A Proven Solution for Acne Scars
PRP for acne scars has been proven to help individuals drastically reduce acne scarring in just a few treatments. Here’s how it works and some insight to help you decide if it’s right for you.
If you have difficulty with acne and developed acne scarring, the first thing you need to know is that you aren’t alone.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 experience acne on their face, chest, back, or in all three places. And 20% of those individuals will develop acne scars.
It’s such a common occurrence among teens and adults. But it can often seem like there aren’t any reliable options to treat the scars after they develop.
But PRP is proving to be one of the most effective options to help individuals overcome their acne scars and feel confident in their skin again.
At Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa, we’ve helped countless patients across Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, and Chandler reduce the appearance of acne scarring and restore their confidence with PRP treatments
What is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma.
Plasma and platelets come from your blood. Your blood has many proteins and enzymes circulating in it that help your body function. Those proteins specifically found in your plasma improve cell growth and collagen production.
Why PRP works:
- Concentrated growth factors stimulate healing
- Promotes collagen and elastin production
- Accelerates tissue regeneration
- Uses your body’s own healing mechanisms
- Natural, biocompatible treatment
- No risk of allergic reaction
What PRP contains:
- Growth factors that trigger cell reproduction
- Proteins that support tissue repair
- Cytokines that reduce inflammation
- Stem cells that promote regeneration
How Does the Procedure Work?
To collect the platelet-rich plasma for your treatment, your doctor draws a small amount of blood from your arm. Your blood is put into a centrifuge, which separates your blood so the plasma can be removed and used for your procedure.
Step-by-step process:
- Blood draw:
- Small amount of blood collected (similar to routine lab work)
- Takes just a few minutes
- Minimal discomfort
- Centrifuge processing:
- Blood is spun to separate components
- Platelet-rich plasma is isolated
- Takes about 10-15 minutes
- Concentrated to 3-5 times normal platelet levels
- Skin preparation:
- Your doctor cleans your face thoroughly
- A mild anesthetic is applied to the surface of your skin
- The procedure is considered mildly irritating without this anesthetic
- With anesthetic applied, you should feel nothing at all during the microneedling process
- Microneedling with PRP:
- Then the microneedling occurs, and through the process, the PRP is injected into the surface of your skin
- Tiny needles create micro-channels in the skin
- PRP is applied topically and penetrates deeply
- Stimulates natural healing response
- Healing process:
- From there, the proteins and enzymes in your platelet-rich plasma stimulate the cells on your skin to heal and produce more collagen
- Which ultimately leads to smoother and younger-looking skin
- Your body continues working for weeks after treatment
PRP vs. Standard Microneedling
While a standard microneedling procedure can help with acne scars, the combination with PRP has measurable benefits.
The research is detailed:
In one study, 50 patients went through a microneedling procedure where one half of their face received standard microneedling treatment. And the other half of their face used PRP microneedling.
The results clearly favored using PRP in the process. The side of their faces without PRP measured a 45.84% improvement in their acne scarring. While the side with PRP had a 62.20% improvement.
That’s a 16% greater improvement with PRP!
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When Do You See Results?
PRP treatments for acne scarring can take some time to show results.
Your body takes time to react to the procedure and produce more collagen and efficient cell growth.
Timeline:
Immediately after:
- Redness and mild swelling (normal)
- Skin may feel tight or sensitive
- Looks like mild sunburn
First few weeks:
- Your skin around your acne scarring will look firmer and more youthful
- Texture begins to improve
- Redness fades
- Glow and radiance increase
3-6 months:
- Continued collagen production
- Noticeable reduction in scar depth
- Improved skin texture and tone
- Enhanced overall appearance
6-9 months:
- The acne scarring can take up to 9 months to improve
- Maximum results achieved
- Skin continues to remodel
Multiple treatments: It’s often recommended to get multiple procedures for better results in less time.
Typical treatment plan:
- 3-6 sessions recommended
- Spaced 4-6 weeks apart
- Cumulative improvement with each session
- Maintenance treatments annually
Who Can Get PRP for Acne Scarring?
PRP is considered safe for most people. But there are some conditions or circumstances that would make it best to avoid PRP or wait until a later time to get it.
You should find another option if you are:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have undergone skin radiation in the past year
- Have active rosacea or facial eczema
- Currently use Accutane or recently stopped using it (wait 6-12 months)
- Have active acne breakouts (treat acne first)
- Have blood disorders or clotting issues
- Take blood thinners
- Have active skin infections
These situations lead to unintended effects like greater discomfort during the procedure or slower healing after the procedure is done. This is why it’s not typically recommended for those individuals.
Ideal candidates:
- Have atrophic (depressed) acne scars
- Finished with active acne treatment
- Realistic expectations
- Committed to multiple sessions
- Good overall health
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding
Types of Acne Scars PRP Can Treat
Ice pick scars:
- Deep, narrow, pitted scars
- Looks like small holes in the skin
- PRP helps stimulate collagen to fill
Boxcar scars:
- Broad, rectangular depressions
- Defined edges
- PRP improves texture and depth
Rolling scars:
- Wide, shallow depressions
- Wavy appearance
- PRP smooths and evens skin
Hypertrophic scars:
- Raised, thick scars
- PRP can help flatten and soften
Best results: Combination of scar types with overall texture improvement
What to Expect After Treatment
Immediate aftercare:
- Avoid touching your face
- No makeup for 24 hours
- Gentle cleansing only
- Apply the prescribed healing serum
- Avoid sun exposure
First 24-48 hours:
- Redness and swelling (normal)
- Skin may feel tight
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Stay hydrated
First week:
- Mild flaking or peeling is possible
- Continue gentle skincare
- Use SPF 30+ daily
- Avoid harsh products
- No exfoliating
Ongoing care:
- Follow the provider’s skincare recommendations
- Protect skin from sun damage
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Stay hydrated
- Consider maintenance treatments
Why Choose Valley Medical Weight Loss?
When many people with acne scars report having a lower self-image and don’t like looking in the mirror, it’s important to find professionals who understand what you’re going through.
Our approach:
- Experienced medical team
- Compassionate, judgment-free care
- Personalized treatment plans
- State-of-the-art technology
- Comprehensive consultations
- Ongoing support
What sets us apart:
- Over 15 years of experience
- 80,000+ patients served
- Physician-supervised treatments
- Natural-looking results
- Transparent pricing
- Four convenient locations
Visit us at any location:
About Valley Medical Weight Loss
Valley Medical Weight Loss has been helping individuals achieve their health and wellness goals for over 15 years, with more than 80,000 patients served across the Phoenix metro area. Our four convenient locations in Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, and Chandler offer physician-supervised weight loss programs, advanced treatments, and personalized support, all with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. We believe in making effective weight loss accessible, affordable, and sustainable for everyone. Learn more about our approach.
Important Information
Aesthetic Services Disclaimer: Aesthetic services are elective, and results vary by individual. Multiple sessions may be recommended. Treatments are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Program Disclaimer: Valley Medical Weight Loss does not guarantee outcomes. Programs are medically supervised, but results vary by individual. All treatments require evaluation and prescription by a licensed provider.
Gallery/Photo Disclaimer: Results vary. Photos shown with patient consent.
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