PRP vs. Microneedling - Which is Best?

One of the most common questions we get asked from patients at Beautiful Orlando has to do with Microneedling vs. PRP Injections. Which procedure is better? 

The quick answer is, It depends. Dr. Anita Sabharwal helps break down this question and how their team has been helping patients in the Orlando, FL area.

What is PRP?

PRP is Platelet Rich Plasma.The platelets are similar to stem cells and contain hundreds of proteins, called growth “factors,” which promote cell growth, and healing, and are especially helpful in rejuvenating the skin on the face and helping with brightness, texture, acne scars, pigmentation and helping with enlarged pores. 

The Difference Between Microneedling and PRP Injections: 

Microneedling is a quick collagen inducing treatment which uses a dermaroller to penetrate the skin with small needles.The platelet rich plasma (PRP) is then applied topically to the skin,with the assumption it will be absorbed from the small injuries created on the face by the dermaroller. This is a treatment that can be done by a licensed esthetician. The PRP injection ,on the other hand, is more invasive as the platelets are directly injected into the tissues. When PRP is placed back into the skin, it initiates a localized growth factor response increasing your chances of producing more collagen in the targeted areas and therefore giving off better results. This treatment can only be done by a licensed physician. 

What Area Do They Treat?

PRP and microneedling are both used to treat the face and neck. PRP however, is extremely effective for difficult to treat areas, such as the delicate under eye area where clients often notice signs of ageing first but where lasers are not likely to be used. 

PRP injections can also be used to stimulate hair re-growth which is something that microneedling cannot do. The growth factors in PRP stimulate the hair growth and is commonly used for both men and women who have hair loss or hair thinning. 

Which Gives Best Results? 

In terms of benefits, PRP injections often give better results since this treatment is injected directly into the skin whereas microneedling is more of a topical-over the skin treatment. 

That being said, each treatment has its strengths – PRP is particularly great for reducing wrinkles and fine lines since it increases collagen and skin elasticity and for hair growth while microneedling will do the same but is more utilized for acne scars and improving skin texture, since it is a topical application of skin with the exception of hair growth. 

The two treatments do vary in terms of length and results and you will likely need more than 2 treatments for both. Results from microneedling typically last one to three months, while results from PRP typically last 12 to 18 months. 

The best way to know which treatment is best for you is by scheduling an appointment with our Board Certified Physician Dr. Anita Sabharwal. You can do this by filling out our contact form or reaching our Beautiful Orlando Medspa and Skincare office in Kissimmee (near Orlando), Florida.