When it comes to achieving smoother, brighter, healthier skin, microneedling has become one of the most popular treatments in dermatology. But not all microneedling is the same.

At Dr. Caren Campbell’s San Francisco dermatology office, microneedling is always performed with platelet-rich plasma (PRP)—because high-quality studies consistently show that microneedling alone is less effective for acne scars and facial rejuvenation.

As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Campbell brings medical expertise, rigorous training, and a full suite of advanced treatment options to ensure each patient receives the most effective therapy for their unique needs. Here’s why PRP is a crucial part of her microneedling protocol.

Microneedling + PRP: Why It Works Better Than Microneedling Alone

A large body of research—including multiple split-face studies—shows that adding PRP to microneedling significantly enhances results. In these studies, one side of the face is treated with microneedling alone while the other receives microneedling plus PRP. The findings are consistent:

Microneedling with PRP results in:

Greater improvement in atrophic acne scars
Enhanced skin texture, tone, and radiance
Better outcomes for fine lines and wrinkles
Faster healing
Higher patient satisfaction
No significant increase in side effects

PRP is packed with growth factors that accelerate collagen remodeling and boost tissue repair—maximizing the impact of microneedling. Meta-analyses also confirm that microneedling with PRP increases the odds of achieving more than 50% clinical improvement compared to microneedling alone.

Because Dr. Campbell practices evidence-based dermatology, she performs microneedling only with PRP to ensure patients receive the best, most predictable outcomes.

Acne Scar Treatment: Microneedling With PRP Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle

Acne scars come in many forms—ice pick, rolling, boxcar—and each responds differently to treatment. As a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in scar revision, Dr. Campbell has access to all the advanced modalities needed to treat scars effectively.

Depending on your scar pattern, her treatment plan may include:

Microneedling with PRP – stimulates collagen and improves texture
Subcision – releases deep tethered scars
Collagen stimulators (Sculptra) – rebuilds lost volume and supports collagen regeneration
Phenol or TCA CROSS – excellent for deep ice-pick scars
Fraxel Dual – fractional resurfacing for deeper remodeling
PicoWay – addresses pigmentation and texture with minimal downtime

Because acne scars are complex, successful treatment requires skill, training, and a dermatologist who understands which tool to use for each scar type and has all of those tools available to them in one office. Dr. Campbell’s multimodal approach delivers the most natural, transformative results.

Pigmentation Concerns: Safe, Effective Treatment Tailored to Your Skin

Pigmentation—melasma, sun damage, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—requires careful, expert management to prevent worsening or recurrence.

Dr. Campbell uses a gentle yet effective protocol that avoids overly aggressive treatments and prioritizes long-term skin health.

For pigmentation, she may combine:

Microneedling with PRP and tranexamic acid (TXA) – reduces excess pigment and improves skin tone
VBeam pulsed-dye laser – targets redness and vascular components that often accompany pigment
Medical-grade skincare – including brighteners, antioxidants, and retinoids

Her balanced, evidence-based approach prevents rebound pigmentation while improving clarity and glow.

Anti-Aging: A Comprehensive, Customized Strategy

For patients looking to address fine lines, skin laxity, and volume loss, Dr. Campbell takes a comprehensive anti-aging approach that pairs microneedling with PRP with industry-leading injectables and skincare.

Anti-aging treatment plans may include:

Wrinkle relaxers: Botox®, Dysport®
Hyaluronic acid fillers: Restylane®, Juvéderm®, Voluma®
Collagen stimulators: Sculptra®
Dermatologist-curated skincare: retinoids, antioxidants, peptides, and growth factors

Microneedling with PRP improves skin quality, while injectables and skincare restore youthful contours and prevent future aging—giving patients natural, refreshed results.

Why Choose Dr. Caren Campbell?

Choosing a board-certified dermatologist means access to evidence-based treatments delivered with safety, precision, and expertise.

With Dr. Campbell, patients receive:

Care from a board-certified physician with extensive training in cosmetic and medical dermatology
Treatments rooted in scientific evidence, not trends
Access to the full range of effective modalities, from lasers to injectables to PRP
Customized plans designed to treat the underlying cause of skin concerns
A San Francisco dermatologist trusted for natural, effective results

Ready to Transform Your Skin?

Whether you're treating acne scars, pigmentation, or signs of aging, microneedling with PRP—combined with the expertise of a board-certified dermatologist—can help you achieve smoother, brighter, healthier skin.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Caren Campbell in San Francisco today.

References

Kang C, Lu D. Combined Effect of Microneedling and Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Acne Scars: A Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Medicine. 2021;8:788754.
Krishnegowda R, Pradhan SN, Belgaumkar VA. A Split-Face Study to Evaluate Efficacy of Autologous Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin With Microneedling Against Microneedling With Normal Saline in Atrophic Acne Scars. Dermatologic Surgery. 2023;49(10):938-942.
Ismail SA, Khella NAH, Abou-Taleb DAE. Which Is More Effective in Atrophic Acne Scars Treatment: Microneedling Alone, PRP Alone, or Combined? Dermatologic Therapy. 2022;35(12):e15925.
El-Domyati M, Abdel-Wahab H, Hossam A. Combining Microneedling With Other Minimally Invasive Procedures for Facial Rejuvenation: A Split-Face Study. International Journal of Dermatology. 2018;57(11):1324-1334.
Gentile P, Garcovich S. Systematic Review: Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Facial Rejuvenation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2023;152(1):72e-82e.
Hesseler MJ, Shyam N. Platelet-Rich Plasma and Its Utility in the Treatment of Acne Scars: A Systematic Review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2019;80(6):1730-1745.