Professional Microneedling vs At-Home Microneedling Treatment For Acne Scars

If you've noticed photos of people’s faces dotted with tiny blood spots, you might be seeing the effects of a PRP microneedling facial—also called a "vampire facial."

This trendy treatment has gained popularity through celebrities like Kim Kardashian, who famously posted her blood-covered face on Instagram.

But is professional microneedling the only option for skin rejuvenation? In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between professional microneedling (with or without PRP) and at-home microneedling, helping you decide which approach suits you best. 

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a skin treatment that uses fine needles to create micro-injuries on the skin's surface.

The facial may sound scary, but it has some big-time skin benefits; ranging from helping wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, and uneven skin tone and texture.

These tiny punctures encourage collagen and elastin production. Professional microneedling treatments often include additional elements, like PRP (platelet-rich plasma), for enhanced results.

But not all microneedling treatments are the same. You can opt for in-office sessions with a certified professional or try an at-home microneedling tool for a DIY approach

Professional Microneedling: What to Expect

Here's what to expect if you get professional microneedling at a certified med spa or provider's office:

The PRP Microneedling Process

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) microneedling combines traditional microneedling with  your own blood plasma, known for its high concentration of growth factors. Here’s how it works:

1. Blood Draw and Separation: First you'll get your blood drawn which is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma.
2. Microneedling with PRP Application: Numbing cream is applied and you might wait a few minutes for the numbing cream to do it's work.  Then a practiioner will use a microneedling device to create tiny injuries in the skin. The PRP is spread across these areas to penetrate into the skin. 
3. Recovery: Recovery typically takes 3 days. After the treatment, the skin may look and feel like a sunburn, and light shedding may occur over the following days.  Wear plenty of sunscreen afterwards.  

Needle Length: Professional devices often use needles between 1.0mm and 2.5mm.  

Basically, the facial uses your own blood to give you a fresh face by promoting collagen production and skin cell activity. 

Regular in office microneedling without PRP can also be done too by professionals.  

Microneedling without PRP will skip the blood drawing part, and they will instead apply a different topical such as a serum.  

Costs: A PRP microneedling session can cost between $600 and $1,000, and many professionals recommend at least three sessions for optimal results, bringing total costs close to $1,800 or more.

Pros:

• PRP enhances results for issues like deep acne scars or significant skin damage
• Faster results for visible rejuvenation

Cons:

• High cost per session
• Downtime of up to three days
• Some people may experience temporary bruising
• May not be suitable if still have some acne

Professional Microneedling Without PRP

Professional microneedling by itself can still give similar collagen boosting benefits and costs less around $400 per session.

MICRONEEDLING AT HOME

@banishacnescars Professional microneedling sessions can cost hundreds, and thousands after having multiple treatments. The Banisher 2.0 allows you to do microneedling treatments at home. Have you tried microneedling for your #acnescars? #acnescarring #acnescartreatment #acnescarremoval #banishacnescars #skincare #dermastamp #banisher #banishacnescars ♬ original sound - BANISH

There are home microneedling tools available too!  Home treatments will often not penetrate as deeply and can enhance exfoliation, collagen stimulation and product absorption.

The results may not be as fast as with in-office microneedling and it may not be as effective for very deep scars,  but Microneedling at home can definitely give improvements to acne scars and hyperpigmentation through consistent use for a couple of months at a much lower price compared to professional microneedling treatments. 

Choosing a microneedling tool that's safe is the main concern of an at-home acne scar treatment.   The one that Banish provides is patented and inspected before each shipment, has  24k gold plated titanium bristles to ensure quality and bacteria resistance and has bristles that are the minimum length to stimulate collagen. They also provide a 45-day guarantee if you aren't satisfied.

When doing microneedling at home, a stamping tool is best and more user friendly.  Also make sure the needles are not longer than 0.5mm. 

Everyone's skin is different, but with consistent and long term use, you should see results within three months. Depending on how fresh your acne marks are and how fast your skin naturally heals, you may even see results sooner.

Microneedling can work for depressed acne scars. This has to do with the collagen-inducing effects that maximize the potential for skin regeneration. 

If you're going to do microneedling to treat acne scars, it's important to follow all instructions on the package and to thoroughly sanitize your hands, skin, and tool before each use.  It is important to be mindful also not to push too hard on the needling device or drag it across the skin, and of course, do not share your tool with anyone.  

How to do Microneedling at home with the Banisher:

1. Sanitize the microneedling tool

Always start by sanitizing your tool, letting it  soak in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol  for 5 minutes.

2. Cleanse your face 

Wash your face with a mild cleanser. You can also use rubbing alcohol to wipe the area you are going to microneedling for extra precautions.

3. Start with microneedling session 

Press the microneedling tool 4 to 5 times in each area. Lift up, and Rotate it to about 90 degrees before you press down again for even coverage. This takes about 2 minutes depending on how large the area you want to treat is. 

4. Apply Vitamin C Serum 

You can pour a vitamin C serum on clean hands to apply several drops of serum and leave it on.   We recommend the Banish serum due to it being made fresh so the vitamin c hasn't oxidized. It is also free of fragrance, dyes, or unnecessary preservatives as any product you apply after microneedling ( the good or bad ) will be more highly absorbed into the skin.  

5. Sanitize the microneedling tool again

Soak in alcohol for 5 minutes then discard the alcohol. Let it air dry before storing it back. 

Pros and Cons of Professional vs At Home Microneedling

Microneedling tools for home use 

Pros: 

• More affordable
• Little to no downtime
• Visible and lasting results after 4 treatments
• Convenient
• User has full control when stamping the microneedling tool on the face on where to pinpoint treatment so you can avoid active acne
• User has full control of what skincare is applied to the skin 

Cons: 

• May take longer to see results compared to professional microneedling
• May not be as effective for severe deep scars compared to certain professional treatments 

In-Office Microneedling: 

Pros: 

• May notice results faster due to longer needles (up to 2.5mm)
• You will be able to have PRP injection performed 
• May have better results from severe skin damage,  deep wrinkles or deep scarring.

Cons of PRP Microneedling: 

• Expensive ($700-$1000 per month)
• Did not see a lasting result after the first treatment
• May not be suitable if you are still having some acne, or prone to fainting from sight of blood.