Microneedling with PRP: The Natural Alternative to Surgery and Injections
Finding the perfect skincare routine and practicing healthy habits can be the most worthwhile investment you can make for your skin health. The epidermis suffers the most from the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic aging, making it one of the most important organs to take care of.
But finding the best serum or using the best face mask doesn’t always take care of all imperfections and impurities. Many people with serious conditions and skin damage from things like acne scars, injuries, or burns are serious about getting treatment yet are not willing to go under the knife for a significant procedure.
Non-surgical and non-invasive cosmetic procedures are becoming more and more popular and for good reason. They’re minimally invasive, have little to no downtime or recovery process, and can produce amazing results, equal or greater to that of surgery. But it’s not always easy finding the right treatments for your condition. This article aims to inform you of two treatments that work amazingly in tandem and offer many benefits for a range of conditions. These treatments in combination are microneedling and platelet-rich plasma.
What is Microneedling?
If you've struggled with acne scars, wrinkles, or sun damage, you've probably heard of microneedling, a treatment that uses controlled micro-punctures to stimulate the skin's natural healing process. This procedure also stimulates extra collagen production, which can help heal scars, keep the skin tight and youthful, and reduce the signs of aging.
Microneedling is great for addressing many skin damages and concerns like acne scars, dark spots, and large pores. It’s quick, easy, and effective, and can be performed on almost any individual, no matter the skin type. It’s also a very easy procedure requiring no downtime or recovery other than a little soothing balm for any redness or irritation on the treated area.
As for the cost of microneedling, prices will depend on the type of treatment and geographical location. A microneedling treatment at a med spa in Orange County may cost different than at a med spa somewhere else. Typically, each session can range from $200 to $800, depending on the size of the treated area, the number of sessions required, and the rates charged by the professional. However, if you’re treating a smaller or doing a light session, the price can be as little as $150.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
If you’re new to the world of cosmetics and skincare then you may not be aware of this treatment. Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a type of regenerative treatment that has been gaining traction in recent years. It is an autologous treatment that uses blood components from the patient to stimulate healing and growth factors. This treatment is used in many medical and aesthetic fields and offers many benefits, especially for skin rejuvenation. Read more here to learn about all the medical and aesthetic uses of platelet-rich plasma.
The process works by placing the blood sample in a device called a centrifuge where it is spun at high speeds in order to separate the plasma from the heavier blood cells that contain the healing factors. The separation occurs due to the different densities of each layer, which allows centrifugation to properly sort them. Once the platelets are collected they are then injected back into the area needing treatment. The many healing and growth factors of the platelet-rich composition help stimulate tissue repair and skin rejuvenation. Another alternative to platelet-rich plasma is platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) which you can read about here.
Microneedling with PRP
These two treatments in combination are famously known as the "vampire facial." While the name might sound unappealing, the treatment is very popular and widely regarded, thanks to endorsements from celebrities like Kim Kardashian.
The procedure begins with a small blood draw like any other PRP treatment. Once the centrifugation process is complete and the blood platelets are collected, they will be “microneedled” into the area you’re treating. A practitioner will use a microneedling device and gently pass it over your skin, creating tiny punctures that stimulate the skin's natural healing mechanisms and provide channels for the PRP to get through. It’s very similar to a basic microneedling session and requires virtually the same effort.
Benefits of PRP Microneedling
This procedure is commonly used by individuals wanting to treat certain marks, blemishes, or pervasive skin damages that can’t be treated with your typical skincare routine. Microneedling with PRP is great for addressing acne scars, and can also help with wrinkling, hyperpigmentation, and other concerns like scarring or burns.
A 2016 study looked at the difference between standard microneedling and PRP microneedling in the treatment of acne scars. The study found that normal microneedling improved acne scars by 45% while PRP microneedling improved acne scars by 62%. More research is still being conducted on the benefits of platelet-rich plasma treatments, but they are still widely supported by preliminary research and anecdotal evidence.
Conclusion
It’s important to consider that this treatment doesn’t produce immediate results. Like with normal microneedling, it may take up to a few weeks to see the effects depending on the severity of the condition being treated.
The growth factors of PRP and the extra collagen stimulation from microneedling take time to rejuvenate the skin. As a result, individuals can expect to see gradual improvement rather than immediate efficacy. Regardless, if you want better skin and are afraid of doing significant surgery, then this is the treatment for you.

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