PRP with microneedling has become one of our most requested treatments at Self Skin Studio, and it earns that spot for good reason. Both treatments are effective on their own. Together, they work in a way that produces results neither achieves alone, and they do it using your body's own natural healing process.
What is PRP?
PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, is derived from your own blood. The process starts with a small blood draw, similar to what you would have at a routine appointment. That blood is placed in a centrifuge, which separates the platelets and plasma from the rest of the blood components. What remains is a concentration of growth factors that your body uses to stimulate collagen production, promote cell turnover, and accelerate healing.
Because PRP comes from your own blood, there are no synthetic ingredients, no additives, and no foreign substances being introduced to your skin. The treatment works with your body rather than introducing anything external, which is part of why the risk of reaction is low and results tend to look natural.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a device with very small, shallow needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the surface of the skin. Those micro-injuries trigger your body's natural healing response, which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. The result is plumper, smoother skin with more even tone and texture.
Topical numbing cream is applied before the treatment begins to keep you comfortable throughout. Microneedling is a versatile treatment that addresses fine lines, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, and scarring, including acne scarring.
Why Combine Them?
Both treatments stimulate collagen. The reason combining them produces stronger results comes down to how they interact.
Microneedling creates microchannels in the skin that allow the PRP to penetrate much more deeply than it would if applied to the surface alone. That deeper absorption amplifies the collagen-boosting effect of both treatments. The growth factors in PRP also accelerate the skin's healing response, which means less downtime after treatment. Without PRP, patients typically experience three to five days of sensitivity, dryness, and mild peeling. With PRP, that recovery window shortens and results continue to build as fresh collagen develops over the following weeks.
The combination is particularly effective for patients dealing with acne scars or significant texture concerns. Clinical research supports PRP with microneedling as one of the most effective non-laser approaches for improving skin texture and scar appearance.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Step 1: Consultation. Every appointment begins with a consultation where your provider reviews your skin, discusses your goals, and confirms that PRP with microneedling is the right fit for you.
Step 2: Blood draw and preparation. A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm and placed in a centrifuge to prepare the PRP. While that processes, your skin is cleansed and topical numbing cream is applied.
Step 3: Microneedling with PRP. Once you are numb, the microneedling begins. The device is guided across the treatment area while PRP is applied simultaneously, allowing it to reach the deeper layers of the skin through the microchannels as they are created.
Step 4: Red light therapy. After the microneedling and PRP are complete, red light therapy is applied to help calm inflammation, support the healing process, and further boost collagen production.
Step 5: Post-treatment care. Your provider applies a soothing post-procedure cream before you leave and sends you home with detailed aftercare instructions. Your skin may look red and feel sensitive for a day or two, similar to a mild sunburn. Avoid direct sun exposure, strenuous exercise, and hot environments including saunas for at least 72 hours. Use a gentle cleanser and keep skin well moisturized while it heals.
When Will You See Results?
Results from PRP with microneedling are not immediate, and that is actually part of what makes them so lasting. As the skin produces fresh collagen in the weeks following treatment, you will notice smoother texture, more even tone, refined pores, and improved overall clarity. Most patients see the most significant improvement two to four weeks after their first session, with results continuing to build.
Most patients benefit from a series of treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. Your provider will build a plan at your consultation based on your skin and your goals.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are curious about PRP with microneedling or want to talk through whether it is the right fit for your skin, schedule a consultation here. You can also learn more about PRP and microneedling on our treatment pages.
References:
- Fabbrocini G., et al. (2018). Microneedling in acne scars: An update of current therapeutic strategies. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843358
- Everts P.A.M., et al. (2020). Evidence-based use of platelet-rich plasma in aesthetic medicine. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32769804
- Ablon G. (2018). Platelet-rich plasma injection therapy for skin rejuvenation. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29884598
- Nofal E., et al. (2014). Platelet-rich plasma versus CROSS technique with 100% trichloroacetic acid versus combined skin needling and PRP in atrophic acne scars. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24442095
- Marx R.E. (2001). Platelet-rich plasma: What is PRP and what is not PRP? pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11210992
