From brown spots and wrinkles to spider veins and acne scars, our skin suffers a range of aesthetic and medical issues as we age. Luckily, the cosmetic industry has developed quite a few technologically advanced skin rejuvenation treatments in the past decades. Today, we’ll talk about two of the most popular: microneedling and laser skin resurfacing.
Let’s see how microneedling and laser resurfacing differ and how to choose between the two cosmetic procedures.
Microneedling vs. Laser: What Are the Differences?
Microneedling and laser therapy have several key differences.
| Microneedling | Laser | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | A microneedling pen makes tiny puncture wounds on the skin’s surface to induce collagen production as part of the body’s natural healing process | The laser uses light energy to penetrate the dermal layers and induce collagen production to regenerate the skin |
| Skin issues it treats | Scarring, uneven skin tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, large pores | Scarring, uneven skin tone, texture, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, skin laxity, spider veins |
| Downtime | Minimal or no downtime | Up to one week, depending on the type of laser |
| Side effects | Common: redness, swelling, tenderness | Common: redness, swelling, itching |
| Treatment duration | 30 minutes | 30-120 minutes |
| Results | Reduced aging signs, tighter skin, even skin tone. Maintenance treatments are required for continued effect | Reduced aging signs, tighter skin, even skin tone. Maintenance treatments may be needed depending on the skin issue |
Microneedling: Overview
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves using an FDA-approved device called a microneedling pen to make tiny punctures on the skin’s surface. The process induces collagen production and regenerates the skin.
The Procedure
First, the medical provider applies a numbing cream to the patient’s skin. Then, they move the microneedling pen over the patient’s skin in all directions. The device’s tiny needles make minor injuries on the skin’s surface to initiate the body’s natural healing process and boost collagen and elastin production.
After microneedling, the medical provider may apply a serum with growth factors to the patient’s skin to enhance the effects of the procedure.
A microneedling session takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Microneedling Results
The increase in collagen production results in smoother, tighter, and rejuvenated skin. The results are visible within a few weeks of the procedure.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Microneedling Treatment?
Men and women who want to reduce aging signs, scarring, and other skin issues may benefit from microneedling.
The procedure is not suitable for people with the following conditions:
- Clotting or bleeding disorders
- High blood sugar
- Take blood-thinning medications
- Take acne medication that contains isotretinoin
- Skin infections or skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
- Hepatitis or HIV
- Auto-immune disease
- Rash or cold sores
- Pregnancy or lactation
Side Effects
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure. It is considered gentler than laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and most other skin rejuvenation treatments.
Common microneedling side effects subside within 24 hours of the procedure, and they include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Peeling
- Burning
- Dryness
- Tightness
- Discomfort
Microneedling Cost
Microneedling at Vibrant Skin Bar costs $250. The total cost of the procedure depends on the patient’s skin issues and the number of required treatments.
Laser Treatment: Overview
Laser resurfacing is a cosmetic treatment in which a laser device blasts light energy into the dermis to induce collagen production.
There are two types of laser skin resurfacing:
- Ablative laser resurfacing. This laser therapy removes the surface skin layer and heats the skin. The procedure may require the use of anesthetic or sedatives.
- Non-ablative laser resurfacing. This laser therapy doesn’t remove outer skin layers and heats dermal layers only. The procedure causes very little pain.
The Procedure
The medical provider applies a numbing cream to the patient’s skin or sedates the patient, depending on the type of laser resurfacing.
During ablative laser resurfacing therapy, the laser destroys the epidermis and heats deeper skin layers. The body increases collagen production to repair wounds.
During non-ablative laser resurfacing treatments, the laser doesn’t wound the surface layer. It only sends heat into the skin.
Both procedures initiate collagen production, but the effects and downtime of non-ablative laser resurfacing are less dramatic.
Laser Treatment Results
Laser therapy induces collagen production, resulting in improved skin tone and texture.
Who is a Good Candidate for Laser Treatment?
Most healthy people with aesthetic or medical skin issues may undergo laser resurfacing.
The procedure is not suitable for people with the following conditions:
- Auto-immune disease
- Prone to scarring
- Take medication with isotretinoin
- Cold sores
- Herpes
- Darker skin tone
- Pregnancy or lactation
Side Effects
Laser resurfacing side effects are more intense than microneedling side effects and take longer to heal. They include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Infection
- Changes in skin color
Laser Treatment Cost
The average cost of ablative laser resurfacing is about $2000 while non-ablative treatments cost $1400 on average. The total cost depends on the number of required sessions.
Microneedling vs. Laser: Which One Is Better for You?
Microneedling and laser skin resurfacing treat similar skin issues, but the technologies are different. Both have advantages and disadvantages that may help you choose one over the other. For example, laser therapy sometimes doesn’t work for darker skin tones. On the other hand, microneedling doesn’t address spider veins.
It's best to consult your chosen medical provider on the best course of action for your skin issue.
Conclusion
Microneedling and laser resurfacing are two of the most popular non-surgical treatments for skin rejuvenation. Sometimes one is better than the other for a specific skin issue, but they generally complement each other.
Choose an experienced, board-certified cosmetic provider who will advise you on the best course of action for your skin.
