From the Research
Optimal Needle Length for Microneedling with PRP Therapy
- The optimal needle length for microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but the studies suggest that needle lengths ranging from 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm can be effective for various skin concerns, including wrinkles, skin laxity, scars, and alopecia 1.
- A study published in 2017 found that actual needle penetrations closely matched settings up to 1.0 mm, but were less consistent at settings from 1.5 to 2.5 mm 1.
- Another study published in 2018 used a needle length of 1.5 mm for microneedling with and without PRP for the treatment of atrophic post-acne scars, and found significant improvements in scar severity on both sides of the face 2.
- A randomized study published in 2017 used a combination of microneedling and autologous platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of atrophic scars, but did not specify the needle length used 3.
Effective Treatment Depths
- A study published in 2017 found that the optimal time for massaging pigment particles and labeled platelet-rich plasma (PRP) down 1.0 mm micro-channels was between 5 to 30 minutes after microneedling 1.
- The same study found that patients treated with cosmeceuticals and plasma-rich platelets at depths ranging from 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm demonstrated statistically significant improvements in wrinkle effacement, skin laxity, scar softening, and hair growth 1.
Comparison of Microneedling with and without PRP
- A meta-analysis published in 2021 found that combined treatment with microneedling and PRP was associated with increased odds of clinical improvement of >50% in Goodman's qualitative scale, and a significantly improved mean GQS score compared to microneedling therapy without PRP 4.
- Another study published in 2017 found that PRP appears to augment the cosmetic outcomes of microneedling without increasing the risk for adverse events 5.