Understanding Microneedling with PRF

Microneedling with PRF is a two-step skin rejuvenation process that combines controlled skin injury with your body’s own healing factors to create remarkable improvements in skin quality and appearance.

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling uses a specialized device equipped with tiny, sterile needles to create thousands of microscopic channels in the skin’s surface. These micro-injuries stimulate your skin’s natural wound healing processes, triggering new collagen and elastin production—the building blocks of smooth, firm skin.

Unlike more aggressive treatments like laser resurfacing or deep chemical peels, microneedling respects your skin’s integrity while still delivering noticeable results. The process works with your body rather than against it.

The PRF Enhancement

PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) takes this natural healing process to the next level. It’s derived from a small sample of your own blood, which is processed to concentrate the platelets, white blood cells, stem cells, and growth factors that drive tissue regeneration.

When applied to freshly microneedled skin, these healing factors can penetrate deeply into the dermis, where they accelerate repair processes and enhance collagen production. Think of it as giving your skin the exact nutrients it needs exactly when it needs them most.

How These Elements Work Together

The beauty of this combination lies in its synergy. The microneedling creates pathways for the PRF to penetrate deeply, while the PRF provides the growth factors that optimize healing. The result is more efficient collagen induction and skin renewal than either treatment could accomplish alone.

This process addresses the skin on multiple levels—improving surface texture while simultaneously rebuilding and strengthening the underlying structure. It’s truly a comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation.

The Science Behind PRF vs. PRP

You may have heard of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatments, which have been popular in aesthetics for years. PRF represents the next generation of this technology, with several key advantages that make it our preferred method at West Asheville Aesthetics & Wellness.

Enhanced Growth Factor Content

PRF contains approximately three times more growth factors than traditional PRP. These growth factors—including PDGF, TGF-β, IGF, and VEGF—are the signaling proteins that tell your cells to regenerate and repair. More growth factors mean more powerful rejuvenation potential.

Additionally, PRF releases these growth factors more gradually over time (up to 7 days) rather than all at once, creating a sustained healing response that maximizes collagen production.

A More Natural Processing Method

The key difference is in how each substance is processed:

PRP is created by spinning blood at high speeds with the addition of anticoagulants. This process separates the plasma and platelets but removes other beneficial components.

PRF is processed at lower speeds without anticoagulants, which preserves white blood cells, stem cells, and a fibrin matrix that acts as a natural scaffold for tissue regeneration. This more natural approach keeps all the healing elements working together as nature intended.

Superior Clinical Results

Research has consistently shown that PRF outperforms PRP in stimulating new cell growth and tissue regeneration. Clients typically notice more significant improvements in skin texture and tone, with results that develop more fully and last longer.

The absence of anticoagulants also means PRF is 100% natural—nothing is added to your blood sample. For those who prefer holistic approaches to beauty, this makes PRF particularly appealing.

Key Benefits for Skin Rejuvenation

Microneedling with PRF offers an impressive range of benefits that address many common skin concerns simultaneously. Here’s what you can expect from this comprehensive treatment:

Reduction in Fine Lines and Wrinkles

The collagen-stimulating effects of microneedling combined with PRF’s growth factors can significantly diminish the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. Many clients notice that their skin appears more plump and youthful, with a visible softening of wrinkles after just a few treatments.

Unlike treatments that temporarily fill wrinkles, microneedling with PRF actually helps rebuild your skin’s supportive structure from within, creating more natural and lasting improvement.

Improved Skin Texture and Tone

Uneven texture, roughness, and enlarged pores are common concerns that respond exceptionally well to this treatment. As new collagen forms and skin cells regenerate, texture becomes smoother and more refined. Many clients are delighted to find their makeup applies more evenly and their complexion looks clearer even without coverage.

The treatment also helps normalize skin cell turnover, gradually evening out areas of hyperpigmentation and creating a more uniform tone overall.

Acne Scar Reduction

For those struggling with acne scarring, microneedling with PRF offers hope without harsh treatments. The combination works to break down scar tissue while stimulating new collagen in depressed scars. Over a series of treatments, many scars become noticeably less visible as the skin’s surface is restructured.

Even older, more established scars can show improvement, though these may require more sessions to see significant change.

Enhanced Skin Radiance and Glow

Perhaps the most frequently mentioned benefit is the overall improvement in skin vitality. Clients often comment that their skin simply looks healthier—with a natural luminosity that comes from improved circulation, accelerated cell turnover, and optimized skin function.

This “glow factor” is what makes microneedling with PRF popular before special events and during seasonal transitions when skin needs revitalization.

Long-Term Skin Health

Beyond the immediate cosmetic improvements, regular treatments can actually improve your skin’s fundamental health and function. By periodically stimulating collagen production, you’re essentially “exercising” your skin’s regenerative abilities, helping maintain its resilience and youthful capacity for renewal.

The Treatment Experience at West Asheville Aesthetics

At West Asheville Aesthetics & Wellness, we’ve refined our microneedling with PRF process to ensure maximum comfort, safety, and results. Here’s what you can expect when you visit our welcoming Haywood Road location for this signature treatment:

Your Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a thorough consultation where we discuss your skin concerns, goals, and medical history. We’ll examine your skin and create a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. This is the perfect time to ask questions and learn how microneedling with PRF fits into your overall skin health strategy.

During this consultation, we may also recommend complementary treatments or adjustments to your home skincare routine to optimize your results.

Preparation for Your Treatment

On the day of your appointment, you’ll arrive with clean skin, free of makeup or heavy products. We’ll start by taking photographs to document your baseline—an important step for tracking your progress over time.

Next, we’ll draw a small amount of blood (similar to a basic lab test) to process for your PRF. While the PRF is being prepared, we’ll cleanse your skin and apply a topical numbing cream to ensure your comfort during the treatment.

The Microneedling Procedure

Once your skin is properly numbed (typically 20-30 minutes), your provider will begin the microneedling process. Using a specialized device, they’ll create thousands of microscopic channels across the treatment area. Most clients describe the sensation as a vibrating pressure rather than sharp pain, thanks to the effective numbing.

At West Asheville Aesthetics, we include both face and neck in our standard treatment, recognizing that these areas should be addressed together for harmonious results.

PRF Application

Immediately following the microneedling, your freshly processed PRF will be applied to your skin. The tiny channels created by the microneedling allow the PRF to penetrate deeply into the dermis, where its growth factors can work most effectively.

Your provider will ensure complete coverage and may gently massage the PRF into your skin to enhance absorption. This step is when the magic really happens—your own healing factors beginning their work of regeneration.

Post-Treatment Care

Before you leave, we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions and a take-home kit with gentle products specifically selected to support your skin’s healing process. We emphasize the importance of sun protection and avoiding certain activities that might irritate your skin during the initial healing phase.

Unlike some medical spas that rush you out the door, we ensure you feel comfortable and confident about your post-treatment care before you leave our clinic.

Recovery and Results Timeline

Understanding what to expect during recovery and when you’ll see results helps set realistic expectations and ensures you’re prepared for the journey. Here’s a detailed timeline of the healing process and results development:

Immediate Post-Treatment (Days 1-3)

Immediately after treatment, your skin will appear flushed, similar to a moderate sunburn. This is completely normal and indicates the treatment is working as intended. You may also experience some slight swelling, particularly around more delicate areas like the eyes.

During these first few days, your skin may feel tight, sensitive, and slightly rough to the touch. Some clients notice tiny crusts forming where the microneedles penetrated the skin—all part of the normal healing process.

This is the time to be especially gentle with your skin. Use only the recommended post-care products, avoid makeup for at least 24 hours, and be diligent about sun protection.

Early Healing Phase (Days 4-7)

By days 4-7, any redness and sensitivity should be significantly diminished. Your skin may go through a mild flaking or peeling phase as it sheds damaged cells and replaces them with fresh new ones.

Many clients notice their skin already looks clearer and more vibrant during this phase, with a natural healthy glow emerging as the initial healing completes.

At this stage, you can typically resume your normal skincare routine, though we recommend continuing to avoid harsh exfoliants or active ingredients like retinol until your skin feels completely normal.

Collagen Building Phase (Weeks 2-4)

The most exciting phase begins around the second week, as your body ramps up collagen and elastin production in response to the treatment. During this period, you’ll begin to notice improvements in skin texture and firmness.

Fine lines may appear softened, and the overall quality of your skin will continue to improve as new collagen forms and matures. Some clients describe their skin as feeling “thicker” or more resilient during this phase.

Visible Results Phase (Weeks 4-8)

By the one-month mark, the full effects of your treatment become increasingly apparent. Your skin tone appears more even, texture is smoother, and there’s a noticeable improvement in the appearance of scars or fine lines.

The PRF component continues to support ongoing regeneration during this period, which is why results from microneedling with PRF tend to develop more fully and last longer than standard microneedling alone.

Long-Term Improvement and Maintenance

The collagen stimulated by your treatment continues to develop and mature for up to 6 months, providing ongoing improvement in skin quality and appearance.

For optimal results, we typically recommend a series of 3-4 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments every 6-12 months depending on your skin’s needs and your aesthetic goals.

This strategic approach ensures your skin continues to build and maintain its collagen network for sustained rejuvenation.

Combining Microneedling with PRF and Other Treatments

While microneedling with PRF delivers impressive results on its own, strategically combining it with other treatments can address multiple skin concerns for comprehensive rejuvenation. At West Asheville Aesthetics & Wellness, we take a holistic approach to your skin health, often recommending complementary treatments to maximize your results.

Enhanced Results with TriLift

TriLift is an advanced treatment that uses a combination of technologies to lift, tighten, and contour facial tissues. When paired with microneedling and PRF, the results can be transformative:

The TriLift addresses deeper tissue layers and provides immediate lifting effects, while the microneedling with PRF works on skin quality and texture. Together, they create both structural improvement and surface refinement for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.

For clients concerned with skin laxity and overall facial aging, this combination offers a powerful non-surgical solution. [Link to blog post about TriLift technology]

Complementary Effects with RF Microneedling

RF (radiofrequency) microneedling adds thermal energy to the traditional microneedling process, heating deeper skin layers to further stimulate collagen production. When incorporated into a treatment plan with standard microneedling and PRF:

RF sessions can be alternated with PRF sessions to provide both deep and surface-level collagen stimulation. The heat-based collagen contraction from RF complements the growth-factor-driven regeneration from PRF, creating more dramatic improvements in skin firmness and texture.

This combination is particularly effective for clients with more advanced signs of aging or those seeking more significant skin tightening.

Strategic Pairing with Cosmetic Injectables

Many clients choose to incorporate neurotoxins (like Botox or Dysport) and dermal fillers into their rejuvenation plan alongside microneedling with PRF:

Neurotoxins address dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement, while microneedling with PRF improves skin quality and static wrinkles. Dermal fillers can restore lost volume, while PRF enhances overall skin vitality.

The key is timing—we typically recommend scheduling these treatments separately, with neurotoxins performed either two weeks before or two weeks after your microneedling session for optimal results and comfort.

Comprehensive Skin Health with Customized Facials

Between your microneedling with PRF sessions, specialized facials can help maintain and enhance your results:

Treatments like our signature chemical peels or DMK Enzyme Treatments work synergistically with microneedling by removing damaged surface cells and allowing the regenerated skin to shine through. These maintenance treatments extend and amplify the benefits of your microneedling sessions.

Many clients find that alternating these gentler treatments with their more intensive microneedling schedule creates the perfect balance for ongoing skin health.

Creating Your Custom Treatment Plan

During your consultation at West Asheville Aesthetics, we’ll help you design a personalized treatment strategy that might include several of these complementary approaches, carefully sequenced for maximum benefit.

We consider factors like your skin condition, aesthetic goals, budget, and time constraints to create a practical plan that delivers the results you’re seeking without unnecessary treatments or excessive downtime.

Real Results: Transformation Stories

The true measure of any skin treatment is the results it delivers for real people. At West Asheville Aesthetics & Wellness, we’ve witnessed remarkable transformations in our clients who have undergone microneedling with PRF treatments. While every person’s experience is unique, these representative journeys illustrate the potential of this powerful combination therapy.

Rejuvenating Aging Skin

Many of our clients in their 40s and 50s come to us concerned about increasing skin laxity, deeper lines around the mouth and eyes, and an overall loss of radiance. After a series of microneedling with PRF treatments, they typically notice significant improvements in skin firmness and a visible softening of fine lines.

The treatment’s ability to stimulate collagen from within creates results that look natural rather than “done”—clients look like refreshed, more vibrant versions of themselves. Friends and family often comment that they look well-rested or ask if they’ve changed their skincare routine.

Healing Acne Scarring

For clients with acne scarring, microneedling with PRF can be truly life-changing. The treatment’s ability to break down scar tissue while building new collagen helps level out depressed scars and smooth the skin’s surface. The PRF component accelerates healing and reduces inflammation, which is particularly beneficial for those with lingering redness from past breakouts.

After completing a recommended series (typically 3-6 treatments for significant scarring), many clients feel comfortable going makeup-free for the first time in years—a profound confidence boost that extends well beyond the physical improvement.

Restoring Sun-Damaged Skin

Asheville’s outdoor lifestyle means many of our clients come to us with signs of sun damage—uneven pigmentation, roughened texture, and premature lines. Microneedling with PRF excels at addressing these concerns by accelerating the skin’s natural turnover process and supporting the development of fresh, undamaged cells.

Clients with sun damage typically notice their skin tone becoming more even and spots fading gradually with each treatment. The overall improvement in skin quality—that healthy “glow” that comes from proper cellular function—is often what impresses them most.

Preventative Approach for Younger Clients

We’re seeing increasing numbers of clients in their late 20s and 30s who choose microneedling with PRF as a preventative measure. These forward-thinking individuals understand that maintaining collagen levels is far easier than trying to rebuild them later.

These clients typically schedule treatments 2-3 times per year and report that their skin maintains its resilience and youthful appearance despite normal aging processes. Many have noticed they’re “aging differently” than peers who haven’t invested in similar preventative measures.

The Emotional Impact of Skin Transformation

Beyond the physical changes, we regularly witness the emotional impact of improved skin. Clients who previously felt self-conscious about their appearance often experience a newfound confidence that affects many aspects of their lives—from professional opportunities to personal relationships.

This holistic transformation aligns perfectly with our philosophy at West Asheville Aesthetics & Wellness: that true beauty enhancement should nurture both physical appearance and inner well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Our Clients Say

Client testimonials will be added once available. At West Asheville Aesthetics & Wellness, we value the authentic experiences of our clients and look forward to sharing their journeys with microneedling and PRF treatments.

Ready to Experience the Benefits of Microneedling with PRF?

Natural skin rejuvenation doesn’t have to involve invasive procedures or extended downtime. Microneedling with PRF offers a scientifically advanced yet holistic approach to improving your skin’s appearance and health from within.

At West Asheville Aesthetics & Wellness, our expert team is dedicated to creating personalized treatment plans that address your unique skin concerns while respecting your body’s natural processes. We believe in treatments that enhance your natural beauty rather than altering it—helping you look like the best version of yourself.

We proudly welcome clients from all backgrounds and communities, including our LGBTQIA neighbors, to experience the inclusive, supportive environment we’ve created at our Haywood Road location in West Asheville.

Ready to begin your skin transformation journey? Contact us today at (828) 230-2016 to schedule your consultation, and don’t forget to ask about our special 15% discount for first-time treatments!

Your skin’s natural radiance is waiting to be revealed—let us help you rediscover it through the power of microneedling with PRF.