Advanced Microneedling with PRF: The Complete Guide to Skin Transformation

Experience the science-backed benefits of microneedling with PRF at West Asheville Aesthetics. Learn how this innovative treatment combines micro-injuries with platelet-rich fibrin to naturally rejuvenate your skin and address concerns from fine lines to acne scars.
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Advanced Microneedling with PRF: The Complete Guide to Skin Transformation

Advanced Microneedling with PRF: The Complete Guide to Skin Transformation

Imagine achieving radiant, youthful skin without aggressive treatments or lengthy downtime. Microneedling with PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) makes this possible by harnessing your body’s natural healing abilities. At West Asheville Aesthetics & Wellness, we’ve seen remarkable transformations in our clients’ skin through this revolutionary treatment.

Whether you’re dealing with fine lines, acne scars, uneven texture, or simply want to boost your skin’s natural glow, microneedling with PRF offers a customized solution that works with your body, not against it.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

Understanding Microneedling with PRF

Microneedling with PRF represents the cutting edge of natural skin rejuvenation. This advanced treatment combines two powerful approaches to skin health: controlled micro-injuries and your body’s own healing factors.

The process begins with traditional microneedling, where a specialized device creates thousands of microscopic channels in your skin. These tiny injuries are so small they’re barely visible to the naked eye, but they’re significant enough to trigger your skin’s natural healing response.

What sets this treatment apart is the addition of PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin). Unlike older PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatments, PRF is a more advanced formulation that contains:

  • A higher concentration of platelets
  • Natural growth factors
  • White blood cells
  • Stem cells
  • A fibrin matrix that provides a slow-release scaffold for healing

The PRF is created by taking a small sample of your blood and processing it to isolate these powerful healing components. When applied to your skin after microneedling, the PRF seeps into those micro-channels, delivering growth factors directly where they’re needed most.

This combination creates a powerful synergy: the microneedling activates your skin’s repair process, while the PRF provides the raw materials and biological catalysts to enhance and accelerate healing. The result is skin regeneration that’s completely natural because it uses your body’s own resources.

The Science Behind Collagen Stimulation

The magic of microneedling with PRF lies in how it works with your skin’s natural biology to promote renewal. To understand why this treatment is so effective, we need to look at what happens beneath the surface.

When the microneedles create those tiny channels in your skin, they trigger a three-phase healing process:

Phase 1: Inflammation

Immediately after treatment, your skin registers these micro-injuries and sends inflammatory signals. Blood vessels dilate, bringing fresh blood and nutrients to the area. White blood cells arrive to clear away damaged cells, and platelets release growth factors that signal cells to begin repairs.

This inflammatory response is not the harmful kind associated with chronic conditions—it’s a controlled, beneficial inflammation that jumpstarts healing.

Phase 2: Proliferation

During this phase, new cells begin to form. Fibroblasts (the cells that produce collagen and elastin) multiply and migrate to the injury sites. They start laying down a new matrix of these structural proteins.

Collagen provides strength and firmness to your skin, while elastin gives it flexibility and resilience. The production of these proteins begins to rebuild your skin’s support structure from within.

Phase 3: Remodeling

Over the weeks following treatment, your skin continues to refine this new collagen matrix. The initial collagen (Type III) is gradually replaced with stronger, more organized collagen (Type I). Blood vessels recede, and the skin’s surface becomes smoother and firmer.

What makes PRF so powerful in this process is that it contains concentrated growth factors that amplify and extend these natural healing phases. The fibrin matrix in PRF creates a time-release effect, continuing to deliver growth factors for up to 7 days, compared to just a few hours with traditional PRP.

Studies have shown that microneedling with PRF can increase collagen production by up to 400% compared to baseline, helping to restore the approximately 1% of collagen we naturally lose each year after age 30.

PRF vs. Traditional Microneedling: What’s the Difference?

When considering microneedling treatments, understanding the difference between traditional microneedling and the advanced PRF-enhanced version can help you make an informed choice about which option might be right for your skin goals.

Traditional Microneedling

Standard microneedling (also called Collagen Induction Therapy) uses a device containing fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These tiny punctures stimulate your body’s wound healing process, triggering collagen and elastin production.

The benefits of traditional microneedling include:

  • Improved skin texture and tone
  • Reduced appearance of scars and pores
  • Enhanced product absorption
  • Minimal downtime

While effective, traditional microneedling relies solely on your body’s natural healing capacity, which varies from person to person and decreases with age.

Microneedling with PRF: The Advanced Approach

Microneedling with PRF takes the traditional treatment to the next level by adding your body’s own concentrated healing factors directly into the treatment area. The PRF contains:

  • 3-5 times more platelets than regular blood
  • Higher concentrations of white blood cells and stem cells
  • A natural fibrin scaffold that provides sustained release of growth factors

These biological elements supercharge the skin’s natural repair process. While traditional microneedling simply creates the conditions for healing, PRF actively provides the raw materials that accelerate and enhance regeneration.

Key Differences in Results

Clinical studies and our experience at West Asheville Aesthetics show several advantages of adding PRF to microneedling:

  • Faster visible improvements
  • More significant reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
  • Better results for deeper acne scars
  • Enhanced skin volume and plumpness
  • More pronounced overall skin rejuvenation
  • Longer-lasting results

Many clients who previously tried traditional microneedling report more noticeable improvements when switching to PRF-enhanced treatments. The combination addresses not just the structural aspects of aging skin but also the biological factors that contribute to a youthful appearance.

Treating Common Skin Concerns with Microneedling

Microneedling with PRF is remarkably versatile, addressing multiple skin concerns simultaneously. Here’s how this treatment helps with specific issues:

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

As we age, collagen and elastin production naturally decline, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Microneedling with PRF directly targets this issue by stimulating new collagen formation and providing growth factors that support skin cell renewal.

The treatment is particularly effective for:

  • Crow’s feet around the eyes
  • Fine lines around the mouth
  • Forehead lines
  • Early signs of neck aging

Many clients notice smoother skin texture and softening of fine lines after just one treatment, with continued improvement over subsequent sessions.

Acne Scars and Other Scarring

Acne scars can be particularly stubborn to treat, especially deep, pitted scars. Microneedling with PRF excels at addressing these concerns by breaking up scar tissue and promoting the growth of healthy new skin cells.

The microneedles physically break down fibrous scar tissue while the PRF delivers healing factors that help remodel the skin’s structure. This combination approach is effective for:

  • Atrophic (indented) acne scars
  • Surgical scars
  • Stretch marks
  • Minor burn scars

Most clients with scarring require a series of 3-6 treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results.

Uneven Skin Tone and Texture

If you’re struggling with rough texture, enlarged pores, or uneven pigmentation, microneedling with PRF can help create a smoother, more uniform complexion. The treatment works by:

  • Stimulating cell turnover to shed damaged surface cells
  • Reducing the appearance of pores by tightening the surrounding skin
  • Improving overall skin texture through collagen remodeling
  • Gradually evening out pigmentation through accelerated cell renewal

Dull, Aging Skin

Beyond specific concerns, many clients seek microneedling with PRF simply to counteract the overall signs of aging and environmental damage. The treatment provides comprehensive rejuvenation by:

  • Boosting blood flow and nutrients to skin cells
  • Accelerating cellular turnover
  • Improving skin’s natural radiance and glow
  • Enhancing firmness and elasticity

The result is skin that not only looks better but functions better at a cellular level—more like the skin you had in your younger years.

The Microneedling Experience at West Asheville Aesthetics

At West Asheville Aesthetics & Wellness, we’ve refined our microneedling with PRF treatment to ensure both comfort and results. Here’s what you can expect when you visit our welcoming Asheville medical spa for this transformative treatment.

Before Your Appointment

Preparation begins before you arrive. We recommend:

  • Avoiding blood-thinning medications and supplements (like aspirin, fish oil, and vitamin E) for 1 week prior, if medically approved
  • Discontinuing retinoids and other potentially irritating skincare products 3-5 days before treatment
  • Avoiding sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 1 week
  • Arriving with clean skin, free of makeup

Your Consultation

Every treatment at West Asheville Aesthetics begins with a thorough consultation. We’ll discuss your skin concerns, goals, medical history, and previous treatments. This allows us to customize your microneedling with PRF treatment to your specific needs.

Our practitioners take the time to answer all your questions and set realistic expectations for results. We believe informed clients make the best decisions about their skin health.

The Treatment Process

Step 1: Preparation and Comfort Measures

Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed, and we’ll apply a topical numbing cream that sits for about 30 minutes. This ensures your comfort throughout the procedure. During this time, we’ll draw a small amount of blood (similar to a standard blood test) to prepare your PRF.

Step 2: PRF Processing

Your blood sample is placed in a specialized centrifuge that separates the components, concentrating the platelets, white blood cells, and growth factors into the PRF that will be used during your treatment.

Step 3: The Microneedling Procedure

Once your skin is numb, your practitioner will use a professional-grade microneedling device to create thousands of microscopic channels across the treatment area. The depth of the needles is customized based on the area being treated and your specific skin concerns.

The procedure typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.

Step 4: PRF Application

Immediately after microneedling, your freshly prepared PRF is applied to your skin, where it can penetrate deeply through the micro-channels. This is when the magic happens—your own healing factors begin working to regenerate your skin from within.

Step 5: Final Steps

To conclude the treatment, we apply specialized soothing and healing products. We don’t use harsh agents that might irritate your freshly treated skin or counteract the benefits of the PRF.

The West Asheville Aesthetics Difference

What sets our microneedling with PRF treatments apart is our commitment to personalization and expertise. Our practitioners are thoroughly trained in advanced microneedling techniques and regularly update their knowledge with the latest developments in regenerative aesthetics.

We also pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for clients from all backgrounds. Our space in West Asheville (located in Suite 201, above Nine Mile restaurant) is designed to be a comfortable sanctuary where you can relax during your treatment.

Post-Treatment Care and Results Timeline

Proper aftercare is essential for maximizing the benefits of your microneedling with PRF treatment. Here’s our comprehensive guide to post-treatment care and what results you can expect as your skin heals and regenerates.

Immediate Aftercare (First 24 Hours)

Right after your treatment, your skin will likely appear red, similar to a sunburn. This is completely normal and indicates the treatment is working. During this critical period:

  • Avoid washing your face for at least 4-6 hours to allow the PRF to fully penetrate
  • When you do wash, use only lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser
  • Apply only the recommended post-treatment products—nothing else
  • Stay well hydrated to support healing
  • Avoid makeup completely
  • Sleep on a clean pillowcase with your head slightly elevated

Days 2-7: The Healing Phase

During the first week after treatment:

  • Continue using gentle, non-active skincare products
  • Keep skin moisturized with recommended products
  • Avoid exfoliation of any kind (physical or chemical)
  • Stay out of direct sun and wear a broad-spectrum, physical (mineral) sunscreen when outdoors
  • Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and excessive sweating
  • Skip strenuous outdoor activities (Asheville has wonderful hiking trails, but they should wait for at least 48 hours)

You may experience some mild flaking or dryness during this period. This is normal and part of your skin’s renewal process.

Days 7-30: The Regeneration Phase

Once the initial healing is complete:

  • Gradually reintroduce your regular skincare products, starting with the gentlest first
  • Continue diligent sun protection—this is crucial for preventing hyperpigmentation
  • Stay hydrated and maintain a nutritious diet to support collagen production
  • Avoid other facial treatments for at least 2 weeks

Results Timeline: What to Expect

Immediate Results (1-3 Days)

The initial “glow” many clients notice comes from increased blood flow and hydration. Your skin may appear plumper and more radiant even while still in the healing phase.

Early Results (1-4 Weeks)

As inflammation subsides and cell turnover increases, you’ll begin to notice:

  • Improved skin texture
  • More even tone
  • Reduced appearance of pores
  • A healthy glow

Progressive Results (1-3 Months)

This is when the real transformation becomes visible as collagen remodeling takes place:

  • Noticeable softening of fine lines
  • Gradual improvement in scarring
  • Increased firmness and elasticity
  • More youthful overall appearance

Long-term Results (3-6 Months)

The full benefits of collagen remodeling continue to develop:

  • Maximum improvement in skin structure
  • Long-lasting firmness and elasticity
  • Continued refinement of texture and tone

Treatment Frequency for Optimal Results

While you’ll see improvements after a single treatment, most skin concerns respond best to a series of sessions:

  • General skin rejuvenation: 3 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart
  • Acne scarring or deeper wrinkles: 4-6 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart
  • Maintenance: Single treatments every 6-12 months

At West Asheville Aesthetics, we’ll create a customized treatment plan based on your specific concerns and how your skin responds to initial treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Microneedling with PRF

Is microneedling with PRF painful?

Most clients report minimal discomfort during the procedure thanks to the topical numbing cream we apply beforehand. You may feel some pressure or a mild scratching sensation, but it’s typically very tolerable. After treatment, the skin may feel tight and sensitive, similar to a mild sunburn, but this usually subsides within 24-48 hours.

How long is the downtime after treatment?

The social downtime is minimal for most people. You’ll experience redness for 24-48 hours, with possible mild swelling and sensitivity. Some clients return to non-strenuous work the next day, while others prefer to take a day off. You can typically resume wearing makeup after 24-48 hours and return to your normal skincare routine within a week.

Who is not a good candidate for microneedling with PRF?

While microneedling with PRF is safe for most skin types, it’s not recommended for those who: have active acne or skin infections, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have certain blood disorders or who take blood thinners that cannot be temporarily discontinued, have a history of keloid scarring, or have undergone recent radiation therapy. During your consultation, we’ll review your complete medical history to ensure this treatment is safe for you.

Experience Microneedling with PRF at West Asheville Aesthetics

Your journey to revitalized, naturally rejuvenated skin starts here at West Asheville Aesthetics & Wellness. Our expert practitioners combine advanced techniques with a personalized approach to help you achieve your skin goals.

We believe in treatments that work with your body’s natural processes, not against them. Microneedling with PRF exemplifies this philosophy—harnessing your own healing capacity to create lasting improvements in your skin’s health and appearance.

Ready to experience the transformative effects of microneedling with PRF? We welcome clients from all backgrounds to our inclusive, supportive space in West Asheville.

Schedule your consultation today by calling (828) 230-2016 or booking online. New clients receive 15% off their first treatment!


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West Asheville
Aesthetics & Wellness

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Suite 201, above the restaurant, Nine Mile, and directly next to the Kava Lounge. You can enter either from the front of the building through the Kava Lounge or directly on the side door on Herron Ave.

There is free parking behind the building between 8 am and 4 pm. After 4 pm all of the parking is designated for Nine Mile.

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