Looking to get flawless, smooth skin, eliminate acne marks or skin texture? PRP vs microneedling can assist in skin correction. Still, both procedures have distinct mechanisms of action which makes the choice rather complicated.
However, the knowledge of the difference between these two alternatives may help you to choose properly.
PRP vs microneedling isn’t always an either-or choice. Microneedling can be done independently of other procedures while PRP can be conducted independently as well as can be done along with microneedling. In this article, we will explain how each procedure works, will compare their benefits and recovery periods and tell how to choose the right one for you.
Table of Contents
- What Is PRP Treatment?
- What Is Microneedling?
- PRP vs Microneedling: Key Differences
- Benefits of PRP Treatment
- Benefits of Microneedling
- Can You Combine PRP and Microneedling?
- Which Treatment Is Better for Acne Scars?
- Recovery Time and Aftercare
- Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Quick Answer: PRP vs Microneedling
The effect of microneedling is based on triggering the process of formation of a new skin thanks to skin injuries. Microneedling helps create collagen. Helps with skin texture improvement. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) uses a tiny portion of your own blood enriched with platelets and growth factors. PRP is a portion of your own blood. I have seen microneedling help people.
In addition, microneedling therapy can be used in cases of uneven skin texture, small wrinkles, and particular types of acne scars. PRP can be applied for specific conditions, alone or in combination with microneedling.
What Is PRP Treatment?
PRP stands for rich plasma. PRP is prepared using a sample of your own blood. The process is simple and safe.
Blood is prepared using a device called a centrifuge. The centrifuge helps to separate the concentrated component from other parts of the blood. This allows obtaining only a useful component of the blood.
The platelets have components which take an active part in the process of healing of our body. Thus, PRP utilizes such components in specific aesthetic procedures.
Depending on the plan, PRP can be injected into the selected areas or combined with microneedling.
PRP is often referred to as a facial if it is used in the procedure of facial renewal. Still the exact way PRP is done can differ from one provider to another.
PRP might be used for issues like some acne scars and for skin renewal. The results are not the same for everyone and studies do not prove that every PRP session fixes all skin problems.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a low‑impact skin treatment that uses a tool with fine needles to make tiny cuts in the skin.
These small cuts initiate the skin wound-healing process and assist the body in producing collagen gradually.
Collagen is a protein which provides the structure to skin and makes it firm.
Professional microneedling might help make the skin look better for:
- Certain acne scars
- Uneven skin texture
- Enlarged pores
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Some types of surface irregularities
Results grow slowly as the skin heals. Makes new collagen. Several sessions might be advised, based on the skin problem and the plan, for treatment.
PRP vs Microneedling: Key Differences
While both procedures can be effective in treating the problem, they operate differently.
| Feature | PRP Treatment | Microneedling |
| How it works | Uses platelet-rich plasma from your blood | Creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin |
| Main purpose | Supports selected skin rejuvenation goals | Stimulates collagen and improves skin texture |
| Blood draw | Usually required | Not required |
| Acne scars | May help in selected cases | May improve certain types of acne scars |
| Recovery | Depends on the technique used | Temporary redness and sensitivity are common |
| Treatment plan | Depends on the method and concern | Often involves a series of sessions |
PRP vs Microneedling: One Thing to Know. PRP is a treatment using blood components, while microneedling is a treatment that stimulates skin repair process.
Benefits of PRP Treatment
PRP may offer several potential benefits for selected patients.
Uses Your Own Blood
PRP comes from your blood instead of a synthetic filler. Still this does not mean the treatment carries no risk.
May Support Skin Improvement
The application of PRP in cosmetic treatments as a part of a strategy aimed at treatment and improvement of certain skin disorders. The level of scientific proof may vary depending on the condition and the technology used.
Can Be Used With Other Treatments
The PRP treatment might be performed in conjunction with micro-needling by a professional who finds it suitable for you. Setting reasonable expectations is essential.
Benefits of Microneedling
Facial Texture Improvement
As a result of the activation of the skin’s healing process, microneedling may play a part in the improvement of skin texture and certain scar types.
Promotion of Collagen Formation
Collagen is responsible for the structural integrity of the skin. Collagen formation may help to improve certain fine lines and skin texture problems.
Suitability for All Skin Colors
Professionally done microneedling may be performed for people of all skin colors. But the treatment parameters should be selected properly.
Results Develop Gradually
It usually takes some time to achieve the best effects from microneedling; they may become visible only after weeks or even months and in some cases even several sessions of treatment.
Can You Combine PRP and Microneedling?
Yes. PRP and microneedling can be combined in selected treatment plans.
During microneedling, the device creates tiny channels in the skin. PRP may then be applied or used according to the provider’s treatment protocol.
The idea is to use the skin healing process along with the biological components of PRP.
It was stated in some research that their combination could bring about better results in treating certain skin conditions like acne scars. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of the procedure depends on how it is performed, as well as on the patient’s individual characteristics.
Which Treatment Is Better for Acne Scars?
Even though both therapies could be used to treat acne scars, the best method would depend on the type of the scar.
Micro-needling on its own may help improve the appearance of certain kinds of depressed acne scars due to increased production of collagen.
PRP on its own may be recommended in some cases, however, the skin rejuvenating properties of PRP depend on the way it is applied.
Microneedling combined with PRP may give an extra effect in case of some patients with acne scars. The level of the effect differs and a number of procedures may be required.
Deep scars, raised scars and scars from other conditions may require a different approach. Skin consultation is the best way to identify the most appropriate treatment options.
Recovery Time and Aftercare
These side effects may arise while performing any of the two procedures: redness, swelling, soreness, and bruises may appear, but they will gradually disappear with time. The process of recovery will vary depending on the procedure and your skin’s response to it.
Redness may occur after microneedling and lasts several days. Dryness and sensitivity of the skin are among other possible effects.
Tenderness, swelling and bruising are temporary side effects of PRP injections.
To support healing:
- Please, keep in mind that you need to comply with the recommendations given to you by your doctor.
- You need to avoid UV radiation and use sunscreens according to your doctor’s recommendations.
- You are to keep your skin protected from any irritants, including makeup products, until it is safe according to the advice of your doctor.
- Do not touch, scratch or rub your irritated skin.
If you have pain, swelling, pus formation or any other symptoms of infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
PRP, microneedling, and the combination of these two methods might be the right choice for you in case you want to solve certain skin issues and know how beneficial and ineffective the treatment will be for your skin condition.
However, not all people can have such treatment owing to various health problems.
Infections, injuries, diseases, bleeding disorders, healing conditions, as well as medications used, can affect the results of the treatment.
Inform your practitioner about your health conditions, medications, allergic reactions to some substances, previous skin procedures.
So, the most logical decision would be to use the procedure which will depend on the condition of your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRP better than microneedling?
It is not possible to tell which of them is better since, for example, microneedling can deal with texture and acne scars, whereas PRP can be done separately or along with microneedling. Everything will depend on your unique case and needs.
Will I get more positive results from the combination of microneedling and PRP than microneedling alone?
Maybe, but it will provide some extra effect in case of specific skin conditions, such as particular types of acne scars.
How many procedures do I have to do?
The number of sessions you require varies depending on skin condition, method of treatment, etc. The practitioner can advise you on what course you need following his/her analysis of your skin condition.
Is PRP or microneedling painful?
Yes, in both cases the procedure may be somewhat uncomfortable because of the pricking sensation in the first case, and because of the injection in the second case. Some numbing creams are used sometimes to facilitate the procedure.
How long will my results last?
It is difficult to say for sure because it depends on an individual.
Are PRP and microneedling safe for all skin types?
Depending on skin tone, both PRP and microneedling can be administered. However, the choice is also based on a person’s skin state, past medical conditions and specific procedure applied.
Final Thoughts
While choosing whether to go for PRP vs microneedling treatment, one must know that they have varying mechanisms of action. Hence, microneedling stimulates skin healing process, while PRP is the use of a highly concentrated part of blood in cosmetic treatments.
In some cases, microneedling will do. In other situations, it makes sense to consult a specialist regarding PRP or combined therapy.
Choosing the latest and trendy treatment procedure is not always the goal. What matters is to choose a procedure depending on your skin conditions and aspirations.
Ready to Find the Right Treatment for Your Skin?
If you need to choose between PRP vs microneedling, then it depends on the condition of your skin.
At Personal Touch Aesthetic in Tucson, Arizona, we can assist you in choosing the proper skin procedure for improving skin texture and acne scars.
Want to move forward? Personal Touch Aesthetic will help you decide whether PRP, microneedling, or both of them can suit your skin.
Contact us now to book a consultation and get started!
