Regenerative Medicine at UPC · Patient Instructions
Pre- & Post-PRP Instructions
How to prepare for your platelet-rich plasma (PRP) visit and care for yourself afterward, from double board-certified pain physician Dr. Rainier Guiang, MD, in Riverside & Menifee.
These are general instructions. If Dr. Guiang gives you specific instructions for your procedure, follow those. Questions? Call 951-900-3253.
PRP Injections: Joints, Tendons & Spine
Knee, shoulder and other joint or tendon injections, plus epidural, facet, SI joint and intradiscal PRP.
Medications
- Stop NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Advil/Motrin, naproxen/Aleve, aspirin) about 7 days before.
- Taking aspirin or another blood thinner for your heart or a prescribed reason? Do not stop it on your own. Ask us and your prescribing doctor first.
- Tell us about any blood thinner (e.g., warfarin, apixaban, clopidogrel).
- No steroid injections or steroid pills within the window Dr. Guiang discusses with you.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually fine if it is safe for you.
Day Before & Day Of
- Drink plenty of water the day before and the morning of.
- Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before (unless told otherwise).
- Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours before.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the area.
Let Us Know First
- Fever, active infection, or feeling ill: call to reschedule.
- Recent illness, new medications, allergies, or pregnancy.
- Any skin infection or rash near the treatment site.
Spine Procedures
- Epidural, facet, SI joint and intradiscal: arrange a driver to take you home.
- Plan to take it easy the rest of the day.
- Bring your medication list and any imaging.
What’s Normal
- Soreness, aching, stiffness or swelling for a few days is common.
- Some people notice a temporary flare before it settles. Results vary.
Comfort
- Brief icing (10–15 minutes, cloth barrier) is OK.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is OK if it is safe for you.
- Avoid NSAIDs for about 2 weeks after (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) unless prescribed for your heart.
Activity
- Relative rest for 48–72 hours: normal daily activity, no heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
- Then return to activity gradually, following your plan or therapy program.
- Use any brace or sling only as directed.
Follow-Up
- Keep your follow-up visit.
- Avoid steroid injections in the area unless discussed with Dr. Guiang.
- Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours after.
PRP for Skin (Facial) & Hair
PRP facial and scalp/hair treatments.
Medications
- Same NSAID guidance as injections: stop about 7 days before unless prescribed for your heart (ask first).
- Tell us about blood thinners, cold sores, or active skin conditions.
Skin (Facial)
- Arrive with a clean face, no makeup.
- Stop retinoids (tretinoin, retinol) and exfoliants (acids, scrubs) a few days before.
- Avoid sunburn or tanning before your visit.
Hair (Scalp)
- Wash your hair the morning of your visit.
- No gels, sprays, oils or other styling products.
- Hydrate and eat a light meal beforehand; avoid alcohol 24–48 hours.
Skin (Facial)
- Mild redness or swelling for a day or so is common.
- No makeup for 12–24 hours.
- Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer; daily sunscreen.
- Avoid sun, sauna, hot tubs and hard workouts for 24–48 hours.
Hair (Scalp)
- Don’t wash your hair for 24 hours.
- Avoid heat styling, coloring and chemical treatments for a few days.
- Mild scalp tenderness is common.
Comfort
- Avoid NSAIDs for about 2 weeks; acetaminophen is OK if safe for you.
- Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours.
Call Us Right Away or Seek Urgent Care If You Have:
- Fever or chills
- Redness, warmth, swelling or drainage at the site that is getting worse
- Severe or rapidly increasing pain
- After a spine procedure: new weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, or new changes in bowel or bladder control
- Severe headache that worsens when sitting or standing (after a spine procedure)
For an emergency, call 911. Office: 951-900-3253
Questions Before or After Your Visit?
Riverside: 6900 Brockton Ave #203 · Menifee: 27990 Sherman Rd
Call 951-900-3253
This page provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Follow any instructions Dr. Guiang gives you. Results vary. Regenerative Medicine at UPC is a cash-pay practice.
