Statistics show that facial scarring affects 95% of people with acne. This skin condition substantially affects their quality of life, which leads them to explore treatments like microneedling and microneedling with PRP.
This piece examines traditional microneedling and PRP-enhanced treatments. You’ll learn about their key differences, what to expect during recovery, and how each option benefits various skin conditions. The information will guide you to choose the most suitable treatment for your skin’s needs.
Understanding Microneedling Treatment Basics
Traditional microneedling has become a popular minimally invasive treatment to rejuvenate skin. You can better choose your skin care by learning how microneedling works with and without PRP.
How Traditional Microneedling Works
Traditional microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, uses a specialized device with fine needles that create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. Depending on needle length, these tiny microscopic punctures go through the epidermis and sometimes the dermis. The micro-injuries might seem counterproductive at first, but they trigger your skin’s natural healing response by releasing growth factors that create new blood vessels and collagen. The punctures also act as channels that help your skin better absorb topical treatments like hyaluronic acid.
First, your provider will clean your skin to get rid of makeup, oils, and impurities. Net, they’ll apply a topical anesthetic cream to numb the treatment area.
After that comes the microneedling treatment, which involves rolling or pressing the device over your skin. This creates hundreds of microscopic channels about four cells in diameter. These channels are tiny enough to separate cells rather than cut through them, with about 250 to 300 pricks per square centimeter.
The whole session takes 30-60 minutes, including the numbing time.
What PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Adds to the Process
PRP microneedling takes the treatment further by using platelet-rich plasma. Your blood provides this substance, which contains four to seven times more platelets than normal blood [2]. The process has all the steps of the traditional method plus some extra procedures.
While your face numbs, your provider draws a small amount of blood from your arm. They process this blood in a centrifuge machine that creates three separate layers: red blood cells, platelet-poor plasma, and the important platelet-rich plasma.
Right after the microneedling part, your provider applies the separated PRP that contains concentrated growth factors and healing proteins to your skin. The tiny channels from microneedling let the PRP sink deep into your skin layers.
The complete PRP microneedling treatment takes 60 to 90 minutes. Many providers add LED therapy after the procedure to boost collagen production and speed up healing.
Comparing the Procedure Experience
The way people experience microneedling treatments changes based on their choice between traditional microneedling and microneedling with PRP. A good grasp of each procedure can ease your concerns and help you know what to expect.
Sensation and Comfort Differences
Both procedures use numbing cream to keep you comfortable. In spite of that, people feel things differently.
For example, traditional microneedling might make you feel a slight buzzing as the device moves on your skin. Some say it feels like sandpaper, even with numbing cream . Your comfort level depends on the treatment area and the needles’ depth.
With PRP microneedling, the main discomfort comes from the blood draw at the start. The microneedling part feels about the same as the traditional version.
The main differences between these treatments come down to how long they take, the blood draw step in PRP, and PRP’s faster healing time and effectiveness. Traditional microneedling alone improves acne scars by 45.84%, whereas adding PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) to the treatment boosts improvement rates to 62.20%.
Recovery and Aftercare Differences
The way your skin heals after microneedling differs based on whether you add PRP to your treatment. Understanding what happens after each procedure will help you prepare for recovery.
Healing Timeline: Traditional vs. PRP-Enhanced
Regular microneedling causes redness and swelling that lasts one to three days, and you’ll need three to five days to recover fully. Adding PRP speeds up healing to two to four days.
Both procedures will make your skin feel like you have a sunburn for the first three days. Your skin starts peeling around three to five after the treatment.
Post-Treatment Skin Care Requirements
Your skin needs protection from anything that might irritate it until it heals completely. Consider the following advice:
- Stay out of the sun for at least two weeks.
- Use broad-spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen after the first 24 hours.
- Skip anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen because they can interfere with your skin’s natural healing process.
- Don’t use any alcohol-based products, exfoliants, or vitamin A products (Retin-A, retinol) for about seven days.
Keeping your skin moisturized is vital after both procedures. Use hyaluronic acid serum and gentle moisturizers to hydrate the treated area. Let any flaking skin fall off naturally—don’t pick at it or scrub it away.
When to Resume Normal Activities
You’ll get back to your regular routine at different times depending on your treatment type. Traditional microneedling might need you to wait up to 72 hours before any heavy exercise. PRP treatments often let you get back to normal the next day, though this depends on the intensity of your treatment.
You should avoid activities that make you sweat a lot for at least 24 hours or up to 48 hours if your skin still feels inflamed. Also, wait 24 to 72 hours before putting on makeup, and stick to mineral makeup as your safest option. In most cases, you can restart your basic skincare routine after 48 hours and add back your full routine with retinol products after five to seven days.
Making Your Treatment Decision
Your choice of microneedling approach depends on several tailored factors. A careful look at your skin concerns, budget, and desired outcomes will help you decide between traditional microneedling and microneedling with PRP.
Traditional Microneedling Might Be Right for You
Traditional microneedling without PRP suits people who want to start their first microneedling treatment and prefer a simple approach. It’s effective for mild skin issues, such as:
- Minor acne scarring or fine lines
- Uneven skin texture
- Early prevention of aging signs
- Dull complexion
Traditional microneedling is a simple office procedure that needs minimal downtime. People who want simple collagen stimulation without extra steps often find standard microneedling gives them the results they seek.
PRP Microneedling Shows Better Results for Some Cases
PRP microneedling could deliver better outcomes for specific concerns. Research points to more benefits for patients with:
- Deeper scars or severe wrinkles
- Hyperpigmentation
- Substantial sun damage
The PRP component works with growth factors from skin needling and could intensify natural wound healing. PRP microneedling results might last 12 to 18 months compared to three to five months for traditional treatments.
PRP microneedling has shown better results than microneedling with other additives like vitamin C to treat atrophic acne scars.
Go to the Beauty Vault in West Hollywood to Choose Your Microneedling Treatment
The good news is that no matter your skin needs, either traditional microneedling or PRP microneedling can likely help you. It’s simply a matter of selecting the treatment that makes the most sense for your situation. To receive an evaluation and schedule your treatment, call the Beauty Vault team in West Hollywood at (323) 800-6770 or fill out a contact form.
FAQs
Q1. How does microneedling with PRP differ from traditional microneedling? Microneedling with PRP enhances the traditional procedure by using platelet-rich plasma derived from your own blood. This addition can boost collagen production, accelerate healing, and potentially provide better results for deeper scars and more significant skin concerns.
Q2. How long does it take to see results from microneedling? Results can vary, but many patients notice improvements in skin texture and tone within a few weeks. Collagen production continues to increase for up to six months after treatment, with full results becoming more apparent over time.
Q3. Is microneedling effective for treating acne scars? Yes, both traditional and PRP microneedling can be effective for treating acne scars. Studies have shown that microneedling with PRP may offer superior results, particularly for rolling and boxcar scars.
Q4. How many microneedling sessions are typically needed? The number of sessions required depends on individual skin concerns and goals. Generally, a series of three to six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart is recommended for optimal results. Your provider can create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
