PRP and laser treatments both help fade acne scars, but they work in different ways. PRP uses your own blood to boost healing, often with microneedling, while lasers use light to resurface skin and build collagen.
Acne scars come in types like ice pick, rolling, or boxcar scars. They form when skin heals unevenly after pimples. PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Doctors draw a small amount of your blood, spin it in a machine to concentrate the platelets, and apply it to your skin. These platelets release growth factors that speed up repair and collagen production. It shines for mild to moderate scars, especially when paired with microneedling. Microneedling pokes tiny holes in the skin with fine needles. This triggers healing and smooths texture. Adding PRP makes results better by enhancing regeneration and reducing redness faster. You might feel mild prickling with numbing cream. Redness lasts a day or two, and you need 3 to 6 sessions spaced weeks apart.
Laser treatments target scars with focused light. Ablative lasers like CO2 or Erbium YAG remove the top skin layer to promote new growth. They work well for deeper scars but mean more downtime, like peeling for a week. Non-ablative lasers, such as VBeam or Pixel, heat deeper layers without stripping skin. VBeam reduces redness and improves tone with little pain or recovery. Pixel resurfaces gently for moderate scars. Lasers often show changes after 1 to 3 sessions and even out pigmentation too. Sessions are 4 weeks apart, and results last longer.
PRP with microneedling suits all skin types with less risk of pigmentation changes. It feels natural since it uses your blood. Lasers pack more power for severe scars but may not fit darker skin tones as well. Both stimulate collagen, but lasers go deeper for dramatic smoothing. Side effects for PRP include short swelling. Lasers bring redness, crusting, or sun sensitivity.
Your choice depends on scar depth, skin type, and downtime tolerance. A dermatologist checks your skin to pick the best fit. Some combine them, like laser first then PRP for recovery.
Sources
https://www.michelegreenmd.com/laser-vs-microneedling-for-acne-scars
https://www.victoriandermalgroup.com.au/skin-journal/microneedling-vs-laser-for-acne-scars/
https://www.eyestheticsmd.com/prp-and-microneedling-the-perfect-duo-for-radiant-skin
https://baclinic.sg/rejuran-s-vs-prp-vs-ha-skin-boosters-acne-scars/
https://www.olivaclinic.com/blog/best-pimple-scar-treatment/
https://www.novuskin.com/prp-pigmentation-before-after/
https://rightdosenow.com/acne-scars-removal/
https://www.picassoma.com/best-in-office-treatments-for-acne-scars/
https://www.studiomedspa.com/microneedling-vs-other-skin-treatments
https://richmondsurgicalarts.com/laser-vs-microneedling-which-tightens-skin-better/
