PRP is the treatment famous to rejuvenate the skin and give a smooth and youthful touch to the overall appearance. In addition to its use in cosmetic procedures, PRP also aids in the treatment of medical conditions such as injury recovery. With all the benefits, PRP treatment comes with its set of side effects.
In this blog, we will explore PRP treatment side effects.
What Is A PRP Treatment?
PRP treatment involves taking out a patient’s own blood, and after the centrifugation, the platelet-rich plasma is separated from the blood. This platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the patient’s body to promote healing and increase the production of growth factors. The treatment can be helpful for the following treatment:
- Hair restoration
- Skin rejuvenation (e.g., facials)
- Joint injuries and arthritis
- Tendon and ligament injuries
Although PRP treatment uses the patient’s own blood, it has some side effects that are mild and manageable. Let’s explore them.
Side Effects of PRP Treatment
While PRP treatment is considered safe, it does have some common and rare side effects, such as:
1. Mild Pain and Discomfort
As the treatment of PRP involves injections, it may cause some discomfort at the injection site. If the treatment is used for tendon tissues, it may lead to temporary soreness or stiffness at the injection site.
2. Swelling and Redness
The injection site may get a bit of swelling with mild redness. This side effect is a natural reaction of the body towards the healing process. Swelling and redness will fade away in a few days once the body starts recovering from the tension of injections on the site.
3. Bruising on the Skin
Yet another common side effect of PRP treatment is the bruising of the skin. It happens mostly at sensitive areas like the face or scalp. The main reason for bruising is the needle piercing the skin and underlying tissue. It usually fades away without any complications.
4. Risk of Infection
For any procedure that involves even a small injection, the chances of infection are there. It is crucial to get the injection procedures done by a skilled professional to avoid such side effects.
5. Allergic Reaction
PRP treatment uses the patient’s own blood; thus, chances of getting into allergic reactions are rare. In some cases, patients reported some allergies on the face or neck.
6. Nerve Damage
In extremely rare cases, the injection can lead to nerve damage resulting in numbness or tingling sensation. Thus, it is important to get the treatment done by a board-certified provider who understands the anatomy of the area to be treated.
7. Blood Clots
Yet another rare side effect is blood clots. It is noticed that people with a history of clotting disorders are prone to the side effects like this.
8. Scarring
If the patient has a history of hypertrophic or keloid scar formation, then PRP injections may lead to scarring. To minimize the risk, you must use a good aftercare technique, like avoiding excess sunlight and using a prescribed skincare regimen.
9. Fatigue and Dizziness
After the PRP treatment, you may feel mild dizziness or fatigue. It is a temporary effect that will subside after a few hours of the treatment.
Final Thought
The PRP treatment is known for its amazing benefits, but there are side effects that are manageable and subside easily. Rare side effects like allergic reactions and nerve damage might happen, causing complications after treatment. The only way to avoid these side effects is to get the procedure done by a skilled professional.
