Microneedling with PRP: What to Expect After PRP Therapy
Could tiny needles and your body’s natural healing power be the ultimate duo for glowing skin? Microneedling with PRP is among the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States for individuals seeking smoother skin, reduced acne scars, and skin rejuvenation. Many candidates want to know what to expect after PRP therapy. Let’s break down the treatment process, recovery timeline, post-treatment experiences, and tips for optimal skin care.
What is Microneedling with PRP?
Microneedling Treatment
A device with tiny needles creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, making small holes in the treated area. This triggers the body’s natural healing process and boosts collagen production, resulting in increased collagen and elastin formation.
PRP Treatment
A small blood sample is taken from your own body, spun in a centrifuge to separate platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from red blood cells. The PRP solution, rich in growth factors, is then applied or injected into the skin.
Together, microneedling and platelet-rich plasma PRP work to accelerate healing, smooth skin texture, reduce acne scars and stretch marks, and promote radiant skin.
Why Choose PRP Microneedling Over Traditional Microneedling?
Understanding how microneedling with PRP works prompts another question: Why choose PRP microneedling over traditional microneedling? While traditional microneedling already stimulates collagen production, adding PRP injections enhances the results. The growth factors in platelet-rich plasma accelerate recovery and improve collagen induction. Patients often report:
- Faster healing process
- Greater improvement in large pores and acne scars
- Better skin rejuvenation compared to microneedling alone
- Longer-lasting visible results
Because PRP comes from your own blood, the treatment reduces the risk of allergic reactions and can be a safer option compared to some other procedures.
What Happens During PRP Microneedling Treatment
If you’re planning microneedling with PRP, here’s what you can expect in the office:
- Preparation: A provider cleanses your skin and may apply numbing cream to minimize discomfort.
- Blood sample: A small vial of blood is drawn from your arm.
- PRP extraction: The blood is spun to isolate platelet-rich plasma.
- Microneedling treatment: A handheld device with tiny needles glides across the skin, making micro-injuries.
- Application of PRP: The PRP solution is applied over the treated area, where it penetrates through the tiny holes created by the microneedles. In some cases, PRP injections are also performed.
The PRP microneedling procedure is minimally invasive and typically takes less than an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area.
Microneedling with PRP: What to Expect After PRP Therapy
Immediately After Treatment
- Your skin will look red, similar to a mild sunburn.
- Mild swelling or sensitivity is typical following the procedure.
- You may feel warmth or tightness from the procedure.
- The treated area may have pinpoint bleeding that stops quickly.
First Few Days
- Redness usually fades within 24–48 hours.
- Mild swelling, tenderness, or sensitivity may last a couple of days.
- Your skin may feel dry or tight as it heals.
- Some patients may experience minor scabbing or flaking, which is a normal part of the natural skin renewal process.
First Few Weeks
- You’ll see gradual improvements in skin texture as collagen production begins.
- Acne scars, large pores, age spots, and stretch marks may start to soften.
- Most patients notice radiant skin within a few weeks; however, results vary depending on individual skin types and conditions.
Four to Six Weeks
- This is when you’ll see the early signs of new collagen induction.
- Skin looks smoother and healthier.
- Deeper scars and sun damage may require multiple treatments.
Several Weeks to Months
- Collagen remodeling continues for several weeks.
- Results become more noticeable with time, especially if you complete a recommended series of sessions spaced four to six weeks apart.
PRP With Microneedling: Recovery Process
Microneedling with PRP is considered a minimally invasive procedure with a relatively short recovery process. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a day; however, it is essential to follow important aftercare instructions.
Aftercare Instructions for Best Results
Here’s how to take care of your skin after PRP therapy. For the most personalized guidance, it’s always best to follow the recommendations of a board-certified dermatologist for optimal results.
Sun Protection
- Stay out of the sun for at least a week. Protect your treated skin at all times while it heals.
- Avoid using tanning beds and refrain from exposing your skin directly to sunlight while it’s healing.
- Once allowed by your provider, apply a mineral sunscreen daily to protect healing skin from UV rays.
Skincare Routine
- Gently wash your face with a fragrance-free, mild cleanser and lukewarm water (not hot). Avoid scrubbing.
- Use only gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers or a hyaluronic acid serum to keep skin hydrated as you heal.
- Avoid using products containing retinoids, salicylic acid, or exfoliants for several weeks to allow your skin to recover. Ask your provider when you can restart such products.
- Avoid vigorous exercise, saunas, and activities that cause sweating for at least 2 days after treatment.
Healing Support
- Apply aloe vera gel or a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer to reduce skin discomfort and support healing.
- Apply a clean, cool compress to the treated area as needed to relieve swelling.
- If you’re prone to cold sores or herpes simplex, let your provider know before treatment, as microneedling can sometimes trigger outbreaks.
What Not to Do After PRP Therapy
- Avoid picking or scratching flaking skin; let it shed naturally.
- Avoid using tanning beds or exposing treated skin to sun radiation.
- Avoid using depilatory products or harsh exfoliants until your healthcare provider advises it’s safe.
- Don’t ignore your provider’s instructions; they are essential for safe healing and better results.
How Long Do Results Last After PRP Therapy
After understanding recovery and aftercare, many want to know how long the results from PRP microneedling actually last. Visible improvements often show within a few weeks, but the full benefits of collagen induction therapy develop over several weeks as more collagen forms.
- Short-term: Brighter, smoother skin and reduced redness.
- Medium-term: Noticeable reduction in acne scars, large pores, and stretch marks.
- Long-term: With consistent treatments and proper skincare, results may last months or longer, depending on your skin conditions and lifestyle.
Many providers recommend a series of three to six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart for optimal results, followed by maintenance sessions.
Final Thoughts: Microneedling with PRP Skin Rejuvenation
Microneedling with PRP utilizes your own blood and natural healing processes to rejuvenate the skin. Mild swelling, redness, and sensitivity after treatment are common side effects of recovery. With patience and proper care, most people notice visible improvements, such as smoother skin and reduced scars, within weeks.
If you’re considering this treatment, talk with a qualified provider who can explain how PRP therapy works for your skin type and what results you can expect. With the right approach and consistent aftercare, microneedling with PRP can help you achieve smoother, healthier, and more radiant skin that lasts.
Get PRP Skin Rejuvenation at Skin Artistry Clinic
Want a glowing skin with PRP? Skin Artistry Clinic can help you! Serving Alamo, San Francisco, the East Bay Area, and Danville in California, our board-certified dermatologists offer professional PRP vampire facials.
We also offer other skin rejuvenation treatments, including IPL photofacials, hydrafacials, and more. Moreover, our dermatologists possess years of expertise in anti-aging procedures, including Botox, fillers, SkinVive, Kybella, and IV therapy.
If you want to regrow your hair or improve its health, contact us today! Call at 925-404-4293 to book your consultation now!