Good PRP aftercare makes the difference between okay results and great ones. If you’ve just had platelet-rich plasma therapy at Miami Lakes Med Spa in Miami Lakes, FL, the next few days matter more than you might think. The way you treat your body after your session shapes how well those growth factors do their job.
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, uses your own blood to kick-start healing. We draw a small sample, spin it in a centrifuge, and inject the platelet-rich part back into your scalp, skin, or joints. This autologous growth factor concentrate signals your body to make new collagen, blood vessels, and tissue. But those signals need the right environment to work.
Dr. Sabrina Gonzalez, DNP, APRN, and our team under Medical Director Dr. John Serpa, MD, walk every patient through aftercare before they leave. This guide covers what to expect, what to avoid, and when you’ll see results. Patients from Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, and Doral all follow the same core plan.
TL;DR
PRP aftercare means avoiding heavy exercise, alcohol, blood thinners, and sun exposure for 24 to 72 hours after your session. Most patients return to normal activities within 1 to 3 days. Full results appear over 4 to 12 weeks as your body builds new collagen and tissue.
Key Takeaways
- Skip strenuous exercise, saunas, and alcohol for at least 24 to 72 hours after PRP injections.
- Mild swelling, redness, or soreness at the injection site is normal and usually fades in 2 to 5 days.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory meds like ibuprofen for 1 to 2 weeks since they can blunt PRP’s healing effect.
- Visible results from PRP build gradually over 4 to 12 weeks as collagen and tissue regenerate.
- A 3-session package at Miami Lakes Med Spa is $950, giving you the best long-term outcome.
Clinical Summary
- What it is: platelet-rich plasma therapy, an autologous growth factor concentrate drawn from your own blood.
- Who it’s for: adults seeking hair restoration, skin rejuvenation, or joint and tissue repair through regenerative medicine.
- Session length: 45 to 60 minutes including blood draw, spin, and injection.
- Pain level: mild to moderate; topical numbing cream is used for facial and scalp treatments.
- Downtime: 1 to 3 days of mild swelling, redness, or tenderness.
- Results timeline: initial changes in 2 to 4 weeks; full results at 3 to 6 months.
- Risks: bruising, mild soreness, temporary swelling, rare infection.
- Contraindications: active infection, blood disorders, pregnancy, certain cancers.
- Cost at Miami Lakes Med Spa: $495 single session or $950 for a 3-session package.
Why PRP Aftercare Matters More Than You Think
Think of PRP like planting seeds in a garden. The injection puts the seeds in place. Your aftercare controls the soil, water, and sunlight. Skip the care, and even the best seeds won’t grow well.
When platelets release growth factors, they trigger a controlled healing response. Your body sends new cells to the area to build collagen, repair tissue, and improve blood flow. Anything that disrupts this process, like heat, hard exercise, or anti-inflammatory drugs, can cut your results short.
The first 72 hours are the most active phase. That’s when platelets are most engaged. Protecting the area during this window helps you get the full benefit of your treatment. It’s a small time investment for a much bigger payoff.
Your Hour-by-Hour PRP Recovery Timeline
Here’s what most patients can expect after a PRP session. Keep in mind, individual results may vary based on the treatment area and your own healing speed.
First 24 hours: You may notice redness, mild swelling, or a warm feeling at the injection sites. Scalp PRP can feel tight or tender. Facial PRP may look slightly puffy or pink. This is your body sending healing cells to the area, and it’s a good sign.
Days 2 to 3: Swelling peaks and then starts to go down. Small bruises may appear. Soreness fades. You can usually return to light work and daily routines by day 2.
Days 4 to 7: Most visible side effects clear up. Your skin or scalp should feel close to normal. Light workouts can resume around day 3 or 4 if your provider gives the green light.
Weeks 2 to 4: Early results start to show. Skin may look brighter. Hair shedding may slow. Joint pain may ease.
Months 2 to 3: Collagen production ramps up. You’ll see firmer skin, thicker hair, or less joint stiffness.
Months 3 to 6: Peak results. This is why we often recommend a 3-session package spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Activity Restrictions After PRP Injection
What you avoid matters as much as what you do. Here are the main restrictions to follow after PRP injection.
Skip for 24 to 72 hours:
- Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or anything that spikes your heart rate
- Saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and hot yoga
- Direct sun exposure and tanning beds
- Alcohol, which can thin the blood and worsen bruising
- Swimming pools and the ocean (infection risk)
Skip for 1 to 2 weeks:
- Ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and other NSAIDs. These anti-inflammatory meds can block the healing response PRP is trying to create. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a safer choice for discomfort.
- Blood thinners and high-dose fish oil (unless prescribed, in which case talk to your doctor first)
- Harsh skin treatments like chemical peels, retinoids, microdermabrasion, or laser
For scalp PRP specifically: wait at least 6 hours before washing your hair. Skip hair dye, bleach, or heat styling for 48 hours.
For facial PRP or microneedling with PRP: no makeup for 12 to 24 hours. Use only gentle, fragrance-free cleansers. Apply SPF 30 or higher once your skin is cleared for sun exposure.
What You Should Do During PRP Recovery
Aftercare isn’t just about what to avoid. There are things you can actively do to boost your results.
Hydrate well. Drink plenty of water for several days. Platelets work better in a well-hydrated body.
Eat for healing. Load up on protein, leafy greens, berries, and healthy fats. These give your body the building blocks for new collagen and tissue repair.
Sleep elevated. If you had facial PRP, prop your head up with an extra pillow for the first night or two. This helps reduce swelling.
Use cool compresses. If swelling bothers you, apply a cool (not ice-cold) compress for 10 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours.
Be gentle. Don’t rub, scratch, or massage the treated area for at least 48 hours. For scalp PRP, skip tight hats and ponytails.
Keep follow-up appointments. If you booked a 3-session package, stick to the schedule. Consistent sessions build on each other for the best outcome.
When to Call Us After PRP
Most PRP recoveries are easy. Still, you should know when to reach out. Call Miami Lakes Med Spa at 305-418-0392 if you notice any of these:
- Swelling or redness that gets worse after day 3 instead of better
- Fever, chills, or signs of infection
- Pus or unusual drainage from an injection site
- Severe pain not helped by Tylenol
- A spreading rash or hives
These issues are rare, but we want to hear from you right away if they happen. Our bilingual team (English and Spanish) is available during our Tuesday through Saturday hours. For non-urgent questions, you can always message us or stop by for a quick check-in. We’d rather you ask than wonder.
Good PRP aftercare is simple: rest, hydrate, skip the gym and alcohol for a few days, and avoid NSAIDs. Follow these steps and you give your body the best shot at building new collagen, hair, or tissue. Our team at Miami Lakes Med Spa, led by Dr. Sabrina Gonzalez, DNP, APRN, with oversight from Medical Director Dr. John Serpa, MD, is here to guide you through every step.
Ready to see what regenerative medicine can do for you? We offer 100% free consultations for patients in Miami Lakes, Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, and Doral. Call us at 305-418-0392 or book online to get started. Single sessions are $495 and our 3-session package is $950. Financing is available through Cherry, CareCredit, and Klarna.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a qualified provider about your specific situation. Individual results may vary. Last reviewed: 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does PRP recovery take?
Most people recover from PRP in 1 to 3 days. Mild swelling, redness, or soreness fades quickly. You can usually return to desk work the next day and light exercise within 3 to 4 days. At Miami Lakes Med Spa, our Miami Lakes patients typically feel back to normal within a week.
Can I exercise after a PRP injection?
Skip strenuous exercise for at least 24 to 72 hours after PRP. Heavy workouts raise your heart rate, increase swelling, and can shift the platelets before they settle in. Light walking is fine on day 1. Return to full workouts around day 3 to 5, once your provider at Miami Lakes Med Spa gives you the go-ahead.
Why can’t I take ibuprofen after PRP?
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs block the inflammation PRP needs to trigger healing. Since PRP works by starting a controlled repair response, anti-inflammatories can cancel out the benefit. Avoid them for 1 to 2 weeks. Use Tylenol instead if you need pain relief. Dr. Sabrina Gonzalez reviews this with every patient.
When will I see results after PRP?
Early results from PRP show up in 2 to 4 weeks. Full results build over 3 to 6 months as collagen and new tissue develop. Hair restoration patients see less shedding first, then regrowth. Most patients at Miami Lakes Med Spa do a 3-session package for the strongest, longest-lasting outcome.
