Microneedling with PRP: What to Expect
Microneedling with PRP is a two-step skin treatment that combines microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity. Here’s a quick summary:
Microneedling: A device with fine needles creates tiny injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production.
PRP Application: Plasma, rich in growth factors, is extracted from your blood and applied to the microneedled skin to boost healing and results.
Benefits: Reduces acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Results typically improve over 4–6 weeks and last 6–12 months.
Cost: $600–$1,500 per session in the U.S.
The process includes consultation, preparation (e.g., avoiding sun and certain medications), the procedure itself (lasting 60–90 minutes), and post-treatment care to ensure optimal results. Most people need 3–6 sessions for the best outcomes. Recovery takes about 5–7 days, with redness and swelling fading within 1–3 days.
Microneedling with PRP is a safe, effective option for skin rejuvenation when performed by skilled professionals.
Preparing for Your Microneedling with PRP Session
Initial Consultation
Your journey at Calista Aesthetics begins with a detailed consultation to assess your suitability for the treatment and craft a personalized plan just for you.
This process follows Calista Aesthetics’ signature three-step approach: Meet, Personalize, and Glow. In the “Meet” phase, you’ll discuss your specific skin concerns and goals openly with your practitioner, who will carefully listen to understand your needs. During the “Personalize” phase, a treatment plan is designed to match your unique features and timeline, emphasizing a natural-first philosophy for balanced and subtle results.
“Share your goals; we listen. We map a plan that fits your features and timeline. Our approach is natural-first: balanced, subtle results that fit your features” [6].
Transparency is key. Be ready to share your full medical history, including chronic illnesses, allergies, current medications or supplements, recent cosmetic treatments, and any existing skin conditions. This ensures your provider can identify any risks and customize your treatment safely [1].
Your practitioner will also evaluate your skin type, pinpoint areas of concern, and discuss what results you can realistically expect. Calista Aesthetics prioritizes honest recommendations and clear pricing in a relaxed environment where you set the pace.
Once your consultation is complete and your treatment plan finalized, it’s time to prepare by following some essential pre-treatment steps.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Proper preparation is essential to ensure you get the best results and reduce the risk of complications. Here’s how to get ready:
Sun protection is a must. Starting two weeks before your appointment, avoid sun exposure and tanning beds entirely. Even small amounts of sun damage can make your skin more sensitive and impact the treatment [1][3].
Adjust your skincare routine. Stop using retinoids, exfoliating products, and harsh treatments 3–5 days before your session. These can make your skin more reactive during the procedure. If you’re unsure about a product, consult your provider [3][5].
Manage your medications. Speak with your healthcare provider about pausing NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin a week before your session. If you’re on anticoagulants, you may need to stop them 5–7 days prior. These medications can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding during treatment [3].
Hydrate well. Drinking extra water the day before your appointment is crucial for the blood draw used in PRP preparation. Plus, hydrated skin tends to respond better to the treatment [3].
Day-of preparation includes arriving with a clean face – free of makeup, skincare products, and sunscreen. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to handle paperwork and allow time for numbing cream application. Wear comfortable clothing since you’ll be at the clinic for about an hour [4][7].
Additionally, avoid alcohol and smoking in the days leading up to your session. These can hinder your body’s natural healing process. Steer clear of waxing, laser treatments, or other aggressive skin procedures for at least a week before your appointment [1][3].
Skipping these steps could lead to irritation, redness, bruising, or less effective results [1][3]. Your provider at Calista Aesthetics will go over these guidelines in detail and answer any questions to ensure you’re fully prepared for your microneedling with PRP session.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Step-by-Step Process
At Calista Aesthetics, your microneedling with PRP session is carried out in a structured and straightforward way to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
Blood Draw:
The process begins with a quick blood draw, typically taking about 8–12 mL (roughly one tube) from your arm [3]. This step is brief and gives your provider time to prepare the PRP.
PRP Preparation:
Your blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which separates and concentrates the platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This substance is packed with growth factors that support healing and help rejuvenate the skin [1].
Numbing Cream Application:
Once your face is thoroughly cleansed, a topical numbing cream is applied to the treatment area. This cream is left on for 20–45 minutes to minimize any discomfort during the microneedling process. During this time, your provider will complete the PRP preparation and answer any final questions you might have.
Microneedling Treatment:
When the numbing cream has taken effect, a specialized device with fine needles is used to create controlled micro-injuries in your skin. The depth of the needles and intensity of the treatment are tailored to your skin type and specific goals. You might feel mild pressure or a gentle vibration during this step, and some pinpoint bleeding or redness is completely normal.
PRP Application and Massage:
Right after the microneedling, the prepared PRP is applied to your treated skin. The microchannels created by the needles allow the PRP’s growth factors to penetrate deeply, enhancing their effectiveness. A gentle massage is often performed to improve absorption. The entire session typically lasts around 60–90 minutes from start to finish.
Treatment Duration and Comfort
This procedure is designed to be efficient and patient-friendly. The numbing cream application, microneedling, and PRP steps combine to take about 60–90 minutes, with the blood draw adding just a few extra minutes [1]. Throughout the session, your provider ensures your comfort by explaining each step and making adjustments as needed.
If you feel any discomfort, the needle depth can be adjusted, or short breaks can be taken. After the treatment, it’s normal for your skin to appear red and feel tight, similar to a mild sunburn. This temporary reaction is part of your skin’s natural healing process. Before you leave, your provider will apply a gentle moisturizer and give you detailed aftercare instructions.
Following the session, the redness and tightness will gradually fade as your skin begins to repair and renew itself.
Post-Treatment Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post-Treatment Effects
Right after the treatment, you can expect some redness, swelling, tightness, and a sensation similar to a mild sunburn. These effects are usually at their peak within the first 24 hours and begin to fade over the next 1–3 days. You might also notice slight pinpoint bleeding, a dry or rough texture (like sandpaper), and some dryness. Thanks to the PRP component, the recovery process is often faster, as it aids in tissue repair and minimizes downtime [2].
Aftercare Instructions
Taking care of your skin after treatment is crucial for proper healing. For the first 4–6 hours, avoid washing your face to allow maximum absorption of the PRP. After that, gently cleanse your skin using a mild, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free cleanser.
Protecting your skin from the sun is a top priority during recovery. Stay out of direct sunlight, and once your skin is less sensitive, start using a mineral-based sunscreen to guard against UV damage. Avoid makeup, retinoids, and exfoliating products for at least 24–72 hours, and hold off on using AHAs or BHAs for 3–5 days.
Keeping your skin hydrated is key. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to maintain hydration. Steer clear of intense physical activities, hot showers, or saunas for the first 24–48 hours, as these can worsen inflammation. To manage swelling or discomfort, sleep with your head elevated and apply cool compresses. If you need pain relief, stick to acetaminophen rather than anti-inflammatory medications [2].
Following these steps will help your skin recover smoothly, as outlined in the recovery timeline below.
Recovery Timeline
In the first 1–3 days, redness and swelling are most noticeable, with the peak occurring within the first 24 hours. By day two, these symptoms usually start to subside, and many people feel ready to return to work or social activities by day three. Full recovery typically happens within 5–7 days, during which any lingering dryness or light flaking resolves. Makeup is usually safe to apply after 24–48 hours, and most individuals can return to their normal skincare routine about a week after treatment.
While you might see early improvements in skin texture and tone within 1–2 weeks, more noticeable changes – like reduced fine lines, improved acne scars, and overall skin rejuvenation – develop gradually over 4–6 weeks as collagen production ramps up [2][7].
At Calista Aesthetics, we’re here to support you every step of the way with personalized aftercare and expert guidance.
Results and Long-Term Expectations
Timeline for Results
Here’s what to expect as your skin begins its transformation after microneedling with PRP. Once your skin starts to recover, changes unfold gradually. Within the first 1–2 weeks, as redness and swelling diminish, you’ll notice initial improvements in texture and tone. Your skin might feel smoother and even develop a subtle, healthy glow [2].
The most dramatic results – like firmer skin and fewer fine lines or scars – typically become visible after 4–6 weeks. This is when collagen production kicks into high gear, with even more progress continuing for up to three months [2][1]. In fact, collagen and elastin production can increase by as much as 400% during this time, leading to noticeable changes in texture, firmness, and overall skin quality [2].
Treatment Plans for Best Results
To get the most out of your treatment, a series of sessions is usually recommended. Most providers suggest 3–4 treatments spaced about 4–6 weeks apart [1][2]. This schedule gives your skin the time it needs to heal and optimize collagen production between sessions.
While you might see subtle improvements after just one session, significant changes – like smoother scars and reduced fine lines – become more apparent with subsequent treatments [2]. For those with more severe acne scars or advanced signs of aging, additional sessions may be necessary, depending on your unique skin needs and goals.
The results can last for an extended period, often 6–12 months or more, depending on factors like your skin type, age, and skincare routine [8][2]. To maintain these benefits, many patients opt for maintenance sessions every 6–12 months.
Studies show that 80–90% of patients report visible improvements after completing a full treatment series [2].
At Calista Aesthetics, your treatment plan is tailored to your specific skin concerns, lifestyle, and goals, ensuring you’re on the best path to achieving the results you desire.
Why Choose Calista Aesthetics for Your Treatment
Expertise in Non-Surgical Treatments
At Calista Aesthetics, experience is at the heart of their microneedling with PRP services. With thousands of treatments performed across various skin types, their team is well-versed in delivering safe and effective care. They stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in PRP preparation and microneedling techniques to ensure you achieve the best possible results.
What sets their approach apart is the personalized consultation process. Every detail, from the depth of the needles to the concentration of PRP, is tailored to match your specific skin type and goals. The clinic also follows strict safety and sterilization protocols at every stage, from the initial blood draw to the preparation of the PRP.
“Safe, subtle treatments guided by experienced injectors. We explain every step, use proven products and techniques, and prioritize your comfort.” – Calista Aesthetics
Personalized Consultations and Transparent Pricing
Calista Aesthetics goes beyond offering expert care by focusing on building trust through personalized consultations. During these sessions, they take the time to understand your needs and provide clear, honest guidance on what to expect.
Transparency is a cornerstone of their approach. Pricing is straightforward, with no hidden fees, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before committing to a treatment. Consultations also include realistic discussions about outcomes and tailored recommendations to ensure you feel confident every step of the way.
“We value gaining your trust through transparency, honesty, and open communication so that you are comfortable and confident every step of the way.” – Calista Aesthetics
Patients consistently praise their knowledgeable team and the clear communication they provide.
I Tried Microneedling with PRP (Here's What Happened!) #prp #microneedling
What to Expect from Microneedling with PRP
Microneedling with PRP combines two powerful techniques – microneedling and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) – to promote skin rejuvenation. The process starts with drawing a small blood sample, which is then spun in a centrifuge to isolate the PRP. This concentrated plasma is applied to the skin after microneedling creates tiny, controlled injuries, encouraging healing and collagen production [1]. The procedure’s success depends heavily on the expertise of the provider.
This treatment is known to improve skin texture, soften fine lines, and reduce acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Research shows noticeable improvements after a series of sessions [2]. Recovery typically follows the standard timeline, and proper aftercare can speed up the healing process [2].
Results appear gradually over several weeks as collagen production ramps up. For the best outcomes, most people undergo 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Skilled providers can adjust the depth of microneedling and PRP concentration to suit individual skin types and goals, ensuring natural-looking results while reducing risks. At Calista Aesthetics, thousands of treatments have been performed on clients of various ages and skin types [1].
The cost for microneedling with PRP in the U.S. generally ranges from $600 to $1,500 per session, depending on the provider’s expertise and location. This price reflects the precision and personalized care offered by experienced professionals. At Calista Aesthetics, the combination of microneedling with PRP delivers enhanced healing and better results for scars and pigmentation compared to microneedling alone [1].
FAQs
Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) takes the traditional microneedling treatment up a notch by using your body’s own healing power. Here’s how it works: a small amount of your blood is drawn and processed to separate the PRP, which is packed with growth factors. After the microneedling process, this PRP is applied to your skin to stimulate collagen production and speed up the healing process.
What makes PRP stand out? It can help smooth out your skin’s texture, minimize the visibility of scars, and give your complexion a natural glow. Many people also find that their skin heals quicker and the results are more noticeable compared to microneedling alone. This minimally invasive treatment works with your body to deliver lasting improvements to your skin’s health and appearance.
Microneedling with PRP is considered safe when done by a skilled professional. However, like any cosmetic procedure, it comes with some potential side effects. These might include mild redness, swelling, bruising, or sensitivity in the treated area. The good news? These effects usually fade within a few days.
To keep risks low, it’s crucial to stick to the pre- and post-treatment guidelines your provider gives you. This might involve avoiding sun exposure, using sunscreen, and steering clear of certain skincare products before and after the procedure. Picking a trustworthy clinic, such as Calista Aesthetics, is key. Their experienced team prioritizes your safety and delivers results you can feel confident about.
To get the best out of your microneedling with PRP treatment, it’s essential to prep your skin the right way. Start by steering clear of sun exposure, tanning, and harsh skincare products – like retinoids or exfoliants – for at least 3 to 5 days before your session. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet can also boost your skin’s ability to heal naturally.
Make sure to inform your provider about any medications or supplements you’re currently taking, especially blood thinners, as you might need to pause them temporarily. On the day of your appointment, arrive with clean, makeup-free skin to ensure the treatment can work its magic. These small steps can have a big impact on your results!