Chapel Hill, NC
919-752-3051
Triangle Regen Medicine
Preparation Guide Most Common Treatment

PRP Therapy Preparation

Everything you need to know before and after your Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment to ensure the best possible results.

Learn About PRP Treatment View Instructions
45-60 min
Procedure Time
1 week
Stop NSAIDs Before
24-48 hrs
Rest Period After
2-6 weeks
Results Timeline

Before Your PRP Treatment

Proper preparation helps ensure optimal results from your PRP therapy

7

One Week Before

Important medication changes

Stop Anti-Inflammatory Medications

These medications interfere with platelet function and can reduce treatment effectiveness:

  • • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • • Naproxen (Aleve)
  • • Aspirin (unless prescribed for heart)
  • • Celecoxib (Celebrex)
  • • Meloxicam (Mobic)
Okay to Continue
  • • Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain
  • • Blood pressure medications
  • • Other prescribed medications (ask us if unsure)
1

Day Before

Prepare your body

  • Hydrate well — Drink plenty of water throughout the day for easier blood draw
  • Get good rest — A well-rested body heals better
  • Avoid alcohol — It can affect blood quality and hydration

Day of Procedure

Morning of your appointment

  • Eat a healthy meal — Colorful vegetables, olive oil, and lean protein support healing
  • Continue hydrating — Drink water throughout the morning
  • Go for a brisk walk or do a light workout — A workout will increase platelet count and growth factors in your PRP
  • Wear comfortable clothing — Easy access to treatment area
  • Arrange a ride if needed — Recommended for lower extremity treatments (knee, hip, ankle)

What to Expect: The PRP Process

The entire procedure takes about 45-60 minutes from start to finish

1

Blood Draw

We draw a small amount of blood from your arm using a specialized collection device.

~5 minutes

2

Processing

Your blood is placed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the healing platelets.

~15-25 minutes

3

Preparation

The treatment area is cleaned and may be numbed with local anesthetic for comfort.

~10 minutes

4

Injection

Using ultrasound guidance, we precisely deliver the PRP to the affected area.

~15-20 minutes

Ultrasound-Guided Precision

Dr. Buchheit and his team use real-time ultrasound guidance to ensure precise delivery of PRP to the target area. This technique optimizes effectiveness and safety. Many patients watch the screen as the procedure is performed.

After Your PRP Treatment

Follow these guidelines to support optimal healing

48h

First 48 Hours

  • Rest the treated area — Avoid strenuous activity
  • Light walking is fine — Normal daily activities okay
  • Avoid ice if possible — Ice can blunt the healing response
  • Tylenol for discomfort — No NSAIDs
2wk

First 2 Weeks

  • Continue avoiding NSAIDs — Ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, celecoxib
  • Gradually increase activity — As comfort allows
  • Expect some soreness — Normal part of healing
  • Stay hydrated — Support healing

Weeks 2-6+

  • Results develop gradually — 2-6 weeks typical
  • Full benefits — May continue over 2-3 months
  • PT if recommended — Physical therapy enhances results
  • Follow up — As scheduled by our team

What's Normal After PRP

Expected Symptoms

  • Mild to moderate soreness at injection site
  • Slight swelling or warmth
  • Minor bruising at blood draw or injection site
  • Temporary increase in pain (sign of immune activation)

Contact Us If You Experience

  • Fever over 101°F
  • Severe pain that worsens significantly
  • Signs of infection (redness spreading, drainage)
  • Any concerns or questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact our office as soon as possible. Depending on when you took it and how many doses, we may discuss rescheduling your procedure date to optimize results.

The blood draw feels like a standard lab test. For the injection, we use local anesthetic to numb the area. After the procedure, you may experience warmth and mild discomfort for a few days — this is actually a sign of immune activation and healing.

For upper body treatments (shoulder, elbow, wrist), most patients can drive themselves home. For lower extremity treatments (knee, hip, ankle), we recommend having someone drive you for safety, especially for your first procedure.

Generally, rest for 24-48 hours, then gradually increase activity as tolerated. Light exercise can often resume after a few days. High-impact activities or sports typically require 1-2 weeks. Dr. Buchheit will provide specific guidance based on your treatment.

NSAIDs interfere with platelet function and can suppress the inflammatory response that's essential for PRP to work. The "inflammation" triggered by PRP is actually a controlled healing response — the immune cells that cause this response are what repair and regenerate tissue. Anti-inflammatory medications can block this beneficial process.

Back to All Procedure Prep Learn More About PRP Treatment

Questions About Your Procedure?

Our team is here to help. Contact us with any questions about preparing for your PRP treatment.

Contact Us 919-752-3051