Microneedling and laser treatments are two popular non-surgical options for skin rejuvenation. Both methods stimulate collagen production and, as a result, improve skin texture, but they do so using different methods.
When considering laser resurfacing vs. microneedling, you and your provider are likely to consider factors such as your skin type, any specific concerns you have, and your aesthetic goals. The good news is that both of these methods are excellent ways to improve the look and feel of your skin. If you have skin discoloration or want firmer skin overall, take a closer look at microneedling vs. laser and why one may be better for you.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling uses fine needles to create very small punctures on the surface of your skin. This doesn’t hurt, but it does send your immune system to work repairing the damage. That stimulates your skin’s natural healing process, encouraging collagen production and natural skin rejuvenation.
Microneedling will boost the amount of collagen and elastin production in your skin. As it does that, this form of skin treatment will help with conditions such as:
- Fine lines and wrinkles throughout the face and upper neck
- Acne scar removal
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven skin texture and areas of discoloration
If you select radiofrequency microneedling or RF microneedling, the process uses traditional microneedling needles but also applies radiofrequency energy. This enables the treatment to penetrate deeper into the top layers of the skin, creating more impressive results in skin texture improvement.
For most people, microneedling laser treatment is highly effective. It offers some core benefits:
- It’s suitable for most skin types and skin tones.
- There is very little, if any, downtime involved.
- This type of microneedling treatment targets a variety of treatment needs.
At ICLS, we utilize DP4 Microneedling and Sylfirm X. We have had excellent results using the DP4 fractional microneedling device while maintaining a very simple and pain-free procedure. This method stimulates natural blood flow to the target area, moving nutrients and oxygen to skin cells and improving overall texture. It uses a very small pen-like device to create tiny puncture channels.
The second option is Sylfirm X. This treatment uses radiofrequency energy and microneedling to treat dermal layers of your skin. It’s an innovative way to target a variety of skin conditions and promotes overall long-term results. There’s a long list of potential benefits it can offer, including reducing redness, skin rejuvenation, and improved scalp circulation.
What Are Laser Treatments?
Laser treatments can be highly effective for a variety of reasons. Laser treatments overall use light energy to target specific areas of the skin, and, as they do, they can treat the underlying condition present. That could include skin texture concerns, pigmentation, or wrinkles.
There are two main types of laser treatments that are available:
- Ablative lasers: This type of laser treatment removes the outermost part of the skin. This doesn’t hurt or cause open wounds. However, it does encourage the natural healing process, and as it does, it stimulates new skin to grow and replace the old. This method has a longer recovery time and is a more aggressive procedure.
- Non-ablative lasers: This method is less invasive but still very effective. It heats the deeper layers of skin, stimulating collagen production without removing the outer layers and reducing overall downtime.
When you consider laser treatment options, you can often get the best results for conditions such as:
- Sun damage
- Deep wrinkles
- Pigmentation issues
- Scars
There are several types of laser treatments available, each a bit different and all with different recovery times and processes. Some of those to learn about include:
- Broadband light therapy (BBL): uses high-intensity light to repair the exterior layers of the skin. It is excellent for removing acne scars, rosacea, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- StarWalker®: Fontona’s StarWalker laser system features MaQX, a type of pulsing process that allows for single, highly targeted treatment of a range of conditions. It works well to target skin pigmentation.
- Laser Toning: This procedure uses low-fluence and multi-pass methods to treat hyperpigmentation concerns, including melasma, acne scars, and sun spots.
- Fraxel: This procedure offers customized solutions for treating skin texture, sun damage, and skin tone. It is often an ideal anti-aging solution.
Microneedling vs. Laser Treatments: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Microneedling | Laser Treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Uses mechanical injury through needles | Uses light energy |
| Recovery Time | Usually 1 to 3 days | 5 to 7 days for deeper laser treatments |
| Effectiveness | Surface level treatment, including for fine lines and acne scars | Deeper skin concerns, pigmentation, deep wrinkles |
| Suitability for Skin Type | All skin tones and types | Those with darker skin tones may encounter some hyperpigmentation |
| Number of Sessions | Multiple sessions based on the condition | Multiple sessions based on condition, though fewer than microneedling |
Microneedling for Scars vs. Laser Treatments for Scars
When it comes to microneedling vs laser for acne scars or other scars, consider how they work.
Microneedling will treat scars by stimulating collagen production. That helps to fill in the scar. It works well for both surgical scars and acne scars. If you have more pronounced or deeper scars from wounds, RF microneedling is a better laser treatment option.
Laser treatment can also help with scars. Ablative lasers like Fraxel Repair target deep scars more effectively by removing the layers of damaged skin, revealing more of the healthy, natural-looking skin underneath. Non-ablative lasers like BBL and Fraxel will also improve scars, but not as deep and without a long recovery time.
Microneedling vs. Laser Treatments for Wrinkles
What about microneedling vs laser for wrinkles? Both can be helpful in different ways.
Microneedling works well to smooth out fine lines. This helps improve skin texture by collagen induction. It doesn’t take long to recover from this procedure, but you’ll likely need a few to see pronounced results.
By contrast, laser treatment can work well for wrinkle treatment in a variety of ways. The ablative lasers are effective for more pronounced, deeper scars as they will handle wrinkles deeper into the layers of skin. It is more dramatic of a result sooner, but it is also more invasive and takes longer to heal from in most cases.
You can also get other benefits from laser treatments, such as addressing pigmentation concerns at the same time that you are getting help for wrinkle reduction. This is one of the key benefits of using laser for wrinkles specifically.
Conclusion
Microneedling vs laser treatment is a big decision, but the best choice is often one that’s based on your skin’s specific needs. Both methods can be effective, and you can get rid of many of the skin conditions you want.
When you come in for an appointment and consultation with Dr. Sapra, you’ll learn more about which specific treatment is best for your needs. A personalized consultation is critical.
Read also our detailed comparison of Chemical Peels vs. Laser Treatments to explore how these methods differ and which might suit your skincare needs.
FAQs
Which is Better for Acne Scarring: Microneedling or Laser?
Both options are good for scar treatment. For deeper scars, laser treatment works best.
How Many Sessions Are Required for Each Treatment?
Most people need several microneedling sessions to see improvement, while laser treatments may require two or three for significant results.
Can Microneedling be Combined with Laser Treatments?
Yes, you can work with your provider to create a streamlined and effective treatment plan that includes both methods.