prp facial for acne scars Archives

How PRP Facial Can Help Treat Acne Scars: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on April 10, 2025April 18, 2025 by David Nazarian M.D.

Acne scars can be a persistent reminder of past breakouts, often leaving people feeling self-conscious about their skin’s appearance. While acne may heal over time, the scars it leaves behind can take much longer to fade. Fortunately, various treatments can improve the appearance of these scars, with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) facials emerging as one of the most promising solutions. In this guide, we’ll explore how PRP facials work, how they help treat acne scars, and why they’re becoming increasingly popular.

Understanding Acne Scars

Before we discuss how PRP treatment for acne scars, it’s essential to understand what acne scars are and how they form. Acne scars result from inflammation caused by acne lesions. A pimple, cyst, or blackhead rupture can damage the surrounding skin tissue, leading to scarring.

Types of Acne Scars:

Ice Pick Scars: These are deep, narrow scars that resemble small holes in the skin, often leaving a pitted look.
Boxcar Scars: These are broad, angular depressions that often have sharp edges, resembling chickenpox scars.
Rolling Scars: These are broad depressions with smooth edges, creating a wave-like appearance on the skin.

How Acne Scars Form:

Scarring occurs during the healing process. Collagen production is essential when the body repairs the tissue damaged by acne. However, producing collagen in excess or insufficiently results in either raised or depressed scars. The healing process can take months or even years, with some wounds resistant to typical over-the-counter treatments.

Common Myths About Acne Scars:

Myth 1: Acne scars are permanent.
Myth 2: Over-the-counter products can eliminate acne scars.
Myth 3: Only deep scars can benefit from professional treatments.

What is PRP Facial?

PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma, a substance derived from your blood. This plasma is rich in platelets and growth factors essential for tissue regeneration and healing. PRP facials involve extracting a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting or applying the plasma to your skin.

The Science Behind PRP: The growth factors in PRP stimulate collagen production, promote tissue healing, and encourage skin cell regeneration. By enhancing the body’s natural healing process, PRP facials can help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of scars, and promote overall skin rejuvenation.

Step-by-Step Process of a PRP Facial:

Blood Draw: A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm.
Processing the Blood: The blood is placed in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the red blood cells.
Application: The PRP is then applied to your face through microneedling or directly injected into the skin.
Healing: The growth factors in the PRP stimulate your skin to heal and regenerate, reducing scarring and improving texture.

Benefits of PRP Facial for Acne Scars

PRP facials are particularly effective in treating acne scars because they stimulate collagen production and promote skin regeneration. Here’s how PRP helps:

Stimulates Collagen Production: Collagen is crucial for healthy, youthful skin and is necessary for healing acne scars. By stimulating collagen production, PRP helps fill in depressed scars and smooth out the skin’s surface.
Improves Skin Texture: PRP facials can improve skin texture, making it appear smoother, more even, and healthier overall.
Helps with Other Skin Concerns: In addition to acne scars, PRP facials can also reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, giving you a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
Minimal Downtime: One of the standout benefits of PRP facials is the minimal downtime. Unlike more invasive treatments like chemical peels or laser resurfacing, PRP facials typically involve little to no recovery time.

Studies Supporting PRP for Acne Scars:

PRP for Treating Acne Scars: A Review: This review emphasizes the effectiveness of PRP in promoting collagen deposition and accelerating wound healing. It notes that PRP is effective for treating atrophic acne scars and can be used alone or in combination with other methods [1].
A Split-Face Comparative Study on PRP and Microneedling: In this study, PRP combined with microneedling showed better results in improving acne scars than microneedling alone. The combination therapy enhanced scar appearance and led to higher patient satisfaction and quicker recovery times [2].
PRP and Fractional Ablative Laser Therapy: A study reviewing the effectiveness of PRP found that PRP, when combined with fractional ablative laser therapy, was particularly effective in multiple sessions. This combination therapy significantly reduced acne scarring and provided faster, more dramatic results than PRP alone [3].

What to Expect During and After a PRP Facial

Pre-Treatment Consultation: Before your PRP facial, you’ll have a consultation with a skincare professional. During this assessment, your skin type and the severity of your acne scars will be evaluated. Your provider will discuss your goals and expectations for treatment.

What Happens During the Procedure: Depending on the treated area, the PRP facial typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour. While the procedure may cause discomfort, a topical numbing cream is often applied to minimize pain. The treatment is well-tolerated by most patients.

Post-Treatment Care: After your PRP facial, you may experience mild redness or swelling, which usually subsides within a few hours. To promote healing, avoid sun exposure and harsh skincare products for a few days. Your skincare professional will provide aftercare instructions to ensure optimal results.

Possible Side Effects: Side effects are minimal but may include slight bruising or swelling at the injection sites. These usually resolve within a few days.

Is PRP Facial Right for You?

Ideal Candidates: PRP facials suit individuals with mild to moderate acne scars. They’re especially effective for those who have tried other treatments without satisfactory results. PRP is also beneficial for individuals seeking a non-invasive option with minimal downtime.

Factors to Consider: The severity of your scars, skin type, and treatment goals are essential in determining whether PRP is right for you. If your scars are deep, you may need additional treatments such as fractional laser or microneedling.

PRP vs. Other Treatments: PRP facials effectively treat mild to moderate acne scars. However, if your scars are deep, combining PRP with other treatments, such as microneedling or laser therapy, may yield better results.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

Typical Number of Sessions: Most individuals need between 3 and 6 PRP facial sessions to see noticeable results. These sessions are typically spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.

Long-Term Results: The results of PRP facials can last for several months, but maintenance treatments may be required for long-lasting effects.

FAQs

Is PRP Facial Safe for All Skin Types?

PRP is generally safe for most skin types, but it is recommended that you consult with a skincare professional to ensure it is appropriate for your specific skin type.

Can PRP Help with Deep Acne Scars?

While PRP is effective for mild to moderate scars, deeper scars may require additional treatments like fractional laser or microneedling.

How Many PRP Sessions for Acne Scars?

The number of sessions required varies, but most patients see improvements after 3 to 6 sessions.

Conclusion

PRP facials are a powerful, minimally invasive treatment option for improving acne scars and rejuvenating the skin. By stimulating collagen production and promoting skin healing, PRP facials can significantly reduce the appearance of scars, enhance skin texture, and address other skin concerns.

With minimal downtime and a proven track record of success, PRP facials are an excellent choice for anyone seeking smoother, clearer skin. To explore whether PRP facials are right for you, schedule a consultation with a skincare professional at PRP Treatment Beverly Hills and embark on your journey toward flawless skin.

References:

hasan alhejoj. Opportunities for Platelet Rich Plasma Application in the Treatment of Skin Scars. Archiv Euromedica. Published 2021. Accessed March 23, 2025. Link
bassi roopam. A split face comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of skin microneedling and platelet rich plasma (PRP) combination versus skin microneedling alone for treatment of post acne scars. Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatology. Published October 2020. Accessed March 23, 2025. Link
Hesseler MJ, Shyam N. Platelet-rich plasma and its utility in the treatment of acne scars: A systematic review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Jun;80(6):1730-1745. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.11.029. Epub 2019 Feb 8. PMID: 30742878.

Say Goodbye to Acne Scars with Platelet-Rich Plasma Facials

Posted on February 6, 2023May 26, 2023 by David Nazarian M.D.

Acne scars can constantly remind one of past breakouts and affect one’s self-confidence. If you’re looking for a non-surgical solution to improve the appearance of acne scars, Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facials may be the answer.

PRP facials harness the power of your blood’s platelets to promote collagen and elastin production, reducing the appearance of acne scars.

This article will look closely at how PRP facials work, the benefits, and what to expect during the treatment.

PRP Facial For Acne Scars: An Overview

PRP facial, also known as Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy, is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses the patient’s blood to improve the appearance of acne scars.

The treatment involves taking a small sample of the patient’s blood, which is then processed to extract the platelet-rich plasma. The plasma is re-injected into the patient’s skin using a microneedling device.

Significance of PRP Facial For Acne Scars

The significance of PRP facial for acne scars lies in its ability to stimulate the body’s healing process. Platelets contain growth factors that promote the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for the repair and regeneration of the skin.

By introducing a concentrated dose of these growth factors back into the skin, PRP facial can help to improve the appearance of acne scars by reducing the depth and size of the scars.

How Does PRP Facial For Acne Scars Make an Impact?

The impact of PRP facial on acne scars can be quite significant, with many patients reporting a noticeable improvement in the appearance of their scars after just one treatment. The treatment can also help improve the skin’s overall texture and tone, resulting in a more youthful and radiant appearance.

In addition, PRP facial is a safe and effective alternative to more invasive treatments such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels.

PRP Facial For Acne Scars Outcomes

The outcomes of PRP facial for acne scars can vary depending on the severity of the scars, as well as the individual’s skin type and overall health.

However, in general, most patients can expect to see a noticeable improvement in the appearance of their scars within a few weeks of treatment. Some patients may require multiple treatments to achieve the desired results.

Overall, PRP facial is a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment for acne scars that can help improve the skin’s overall appearance.

How Microneedling With PRP For Acne Scars Works?

Microneedling with PRP for acne scars is a two-step process that combines a microneedling device and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to improve the appearance of acne scars.

The first step of the treatment involves drawing a small sample of the patient’s blood, which is then processed to extract the platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The plasma is then re-injected back into the patient’s skin using a microneedling device.

The microneedling device creates tiny punctures in the skin, stimulating the skin’s natural healing process. The device is equipped with fine needles that make microscopic channels in the skin, which trigger collagen and elastin production.

The PRP is then applied to the skin, which delivers growth factors to the skin to promote the production of collagen and elastin further.

The combination of microneedling and PRP can help to improve the appearance of acne scars by promoting collagen and elastin production, which are essential for the repair and regeneration of the skin. The procedure can also improve the overall texture and tone of the skin.

Microneedling with PRP for acne scars is a medical procedure. A qualified practitioner should only perform it in a sterile environment to minimize the risk of complications or side effects.

It’s essential to set realistic expectations and discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with the practitioner before making a decision. The procedure is not a permanent solution for acne scars, and you may need multiple treatments to achieve desired results.

Consult for PRP Therapy with M.D. $450

Apply Fee For Consult To Treatment Package

Order of labs & imaging

PRP Therapy Promotion Including Consult $1000
Package Of 3 PRP Therapy Sessions, Includes Consultation +$2,700.00
Package Of 5 PRP Therapy Sessions) Includes Consultation +$4,000.00
15 year experience providing PRP therapies
4 tubes of PRP used, Over 10 to 15 cc of PRP obtained
4 mixture numbing cream
6 injectors used for hair treatments
15+ Years Experience

Is PRP for Acne Scars Permanent?

PRP facial for acne scars is not permanent. The effects of the treatment are not permanent, as the skin’s natural aging process will continue, and new acne may occur. However, the treatment can produce long-lasting results by stimulating collagen and elastin production. And it can help improve the appearance of scars and the skin’s overall texture and tone.

The effects of PRP facial may last for several months, and some patients may need multiple treatments to achieve desired results.

Additionally, the patient’s lifestyle, skincare routine, and overall health can also impact the longevity of the treatment’s effects. For example, if you continue to get new acne or do not take proper care of your skin, the acne scars may re-appear, or the improvement will not last long.

How Many PRP Treatments Are Needed For Acne Scars?

The number of PRP treatments needed for acne scars can vary depending on the individual case, the severity of the scars, and the desired results. Typically, a series of 2-3 treatments are needed, spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

PRP treatment can be combined with other treatments, such as microneedling, chemical peels, or laser resurfacing. The practitioner may recommend a combination of treatments to achieve optimal results.

The results of PRP treatment for acne scars may not be immediate, and it can take several weeks to see the full effects of the treatment. Additionally, the results are not permanent, and you may need maintenance treatments to maintain the results.

It’s important to discuss the number of treatments needed and the expected results with a qualified practitioner before starting any treatment. The procedure is not suitable for everyone, and you should consult a qualified practitioner before deciding.

What Are PRP For Acne Scars Side Effects?

PRP facial for acne scars is generally considered a safe procedure with minimal side effects. However, as with any medical procedure, there is always a risk of complications or side effects.

The most common side effects of PRP facial for acne scars include:

Redness and swelling in the treated area
Bruising and bleeding at the injection site
Itching or a burning sensation
Infection or an allergic reaction to the needles or equipment used

These side effects are usually mild and temporary and typically resolve within a few days of the procedure. Serious side effects are rare, but they can happen.

In rare cases, patients may experience an allergic reaction to the needles or equipment used during the procedure. You can treat these reactions with antihistamines or corticosteroids.

There is also a risk of infection with any needle-based procedure. Choosing a qualified practitioner and a sterile environment is crucial to minimize the risk of infection.

Some studies have been conducted on the safety of PRP for acne scars, showing that PRP facial is a safe procedure with minimal side effects. A study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery in 2018 found that PRP facial was well-tolerated by the patients and resulted in minimal side effects.

Another study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment in 2019 found that PRP facial was safe and effective for treating acne scars with minimal side effects.

Final Words

PRP facials offer a non-surgical solution for those looking to improve the appearance of acne scars. The treatment harnesses the power of the patient’s blood platelets to promote collagen and elastin production, reducing scarring.

It’s important to note that the results are not immediate, and you may need multiple treatments to achieve desired results. Having realistic expectations and consulting a qualified practitioner before starting any treatment is also essential.

If you’re considering a PRP facial for your acne scars, talk to Dr. David Nazarian in PRP Treatment Beverly Hills clinic to determine if it’s the right option.

Tag: prp facial for acne scars