What is Microneedling with PRF? Definition, Benefits, Cost

Staying ahead of the curve in aesthetic medicine is essential. Clients are increasingly seeking innovative, cutting-edge cosmetic treatments that deliver natural-looking results with minimal downtime. 

This is where the powerful combination of microneedling and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) comes in. By bundling these two complementary cosmetic procedures, you can offer a cutting-edge service that not only enhances patient outcomes but also sets your practice apart from traditional options like Botox, chemical peels, and dermal filler treatments.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about incorporating PRF microneedling into your service offerings, from the science behind the treatment to the practicalities of implementation. 

We will explore how this dynamic duo can help you achieve superior results for your clients, boost your practice's reputation, and position you as a leader in skin rejuvenation.

What is Microneedling with PRF?

Microneedling with PRF is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure for facial skin rejuvenation that combines the collagen-stimulating effects of a microneedling device with the regenerative power of PRF. The microneedling procedure involves using a professional microneedling device, such as a SkinPen, to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers the body's natural healing process. PRF, derived from the patient's own blood, is then applied to the treated area to amplify the regenerative response and accelerate healing.

The magic of this microneedling treatment lies in its two-pronged approach to skin health. The microneedling process creates thousands of micro-channels in the treatment area, which not only stimulates collagen production but also allows for deeper penetration of the PRF treatment. 

The PRF floods the skin with a potent cocktail of growth factors, white blood cells, and platelets that work together to: 

• Boost collagen and elastin production
• Improve skin texture and skin tone
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Minimize acne scars
• Address hyperpigmentation and dark spots
• Enhance overall skin health for radiant skin

Is PRF Really Better Than PRP?

Yes, PRF represents a significant advancement over PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma). While both are derived from the patient's own blood using a centrifuge, PRF is considered a second-generation product with distinct advantages over traditional PRP treatments. PRP requires anticoagulant additives to prevent clotting and activate growth factors, but these same additives can actually slow down the natural healing process by blocking natural clotting mechanisms. 

PRF, on the other hand, is 100% natural and additive-free, allowing for a slower, more sustained release of growth factors over time. This results in longer-lasting effects and more impressive outcomes for skin rejuvenation. Additionally, the fibrin scaffold in PRF provides structural support for new collagen and elastin formation, which Platelet-Rich Plasma lacks, making PRF microneedling a more effective treatment for achieving youthful skin.

Is Microneedling PRF Worth It?

For patients seeking natural, long-lasting results with minimal downtime, the PRF microneedling procedure is absolutely worth the investment. This effective treatment addresses multiple skin concerns simultaneously—from fine lines and wrinkles to acne scars and volume loss—using the body's natural healing process. 

Results typically become visible between 4 and 9 months after the microneedling treatment, with improvements continuing to develop as collagen production increases. Unlike more aggressive cosmetic treatments such as radiofrequency procedures or deep chemical peels, PRF microneedling offers a gradual, natural-looking enhancement that doesn't appear overdone. 

The post-treatment recovery period is significantly shorter than that of other cosmetic procedures, with most patients experiencing minimal downtime. For providers, offering this effective treatment can differentiate your practice and attract clients who value cutting-edge, science-backed procedures that promote radiant skin and address signs of aging naturally.

Is PRF Worth It Under the Eyes?

The under-eye area is one of the most challenging regions to treat due to its delicate skin and tendency to show signs of aging early. PRF treatment is particularly effective in this treatment area because it addresses multiple concerns at once: fine lines, crepey skin texture, dark circles caused by poor circulation, dark spots, and volume loss. 

The growth factors in PRF stimulate collagen production and increase skin thickness in the treated area, while improved blood flow can help reduce the appearance of dark circles and enhance overall skin tone. When combined with microneedling, PRF can significantly rejuvenate the under-eye area with minimal risk and downtime. 

This makes it an excellent alternative for patients who want to avoid more invasive procedures, dermal filler injections, or Botox in this sensitive region, while still achieving youthful skin and improved skin health.

Four Essential Tools and Supplies for the Microneedling Procedure

To ensure a safe and effective microneedling treatment, it is crucial to have the right tools and supplies on hand. Here is a comprehensive list of what you will need:

The centrifuge is the most significant investment for PRF treatment, as it processes the patient's own blood to concentrate Platelet-Rich Fibrin. Some lab supply companies sell FDA-approved PRF collection kits that include all necessary supplies, simplifying the purchasing process for your cosmetic procedure offerings.

The Patient Experience: From Preparation to Post-Treatment Care

A positive patient experience is key to building a loyal clientele. By providing clear instructions and managing expectations throughout the treatment plan, you can ensure a smooth and successful treatment journey.

How do you prepare for PRF microneedling?

To optimize results and minimize complications, advise patients to stay well-hydrated for 72 hours before the microneedling treatment, avoid alcohol for 72 hours before the cosmetic procedure, discontinue the use of retinol products, hydroquinone, and acids one week before treatment, avoid blood-thinning medications, vitamins, and supplements for one week prior (with their doctor's approval), and arrive at the appointment with clean, makeup-free skin. Proper preparation ensures the microneedling process proceeds smoothly and the natural healing process is optimized.

What should you expect during the microneedling treatment?

A typical PRF microneedling session takes approximately one hour. The most time-consuming parts are skin numbing (about 20 minutes) and the actual microneedling procedure (around 30 minutes). The provider will first draw a small amount of the patient's blood and centrifuge it to create Platelet-Rich Fibrin. 

While the PRF is being prepared, numbing cream is applied to ensure patient comfort during microneedling. Once the treatment area is adequately numbed, the PRF treatment is used and the microneedling device creates controlled micro-injuries across the skin. 

This combination allows the growth factors and white blood cells to penetrate deeply, maximizing collagen and elastin production for optimal skin rejuvenation.

What does post-treatment skincare and recovery look like?

Proper post-treatment care is essential for optimal healing and results. For example, you should instruct patients to:

• Avoid all skin care products for the first 24 hours
• Refrain from exercise for up to 48 hours after the microneedling procedure
• Avoid makeup for the first 24 hours
• Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer after 24 hours
• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily to protect the treated area

The skin will appear red and slightly swollen immediately after the PRF microneedling treatment, similar to a mild sunburn. This typically subsides within 24 to 48 hours, and any dryness or flaking should resolve within a week. The minimal downtime associated with this cosmetic treatment makes it highly attractive compared to more invasive cosmetic procedures or aggressive chemical peels.

How to identify the ideal candidate for PRF microneedling?

Microneedling with PRF is a versatile cosmetic procedure that effectively addresses a wide range of concerns across various skin types. The microneedling treatment is particularly beneficial for patients seeking enhanced collagen production and for those with acne scarring or hyperpigmentation who cannot undergo laser or radiofrequency treatments.

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A thorough consultation and customized treatment plan are essential to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for this cosmetic treatment. Discussing the patient's medical history, current skin care regimen, and aesthetic goals will help you create an effective treatment plan that may include PRF microneedling alone or in combination with other cosmetic treatments.

Integrate PRF Microneedling Into Your Aesthetic Practice

PRF microneedling delivers impressive results—natural collagen stimulation, minimal downtime, and patient satisfaction that drives referrals and repeat treatments. But delivering consistent outcomes requires more than clinical skill; it demands reliable patient management, proper documentation, and efficient practice operations.

Portrait Care helps aesthetic practitioners and medical spas streamline everything from patient intake and treatment tracking to outcome documentation and revenue analysis. When you combine excellent clinical technique with organized practice management, you build a thriving aesthetic business that patients trust and recommend.

Schedule a Demo Today to see how Portrait Care helps aesthetic practitioners deliver PRF microneedling and other advanced treatments while managing the business side of practice growth—patient scheduling, treatment tracking, before-and-after galleries, and performance metrics that show your practice's actual impact.