How effective is PRP/ PRF for people who takes paracetamol/ ibuprofen regularly?

Question

I wanted to post the question here to get some objective answers. l did some research online and found that common painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen should be stopped a week before a PRP/ PRF procedure. However for someone who suffers from headaches regularly like myself, it's impossible to regulate when or even how much paracetamol/ ibuprofen I would take. So my question is, is it even worth having the procedure then? My main concerns are pore size and pigmentation.

Bernardino Arocha, MD, FISHRS · Answer

The use of anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen, (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, NSAIDs, will negate the benefit of PRP. It's recommended these be avoided for 6 weeks post procedure. You can take Tylenol instead.

Mahmood Siddique, DO · Answer

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is generally considered safe and does not have known interactions that significantly impact the efficacy of PRP/PRF treatments. However, it's always a good idea to inform your healthcare professional about any medications you are taking, including paracetamol, prior to undergoing PRP/PRF therapy.

Arslan Musbeh, MD · Answer

Great question — and it’s one that comes up often among patients considering PRP or PRF treatments.

While it’s true that NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can temporarily reduce platelet activity and growth factor release, this effect is short-lived and generally does not cancel out the entire benefit of the procedure, especially if not taken daily.
Paracetamol (acetaminophen), on the other hand, has minimal effect on platelet function, so it’s usually considered safe to use before PRP/PRF.

If you suffer from chronic headaches and occasionally need these medications, it’s still absolutely worth having PRP or PRF, especially for skin rejuvenation, pore tightening, and pigmentation improvement.
The regenerative benefits of PRP/PRF come from tissue-level healing and collagen stimulation, not just platelet concentration alone.

Ideally, avoid ibuprofen for 24–48 hours before and after the session if possible, but don’t stress — consistent skin improvement will still occur.

Dr. Arslan Musbeh
Hair Transplant Surgeon – Founder of Hairmedico
17+ years of experience in FUE, Sapphire FUE, and DHI

This answer has been approved by Dr. Arslan Musbeh. It is not a medical advice.

Michael J. Nusbaum, MD, FACS · Answer

PRP and PRFM both concentrate stem cells and the PRGF from Platelets. NSAIDS damage the Platelets and therefore will lessen the effectiveness of both PRP and PRFM.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your great question. There isn't any issue with taking paracetamol. The most common issue with ibuprofen is that it can cause bleeding. I recommend you speak to your primary doctor who knows your history before any procedures. Best of luck to you.

Dr. T

Dr. T

Mary C. DuPont, MD, FPMRS, FACS · Answer

PRP and PRF therapies aim to enhance the body's natural healing processes by concentrating and delivering growth factors and other bioactive substances to the site of injury or damage. PRF therapy relies on the activation of platelets and the release of growth factors to stimulate tissue regeneration and repair. Inflammation is a fundamental component of this healing process, as it helps recruit cells and proteins to the site of injury, facilitating the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues.

The recommendation to avoid anti-inflammatories, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen, is often made because these medications can interfere with the inflammatory response that is a crucial part of the body's natural healing process. NSAIDs work by inhibiting certain enzymes involved in the inflammatory response, thus potentially reducing the effectiveness of the regenerative process.

Taking paracetamol (acetaminophen), however, should not necessarily interfere with the effectiveness of PRP or PRF treatments. Paracetamol is not an anti-inflammatory medication, and it primarily works to reduce pain and fever.

It's generally preferable for patients to avoid anti-inflammatory medications for about a week before the procedure and 3 days after the procedure as these medications can also increase the chances of bruising following the procedure. However, it is completely acceptable to continue taking these medications up to even 3 days before the procedure.

It's important to note these recommendations may vary depending on the specific PRP/PRF procedure and the preferences of the healthcare provider.

Ricardo Pocurull, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question. Paracetamol/Acetaminophen should not be an issue before or after PRP. The primary issue with ibuprofen or other NSAIDs though is bleeding. PRP requires an anticoagulant and in turn cause further bleeding or bruising. In terms of blunting the healing effect, it is normally recommended to hold NSAIDs for up to 2 weeks after PRP to allow for the full healing effect to take place. Most of this literature comes from orthopedics. Paracetamol/Acetaminophen is not known to interfere with healing or the effects of PRP. So if you have to take take something, just do not take NSAIDs for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after.

John Peter Cole, MD · Answer

As of my last update in September 2021, the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) and corticosteroids in conjunction with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is a subject of discussion and research. While some experts have concerns that these medications might interfere with the healing process promoted by PRP, the scientific evidence is not entirely clear.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy aims to use growth factors and cytokines released from platelets to promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids, on the other hand, are anti-inflammatory agents that may suppress the local immune response, which could theoretically inhibit the effects of PRP. Some clinicians worry that steroids may dampen the body's healing response that PRP is intended to activate. 
Tylenol is primarily used for pain relief and has a different mechanism of action from corticosteroids. It is generally less controversial in combination with PRP, but there is still some concern that it could potentially interfere with the body's healing mechanisms.
Here are some points to consider:
1. Mechanisms of Action: Understanding the mechanisms of action of PRP, corticosteroids, and Tylenol could help predict potential interactions. However, the complete mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Cytokines often function in the swelling and cell recruitment process following a procedure. Growth factors are going to stimulate cells, growth, and repair. The medications you are concerned about do not interfere with the beneficial aspects of PRP, in my opinion. No patient complains if they swell less following any medical or surgical procedure. 
2. Short-term vs. Long-term Effects: Steroids often provide quick relief from inflammation but may have long-term consequences on tissue repair, potentially affecting the benefits of PRP.
3. Individual Variability: Patients may respond differently to these treatments, making it challenging to issue universal guidelines.
4. Clinical Trials: More robust clinical trials are needed to definitively prove or disprove whether these medications significantly inhibit or enhance PRP's effects. These trials do not exist
5. Expert Opinion: Always consult a healthcare provider for a personalized treatment plan, especially if considering multiple interventions. I think the benefits of PRP are not negatively impacted by non-steroid anti-inflammatories or paracetamol. I do not discourage my patients from using these products before or after a PRP treatment. The most important consideration is the choice of the right provider and PRP system for the condition you seek to treat. 
If you are considering PRP treatment, it's crucial to consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your specific medical condition and treatment objectives.

Atlanta Innovative Medicine · Answer

It is true that you will want to stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like (Ibuprofen) 5–6 days prior to beginning PRP therapy. This is because NSAIDS have been shown to significantly reduce the healing function of platelets and result in inferior results. However, paracetamol (like Tylenol) does not affect platelet function, so you can take those medications leading right up to PRP therapy without hindering your results. If you’d like to know more before you begin treatment, you can find information about PRP and other facial rejuvenation treatments for treating pore size and pigmentation on our website:

How effective is PRP/ PRF for people who takes paracetamol/ ibuprofen regularly?

Answers (9)

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