Microneedling vs. Botox: Which Treatment Wins?

Anti-aging cosmetic treatments have grown increasingly popular over the past two decades. Non-surgical treatments such as microneedling and Botox have become more innovative and affordable, delivering impressive skin-rejuvenating results with minimal downtime.

This article explains how microneedling and Botox differ and how to choose the best option based on your specific aesthetic goals.

Microneedling: Overview

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment that improves skin tone and texture, giving patients a natural, youthful look. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, stretch marks, and acne scars.

The provider uses a handheld device with tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, activating the body’s natural healing mechanism. The process stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving skin elasticity and firmness.

Microneedling also enhances the absorption of serums and active ingredients, allowing them to penetrate deeper. Improved blood circulation further nourishes the skin, resulting in a healthier, more radiant complexion.

Note: Learn how microneedling with PRP provides enhanced rejuvenation effects.

Botox: Overview

Botox is an injectable neurotoxin treatment best known in the cosmetic industry as a wrinkle eraser. It is FDA-approved to treat crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles.

This neuromodulator injects a substance called botulinum toxin type A, which temporarily relaxes muscles in the target area, causing instant smoothness. The treatment is effective for dynamic wrinkles - those lines, creases, and folds caused by repetitive facial expressions.

Botox can also be used to treat excessive underarm sweating and has multiple off-label uses for the neck area, nose, lines around the mouth, lip flip, and gummy smile.

Microneedling vs. Botox: What Are the Differences?

The following table highlights key differences between microneedling and Botox.

Microneedling vs. Botox: Ideal Candidate

Certain skin or health conditions can make you ineligible for the treatment of your choice. Find out if you are a good candidate based on your skin condition, type, and the desired outcome.

Microneedling

Microneedling is suitable for healthy adults of all skin types and tones who want to reduce mild skin laxity, smooth tiny blemishes, refine pores and texture, and even out skin tone.

You should avoid microneedling if you have any of the following:

• Skin irritation, infections, or inflammation
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Current use of blood-thinning medication
• History of hypertrophic or keloid scarring
• Oral herpes
• Inflammatory acne
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Blood-clotting disorders
• Bleeding disorders
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Skin cancer
• Radiation therapy

Botox
Healthy adults of all skin types and tones can safely undergo a Botox treatment to reduce dynamic wrinkles, excessive underarm sweating, and treat conditions such as overactive bladder, cervical dystonia, and chronic migraines.

You are not eligible for Botox if you have any of the following:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Skin inflammation or active infections
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Allergies to botulinum toxin type A or other ingredients
• Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
• Certain medications (e.g., amitriptyline, baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, hydroxyzine)

Microneedling vs. Botox: Benefits

Both treatments are versatile and offer a range of cosmetic benefits. In addition to aesthetic enhancements, Botox has numerous FDA-approved medical uses.

Microneedling

Microneedling addresses a range of skin issues, including:

• Pigmentation issues (e.g., hyperpigmentation, age spots)
• Sun damage
• Acne scars
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Large pores
• Sagging skin
• Stretch marks
• Dark circles under the eyes

Its biggest advantage is that it stimulates the skin’s natural collagen production without relying on injectable agents. Compared to Botox, microneedling has fewer and milder side effects, which makes it a safe and effective alternative to Botox, particularly for individuals who experience severe side effects or have developed Botox resistance.

Botox

Botox delivers immediate results, natural-looking smoothness, and is minimally painful. It is the number one treatment for moderate to severe dynamic wrinkles, such as:

• Forehead lines - Horizontal lines on the forehead.
• Glabellar lines or frown lines - Vertical lines between the eyebrows, also known as the “angry 11s”.
• Crow’s feet - Lateral canthal lines at the outer corners of the eyes.

It is also an effective off-label cosmetic treatment for the following:

• Eyebrow lift
• Undereye wrinkles
• Gummy smile
• Bunny lines
• Nasal tip lift
• Nose slimming
• Lip flips
• Smile lines
• Smoker’s lines
• Jawline slimming
• Nasolabial folds
• Neck wrinkles

Botox can also treat the following medical conditions:

• Overactive bladder
• Urinary incontinence
• Chronic migraines
• Excessive underarm sweating
• Head and neck spasms (cervical dystonia)
• Upper and lower limb spasticity

Microneedling vs. Botox: Procedure

Microneedling and Botox are both quick, walk-in treatments that require minimal preparation.

Microneedling

Remove all makeup with a gentle cleanser before the procedure. Avoid exfoliating the skin, applying topical retinoids, and exposing yourself to the sun several days before the appointment.

During the procedure, the medical provider applies a numbing cream and then moves the microneedling device across the treatment area, creating tiny punctures on the skin’s surface. These controlled injuries stimulate collagen production, creating a brighter, firmer layer of skin.

One session typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the treated area. Most patients describe the sensation as mild prickling, tingling, or scratching.

Botox

To prepare for Botox, avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications (e.g., ibuprofen or aspirin), stay hydrated, and remove all makeup with a mild cleanser.

First, the medical provider cleans the skin with rubbing alcohol and applies a numbing cream, depending on the patient’s pain threshold. Then, they mark the target area and slowly inject Botox into the marked spots using fine, sterile needles.

One session takes about half an hour or less if the patient doesn’t require numbing cream. The discomfort is minimal, often described as a quick pinch or tiny sting from the needle.

Microneedling vs. Botox: Results

Both treatments deliver excellent skin-rejuvenating results, but they differ in how quickly the effects appear and how long they last.

Microneedling

You can expect noticeable improvements in skin tone and texture after two to four weeks. With regular maintenance, the effects become more prominent after several months. The skin appears smoother, brighter, and firmer.

You can schedule touch-up appointments every four to six weeks to prolong the results.

Botox

Initial improvements are visible within three to seven days after the treatment. The results become more prominent after two weeks and may last three to four months, depending on the treated area and how well the patient responds to the treatment.

Microneedling vs. Botox: Side Effects

Both procedures are safe and well-tolerated by most patients. However, they do carry certain risks, and you may experience temporary side effects.

Microneedling

Side effects are mild and usually disappear after a few days. They include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Skin flaking

There is minimal downtime, so you can resume regular activities 24 hours after the treatment.

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice severe side effects, such as:

• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Peeling
• Infection
• Damaged blood vessels
• Numbness
• Increasing pain

Botox

Common Botox side effects are short-lived and include the following:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Numbness
• Headaches
• Bruising
• Bumps
• Drooping eyelids (ptosis)

Recovery time is minimal, so you can continue with your daily routine without interruption.

Contact your healthcare provider if you start experiencing any of the following:

• Muscle weakness
• Swallowing difficulties
• Infection
• Blurred vision
• Allergic reaction

Microneedling vs. Botox: Aftercare

You can minimize side effects and prevent potential complications with proper aftercare. Your provider will share specific recommendations to follow to secure optimal results.

Microneedling

These post-care tips will help you get better results from microneedling:

• Avoid direct sun exposure and heat sources like saunas.
• Drink plenty of water and apply mild, microbiome-friendly moisturizers.
• Use only gentle skincare tailored for sensitive skin to prevent any irritation.
• Avoid makeup and harsh ingredients like retinol or exfoliants.
• Do not press, rub, or scratch the treated surface.
• Refrain from exercising and other activities that increase sweating.
• Avoid cosmetic treatments, such as photofacials, chemical peels, and lasers.
• Limit alcohol consumption and refrain from smoking.

Botox

The following Botox aftercare guidelines will help you maximize the outcome:

• Refrain from strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
• Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours after the treatment.
• Do not bend or lie down for 4 hours.
• Do not press, touch, or apply pressure on the treated area.
• Avoid direct sunlight, steam showers, saunas, and hot baths for several days.
• Apply ice packs and cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising.
• Take anti-bruising supplements if recommended by your Botox provider.
• Use pain-relievers to reduce discomfort, but avoid blood-thinners like ibuprofen.
• Do not schedule other cosmetic treatments like dermal fillers, chemical peels, and laser treatments for two weeks.

Microneedling vs. Botox: Cost

The price of microneedling and Botox varies depending on the treatment area size, skin concern, and number of units or treatments needed.

Microneedling

Prices for a single session range from $160 to as much as $800, depending on the severity of your skin concern and how many treatments you need for long-term effects.

At Vibrant Skin Bar, we offer three types of microneedling:

1. Microneedling – 60 minutes | $300
2. Microneedling with StemFactor – 60 minutes | $400
3. Microneedling with Vitamin A – 60 minutes | $450
4. Microneedling with Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) | $800

Botox

At Vibrant Bar, one Botox unit costs $13.50. The pricing ranges based on how many units of Botox you need per treatment area.

Patients typically need between six and 25 units per treatment area.

Microneedling vs. Botox: Which One Should You Choose?

Microneedling and Botox offer similar cosmetic benefits, like wrinkle reduction and texture improvement. While they both reduce signs of aging, their techniques and results are different.

Choose microneedling if you are looking for subtle wrinkle reduction, natural-looking results, reduced sun damage, brighter skin, and gradual skin improvement. Botox may provide an unnatural, frozen look, especially if the provider is inexperienced.

Choose Botox if you want to target deeper wrinkles and folds and eliminate stubborn creases instantly. The treatment will not affect your skin’s natural collagen or elastin production.

Choose a trusted skin expert to evaluate your skin and desired goals before recommending the best treatment for you.

Note: Read how to combine Botox and microneedling for increased skin rejuvenation.

Conclusion

Microneedling and Botox are quick, minimally invasive treatments that are safe for most healthy adults. They have surged in popularity in recent years due to their effectiveness, minimal downtime, and increasing affordability. Even those once hesitant about needles or cosmetic procedures are now embracing their benefits.

Contact our Vibrant Skin Bar team of professionals to learn more about skin rejuvenation treatments, products, and personalized solutions.