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Not an emergency service. If you or someone else is seriously unwell — for example chest pain, breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding or collapse — call 999. For urgent advice when it is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Recovery & Aftercare Guide

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

Treatment using a concentrate prepared from a sample of your own blood.

Important. Your individual instructions from your treating clinician take precedence over this general information. If anything here differs from what your clinician has told you, follow your clinician’s advice and contact the hospital if you are unsure.

Overview

PRP uses a small sample of your own blood, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelet fraction, which is then injected into the treatment area.

It is used for musculoskeletal problems such as tendon and joint pain, and in aesthetic practice for skin and hair.

The appointment takes around 60 minutes including preparation. A course of treatments is usually planned rather than a single session, and any effect develops gradually over weeks.

Before your procedure

  • Tell the team about all medicines, particularly anticoagulants, antiplatelets and anti-inflammatory medicines. Do not stop prescribed medicine unless instructed.
  • Tell the team if you have a blood disorder, are anaemic, or have had problems with blood tests before.
  • Drink water normally before your appointment. Being well hydrated makes taking the blood sample easier.
  • Eat normally beforehand.
  • Wear clothing with sleeves that roll up easily and that gives access to the treatment area.
  • Tell the team if you have any current infection or skin infection over the treatment site.

What happens on the day

  1. A blood sample is taken from your arm, as for a routine blood test.
  2. The sample is spun in a centrifuge in the clinic to separate the platelet-rich fraction. This takes several minutes.
  3. The treatment area is cleaned and the preparation is injected. Ultrasound guidance may be used for deeper targets.
  4. You may be observed briefly before leaving.
  5. You will be given written aftercare and, where relevant, a date for the next session in the course.

Aftercare

Pain

Aching or soreness at the treatment site for 2 to 5 days is common and expected with PRP.

Anti-inflammatory medicines

You may be asked to avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers for a period, as they may work against the intended effect. Follow the specific advice you are given and do not stop prescribed medicines without direction.

Arm after blood sampling

Keep the plaster on for a few hours. Bruising at the sampling site is common and settles within a week.

Ice

Ice is often discouraged after PRP because it may reduce the inflammatory response the treatment relies on. Follow your clinician's advice.

Rest and activity

Rest the area for 48 hours, then return gradually to activity as advised. Avoid high-impact loading for around 2 weeks.

Bathing

Keep injection sites clean and dry for 24 hours. Avoid swimming pools and saunas for 48 hours.

Facial PRP

Expect redness and pinpoint bruising for 1 to 3 days. Avoid make-up for 24 hours, and sun and saunas for a few days.

Scalp PRP

Avoid hair dye, harsh products and vigorous washing for 48 hours.

Follow-up

A course is typically planned. Benefit develops over weeks, so judgement of effect is made at review, not immediately.

Typical recovery timeline

Timings are typical and vary between individuals.
WhenWhat to expect
Days 1 to 2Soreness at the treated site. Rest and avoid loading.
Days 3 to 5Aching settles. Return gradually to normal activity.
Weeks 2 to 4Symptoms may begin to improve. Further sessions if a course was planned.
Weeks 6 to 12Peak effect usually assessed here.
Months 3 to 6Effect reviewed and further treatment considered if appropriate.

Red flags — when to seek help

These lists are not exhaustive. Trust your judgement and seek advice if you are worried.

Emergency Call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department

  • A hot, swollen, very painful joint with fever or feeling unwell, which needs same-day assessment
  • Spreading redness from an injection site
  • Severe pain that is worsening rather than settling after 48 hours

Contact us Contact the hospital, or call NHS 111 out of hours

  • Pus or discharge from an injection or blood-sampling site
  • A rapidly enlarging bruise or swelling at the sampling site
  • Persistent numbness or pins and needles in the arm after blood sampling
  • No improvement at all after a completed course

Tower Bridge Hospital, 97–99 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DT. Telephone 020 7916 0029. If in doubt and the situation is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

Is PRP made from my own blood?

Yes. A sample is taken from your arm and processed in the clinic during your appointment.

Why avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers?

PRP is thought to work partly through an inflammatory healing response. Your clinician will tell you what to avoid and for how long.

How many sessions will I need?

A course is usual rather than a single treatment. The number depends on what is being treated and is agreed at consultation.

When will I know if it has worked?

Effect develops over weeks. Assessment is made at review, commonly around 6 to 12 weeks.

More information

Clinical reviewer
Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director
Review date
21 July 2026
Review by
21 July 2027
Version
1.0
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