After PRP Infusion (PRP/PDRN/PRF): What to Do in the First 7 Days

By Highline Aesthetics | July 27, 2026

South Boulder, on the Broadway corridor just south of downtown Boulder | +17207844057

After PRP infusion aftercare timeline for the first 7 days at Highline Aesthetics in Boulder

The single most important rule after PRP/PDRN/PRF is simple: keep the treated area calm for the first 48 hours. That means no hard workouts, no heavy sweating, no saunas or hot tubs, and no alcohol while your skin or scalp is settling. Your session is quick, about 30 minutes, but the next few days are where you protect the work you just did. And in Boulder, with our strong sun and very active outdoor culture, this matters even more.

The first 24 to 48 hours after PRP injections: keep it clean, cool, and low-key

Right after PRP injections, it’s normal to have some redness, mild swelling, warmth, or a tight feeling where we treated. The goal is to reduce irritation and avoid anything that ramps up blood flow and heat.

48-hour “do this” checklist

  • Keep the area clean and hands off. No picking, rubbing, or exfoliating.
  • Skip strenuous exercise and heavy sweating for 24 to 48 hours.
  • Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and long hot showers for 24 to 48 hours.
  • Hold alcohol for 24 to 48 hours.
  • If you’re sore, we generally recommend acetaminophen if you need it.

For discomfort, a cold compress can help. Keep it gentle and brief. We’re not trying to freeze the skin, we’re just taking the edge off.

Medication note: we generally recommend avoiding NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) and aspirin for 48 to 72 hours unless your prescribing doctor has you on them for a medical reason. If that’s you, let us know and we’ll talk through a safe plan that still supports your results.

Days 3 to 7: the “don’t mess with it” week that helps PRP treatment pay off

Once you’re past the first couple days, most people feel pretty normal. This is where folks in South Boulder get tempted to jump right back into everything, long runs, Chautauqua hikes, sunny patio time. Give your result a real chance by staying consistent through the first week.

Sun and Boulder outdoors

Direct sun is a common reason people feel “extra irritated” after facial treatments. Try to avoid peak sun exposure for at least 48 hours, and be cautious through the week. Once you’re past that initial 24 to 48 hour window, use a broad-spectrum SPF when you’re outside. If you’re scheduling your PRP clinic visit around your normal routine, early morning or evening appointments tend to make the sun part easier to manage.

Makeup and skin products

We generally recommend no makeup on treated areas for the first 24 hours. After that, keep your routine simple for the week. Hold off on strong actives that can sting or dry you out, like retinoids, harsh acids, and aggressive exfoliants, unless we’ve specifically told you otherwise.

Scalp PRP rules that people forget

If your PRP treatment was for the scalp, delay washing or vigorous rubbing for 24 hours. After that, wash gently and skip hot styling tools and high heat for about 48 to 72 hours. The big one is no aggressive scratching, even if you feel a little itchiness.

Simple products that protect PRP/PDRN/PRF results (and what to pause)

You don’t need a complicated shelf to support a PRP infusion. Simple is usually best for the first week.

What we like to see in your routine

  • Gentle cleanser once you’re cleared to wash. No scrubs.
  • Light, non-irritating moisturizer to help with dryness or tightness.
  • Broad-spectrum SPF after the initial 24 to 48 hour window, especially in Boulder sun.

What to pause for a bit: strong acids, retinoids, “tingly” products, and anything that makes you red or flaky. If you’re not sure about something in your lineup, bring it up at your visit or call the front desk. We’ll give you a straight answer.

What’s normal, what’s not, and how we handle follow-up in Boulder and nearby

A big reason people stick with our team is the communication. We don’t rush you out the door, and we don’t disappear after your appointment. We’ll go over post care, and we’re easy to reach if something feels off.

“She’s a super star and very patient with explaining what she’s doing, the healing process and results process.”

one of our regulars

Reach out if you notice any of these

  • Increasing redness after day 2, especially if it’s spreading
  • Spreading warmth, drainage, or anything that looks like infection
  • Severe pain that isn’t improving
  • Fever or feeling sick

If you’re in Boulder or nearby, we can usually sort things out quickly in-office if a post-treatment check is needed. We also see clients from Louisville, Lafayette, Superior, Longmont, and Denver, so don’t wait if you’re worried. Call us at +17207844057 or email hello@highlineaesthetics.com. We’ll tell you what’s normal and what needs a closer look.

If you’re planning your next PRP session, start with these 3 pages

If you like having a plan, these are worth a quick read before your next visit:

PRP/PDRN/PRF is a 30-minute appointment, and it’s $499. If you’re trying to stay on top of results with minimal downtime around work, school, or outdoor plans in Boulder, we’ll help you time it right and keep your aftercare simple.

Visit us: 637 South Broadway #P, Boulder, Colorado 80305

Frequently Asked Questions

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We recommend skipping strenuous exercise and heavy sweating for the first 24 to 48 hours after PRP/PDRN/PRF. After that, ease back in based on how your skin or scalp feels. If you’re still warm, puffy, or tender, give it another day.

For facial treatments, we generally recommend keeping the area clean and avoiding makeup for 24 hours, then washing gently. For scalp PRP, delay washing or vigorous rubbing for 24 hours, then wash gently and avoid aggressive scratching. If we gave you a specific timing based on your session, follow that.

We recommend avoiding alcohol for 24 to 48 hours. For NSAIDs and aspirin, we generally recommend avoiding them for 48 to 72 hours after treatment, unless your prescribing doctor has you on them for medical reasons. If that’s the case, let us know and we’ll talk through a plan.

In Boulder summer sun, it’s smart to avoid hikes and peak-day outdoor workouts for at least 48 hours because heat and heavy sweating can increase irritation. After the initial 24 to 48 hour window, use broad-spectrum SPF and try to keep sun exposure reasonable through the first week.

Downtime is usually minimal, but it’s common to see redness, mild swelling, warmth, or a tight feeling for a day or two. Visible improvements tend to build over the following weeks as the skin goes through natural repair. If something feels like it’s getting worse instead of better after day two, call us so we can check in.

PRP injections use your body’s own growth factors to support natural cellular repair. We place PRP into targeted areas to support tissue regeneration, which can help with concerns like texture, dullness, fine lines, and scarring.

In aesthetics, PRP/PDRN/PRF is used to support healthier-looking skin by encouraging natural repair. Many people choose it to improve brightness and texture, and to soften the look of fine lines or scars while keeping results looking natural.

Choose a PRP clinic that explains the plan clearly, gives you straightforward aftercare, and stays available for follow-up. Transparent pricing and good communication matter, especially if you need quick guidance in the first few days after treatment.

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