If you’re looking for smoother skin, fewer fine lines, or help with acne scars, you’ve probably come across two popular treatments: microneedling and PRP therapy. Both are highly effective for skin rejuvenation, but they work in different ways. So, which one is better? The answer depends on your skin goals, timeline, and how aggressive you want your treatment plan to be. At Northern California Wellness in El Dorado Hills, we guide patients toward the option that fits best—not just the trendiest.
Understanding Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These microscopic channels stimulate your body’s natural healing response, triggering collagen and elastin production. As the skin repairs itself, it becomes firmer, smoother, and more radiant.
Microneedling is great for:
- Softening fine lines and wrinkles
- Minimizing the appearance of pores
- Smoothing out rough or uneven skin texture
- Fading mild acne scars and sun damage
- Boosting overall skin firmness
At Northern California Wellness, we use advanced radiofrequency microneedling devices like Virtue RF, which adds heat energy to enhance collagen remodeling deeper in the skin.
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is made from your own blood. After a quick draw, your blood is spun in a centrifuge to isolate a high concentration of healing platelets. These platelets are packed with growth factors that accelerate tissue repair, boost collagen, and promote healthy cell turnover.
PRP can be applied topically after microneedling or injected into targeted areas. It’s especially powerful for:
- Reducing under-eye hollowness or dark circles
- Fading deeper acne scars
- Supporting skin healing after laser or microneedling treatments
- Improving tone, texture, and hydration
- Addressing early signs of aging without surgery
Since PRP comes from your own body, the risk of allergic reaction is virtually nonexistent.
PRP vs Microneedling: What’s the Difference?
These treatments often complement each other, but they have distinct mechanisms:
| Feature | Microneedling | PRP Therapy |
| Main action | Triggers healing through micro-injury | Stimulates repair through growth factors |
| Best for | Texture, fine lines, enlarged pores | Volume loss, dark circles, scars |
| Downtime | Mild redness for 24–72 hours | Minimal when injected or combined with microneedling |
| Results | Build over 4–6 weeks | Often visible within a few sessions |
| Pairing potential | Can be enhanced with PRP | Commonly used with microneedling for stronger results |
Which One Should You Choose?
Your skin goals are the biggest factor in choosing between microneedling and PRP—or combining them. Here’s a simple breakdown to help guide the decision:
Choose microneedling if you want to:
- Smooth fine lines and wrinkles
- Improve surface-level texture and tone
- Shrink pores and firm skin
Choose PRP therapy if you want to:
- Target under-eye hollowness
- Reduce acne scars
- Accelerate skin healing and collagen production
Combine both if you want:
- Faster results with deeper collagen stimulation
- A natural, regenerative treatment that works on multiple skin layers
- A non-surgical refresh with long-term benefits
What to Expect from Treatment
Both microneedling and PRP therapy are performed in-office with minimal discomfort and little downtime. Most patients can return to daily activities within a day or two. At Northern California Wellness, we apply a topical numbing agent before the procedure to keep you comfortable throughout the process.
Here’s what a typical treatment plan might look like:
- Microneedling alone: 3–6 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart
- PRP injections: 3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart for optimal results
- Combined therapy: 3–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart for deeper rejuvenation
Because results build over time, consistency is key. Most patients start to see smoother, brighter skin after the first few sessions, with continued improvement for several months.
Why Patients Trust Northern California Wellness
Skin rejuvenation isn’t just about looking younger—it’s about feeling confident in your skin. That’s why our team at Northern California Wellness, led by Dr. Cheree Dunbar, takes a personalized approach to every treatment.
What sets us apart:
- Functional medicine-based care that addresses skin from the inside out
- Clinical-grade technology, including Virtue RF and Tixel
- Expertise in combination treatments for faster, longer-lasting results
- A local team in El Dorado Hills that’s here for your full wellness picture
We serve patients from Folsom, Sacramento, and El Dorado Hills, helping them feel more radiant, rested, and refreshed—naturally.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when comparing microneedling and PRP therapy. Each offers powerful benefits on its own, but when combined, they create a skin rejuvenation powerhouse. If you’re ready to address signs of aging, scarring, or dull skin, we’ll help you choose the path that makes the most sense for your skin and lifestyle.
Want to learn more about how microneedling or PRP therapy can help you? Schedule a consultation at Northern California Wellness today and get started on your personalized skin renewal plan.
