Possible Side Effects of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Treatment

Introduction

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy uses your own blood components to promote healing and rejuvenation. Because it’s autologous (from your own body), it is generally considered low risk. However, like any medical procedure involving injections, PRP carries potential side effects. This page helps you understand what to expect and how we at Bayswater Dental Clinic manage risks.

Common Side Effects

Tenderness or mild pain: Often at injection sites for 1–2 days.
Swelling or puffiness: Temporary inflammation in treated areas that usually settles within a few days.
Bruising or pinpoint bleeding: Small spots around needle entry points may occur.
Redness or irritation: Minor skin reaction lasting 24–72 hours.
Stiffness or tightness: Mild tension sensation as tissue begins healing.

These effects are part of the body’s natural healing response to injection and tissue stimulation.

Less Common & Rare Risks

Infection: Minimal risk if proper sterile technique is used.
Tissue or skin damage: May occur from misdirected injection.
Nerve irritation or injury: Rare, but possible near nerve pathways.
Vascular occlusion: Rare blockage of a vessel causing reduced blood flow.
Nodule or lump formation: Localized irregularity if PRP isn’t evenly distributed.
Allergic reaction to additives: Occasionally caused by anticoagulants used during processing.
Serious vascular complications: Extremely rare (e.g., visual disturbances) when injecting near sensitive zones.

These highlight why PRP must be performed by skilled, medically trained professionals.

What Factors Influence Risk

Active infection, inflammation, or broken skin at the treatment site
Blood clotting disorders or use of anticoagulant medications
Recent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Poor technique or lack of sterilisation
Underlying vascular or nerve vulnerabilities

We carefully review your medical history and current medications before treatment to minimize risk.

Managing Side Effects & When to Call Us

Intense or worsening pain beyond a few days
Prolonged swelling or redness
Signs of infection (warmth, discharge, increasing tenderness)
Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation
Uneven lumps or nodules
Visual disturbances if treated near the eyes

Why PRP Remains a Low-Risk Option

Uses your own blood, minimizing allergic reactions
No synthetic materials or foreign bodies
Complications are mainly injection-related, not plasma-related
Performed with strict sterile protocols and anatomical precision

When carried out by experienced clinicians, PRP is among the safest regenerative skin treatments available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PRP safer than fillers or other injectables?

Yes. Since PRP is made from your own blood, it carries fewer risks of allergic or systemic reactions compared to synthetic injectables. However, it shares similar injection-related side effects like bruising or swelling.
Do most patients experience side effects?

Most patients notice mild swelling, redness, or soreness for a short time. Serious side effects are very rare when PRP is performed by qualified professionals.
Can side effects be prevented entirely?

No procedure is risk-free, but using sterile techniques, proper screening, and expert injection methods minimize complications.
What is the healing timeline for side effects?

Minor redness, swelling, and bruising usually fade within a few days. More persistent symptoms typically resolve within one to two weeks.
Does the treated area remain sensitive long-term?

No. Any sensitivity or discomfort is temporary. Persistent pain or numbness should be promptly reported to your clinician.