Comparing microneedling with PRP to classic facials

Understanding How Each Treatment Works

Your skin has different layers, kind of like a cake. Classic facials work on the top layer, while microneedling with PRP goes deeper to where the real magic happens. Think of it this way: a facial is like cleaning and polishing the surface of a table, but microneedling with PRP is like refinishing the wood underneath. Both have their place, but they do very different things for your skin.

What Happens During a Classic Facial

Classic facials focus on the outer layer of your skin. They feel relaxing and your skin looks nice afterward, but the results don’t last super long because they’re only working on the surface.

Here’s what typically happens during a traditional facial:

• Deep cleansing removes dirt, oil, and makeup from your pores
• Exfoliation scrubs away dead skin cells sitting on top
• Extractions clear out blackheads and clogged pores
• Masks deliver nutrients and hydration to the surface
• Massage improves circulation and helps you relax

How Microneedling with PRP Works Differently

Microneedling with PRP takes a completely different approach. Instead of just treating the surface, it creates tiny controlled injuries in your skin that trigger your body’s natural healing response. These micro-injuries tell your skin to make fresh collagen and new cells, which is what actually makes skin look younger and healthier from the inside out.

The PRP part is where things get interesting. PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, and it comes from your own blood. A small amount of blood is drawn and spun in a machine that separates out the platelets and growth factors. These growth factors are like little messengers that tell your skin cells to repair and rebuild faster.

At The Wellness Lab, the microneedling with PRP process combines these tiny needles with your own concentrated growth factors. The needles create channels in your skin, and the PRP gets absorbed deep into those channels where it can actually do something.

The Depth Difference Matters

Here’s the big difference between these treatments:

The dermal layer is where collagen lives, and collagen is what keeps skin firm and smooth. Facials can’t reach this layer, but microneedling with PRP can. That’s why the results look different and last longer.

Results You Can Expect from Each Treatment

Your skin tells a story, and the treatment you choose determines how that story unfolds. Classic facials deliver that instant gratification we all love—you walk out with a noticeable glow, cleaner pores, and skin that feels deeply hydrated. It’s like hitting the refresh button on your face. The relaxation factor alone makes it worth the visit, and you can literally see the difference in the mirror right after your appointment. But here’s what most people don’t realize about those immediate results.

Results You Can Expect from Each Treatment

That beautiful post-facial glow typically fades within a few days to a week. Your skin returns to its baseline because classic facials work on the surface level, addressing what’s visible right now rather than what’s happening deeper down.

• Immediate hydration and plumpness
• Cleaner, smaller-looking pores
• Temporary reduction in surface dullness
• Relaxed facial muscles from massage
• Results last approximately 3-7 days

Microneedling with PRP takes a completely different approach. Instead of surface-level improvements, it triggers your body’s natural healing response at a cellular level. The tiny micro-injuries created during treatment tell your skin to produce fresh collagen and elastin. This isn’t about instant results—it’s about rebuilding your skin from the inside out.

The timeline looks different too. You might notice some initial glow within a week, but the real magic happens over the following months as new collagen forms. Scars soften, fine lines fade, and skin texture becomes noticeably smoother as your body does the work. At The Wellness Lab, we personalize each microneedling with PRP treatment based on your specific skin concerns, whether that’s acne scarring, sun damage, or aging signs.

The difference in longevity matters more than most people think. While facials require monthly maintenance to keep that glow going, microneedling with PRP creates changes that stick around for months because you’ve actually changed your skin’s structure.

Cost and Commitment Considerations

Money talks, especially when you’re investing in your skin. Classic facials typically run between $80 to $150 per session, and most estheticians recommend monthly visits to maintain results. That adds up to roughly $960 to $1,800 per year if you’re staying consistent. It’s a manageable monthly expense, similar to a gym membership or subscription service. The predictable cost makes budgeting easier, but you’re committing to that ongoing expense indefinitely.

Cost and Commitment Considerations

Microneedling with PRP sits in a different price category. Individual sessions usually range from $500 to $800, and most people need a series of three to four treatments spaced about four to six weeks apart for optimal results.

• Initial series investment: $1,500 to $3,200
• Maintenance treatments: 1-2 sessions per year
• Annual cost after initial series: $500 to $1,600

The math gets interesting when you look at the bigger picture. That first year with microneedling with PRP costs more upfront, but year two and beyond often cost less than maintaining monthly facials. You’re essentially front-loading your investment for longer-lasting cellular changes rather than paying continuously for temporary surface improvements.

The value proposition depends entirely on your goals. If you want regular relaxation and maintenance of already-healthy skin, monthly facials make sense. But if you’re dealing with specific concerns like scarring, texture issues, or visible aging signs, microneedling with PRP offers transformation rather than just maintenance.

At The Wellness Lab, we offer an exclusive membership program that can reduce costs by up to 40% on select services. This makes both treatment options more accessible and helps committed clients maximize their investment in long-term skin health.

Recovery Time and Treatment Experience

The treatment experience matters just as much as the results, especially if you have a busy schedule. Classic facials are the definition of no-commitment convenience. You lie back, relax for 60 to 90 minutes while someone pampers your skin, and walk out ready to go about your day. There’s zero downtime, no restrictions on makeup or activities, and you can even schedule one during your lunch break. The experience itself is therapeutic—dim lighting, soothing music, gentle massage techniques that melt away stress along with dead skin cells.

You can literally get a facial and head straight to a dinner date or important meeting without anyone knowing you just had a treatment.

• Treatment duration: 60-90 minutes
• Pain level: None (actually relaxing)
• Downtime: Zero
• Makeup application: Immediate
• Return to normal activities: Same day

Microneedling with PRP requires a bit more planning. The treatment itself takes about 60 to 90 minutes, including numbing cream application to keep you comfortable. Most people describe the sensation as mild discomfort rather than pain—think of it like light sandpaper moving across your skin. The Wellness Lab’s experienced clinicians, including ICU nurses and aesthetic specialists, ensure the process stays as comfortable as possible in a professional, calming environment.

The real difference shows up in the recovery phase. Your skin will look red and feel sensitive for about 24 to 48 hours, similar to a moderate sunburn. This isn’t damage—it’s your skin actively healing and rebuilding, but it does mean you’ll want to plan accordingly.

Social downtime is the biggest consideration. While you can technically go out the next day, most people prefer to schedule treatments before a weekend or when they can work from home for a day or two. You’ll need to avoid makeup for at least 24 hours, skip intense workouts for a few days, and stay out of direct sun while your skin heals.

• Redness duration: 24-48 hours
• Mild swelling: Possible for 1-2 days
• Makeup restriction: 24 hours minimum
• Exercise restriction: 48-72 hours
• Sun exposure: Avoid for one week

The aftercare isn’t complicated, but it does require commitment. Gentle cleansing, specific serums, and religious sunscreen application help maximize your results and protect your investment. Think of it as a short-term inconvenience for long-term benefits that actually change how your skin functions.

Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Goals

The decision between microneedling with PRP and classic facials really comes down to what you’re trying to fix and how much time you’re willing to invest. Classic facials work great when you need quick results for an event or just want to maintain healthy skin without any recovery period. They’re also perfect if you have sensitive skin that reacts badly to more aggressive treatments. But if you’re dealing with deeper issues like acne scars, rough texture, or visible signs of aging, microneedling with PRP targets those problems at a cellular level instead of just treating the surface.

Think of it this way: facials are like regular car maintenance, while microneedling with PRP is more like a major tune-up that actually rebuilds parts of the engine. Both have their place in a smart skincare routine.

When Classic Facials Make Sense

• You need your skin to look fresh for an event happening within a few days
• Your main goal is relaxation and stress relief along with basic skin health
• You have very sensitive skin that doesn’t handle aggressive treatments well
• You’re maintaining results from previous treatments and just need regular upkeep
• Your budget is limited and you want affordable monthly maintenance

When Microneedling with PRP Is the Better Choice

• You have acne scars, surgical scars, or stretch marks you want to reduce
• Your skin texture is uneven with large pores or rough patches
• Fine lines and wrinkles are becoming more noticeable and you want lasting improvement
• You’ve tried surface treatments without seeing the results you wanted
• You’re willing to invest in fewer treatments that deliver bigger changes

The truth is these treatments can work together beautifully. Many people at The Wellness Lab get microneedling with PRP sessions spaced a few months apart, then maintain their results with monthly facials in between.

Lifestyle Factors That Matter

• Budget considerations: Facials cost less per session but need more frequent visits, while microneedling with PRP costs more upfront but requires fewer treatments
• Schedule flexibility: Can you take a few days off for redness and peeling, or do you need zero downtime
• Pain tolerance: Facials are completely comfortable, while microneedling involves some discomfort even with numbing cream
• Long-term commitment: Are you looking for quick fixes or willing to invest in treatments that build results over time

During your consultation at The Wellness Lab, the team will look at your specific skin concerns and help you figure out which path makes the most sense. They’ll consider your age, skin type, and what you’re hoping to achieve. Someone in their 20s dealing with acne scars will get different recommendations than someone in their 50s focused on aging concerns, even if both choose microneedling with PRP as their main treatment.

Making Your Skin Care Investment Count

The choice between microneedling with PRP and classic facials really comes down to what your skin needs right now. Classic facials work great for surface-level maintenance, keeping your skin clean and glowing week after week. Microneedling with PRP goes deeper, triggering your body’s natural healing response to rebuild collagen and address concerns that sit below the surface. Both treatments have their place in a solid skin care routine.

Think about your main skin concerns before deciding which path makes sense. If you’re dealing with acne scars, deep wrinkles, or significant texture issues, you’ll probably want the regenerative power of microneedling with PRP. If you’re focused on maintaining healthy skin and preventing problems before they start, regular facials might be your best bet.

The Wellness Lab offers personalized consultations to help you figure out which treatment fits your goals. Our team looks at your skin type, concerns, and lifestyle to create a plan that actually works for you. Sometimes the answer is combining both treatments at different intervals.

The best way to know what your skin needs is to talk with someone who can assess it in person. Book a consultation to discuss whether microneedling with PRP or another approach makes the most sense for where you’re at right now.

Common Questions About Facials and Microneedling

Choosing between treatments can feel confusing when you’re trying to figure out what your skin actually needs. These are the questions we hear most often from clients who want to understand the real differences between microneedling with PRP and traditional facials. The answers might help you decide which path makes sense for your specific skin goals.

Can I do both treatments?

Yes, you can combine both treatments, but timing matters. Most people get a classic facial first to clean and prep their skin, then wait about two weeks before doing microneedling with PRP. This gives your skin time to calm down between treatments. Some clients at The Wellness Lab alternate between the two, using facials for maintenance and microneedling with PRP when they want deeper results.

Which treatment is better for acne scars?

Microneedling with PRP works much better for acne scars because it actually rebuilds the skin from underneath. Regular facials can make your skin look smoother temporarily, but they don’t create the new collagen needed to fill in scarred areas. The tiny needles create controlled injuries that trigger your body’s healing response, and the PRP speeds up that repair process.

How many microneedling with PRP sessions do I need?

Most people see good results after three to six sessions spaced about four weeks apart. Deeper concerns like significant scarring or wrinkles might need more sessions. Your skin keeps improving for months after each treatment as new collagen forms, so you’re not just paying for what you see that day.

Will a facial help with wrinkles?

Facials can make fine lines look softer by hydrating your skin and removing dead cells on the surface. But they won’t do much for deeper wrinkles because they don’t reach the layers where collagen lives. If wrinkles are your main concern, you’ll probably want to look at microneedling with PRP or other options like Botox that actually address what’s happening under the surface.

Is microneedling with PRP painful?

Most people describe it as uncomfortable rather than painful. We apply numbing cream before starting, so you’ll feel pressure and some prickling but not sharp pain. Your face might feel like it has a sunburn for a day or two afterward. It’s definitely more intense than a facial, but the results tend to be worth the temporary discomfort.

How soon before an event should I get each treatment?

Get a facial one to three days before your event for that immediate glow. For microneedling with PRP, you need at least a week, preferably two, because your skin will be red and flaky for several days. Plan your final session about a month before any big event so your skin has time to heal and show off the real results.