PRP Microneedling Vs RF Microneedling

Last Medically Reviewed: 9th October 2026 by Dr Imogen Bexfield.

Microneedling + PRP vs. RF Microneedling: Which is Better?

Microneedling has quickly become one of the most popular non-surgical treatments, improving skin texture, reducing acne scarring, and stimulating collagen production at once.

If you’ve done your homework, you’ve likely discovered Microneedling with PRP (aka the Vampire Facial) and RF Microneedling.

Both boost collagen and trigger the skin’s natural healing response. But they work very differently: one uses your own blood’s healing properties, and the other uses radiofrequency energy to go deeper.

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So which one should you choose for the results you need?

• Microneedling with PRP is best for refining texture and tone
• RF Microneedling is best for ageing or sagging skin
• PRP is all about healing and glowing from within
• RF is all about lifting and tightening
• Both stimulate collagen

Let’s dive into the science, benefits, downtime, and results of each so you can confidently choose what suits your skin and schedule.

Feature	PRP Microneedling	RF Microneedling
Best for	Fine lines, mild acne scars, enlarged pores and overall skin rejuvenation	Moderate to severe acne scars, wrinkles and skin laxity
Targets	Skin texture, tone, collagen production and healing	Deeper collagen remodelling, skin tightening and texture
Results	Brighter, smoother, healthier-looking skin	Firmer, tighter skin with greater improvement in acne scars
Downtime	1-3 days	2-5 days
Treatment course	3-6 sessions	3-4 sessions
Longevity	Results can last 6-12 months with maintenance	Results can last 12-18 months with maintenance

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Dive deeper into Microneedling with PRP

The Vampire Facial creates tiny, controlled micro-injuries that trigger the body’s healing response and boost collagen and elastin.

The PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is taken from your own blood and spun in a centrifuge to extract growth factors that supercharge healing and reduce acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

Patients love it because…

• Boosts collagen and elastin production
• Creates firmer skin
• Fades pigmentation (acne scars, surgical marks, dark spots)
• Softens fine lines, deep wrinkles and rough texture
• Shrinks large pores
• Speeds up healing compared to standard microneedling

But they should bear in mind that…

• The treatment needs 3-6 sessions
• Results gradually develop over a few weeks
• Redness and mild swelling, like sunburn, can be expected for 3-5 days

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Dive deeper into RF Microneedling

Radiofrequency microneedling works differently. It uses insulated needles to deliver radiofrequency energy deeper into the skin layers, taking treatment one step further to stimulate collagen remodelling and skin tightening.

Patients choose it because…

• It reduces loose or sagging skin on the face and neck
• Improves the look of scars, acne scarring and stretch marks
• Minimises large pores, fine lines and wrinkles
• Requires slightly fewer sessions

But they should bear in mind that…

• It’s more intense than traditional microneedling
• Has a longer downtime (up to 5 days of redness)
• It’s more uncomfortable
• It costs more (higher price per session)
• Carries a risk of pigment changes

Which treatment is right for you – the ideal patients for each

The right treatment depends on your skin concerns and the results you hope to achieve.

Choose PRP Microneedling if you want to:

• Have sensitive or reactive skin
• Improve overall skin texture and radiance
• Soften fine lines and enlarged pores
• Alleviate scarring or uneven tone
• Minimise downtime with a natural regenerative treatment
• Enhance your skin using your body’s own growth factors

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Choose RF Microneedling if you want to:

• Tighten loose or ageing skin
• Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
• Improve deeper textural concerns
• Stimulate collagen production at greater depths
• Achieve firmer, more dramatic skin rejuvenation

Explore PRP for hair loss instead.

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