Both treatments improve blood flow and tissue rebuilding by allowing the formation of new collagen and blood vessels. Microneedling can be used before or after fractional CO2 lasers to provide continued collagen and elastin stimulation.
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.
MUST NOT have any further clinic treatments including, but not limited to, microdermabrasion, laser, IPL, chemical peels, or injectables such as Botox or dermal filler for at least two weeks after treatment. DO NOT pluck or wax the area at least one week after your Microneedling treatment.
Laser treatments can often provide quicker, more dramatic and long lasting results than microneedling treatments.
Microneedling is better for darker skin tones, whereas Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing is used more frequently with lighter skin tones. Many clients believe the results with Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing are better than with Microneedling.
Combining microneedling and CO2 laser therapy can result in fewer treatment sessions, reduced costs, and improved patient comfort. Research has shown that this combination can enhance skin texture, stimulate collagen production, and reduce acne scarring.
Microneedling can cause bleeding so it may not be suitable for people with clotting or bleeding disorders, or who take medicine to thin their blood. You may want to avoid microneedling if you have conditions that affect your skin, such as eczema or diabetes, or if you have a weakened immune system.
Although a topical numbing agent is used for both microneedling and laser treatment, the majority of patients find the pain associated with microneedling to be much more tolerable.
The average cost of microneedling in the US is about $640 per session, according to over 300 patient experiences on RealSelf. This can vary between $300 to $700, however, depending on: Your location: Prices may be higher in major cities or upscale clinics.
Both microneedling and chemical peels can help to rejuvenate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, however, for deeper wrinkles, Dr. Green may recommend adding Botox or dermal fillers to your treatment plan.
What is the recovery like? As you have seen, your face will be red and sensitive for about a day. You will want to moisturize well. For the first day after the treatment, you'll want to use Aquaphor or some other nourishing serum that we will give you.
Generally, a cycle of skin cell regeneration takes about 28 days. It's during this period that collagen production takes place and new skin cells are formed. Given this, a typical treatment regimen involves getting a session every 4–6 weeks.
How long does recovery take? The redness and swelling will fade away within 48 hours. Peeling and breakouts will take some time to resolve completely. Improvement is visible within 40-48 hours after micro-needling, but healing from micro-needling might take up to two months.
DAY 1 AFTER MICRONEEDLING
Drink plenty of water, avoid make-up and use only the products in your posttreatment kit. You may reapply the kit moisturizer repeatedly throughout the day. Stay away from exfoliants or glycolic acids that are present in other cleaners as these can make your skin very dry after the procedure.
Laser treatments can be more expensive than microneedling, particularly if multiple sessions are required for optimal results.
Getting results with microneedling
You may need three to five microneedling treatments every two to four weeks to get the best results. Research shows that microneedling can fade acne scars by as much as 70%. It takes time for your skin to rebuild collagen and results appear slowly over several months.
Microneedling and laser resurfacing can be combined as a treatment plan or can be performed one after the other. This type of treatment is designed uniquely for the specific issue treated.
The bikini line, underarms, and facial areas are often reported as the most painful, while legs and arms are usually more comfortable. With proper preparation and aftercare, the procedure is manageable and well worth the long-lasting results.
Can Laser Therapy and Microneedling Be Used Effectively Together? Laser therapy and microneedling can be used effectively together to produce optimal skin rejuvenation. Both procedures stimulate collagen production, and the results will be dramatic.
Certain conditions can make a person a poor candidate. These include pregnancy, recent Accutane use, active acne outbreaks, or specific skin disorders. A history of poor wound healing and skin treatments like radiation and microneedling with PRP injection in the past year also raises red flags for patients.
Early Intervention: Late 20s to Early 30s
Experts generally recommend starting microneedling in your late 20s to early 30s.
As stand-alone treatments, these are both fantastic in their own ways. Botox will provide good visual results on the skin, as the area will look and feel smoother – although for firmer, plumper, healthy-looking skin, microneedling wins, hands-down.