Should I do laser or microneedling first?

Author: Cody Runolfsdottir Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

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.

Should microneedling be done before or after laser?

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.

Is laser more effective than microneedling?

Laser treatments can often provide quicker, more dramatic and long lasting results than microneedling treatments. Because lasers deliver heat to the skin we see more side effects (such as temporary darkening or bruising) and longer downtime due to post-treatment swelling and redness.

What hurts more, microneedling or laser?

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.

What is the best skin resurfacing method?

CO2 laser resurfacing has been successfully used to treat wrinkles and scars as well as other benign skin growths such as warts, birthmarks, rhinophyma (enlarged oil glands on the nose), and other skin conditions. Recovery time with CO2 laser resurfacing is up to two weeks.

MY FIRST MICRONEEDLING EXPERIENCE & WHAT TO EXPECT //ACNE SCAR TREATMENT

What is the best age for laser resurfacing?

Individuals up to their 50s benefit greatly from laser fractional resurfacing treatments. Skin concerns like sun damage and deeper wrinkles are common in this age group.

What is the best procedure to stimulate collagen?

Treatments like Sculptra and biostimulatory fillers are highly effective for long-term collagen stimulation, offering gradual and natural results. Microneedling and radiofrequency skin treatments also provide excellent benefits by encouraging the skin's natural healing processes.

Can I do laser and microneedling together?

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.

What body part hurts the most to laser?

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.

What is the average price of a microneedling session?

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.

Is there anything better than microneedling?

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.

Should I do microneedling or Fraxel?

If you're looking for more dramatic results, Fraxel lasers may be right for you. Minor skin concerns, like rejuvenation before an interview, mild scarring, and discoloration, can benefit from RF microneedling. Microneedling also has the benefit of not using heat, reducing the chances of complications.

How much is microneedling vs laser resurfacing?

Microneedling can cost around $400 per session. The average cost for multiple laser skin procedures cost $2,000 for ablative laser and $1,000 for non-ablative laser. Not for those with bacterial skin infections.

Is laser or microneedling better for anti-aging?

Some skin types and concerns respond better to laser therapy while other benefit more from microneedling. Men and women who want to reduce wrinkles, age spots, blemishes, scarring, large pores, and improve skin tone and texture may benefit from microneedling.

What is the next step after microneedling?

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.

What compliments microneedling?

4 Best Treatments To Pair With Microneedling
  • Chemical Peel. On its own, Chemical Peels are powerful exfoliating tools, removing the outermost layer of skin to treat texture concerns and trigger cell signaling. ...
  • HydraFacial. ...
  • Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) ...
  • Radiofrequency.

Does skin look worse after laser?

After laser resurfacing, your skin may look worse than before. Flakiness, redness, and crusting are commonplace. You may be tempted to cover these imperfections with makeup to hide scabs and flakes, but this will irritate healing skin.

Which organ is most vulnerable to laser injury?

Eye (top) The major danger of laser light is hazards from beams entering the eye. The eye is the organ most sensitive to light.

Why did my laser hurt so much?

Other factors that may impact your pain levels during laser:

Those with conditions like dermatitis or eczema might find their skin is more reactive to treatments. Some medications can increase sensitivity to light, making the laser treatment feel more intense.

What is the downtime for microneedling?

Microneedling does not require any downtime. You can leave your treatment and return to work or your daily routine. Your skin may look red and feel sensitive for 24 to 48 hours. Many people compare this to a mild, rapidly-fading sunburn.

What is better, microneedling or CO2 laser?

Laser treatments often provide more immediate and noticeable improvements than microneedling, especially for deeper wrinkles and more severe skin damage.

Is halo or microneedling better?

Results. Microneedling delivers subtle, gradual results as new skin tissue develops over time. In comparison, Halo laser treatment offers dramatic improvements quickly, with continued enhancement as the body replaces old, damaged skin with new, healthy tissue.

What drink is high in collagen?

Bone Broth

Chicken bone broth is a potent source of collagen. This broth, made by boiling chicken bones in water, is believed to extract collagen, thus supporting body health.

How can I rebuild collagen in my face?

Eat a healthy diet high in nutrients including vitamins A11 and C. Follow a daily skin care routine that includes sunscreen and topical retinol. Avoid smoking, as research shows that tobacco smoke reduces the production of collagen and elastin.

What is the best skin tightening procedure?

Bottom line: Laser resurfacing can tighten skin, usually better than any other skin-tightening procedure. It can also diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots on the skin, such as age spots.

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