Microneedling with or Without PRP: Which Is More Effective?
Microneedling has become one of the most trusted skin rejuvenation treatments in aesthetic medicine—and for good reason. By creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, this procedure jumpstarts collagen production, improves texture, and reduces the appearance of scars, pores, and fine lines. But in recent years, microneedling has evolved into something even more powerful: PRP microneedling, also known as the “vampire facial.”
So what’s the difference between standard microneedling and PRP-enhanced microneedling? And is one option better than the other? At Ageless Aesthetics, with three award-winning locations across Indianapolis, we help patients make informed decisions about their skin. Our providers specialize in customized microneedling treatments—offering both traditional and PRP-based protocols depending on your skin’s unique needs and goals.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, involves using a handheld device with ultra-fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin’s surface. These microchannels stimulate the body’s natural healing response, triggering the production of collagen and elastin—two essential proteins that keep skin firm, smooth, and youthful.
The process also improves product absorption. After microneedling, medical-grade serums can penetrate more deeply into the skin, maximizing their effects. Over time, patients experience more even tone, refined pores, and a fresher overall complexion.
Microneedling is safe for nearly all skin types and tones, and it’s commonly used to treat:
- Acne scars
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven skin tone
- Mild skin laxity
- Dullness or rough texture
What Is PRP and How Does It Enhance Microneedling?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma—a concentrated serum derived from your own blood. It’s rich in growth factors that stimulate cellular repair, collagen formation, and tissue regeneration. When combined with microneedling, PRP is applied topically or injected into the skin to accelerate healing and magnify results.
To obtain PRP, a small sample of your blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich layer. This golden-colored serum is then used during the treatment, infusing the microchannels created by microneedling with your body’s own regenerative factors.
PRP microneedling is ideal for patients who want to:
- Boost skin healing and recovery
- Minimize post-treatment redness or inflammation
- Stimulate collagen on a deeper, cellular level
- Address more advanced signs of aging or scarring
Because it uses your own biology, PRP is extremely safe and well-tolerated, with virtually no risk of allergic reaction.
Comparing the Two: Standard Microneedling vs. PRP-Enhanced
Both versions of microneedling are effective, but each has its own strengths depending on what your skin needs.
Standard microneedling is highly effective for texture refinement, superficial lines, and overall glow. It’s ideal for patients who are new to skin treatments or want a simple, results-driven procedure without any blood draw.
PRP microneedling takes it further by using your body’s growth factors to speed up recovery and enhance results. It’s especially beneficial for deeper acne scars, sun damage, or patients with more advanced collagen loss. While the initial cost is higher due to the PRP component, many patients find the improvement in skin quality and recovery time well worth it.
Here’s a simple way to think of it:
- Choose standard microneedling for: light resurfacing, glow, texture, and preventative care
- Choose PRP microneedling for: deep rejuvenation, collagen stimulation, scarring, and faster healing
What to Expect from Your Treatment
Regardless of which method you choose, the process at Ageless Aesthetics is designed for comfort, precision, and visible results. Before treatment, we apply a numbing cream to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible. The procedure typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. If PRP is added, a quick blood draw is done before we begin.
After microneedling, you may experience redness or mild swelling, similar to a sunburn, which resolves within a few days. PRP can help shorten this downtime. Most patients begin to see improvement in tone and texture within 1 to 2 weeks, with collagen production continuing for several months.
For best results, we often recommend a series of 3 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions 2–3 times per year.
Why Choose Ageless Aesthetics?
Not all microneedling is created equal. At Ageless Aesthetics, our providers have won numerous awards for injection skill and skin rejuvenation expertise. We use medical-grade devices and advanced protocols to ensure your safety and satisfaction. Our woman-owned practice is rooted in education, innovation, and individualized care—values that have made us the largest and most trusted medical spa in Indianapolis.
Whether you’re interested in softening scars, brightening your complexion, or rebuilding collagen from the inside out, we’ll guide you to the approach that works best for your skin and goals.
Let’s Personalize Your Skin Rejuvenation Journey
Your skin deserves more than a one-size-fits-all treatment. Whether you’re curious about microneedling or want to explore the benefits of PRP, our team is here to design a plan that delivers both immediate radiance and long-term results. With three convenient locations across Indianapolis and Greenwood, achieving healthy, vibrant skin has never been more accessible.
Call us at 317.855.9100
Text us at 317.855.9100
Let Ageless Aesthetics help you build skin confidence from the inside out—starting today.
