Microneedling and laser skin treatments are both methods of resurfacing problem areas, revealing glowing, more youthful-looking skin as a result. But these microneedling versus laser are not created equal.
Laser skin resurfacing removes the top layer of skin using laser light technology. Microneedling uses tiny needles to puncture the skin. Both cause the skin to repair itself and regenerate a new layer of skin that is more vibrant and younger-looking.
Whether you’re looking at microneedling or laser for skin resurfacing, both are safe and minimally invasive. Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that offers more significant results on fairer to tan skin, however, can be slightly more downtime. Microneedling, on the other hand, is effective for any skin tone.
The procedures between laser vs microneedling are very different but powerfully transformative, providing patients with undeniable results. But, can these two methods of powerful skin resurfacing be used together? We’ll answer this question and more in the article below while we explore the differences and similarities between microneedling vs laser skin rejuvenation for the skin. We’ll examine microneedling vs laser for acne scars, microneedling vs laser for wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and more. We’ll take a look at the basics, how both of these methods work, the pros and cons of each and finally, we’ll find out how to get the best results from these treatments. Let’s jump right in!
Microneedling Basics
Microneedling is a quick procedure that triggers repair mechanisms and rejuvenation in the skin and can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and other imperfections. It is a short procedure and can be done at home or by a licensed professional. Recovery after a microneedling procedure is minimal.
How Does Microneedling Work?
How does microneedling work? Microneedling is a procedure that involves the use of tiny needles to puncture the skin. This causes superficial damage that will trigger repair and rejuvenation mechanisms within your skin, causing an increase in the production of proteins like collagen and elastin. When an area of your skin is treated with microneedling, the repair process that is triggered doesn’t differentiate between the superficial microneedle punctures and damage that may have been there previously. The repair mechanisms tackle it all, including fine lines, acne scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, discoloration, and more.
When you head into your microneedling appointment, your medical provider may apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area to reduce the possibility of any discomfort. Microneedling is not generally painful but can cause mild discomfort and a raw, sore feeling. Tiny, sterile needles are then used to prick the skin, triggering the repair process. Afterward, your dermatologist may apply a serum to promote healing.
Your skin may be red, and a little bit tender, and you may notice some of the prick marks will be bleeding ever so slightly. Within just a couple of days, your skin may begin to slightly peel, revealing a new layer underneath. It may take up to six weeks to see the full results. The rejuvenation of your skin will be unmistakable.
Pros and Cons of Microneedling
Microneedling offers numerous benefits but it might not be the right solution for every patient looking to address skin concerns. Let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons of microneedling.
Pros
- It is an effective treatment for most skin imperfections
- It’s minimally-invasive
- It’s affordable
- It doesn’t require much recovery time
- Sessions are quick and easy
- Results are long-term
- It is effective on any skin tone
Cons
- Full results may take a while
- It may require multiple sessions to achieve desired results
- There may be some discomfort
- Your skin may be sensitive to the sun after your procedure
Lasers Therapy Basics
Laser skin resurfacing is another way to trigger skin regeneration and repair, and comes with its own pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look to determine if this procedure is right for you.
How Do Lasers Work?
When you undergo a laser skin resurfacing treatment such as Halo Resurfacing, Opus Plasma, or BBL Laser, your practitioner will use a laser device to direct intense light energy directly into the skin at the problem site. This laser light energy targets specific things like water or pigments in the skin and can remove the top layer of skin to trigger collagen production in the layers below. In the days and weeks that follow, your skin will be thrust into a healing process that will improve elasticity and texture as well as pigment and luminosity, reducing the signs of scars, wrinkles, fine lines, and more.
Laser skin resurfacing is effective in the treatment of wrinkles, age spots, uneven skin tone, uneven texture, discoloration, fine lines, sun damage, and scars.
During your procedure, your medical provider will numb the skin using a topical anesthetic. Depending on the size of the area you are targeting for resurfacing, your session may take anywhere from half an hour to two hours. For more complex sessions covering a greater area of skin, you might be sedated, as well. Many patients require two to three sessions to get the results they’re looking for.
After your session, the treated area will be tender. You’re likely to see some swelling, redness, and itchiness and your skin will be quite compromised. Your practitioner will treat you with appropriate skincare to promote healing and take measures to prevent infection. Despite the fact that this sounds uncomfortable, it doesn’t last long. Recovery time depends on the treatment selected and the intensity of the treatment provided. Recovery can be minimal after laser resurfacing and you’ll be back to your normal skincare routine in a day or two, or if a more aggressive treatment is performed- downtime can last for 4-5 days. Your medical provider at Refine Aesthetics can help guide you on the best therapy option for your skin and lifestyle.
Pros and Cons of Laser Therapy
Is laser treatment worth it? As an option for skin resurfacing, laser therapy is a compelling choice for many reasons. There are many benefits of laser treatment. Like any procedure, however, there are also downsides. Let’s look at the pros and cons of laser skin resurfacing.
Pros
- The procedure is minimally invasive
- There can be little recovery time required
- The results are long-lasting and typically more dramatic in change
- The treatment is very safe and effective
- Treatment does not take a long time
Cons
- It works better on some skin tones than others
- Laser skin resurfacing can be costly
- The downtime can be longer
- Results may vary and you may require more treatments
Can Microneedling and Laser Therapy Be Used Together?
As microneedling or laser therapy tackles the same problems from different angles, many patients wonder if it is safe to use both technologies together, to ensure better results. The answer is yes, they are safe to use together. However, it is important to ensure you’re getting your mirconeedling or laser procedures such as BBL done by a skilled and qualified medical provider to ensure the best results and avoid any complications. BBL Laser or microneedling requires skill and experience, so ask your practitioner about their qualifications.
Benefits of Combining Microneedling and Laser Treatments
When you stagger or combine laser treatments with microneedling, you’re doubling up the power to stimulate collagen production, allowing the effects of each treatment to compound. Your results will be much more dramatic than they would be if you chose between microneedling or BBL laser therapy. The transformation will be significant when you take this approach as opposed to microneedling or laser therapy.
Microneedling and laser therapy use different approaches to trigger a healing process and increased collagen production. Your practitioner is able to hone in on specific skin complaints such as brown and red pigment with BBL photofacial laser therapy and then provide all-over skin resurfacing with a microneedling session, allowing a more intense treatment for the problem areas you’re most concerned about. When we use both, the results are smoother, tighter skin that looks rejuvenated and youthful.
Can you do laser after microneedling? The answer is yes! With a trained professional, you can achieve better results by combining the two treatments but you will still see great results when you choose between microneedling or laser therapy. It is important to do a consultation with your provider to make sure you are addressing all issues concerning your skin.
Who Makes a Good Candidate For This Type of Treatment?
While laser treatment returns the best results for lighter skin tones, almost all skin types can be treated at certain times of the year, the combination of laser skin resurfacing and microneedling is a good option for most clients who wish to see the best possible results. The two therapies are often used effectively together.
If you have an active skin infection or any open sores, it’s best to ensure they are healed before undergoing this combination treatment.
The best candidates for this combination of BBL laser therapy and microneedling are those looking to tackle fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, broken capillaries, age spots, sun spots, scars, and discoloration and to achieve tighter younger-looking skin.
Reach Out About Layering Microneedling and Laser Therapy Today!
Is microneedling or laser better? The right choice between laser or micro needling, of course, depends on your skin condition and treatment area. Microneedling and laser therapy are effective treatments for many different skin concerns and imperfections. Each of these treatments works well alone, but patients are able to compound the effectiveness and see far more dramatic results when these two procedures are used alongside one another. This powerful combination is an enormously effective way to reduce the many signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, sun spots, age spots, discoloration, and more.
To get the most out of these treatments, let your practitioner know about all of your skin concerns and the areas you’d like to tackle. Your consultation will be the roadmap your clinician needs to deliver the results you want.
The transformation from before to after is a huge confidence booster without the pain and recovery time of invasive surgeries. Don’t wait to achieve healthy, glowing, younger-looking skin. Reach out to your Austin Microneedling and Austin Morpheus8 Austin Halo, Austin BBL, and Austin Opus Plasma providers so you can start the process today. Book your free consultation at Refine Aesthetics and learn more about how we can transform your skin.
