Key takeaways
- Both treatments stimulate collagen; PRP adds growth factors from your own blood that accelerate healing and repair.
- PRP is most worth it for acne scars, stubborn texture, thin or aging skin and anyone who wants shorter downtime.
- For mild pores, fine lines and general glow, standard microneedling delivers excellent value.
- Both take 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart; PRP sessions are ~30 minutes longer for the blood draw.
How microneedling works
Microneedling uses a medical pen (we use the eDermaStamp) to create thousands of microscopic channels in the skin. Each channel is a tiny, controlled injury, and the skin responds the way it does to any wound: by producing new collagen and elastin. Over 4–8 weeks pores look tighter, fine lines soften, acne scars fill in and overall texture becomes smoother. It works on every skin tone because it uses no heat or light.
What PRP adds
Microneedling with PRP starts with a small blood draw, about the same as a routine lab test. The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma, a golden layer packed with growth factors that direct healing. The PRP is then applied into the fresh micro-channels so it reaches the dermis, where it amplifies the collagen response and speeds recovery. Because it comes from you, there is nothing to react to.
| Microneedling | Microneedling + PRP | |
|---|---|---|
| Stimulus | Micro-channels | Micro-channels + your growth factors |
| Session time | 60–90 min | 90–120 min (includes blood draw) |
| Sessions | 3–6, 4–6 weeks apart | 3–6, 4–6 weeks apart |
| Downtime | 1–3 days pink; dry by day 3 | 1–2 days pink; often faster |
| Best for | Pores, fine lines, mild texture, glow | Acne scars, deeper texture, thin/aging skin, dullness |
| Results timeline | Builds over 4–8 weeks | Glow within a week; builds over 4–8 weeks |
| Skin tones | All | All |
When PRP is worth the upgrade
- Acne scars. The clearest advantage: studies and our own results show better improvement in rolling and boxcar scars when PRP is added.
- Thin, crepey or sun-damaged skin. Growth factors help skin that has lost its repair capacity respond more strongly.
- You want less downtime. PRP typically shortens redness by a day and reduces post-treatment dryness.
- Dull, tired-looking skin. The “PRP glow” in the first week is real and popular before events.
- Hair thinning. Not a facial use, but the same PRP is used for scalp treatments, see PRP therapy.
When standard microneedling is enough
If your goals are enlarged pores, early fine lines, mild unevenness or simply a maintenance glow, standard microneedling delivers most of the benefit at a lower price. It is also the choice if you are needle-averse about the blood draw, or if a medical condition affects your platelets. You can always add PRP to a later session in the series. Many clients alternate.
What a session feels like
- Numbing cream for 20–30 minutes (PRP clients have the blood draw during this time).
- The pen passes over each area in several directions; it feels like light sandpaper with a vibrating buzz. Most rate it 2–3 out of 10.
- PRP is applied and pressed into the skin, or hyaluronic serum for standard treatments.
- Skin is pink like a mild sunburn for the rest of the day, lightly flushed the next, and dry or flaky by day 3.
- No makeup for 24 hours; mineral SPF and gentle cleanser only for 3 days; no retinoids or acids for 5–7 days.
Results, cost and combining treatments
Expect visible improvement in texture by week 4 and continued change for three months after your last session as new collagen matures. Both treatments pair well with chemical peels for pigmentation and with Laser Genesis for redness; we sequence them so the skin has time to heal. Pricing is per session with series discounts, book a free consultation and we will recommend the version that fits your skin and goals honestly, including “you don’t need the upgrade” when that is true.
Your questions, answered
Straight answers from the Oxyderm clinical team on the questions this article raises. Browse all 89 answers or ask us directly.
Is microneedling with PRP better than microneedling alone?
For acne scars, deeper texture and thin or aging skin, yes. PRP’s growth factors improve results and shorten downtime. For mild pores and fine lines, standard microneedling gives most of the benefit.
What is a vampire facial?
A nickname for microneedling with PRP: your blood is drawn, spun to isolate platelet-rich plasma, and applied into the micro-channels created by the pen.
Does microneedling with PRP hurt?
With numbing cream, most clients rate it 2–3 out of 10: a vibrating, sandpaper-like sensation. The blood draw is like a routine lab test.
How many sessions do I need?
Three to six sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart for both versions. Scars usually need the higher end.
What is the downtime?
Pink like a sunburn for a day, lightly flushed the next, dry or flaky by day three. PRP often shortens this by about a day.
Is it safe for dark skin?
Yes. Microneedling uses no heat or light, so it is safe for all skin tones and is a preferred option for scars on melanin-rich skin.
How long do results last?
New collagen is yours to keep; results last a year or more. Most clients book a maintenance session every 6–12 months.
