PRP vs Microneedling for Acne Scars: Which Treatment Works Best?

At Crystalline Clinic, one of the most common questions we hear is, “Which works better for acne scars — PRP or microneedling?” And it’s a great question, because both treatments are scientifically backed, collagen-boosting, and transformative. But the truth is that the PRP vs microneedling for acne scars debate isn’t a matter of “better versus worse.” It’s about which treatment your skin needs, how severe your scarring is, and how quickly you want to see results.

Acne scarring can affect everything — confidence, makeup application, texture, and even the way light hits your skin. And while topical products can help, they often can’t reach the deeper layers of the skin where scars form. That’s where PRP and microneedling truly shine.

Today, I want to break down the real differences, the pros, the cons, and exactly how we guide our clients at Crystalline Clinic toward the treatment that will give them their smoothest skin yet.

Understanding PRP vs Microneedling for Acne Scars

A woman with flawless skin after deciding between PRP vs Microneedling for Acne Scars and getting one done

Before comparing the two, let’s get clear on how each treatment works — and why they’re both so effective for acne scarring.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling uses a device with tiny, sterile needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-channels stimulate a natural healing response that boosts collagen, elastin, and cellular turnover.

Microneedling is ideal for:

  • Textured skin
  • Shallow to moderate acne scarring
  • Large pores
  • Early signs of ageing
  • Uneven tone

It’s a collagen-remodelling treatment — reliable, effective, and suitable for most skin types.

What Is PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)?

PRP uses your own blood plasma — rich in platelets, growth factors, and healing proteins — to accelerate regeneration. We draw a small amount of blood, spin it in a centrifuge, and separate the golden PRP serum. This plasma is then injected or applied onto the skin.

PRP is ideal for:

  • Deeper acne scars
  • Slow tissue healing
  • Loss of elasticity
  • Dull, lifeless skin
  • Clients wanting a natural, regenerative approach

PRP is your body’s own healing power, intensified.

Curious about PRP science? Take a look at the clinical data on PubMed for in-depth studies on platelet-rich plasma.

PRP vs Microneedling for Acne Scars: Key Differences

Photo - A woman with flawless skin.

1. Depth of Repair

Microneedling triggers collagen through micro-injuries. It works beautifully for surface texture and mild scarring.

PRP goes deeper — delivering growth factors that repair skin at a cellular level. This makes PRP particularly effective for ice-pick scars, boxcar scars, and deeper textural irregularities.

👉 If your scarring is moderate to severe, PRP usually gives stronger results.

2. Speed of Results

Microneedling results build gradually over 6–12 weeks.

PRP often accelerates healing — many clients notice improvements in texture and radiance within 2–4 weeks, especially when PRP is injected directly into scar tissue.

👉 PRP works faster for deep repair.
👉 Microneedling works steadily for surface smoothing.

3. Downtime

Both treatments have similar downtime — usually 24–48 hours of redness and mild sensitivity. PRP may cause slight swelling in injected areas.

4. Natural vs Mechanical Healing

Microneedling = mechanical collagen stimulation
PRP = biological healing stimulation

When used together, the combination is incredibly powerful — which is why we often pair them at Crystalline Clinic for clients wanting maximum scar revision.

PRP vs Microneedling for Acne Scars: Which One Should You Choose?

Photo - A woman with acne getting a treatment done

Here’s the breakdown we give our clients:

Choose Microneedling If…

✔ Your scars are mild–moderate
✔ Your main concerns are texture and pores
✔ You want gradual, natural improvement
✔ You’re new to skin rejuvenation treatments

Choose PRP If…

✔ Your scars are moderate–deep
✔ You want faster healing and regeneration
✔ You prefer treatments using your own cells
✔ You’ve tried microneedling before and want stronger results

Choose Both If…

✔ You want the highest level of improvement
✔ You want faster collagen stimulation
✔ You want long-term scar regeneration
✔ You’re preparing for an event and want maximum clarity

At Crystalline Clinic, we often recommend alternating sessions or combining PRP with microneedling in the same treatment — this is sometimes called a “Vampire Facial”, but our technique is far more advanced, medical, and controlled.

Learn more about PRP and regenerative treatments at CrystallineClinic.co.uk.

What to Expect During Treatment at Crystalline Clinic

Step 1 — Consultation

We analyse your scarring type (rolling, boxcar, ice-pick, or mixed), your skin thickness, your sensitivity, and your healing pattern. No two acne scars are the same.

Step 2 — Treatment Planning

Some clients need a course of microneedling.
Others need targeted PRP injections.
Many benefit from combining both.

Step 3 — Treatment Procedure

We prioritise comfort — using medical-grade numbing cream and gentle techniques. The process usually takes 45–60 minutes.

Step 4 — Aftercare

After treatment, we recommend:

  • SPF daily
  • No makeup for 24 hours
  • No heavy sweating for 48 hours
  • Hydrating skincare only
  • Avoiding active acids for 3–5 days

How Many Sessions Do You Need?

For acne scars, the best results come from consistency.

Microneedling: 3–6 sessions

PRP: 2–4 sessions

Combination: 3–6 sessions alternating

Every client is different — but most see significant improvement in texture, clarity, and scar depth with a properly structured plan.

Why Choose Crystalline Clinic?

Photo - The same woman from earlier with now flawless skin after getting a treatment done.

We specialise in natural, regenerative treatments and advanced scar revision. Our clinicians use:

✔ Medical-grade devices
✔ Premium PRP systems for maximum platelet concentration
✔ Safe, precise microneedling depths
✔ Tailored protocols for every scar type
✔ Results that prioritise natural skin integrity

Your skin deserves expertise — and true scar revision requires it.

Final Thoughts

So, PRP vs microneedling for acne scars — which is best?

The honest answer is:
✨ It depends on your skin and your goals.

  • Microneedling is exceptional for texture and mild scarring.
  • PRP is powerful for deeper repair and regeneration.
  • Together, they offer one of the most effective acne-scar solutions available today.

At Crystalline Clinic, we personalise every plan so your results aren’t just smoother — they’re transformative.

If you’re ready to finally soften acne scars, boost collagen, and reveal clearer, healthier skin, we’d love to guide your journey.