Microneedling with
PRF

Microneedling with PRF addresses over 15 distinct skin concerns across five categories. Aging and structural: fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, loss of collagen, thinning skin. Scars: acne scars, surgical scars, burn scars, injury scars, stretch marks. Pigmentation: sun damage, sun spots, melasma, hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Texture: enlarged pores, uneven skin texture, dull skin, rosacea-associated redness. Hair: thinning hair, androgenetic alopecia, eyebrow restoration. Dr. Godko evaluates your specific concerns and designs a treatment plan targeting your primary goals.

Microneedling is called collagen induction therapy because it uses a sterile 12-needle tip to create thousands of precisely controlled micro-channels in your skin. Your body interprets these micro-channels as tiny injuries and responds with a wound-healing cascade — flooding the area with growth factors, fibroblasts, collagen, and elastin. PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) derived from your own blood is applied during and immediately after the treatment. The fibrin matrix acts as a scaffold that slowly releases your body's own growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, IGF) into the open micro-channels over the following days, amplifying the regenerative response beyond what microneedling alone can achieve.

Most patients describe microneedling as a mild to moderate sensation — similar to a vibrating, scratchy feeling — rather than pain. A topical numbing cream is applied for 20–30 minutes before treatment begins, which makes the procedure comfortable. Some patients feel slight warmth or mild discomfort near bony areas like the forehead or cheekbones. Deeper treatment depths (used for acne scars and stretch marks) may be more sensitive. Most patients return to normal activities immediately after their session.

Session counts depend on your primary concern. For general skin rejuvenation and glow, 3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart is typical. For fine lines and wrinkles, 3–4 sessions. For acne scars and stretch marks, 4–6 sessions at deeper needle settings. For pigmentation, 3–5 sessions. For hair restoration, 4–6 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart. After your initial series, maintenance treatments every 6–12 months preserve and build on your results. Results are cumulative — each session builds on the prior collagen and elastin production.

You will notice a “microneedling glow” within 3–7 days as the first layer of skin turnover completes. Clinical studies show collagen density peaks around week 4 post-treatment and continues remodeling through month 6. Results from a single session last approximately six months. With a complete treatment series (3–6 sessions), results last significantly longer and build cumulatively. Aging, sun exposure, and genetics affect durability — which is why annual maintenance sessions preserve your gains long-term.

Both come from your own blood, but they are fundamentally different formulations. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a liquid plasma fraction that requires chemical additives (anticoagulants) during processing; it releases growth factors quickly and dissipates within hours. PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) is processed without any chemical additives and includes a fibrin matrix that scaffolds your platelets and growth factors — slowly releasing them over days to weeks for sustained regenerative effect. PRF is available only through Care Esthetics certified providers and is the protocol used at Deluxe Esthetics.

Yes — this is one of microneedling's unique advantages. Unlike laser treatments, microneedling does not deliver heat to the skin. Heat can worsen melasma and cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin tones. Microneedling physically disrupts pigment deposits and accelerates skin turnover without thermal injury, making it one of the safest professional options for melasma and for darker skin tones. Results typically appear over a series of 3–5 sessions, often paired with topical brightening agents.

Most patients describe day 1–2 as looking like a mild sunburn — pink, slightly warm, mildly tight. By day 3–5, light flaking and peeling occurs as dead cells shed. By day 6–7, skin looks softer and brighter with a visible glow. You can return to work the day after treatment. Makeup is fine after 24 hours. No exercise, saunas, or heavy sweating for 48 hours. No retinoids, Vitamin C, or exfoliating acids for 5–7 days. Daily SPF 30+ is essential during recovery.

Yes, and many patients do. Microneedling with PRF addresses skin quality (texture, tone, pigmentation, pore size), while Botox addresses dynamic wrinkles (expression lines caused by muscle movement), and dermal fillers address volume loss. These treatments work on different layers and mechanisms, making them complementary rather than competing. Dr. Godko typically recommends spacing Botox or filler treatments 1–2 weeks before or after a microneedling session, depending on your plan.

Microneedling is not appropriate if you have: active acne breakouts or cold sores in the treatment area, active skin infection or eczema flare, keloid scarring history, recent Accutane use within the past 6 months, pregnancy or breastfeeding (precautionary), bleeding disorders or current anticoagulant therapy (discuss with your physician), or a weakened immune system. During your consultation, Dr. Godko reviews your complete medical history to confirm candidacy and safety. If microneedling is not the right option, alternative treatments are discussed.

Yes — microneedling is considered one of the safest professional resurfacing treatments for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI). Because it does not use heat like lasers or aggressive chemicals like certain peels, the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is significantly lower. Treatment depths and intervals may be adjusted conservatively to minimize any inflammatory response. Dr. Godko has experience treating the full range of skin tones and tailors the protocol accordingly.

At-home derma rollers use very short needles (typically 0.1–0.25mm) that only affect the topmost layer of dead skin. They may help with topical product absorption but do not reach the dermis where collagen production happens. Professional microneedling uses motorized devices with adjustable needle lengths up to 2.0mm, reaching the dermis where real collagen remodeling occurs. Professional treatment also uses sterile, single-use needle cartridges, controlled pressure, and is performed in a medical environment with proper numbing, aftercare, and the option to combine with PRF.

Microneedling physically creates micro-channels to trigger collagen production; safe for all skin tones; minimal downtime (2–5 days); works at the dermal level. Chemical peels use acid to exfoliate; varying depths; higher risk of pigmentation issues in darker skin tones; recovery varies. Laser resurfacing uses heat and light energy to vaporize tissue; effective but can worsen melasma and darker skin pigmentation; longer downtime. Many patients combine microneedling with mild chemical peels (spaced 2+ weeks apart) for enhanced results.

Yes. Scalp microneedling stimulates dormant hair follicles, increases blood flow to the scalp, and creates micro-channels that enhance absorption of topical growth factors. When combined with PRF, your own platelet-derived growth factors are delivered directly to the follicle environment. This protocol can support early-to-moderate stages of androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern thinning), alopecia areata (in combination with medical treatment), and eyebrow restoration. Typical protocol is 4–6 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart, with maintenance every 6 months.

Deluxe Esthetics is located at 100 Federal City Road, Suite 104B in Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 — inside Deluxe Dentistry. We are centrally positioned for patients from Lawrenceville, Princeton, Hamilton, Trenton, Ewing, Robbinsville, East Windsor, West Windsor, Hopewell, Pennington, Hightstown, and all of Mercer County. Call (609) 256-6806 or visit deluxesthetics.com/contact to schedule your consultation. We are open six days per week with morning, afternoon, and evening appointments available.