Microneedling vs. PRFM: What’s the Difference and Is the “Vampire Facial” Worth It?

By Dr. Salyards, Refine Dermatology | Knoxville, Tennessee

If you’ve been researching microneedling, you may have come across terms like PRP, PRFM, or even “vampire facial.” But what do these terms actually mean? And is adding PRP or PRFM to microneedling really different from traditional microneedling?

At Refine Dermatology in Knoxville, Tennessee, we often recommend combining microneedling with PRFM for patients who want to maximize their skin rejuvenation results.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a device with tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These tiny punctures trigger the body’s natural healing response and stimulate collagen production.

This process can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, and acne scars. Because microneedling works with your body’s own collagen-building process, results develop gradually rather than appearing immediately.

One of the benefits of professional microneedling is that your dermatologist can customize the treatment based on your skin, concerns, and goals. For some patients, traditional microneedling may be exactly what they need. For others, adding a blood-derived treatment such as PRP or PRFM can provide an additional component to the treatment.

What Is a “Vampire Facial”?

You may have heard the term “vampire facial” on social media or in beauty and skincare conversations. While the name sounds much more intense than the actual treatment, it generally refers to microneedling combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or another platelet-based blood product.

The process begins with a small blood draw. The blood is processed to separate and concentrate certain components, including platelets and their associated growth factors. The resulting product can then be applied to or delivered into the skin during the microneedling treatment.

In other words, a vampire facial isn’t an entirely different category of treatment. It is generally a

way of describing microneedling combined with your own blood-derived platelet product.

The idea behind combining the treatments is straightforward: microneedling stimulates the skin’s

natural collagen-building response, while the platelet-rich product provides additional growth

factors to the treatment area.

PRP vs. PRFM: What’s the Difference?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is created by processing a small amount of your own

blood to concentrate platelets and plasma. PRP has been studied as an adjunct to several

dermatologic procedures, including microneedling, particularly for acne scarring.

At Refine Dermatology, we use PRFM, or platelet-rich fibrin matrix, rather than traditional PRP.

PRFM starts with platelet-rich plasma but takes the process a step further by creating a fibrin

matrix. Think of the fibrin matrix as a structure that helps hold the concentrated components

together and supports a more gradual release of growth factors over time.

That distinction is one reason we prefer PRFM for patients. Rather than simply applying PRP to

the skin, PRFM is designed to create a matrix that can provide a more sustained release of its

components as the skin heals.

Why Combine PRFM With Microneedling?

Microneedling and PRFM can complement one another because they approach skin

rejuvenation in different but related ways.

Microneedling stimulates collagen production. The controlled micro-injuries created by the

needles signal the body to begin its natural repair process, which includes producing new

collagen.

PRFM provides concentrated, blood-derived growth factors. These components are derived

from your own blood and are incorporated into the treatment to support the skin’s healing

response.

Together, the goal is to create a more comprehensive treatment for skin rejuvenation: stimulate

collagen while also incorporating your body's own platelet-derived components into the process.

Is PRFM Better Than Standard Microneedling?

This is one of the most common questions patients have, and the answer depends on what

you’re trying to accomplish.

Standard microneedling can be an excellent option for improving overall skin texture, fine lines,

and collagen production. It is a well-established treatment that can be used on its own.

Adding PRFM is an additional step designed to enhance the treatment. We particularly like

PRFM for patients who are looking to maximize their results, those who are treating acne

scarring, or those who want a more advanced approach to natural skin rejuvenation.

A personalized consultation is essential for determining whether standard microneedling or

microneedling with PRFM makes sense for your particular skin.

What Is the Treatment and Recovery Like?

If you’ve had microneedling before, the experience with PRFM will be relatively similar.

Before treatment, a topical numbing cream is applied to help make the procedure as

comfortable as possible. A small amount of blood is drawn and processed while your skin is

prepared for treatment.

The microneedling portion is then performed, with PRFM incorporated into the treatment.

Afterward, it is normal for the skin to appear red and feel warm or sensitive, similar to a mild

sunburn. Your dermatologist will provide specific aftercare instructions based on your treatment.

One of the reasons patients may appreciate adding PRFM is that the treatment is designed to

support the skin’s healing response.

Your results will develop over time. Because microneedling works by stimulating collagen

production, you shouldn’t expect your final result immediately after treatment. Improvements

typically become more noticeable over the following weeks and months as your skin continues

its natural remodeling process.

Who May Benefit From Microneedling With PRFM?

PRFM may be worth considering if you are interested in:

• Improving overall skin texture and tone
• Softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Stimulating collagen production
• Improving the appearance of acne scars
• Supporting a more radiant, rejuvenated appearance
• Taking a more advanced approach to skin rejuvenation using your own blood-derived
• components

So, Should You Choose Microneedling or PRFM?

If your goal is simply to improve your skin’s texture and stimulate collagen, traditional

microneedling may be a great place to start. If you are looking to take your treatment a step

further—particularly if you are concerned about acne scarring or want to incorporate

platelet-derived growth factors—microneedling with PRFM may be an option to consider.



At Refine Dermatology, we take a personalized, physician-led approach to cosmetic

dermatology. The goal is to determine what makes sense for your individual skin and your

desired outcome.