Can PRP Cause Side Effects?
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a treatment that uses a concentration of your own blood platelets to help heal injuries, improve skin, or promote hair growth. Doctors draw a small amount of your blood, spin it in a machine to separate the platelets, and inject the PRP into the problem area. While PRP is generally safe because it comes from your body, it can cause some side effects, mostly mild ones that go away quickly.
The most common side effects happen right after the injection. You might feel soreness or pain at the spot where the needle went in. This affects about 3 to 10 percent of people and usually lasts a few days.[1][4] Swelling shows up in 3 to 7 percent of cases, along with bruising in 2 to 5 percent.[1] Other short-term issues include redness, mild itching, tenderness, stiffness, or a warm feeling at the site.[3][5][8] These are signs your body is starting to heal and often fade in one to two days.[3]
Less common side effects include minor bleeding, tissue irritation, nerve irritation, or a short increase in pain.[3][4] In rare cases, scar tissue might form, or there could be calcification at the injection spot.[2] Infections are possible but uncommon if sterile tools are used.[1][2][3] Nerve or blood vessel injury can happen with poor technique, though ultrasound guidance lowers this risk.[1][3]
Allergic reactions to PRP itself are extremely unlikely since it is your own blood.[1][3][5] However, additives like calcium chloride sometimes used in preparation might cause a rash, itching, or in very rare cases, something more serious.[1] People with autoimmune conditions could theoretically have unusual reactions, like granulomas, but this is documented in just a few cases.[1]
Certain PRP types, such as leukocyte-rich PRP, may cause more irritation than leukocyte-poor versions.[1] Serious problems like septic arthritis or major vascular damage are extremely rare and mostly tied to bad injection methods.[1]
Not everyone is a good candidate for PRP. Avoid it if you have low platelet counts, anemia, active infections, cancer, blood clotting issues, or severe liver disease.[2][6] Blood thinners raise bleeding risks, so doctors may ask you to pause them.[3][9] Anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs can weaken PRP’s effects, so skip them for at least 48 hours after treatment.[2]
To manage side effects, rest the area, use cooling if needed, and take acetaminophen for pain instead of icing, which might slow healing.[1][6] Reduce activity for up to two weeks and build it back slowly.[4] Studies show serious side effects are rare, with most people experiencing only temporary, harmless issues.[1]
Experienced providers make a big difference in safety. They use proper prep, sterile conditions, and guidance tools to avoid problems.
Sources
https://prpmed.de/en/blog/news/understanding-and-managing-prp-side-effects
https://www.opaortho.com/prp-treatment-bellevue/
https://marshamedspa.com/prp-therapyplatelet-rich-plasma-benefits-uses-and-treatment-experience/
https://swspineandsports.com/orthopedic-services/treatments/platelet-rich-plasma-therapy/
https://www.dwoseth.com/cosmetic/hair-restoration-with-prp/
https://www.nyuhs.org/platelet-rich-plasma-prp-injection
https://maneadvancedhair.com/blog/prp-therapy-an-effective-and-safe-treatment-for-hair-loss/
https://lumiermedical.com/services/prp-platelet-rich-plasma/
https://www.eyestheticsmd.com/what-to-expect-before-and-after-prp-treatment-for-your-face
