PRP – Hair Growth Injections: Preparation and Aftercare
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a medical treatment used to support hair growth and improve scalp health. Proper preparation before your appointment and following the recommended aftercare instructions are important for achieving the best possible results.
Below are our doctor’s guidelines on how to prepare for your hair growth factor (PRP) injections and how to care for your scalp following treatment.
Preparing for PRP Hair Treatment
Preparing appropriately for PRP therapy may help reduce bruising and support optimal platelet activity during the procedure.
One Week Before Treatment
Where medically appropriate, avoid medications and supplements that may increase the risk of bruising, including:
- Aspirin
- Fish oil supplements
- Vitamin E
- Herbal medications
If you are taking prescribed medication, consult your doctor before discontinuing any treatment.
Two Days Before Treatment
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) should be avoided for two days prior to treatment and for up to 10 days after PRP therapy. These medications may interfere with the inflammatory process required for platelet activity.
Examples include:
- Ibuprofen
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- General Preparation
- In the days leading up to your procedure:
- Limit alcohol and caffeine intake
- Maintain a balanced, healthy diet
Aim for a good night’s sleep before your appointment, as this may support optimal platelet yield during the blood collection process
During the PRP Procedure
PRP treatment is performed in the clinic and typically takes around 30–45 minutes.
On the day of the procedure, wash your hair in the morning and avoid applying any hair styling products or topical scalp treatments.
Before the injections begin, a topical numbing gel is applied to the scalp to improve comfort during the procedure.
A small sample of blood, usually 15–30 ml, is collected in the same way as a standard blood test. The blood is then processed using a specialised centrifuge that separates the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the blood components.
The concentrated PRP solution is then injected into the superficial layers of the scalp using a fine needle. These injections deliver growth factors directly to the hair follicles, which may stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health.
Aftercare Following PRP Hair Injections
Aftercare is important to allow the scalp to recover and support the effectiveness of the treatment.
First 6 Hours After Treatment
Avoid washing your hair for at least six hours following the procedure.
First 12 Hours
You may return to most normal daily activities, however strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 12 hours.
Medications
If pain relief is required, paracetamol (Panadol) may be taken as directed.
Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or other NSAIDs should be avoided for 10 days following treatment, as they may interfere with the healing response that PRP relies on.
Scalp Products
Avoid applying topical scalp products, medicated solutions or hair treatments for at least three days after the injections.
What to Expect After PRP Hair Treatment
Hair growth occurs gradually and results may take several months to become noticeable.
Some patients begin to see early improvements in hair health or density around four months after completing treatment. More visible changes are typically observed between six and nine months, with continued improvement possible for up to one year.
In some cases, patients may experience temporary shedding of hair during the early stages of treatment. This is usually part of the hair growth cycle resetting and typically resolves on its own.
Younger patients and those with more recent hair loss often respond more favourably to PRP therapy.
To maintain results, annual maintenance treatments are often recommended.
PRP Hair Treatment in Canberra
PRP therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that uses your body’s own platelets to support hair growth and scalp health.
If you are considering PRP hair treatment in Canberra, a consultation with our qualified practitioner can help determine whether this treatment is suitable for your hair loss concerns.
Book in now using this link here to secure your consult with THE R CLINIC.
