Before & After Your Procedure
Practical answers to the questions patients ask most — how to prepare for a regenerative procedure and what to expect during recovery.
Every procedure and every patient is different, and your care team will give you instructions specific to your treatment. These are the general questions patients ask most often — always follow the personalized guidance you’re given.
Before your procedure
Many regenerative procedures rely on your body's natural inflammatory response as part of healing. NSAIDs — aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and others — may interfere with it, so when it's medically safe we may recommend avoiding them. Never stop a prescribed medication without discussing it with the physician who manages it.
Yes — unless your physician tells you otherwise. Acetaminophen doesn't have the same anti-inflammatory effect as NSAIDs.
Good hydration can improve the blood draw and help optimize specimen quality for procedures that use your own blood products. Increase your water intake starting the day before and arrive well hydrated.
Yes, unless you've been told otherwise — a normal meal beforehand helps you feel more comfortable during your visit.
If possible, yes. Both may affect normal healing. We generally recommend avoiding alcohol for several days beforehand and minimizing or avoiding tobacco.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to the treatment area; you may be asked to change into a gown. Most regenerative procedures take about 60–90 minutes from check-in through discharge.
Most patients can. Depending on the treatment, region treated, or medications used, we may recommend arranging a ride — we'll discuss this beforehand if it applies.
After your procedure
Yes. Some discomfort is expected, and depending on the treatment, soreness may increase during the first several days before gradually improving.
Certain regenerative procedures rely on your body's normal inflammatory response, so your physician may recommend avoiding ice early on. These recommendations vary by treatment.
Your physician will give procedure-specific guidance. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is often appropriate for pain, while anti-inflammatories may be temporarily avoided after regenerative procedures.
It varies by procedure and area treated. Some return to routine activities within days; strenuous exercise or sport usually progresses gradually over several weeks, guided by your physician or physical therapist.
Not everyone needs it right away. When rehab is recommended, timing depends on the procedure and tissue treated, and your plan is reviewed during follow-up.
Recovery differs for everyone. Some notice changes within weeks, others improve gradually over several months. Your physician will set realistic expectations for your diagnosis.
Increasing redness or drainage from the procedure site
Persistent bleeding
Severe or worsening pain that isn’t improving as expected
Any symptoms that concern you or seem unusual
We’re always happy to answer questions during your recovery.