s natural healing ability. Results build gradually over several weeks.

Read More: https://skinduced.com.au/prf-vs-prp-whats-the-difference/

Managing Side Effects and Speeding Recovery

Most people handle PRP aftercare well, but knowing how to manage minor issues helps you heal faster.

Dealing with Swelling

Mild swelling is normal for the first 3-5 days. Keep your head elevated when sleeping. This helps fluid drain away from your face.

Cold compresses still help during this time. Use them for 10 minutes, 2-3 times per day.

Reducing Redness

Gentle moisturisers with ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid can help calm red skin. Avoid products with alcohol or strong fragrances.

Green-tinted makeup primer can neutralise redness when you’re ready to wear makeup again (usually after day 3-5).

Pain Management

Most people experience minimal discomfort after PRP therapy. If you need pain relief, stick to simple options like paracetamol.

Avoid anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen for the first week. These can interfere with your body’s natural healing response.

Sleep and Recovery

Good sleep supports faster healing. Your body repairs damaged tissues most effectively during deep sleep.

Try to get 7-9 hours each night. Use an extra pillow to keep your head slightly elevated for the first few nights.

Long-term PRP Aftercare for Best Results

Your PRP aftercare doesn’t end after the first month. How you treat your skin going forward affects how long your results last.

Building a Skin-Friendly Routine

Use gentle, high-quality skincare products. Your skin has been renewed through the PRP process, so treat it well.

Key products for long-term care:

• Gentle cleanser (morning and night)
• Vitamin C serum (morning)
• Moisturiser with SPF (morning)
• Night moisturiser or treatment (evening)

Protecting Your Investment

Sun protection is your most important long-term step. UV damage can reverse the improvements from your PRP treatment.

Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even indoors near windows. Reapply every 2 hours when outside.

Consider wearing hats and seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 am4 pm).

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

What you eat and drink affects your skin health. Focus on:

• Foods rich in antioxidants (berries, leafy greens)
• Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, fish)
• Plenty of water throughout the day
• Limited alcohol and processed foods

Regular exercise improves blood flow, which supports skin health. The better your circulation, the more nutrients reach your skin cells.

When to Consider Follow-up Treatments

PRP therapy often works best as a series of treatments. Your practitioner can advise when additional sessions might help.

Timing Your Next Treatment

Most people benefit from 2-3 PRP sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. This gives your skin time to respond to each treatment fully.

For hair loss treatments, you might need monthly sessions for 3-4 months, then maintenance treatments every 6-12 months.

Combining PRP with Other Treatments

PRP therapy works well with other procedures. You might combine it with:

• Microneedling for enhanced absorption
• Laser treatments for deeper skin concerns
• Professional facials for ongoing maintenance

Always space different treatments appropriately. Your skin needs time to heal between procedures.

Your Path to Better Skin Starts with Good PRP Aftercare

Following proper PRP aftercare makes the difference between good results and great results. Your skin has an amazing healing ability when you support it correctly.

Remember these key points:

• Keep your skin clean and protected for the first week
• Stay hydrated and get enough sleep
• Avoid sun exposure and harsh products
• Be patient as results develop over 4-6 weeks
• Contact your practitioner with any concerns

Your PRP treatment was an investment in your skin’s health and appearance. Good aftercare protects that investment and helps you get the beautiful, refreshed skin you wanted.

The growth factors in your platelet-rich plasma are working even after you leave the clinic. By following these PRP aftercare guidelines, you’re giving your skin the best chance to heal, repair, and reveal its natural beauty.

Want to make sure you’re caring for your skin the right way after PRP? Book a free consultation at Skinduced Aesthetics Clinic in Newcastle. We’ll guide you through every step to help you heal smoothly and get the best results possible.

 

FAQ’s:

How long does recovery time take after PRP treatment?

Most people see initial healing within 24-48 hours. Complete recovery takes 1-2 weeks. You’ll continue seeing improvements for 4-6 weeks as the growth factors work.

Can I wear makeup after PRP therapy?

Wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup. When you do start wearing makeup again, use clean brushes and gentle, mineral-based products.

Is it normal to see small scabs at injection sites?

Yes, tiny scabs are normal and show your skin is healing properly. Don’t pick or scratch them. Let them fall off naturally.

When can I return to my regular skincare routine?

Start reintroducing products after one week. Begin with the gentlest products first. Wait 2-3 weeks before using strong acids or retinoids.

How much water should I drink during PRP aftercare?

Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily. Proper hydration supports your healing process and helps your skin look its best.

Can I exercise right after PRP treatment?

Avoid intense exercise for the first 24-48 hours. Light walking is fine. Return to normal workouts gradually over the first week.