Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Paltiel, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist | 20+ Years Experience | Last Updated: May 2026
Microneedling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) combines two proven collagen-stimulating treatments into a single appointment. The microneedling needles create thousands of micro-channels in the skin, and the PRP, drawn from your own blood and concentrated, is applied directly into those channels. The growth factors in PRP accelerate the healing cascade, which compounds the collagen and elastin response of standard microneedling. Cost in the Forest Hills, Queens area typically runs higher than microneedling alone because of the added blood draw, centrifuge time, and PRP processing supplies. Most patients see best results from a series of 3 to 4 sessions, spaced about 6 weeks apart, with maintenance every 6 months. Below: how it works, what to expect during the visit, who is a good candidate, and the most common patient questions, with input from Dr. Michael Paltiel, MD. To book, see microneedling at our Forest Hills office.
Quick Facts: Microneedling with PRP
- Sessions for best results: 3 to 4, spaced 6 weeks apart (per Dr. Paltiel).
- Maintenance: 1 session every 6 months for ongoing collagen support.
- Numbing: Topical numbing cream applied before the procedure.
- Treatable areas: Face, neck, chest.
- Skin tones: Safe for all, including African American, Asian, and Hispanic skin.
- Recovery to makeup: About 2 days.
- Sun avoidance: 1 week post-treatment.
What Is Microneedling with PRP, and How Is It Different from Standard Microneedling?
Microneedling alone uses a sterile, motorized device with very fine needles to create thousands of micro-channels in the skin. Each channel is a controlled, microscopic injury that triggers the body to produce new collagen and elastin during the wound-healing process.
Microneedling with PRP adds a second active ingredient: your own platelet-rich plasma. The provider draws a small amount of blood, spins it in a centrifuge to separate out the platelet-rich layer, and applies that concentrate directly into the micro-channels created by the microneedling. Platelets carry growth factors (PDGF, TGF-beta, VEGF, EGF) that accelerate the healing response and amplify collagen production above baseline.
Two related options:
- PRF (platelet-rich fibrin): a slower-spinning version of PRP that includes white blood cells and a fibrin matrix, which extends growth-factor release over a longer window. Same delivery method.
- Exosomes: a lab-derived, growth-factor-rich product that does not require a blood draw. Can be applied during the same procedure for patients who prefer to skip the blood draw.
According to Dr. Paltiel, microneedling can be paired with PRP, PRF, or exosomes. The choice depends on patient preference and the skin concern being treated.
The Procedure Step by Step
- Blood draw (5 minutes): 10 to 30 mL of blood is drawn from your arm, the same as a routine lab draw.
- Centrifuge spin (10 to 15 minutes): the blood spins to separate the platelet-rich plasma from red blood cells.
- Topical numbing (15 to 20 minutes): while the blood spins, numbing cream is applied to the treatment area.
- Microneedling pass (20 to 30 minutes): the provider passes the device over the area, adjusting needle depth (typically 0.5 to 2.5 mm) based on your concerns. Per Dr. Paltiel, needle depth is controlled by the provider depending on patient concerns.
- PRP application: the concentrated PRP is applied topically to the treated skin, where it absorbs through the open micro-channels.
- Post-procedure: the skin is red, sometimes with pinpoint bleeding depending on depth. A calming serum or hyaluronic acid is often layered on top.
Total visit time is typically 60 to 75 minutes including numbing and the blood draw.
“Microneedling can be paired and enhanced by PRP and/or exosomes. Needle depth is controlled by the provider depending on patient concerns, so we tailor every session to what we are actually trying to treat that day, scarring, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, or texture.”
Dr. Michael Paltiel, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist, Adult and Pediatric Dermatology
Microneedling with PRP Cost in Forest Hills
Pricing for microneedling with PRP varies based on the size of the treatment area, the depth of the session, and whether PRP, PRF, or exosomes is used. In the Forest Hills, Queens area, you should expect a meaningful premium over standard microneedling because of the additional blood draw, centrifuge supplies, and PRP processing time. Adult and Pediatric Dermatology offers payment plans through Cherry and CareCredit for patients who want to spread payment across the 3-to-4-session series.
Cost factors that affect your specific quote:
- Treatment area: face only, vs face plus neck, vs face plus neck plus chest. Larger areas use more PRP and more procedure time.
- Add-on choice: PRP vs PRF vs exosomes. Exosomes are a lab-derived product and pricing reflects the lab cost.
- Session count: the recommended 3-to-4-session series is often discounted as a package vs single-session pricing.
- Skin condition: deeper acne scarring may require more sessions and a different needle depth, which affects the per-session quote.
For an exact quote based on your skin and goals, schedule a consultation. We do not publish flat pricing because the right session structure varies by patient.
Sessions Needed and Results Timeline
| Time Point | What You See |
|---|---|
| Day 0 (immediately after) | Red, sometimes with pinpoint bleeding depending on depth. |
| Day 1 to 2 | Pink and slightly tight skin, similar to a mild sunburn. Most patients can return to work the next day. |
| Day 2 | Most patients can wear makeup again. |
| Week 1 to 2 | Texture improves, dullness fades. Avoid sun exposure for the first week. |
| Week 6 | Time for next session. Continued texture and tone improvement. |
| 3 to 6 months after final session | Peak collagen remodeling. Best visible results. |
| Every 6 months | Maintenance session to keep collagen production active. |
PRP vs PRF vs Exosomes: Which Add-On Is Right for You?
| Add-On | Source | Best For | Blood Draw? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRP | Your own blood, fast spin | Acne scars, fine lines, overall rejuvenation | Yes |
| PRF | Your own blood, slow spin (more white cells, fibrin matrix) | Slower, sustained growth-factor release | Yes |
| Exosomes | Lab-derived | Patients who want to skip the blood draw, or want potent growth factors without the variability of self-sourced blood | No |
Most patients start with PRP because it uses their own blood (no foreign material) and is a well-established option. Exosomes are a newer add-on and a good choice for needle-shy patients.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Microneedling with PRP?
- Patients with mild to moderate fine lines, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, skin laxity, or loss of volume.
- Patients with darker skin tones (African American, Asian, Hispanic) where laser resurfacing carries hyperpigmentation risk. Microneedling is safe across all skin tones.
- Patients who want to avoid downtime longer than a couple of days.
- Patients comfortable with a small blood draw (or who can opt for exosomes if not).
Why Choose Adult and Pediatric Dermatology in Forest Hills
- Board-certified dermatologists with 17+ years of experience, led by Dr. Michael Paltiel, MD (Johns Hopkins, residency at the University of Maryland).
- Microneedling, PRP, PRF, and exosome options all offered in-office, so the provider can tailor your add-on to your skin concern.
- Provider-controlled needle depth, adjusted in real time based on the area being treated and the depth of the concern.
- Treatment available for face, neck, and chest in the same session.
- Financing through Cherry and CareCredit; payment plans available for the 3-to-4-session series.
“I had old acne scars on my cheeks that I had given up on. After 4 microneedling-with-PRP sessions at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology, the texture is dramatically smoother and my skin has a glow it has never had before. The blood draw is honestly nothing, and the team made the whole process feel routine.”
Recent patient review, Adult and Pediatric Dermatology, Forest Hills
Book Your Microneedling with PRP Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does microneedling with PRP cost?
Cost varies by treatment area size and add-on choice (PRP, PRF, or exosomes). The 3-to-4-session series is typically priced as a package at a discount vs single-session pricing. Adult and Pediatric Dermatology offers financing through Cherry and CareCredit. For an exact quote, schedule a consultation.
How many sessions of microneedling with PRP do I need?
3 to 4 sessions, spaced 6 weeks apart, is the recommended starting series per Dr. Paltiel. Maintenance sessions every 6 months keep collagen production active.
Does microneedling with PRP hurt?
Topical numbing cream is applied for 15 to 20 minutes before the procedure, and most patients describe the sensation as mild scratching or vibration. The blood draw feels the same as a routine lab draw.
How long is downtime?
Skin is red and sometimes has pinpoint bleeding immediately after, depending on depth. Most patients can wear makeup again at the 2-day mark. Avoid sun exposure for 1 week post-treatment.
Is microneedling with PRP safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. Microneedling does not destroy the surface skin layer, so it is one of the few collagen-stimulating procedures that is safe across all skin tones, including African American, Asian, and Hispanic skin. Adult and Pediatric Dermatology treats microneedling-with-PRP patients of every skin tone routinely.
Can microneedling with PRP be combined with chemical peels or facials?
Yes, but not on the same day. Microneedling pairs well with chemical peels and facials in a treatment plan, with peels and facials usually scheduled in the weeks between microneedling sessions. The provider will map out the safe sequence during your consultation.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.