PRP vs Microneedling: Which Is Right for You?

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is the introduction of your body’s own platelets deep into the skin. This can be done on its own, through injections, or it can be as an addition to a microneedling treatment.

Therefore, when considering PRP vs. microneedling, we need to look at not two, but three types of collagen treatments:

1. Microneedling in isolation.
2. Microneedling with PRP.
3. PRP injections.

Facial Treatments Comparison: Microneedling, Microneedling with PRP, and PRP Injections

Microneedling uses a small hand-held device called a dermaroller. This has multiple fine needles that cause mild trauma to the top of the skin. These wounds stimulate the skin’s healing response, which also increases the production of elastin and collagen.

Microneedling is an effective treatment for:

• Anti-aging, targeting fine lines and wrinkles.
• Reducing the appearance of scars (including acne scars).
• Helps to even out skin tone.
• Reducing large pores.

Microneedling can be carried out by an appropriately trained and experienced esthetician.

While microneedling can be done on its own, it can also be combined with PRP treatment. The idea behind this is that the small holes from the dermarolling provide an entry point for the platelet treatment to enter the tissues. From here, they will then be absorbed and utilized by the skin cells.

PRP injections, on the other hand, involve injecting plasma directly into targeted areas of skin tissue. This promotes a much greater growth factor response, thanks to being delivered deep to the exact treatment area. One important difference between this and microneedling is that PRP injections can only be performed by a licensed dermatologist.

PRP injections tend to be used for regions that are harder to access with a dermaroller, such as beneath the eyes. However, they can, just like microneedling, be used anywhere on the head and neck. They can also be used to stimulate scalp hair regrowth in both men and women.

Another key difference between microneedling (with and without PRP) and PRP injections is the longevity of the results. You might get a good 2-3 months of noticeable difference from a one off or a course of microneedling. But the benefits of PRP injections can last as long as 12-18 months, in some cases.

Which is the Better Treatment?

Well, that is the million-dollar question… Initially, it might seem that PRP injections top the leader board. However, each treatment type is significantly different and each is used to target different skin issues. The key to knowing which is the right one for you is to have a personalized assessment by an experienced dermatologist. This will involve an in-depth assessment of your skin requirements, your expectations, how invasive you want the treatment to be and, naturally, the price you want to pay.

While any PRP treatment (injections or with microneedling) will cost more than microneedling alone, the longevity of the results can mean that it could end up very similar in price, or even cheaper, overall. 

There is no, “one is better than the other” comparison. It’s more about determining the right treatment for your needs—and this is best done through an in-person assessment. Of course, in the online-savvy work in which we live, there’s always the option to have a virtual appointment. This can be a convenient first step, allowing the skin doctor to assess your skin via photographs and video to map out a planned course of treatment.

Just be aware that, while this offers extreme convenience, there is no substitute for a skin doctor being able to touch and palpate your skin. The best treatments will always stem from a hands-on, personalized approach, not to mention building up an ongoing professional relationship with a dermatologist that you can trust.

With that in mind, if you’re considering treatment for skin rejuvenation in Houston, then Bayou City Dermatology has got you covered. 

Start your journey at  https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/cosmetic/microneedling and call today to book your expert consultation.