Botox and microneedling are among the most popular non-surgical, anti-aging treatments. They use different technologies to address different aesthetic concerns, so skin experts have started using them together with amazing results.
This article explains how medical providers combine Botox and microneedling to help patients look younger and more radiant.
Can You Combine Botox and Microneedling at the Same Time?
Botox and microneedling can be used together in an innovative procedure known as the Botox facial. It involves delivering Botox into previously microneedled upper skin layers, instead of injecting it into the muscles like with the traditional Botox injectable treatment. When microneedling and Botox are combined, they enhance one another’s effects, delivering superior results to those achieved with individual treatments.
Should I Do Botox or Microneedling First?
In the combined Botox and microneedling treatment, the cosmetic provider either microneedles the patient’s skin and then spreads Botox on the treated area or delivers Botox as a serum while microneedling the skin.
If you want to have a traditional Botox injectable, you need to wait 14 days before a microneedling treatment to ensure the neurotoxin settles in the treatment area. Another option is to have a microneedling treatment first and a Botox injection one or two weeks later.
How Do Botox and Microneedling Work Together?
The Botox and microneedling combo is a quick and safe treatment. The medical provider cleanses the patient’s skin, applies a numbing cream 30 minutes before the procedure, and then makes tiny punctures on the patient’s skin with a microneedling pen. This stimulates collagen and elastin production and regenerates the skin.
Unlike traditional Botox, which is injected directly into the target muscle, the botulinum toxin in the Botox facial is applied to the skin’s surface. Some microneedling devices are equipped to deliver Botox as a serum during the microneedling phase. Another option is to spread the serum on the skin after the microneedling procedure, allowing Botox to enter the micro-channels created by the tiny needles.
Combining Botox with microneedling enhances the skin-rejuvenating effects of both treatments while minimizing invasiveness. By delivering Botox to the skin’s surface rather than injecting it into muscles, this method takes advantage of the micro-channels created during microneedling to allow for better absorption. The result is smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin with reduced fine lines and improved overall texture.
Who Is a Good Candidate for the Botox and Microneedling Combination?
The Botox and microneedling combination is ideal for patients who want a naturally rejuvenated, wrinkle-free appearance without the “frozen” look associated with traditional Botox. The treatment is safe for most healthy adults, excluding:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Patients with skin infections or wounds
- Patients who have used Accutane in the previous six months
- Patients with a history of keloid scars
Microneedling and Botox Benefits
Microneedling and Botox work together to provide rejuvenated, glowing skin. Patients report the following benefits of the combined treatments:
Tighter, Smoother Skin
Microneedling stimulates the production of structural skin proteins, collagen and elastin. They increase skin firmness and elasticity, making it appear tighter, smoother, and younger. Botox adds to the smoothing effect by reducing muscle contractions.
Decreased Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Botox blocks nerve signals to muscles responsible for movement and skin wrinkling. By relaxing these muscles, the skin becomes smoother, and the appearance of wrinkles is significantly reduced. Microneedling contributes to this anti-aging effect by creating more collagen and a new layer of fresh, smooth skin.
Reduced Hyperpigmentation
Microneedling breaks down excess melanin in the skin, which causes dark spots and other pigmentation issues. Though Botox primarily reduces wrinkles, it is found to help improve hyperpigmentation by reducing the melanin index and lightening the skin.
Note: Learn more about microneedling for hyperpigmentation and what results to expect.
Smaller Pores and Less Oily Skin
Botox paralyzes muscles, causing less sweating and sebum production. The pores become smaller and the skin clearer and smoother.
Microneedling stimulates the natural healing process, which helps regulate oil production. It also plays a role in reducing pore size by tightening the skin and increasing skin elasticity.
Less Visible Acne Scars
By relaxing underlying facial muscles, Botox smooths the skin and reduces the appearance of certain types of scars. Microneedling stimulates collagen production and gradually regenerates the skin, improving tone and texture of the scarred area. It helps lessen the depth of more prominent acne scars, visibly smoothing the skin.
The procedure is minimally invasive, has no downtime, and provides natural-looking results.
How to Prepare for Botox and Microneedling?
Preparing for the Botox facial requires taking certain steps per the medical provider’s recommendation to reduce the likelihood of side effects and increase the treatment’s effectiveness. They include the following:
- Stop using medications and supplements that may increase bruising and swelling (e.g., blood-thinning medication, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, acne medications, etc.).
- Avoid cosmetic treatments like laser and chemical peels for at least two weeks.
- Stop using harsh cosmetic products (e.g., retinoids).
- Don’t drink coffee, alcohol, or smoke for 24 hours.
- Drink a lot of water before the treatment.
Botox and Microneedling Results
When used as individual treatments, Botox and microneedling focus on different skin concerns. When combined, they deliver more advanced, comprehensive results.
Some results, such as reduced wrinkles, smoother and firmer skin, and a brighter complexion, are seen right after the treatment. Because building collagen takes time, some improvements occur gradually, including a reduction in acne scarring and hyperpigmentation and improvement in tone and texture.
The results of a Botox facial last longer than they would with individual treatments. However, the longevity of the results depends on each patient’s unique situation, including their skin concern(s), age, lifestyle habits, and aftercare.
Botox and Microneedling Aftercare
Proper aftercare is essential for achieving the desired results and minimizing the risk of side effects of a Botox facial. Follow these simple aftercare tips:
- Stay away from the sun and other sources of extreme light and heat for several days.
- Don’t engage in strenuous physical activity and activities that cause sweating for 24-48 hours.
- Avoid makeup and harsh cosmetic products for 24 hours.
- Don’t rub or apply pressure on the treated area.
- Avoid alcohol and anti-inflammatory medications for 24 hours.
Botox and Microneedling Side Effects
Botox and microneedling are minimally invasive and cause fewer side effects than individual treatments, because the treatment doesn’t involve injecting Botox. Potential side effects are usually mild and last several days. They include:
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Sensitivity to light
- Dryness
- Shedding of skin
Conclusion
When combined, Botox and microneedling provide unparalleled skin rejuvenation results. Medical experts use them to address various cosmetic concerns – from wrinkles and scars to large pores and dark spots. Best of all, the procedure is minimally invasive and provides a subtle but effective transformation in the patient’s skin tone and texture.
Contact our skin experts at Vibrant Skin Bar to treat your skin with this innovative cosmetic procedure today!
