Posted on June 1, 2023 by Claudio Sorrentino Choosing between facial laser vs. microneedling treatment for skin resurfacing can leave clients with many questions. Which is right for your skin and the condition you’re looking to treat can be a challenging decision. Both are far superior to basic spa facials, but laser facial treatments show astonishing results, even when compared to microneedling.
There are several adverse effects associated with microneedling, which may be challenging to reverse. Additionally, the results will only last for a short time as microneedling doesn’t treat the same range of skin conditions. With laser facial treatments, you can see great results.
At Body Details, we perform laser treatments that reach the deeper layers of your skin for a smooth, glowing appearance. Almost everyone can benefit from a laser facial, minimizing the appearance of skin imperfections and giving a youthful appearance.
Keep reading to learn facial lasers vs. microneedling, whether they can be effectively used together, and the bottom line of all the answers you need.
What Is Microneedling?
To determine the best option for your skin, we need to know the difference between facial laser vs. microneedling. Microneedling is minimally invasive, using super thin needles to produce small holes in your skin’s top layer. The minimal damage this creates prompts your skin to go into “healing” mode, creating more collagen and elastin in the area. This can lead to a firmer, smoother appearance.
Many confuse microneedling with the process of microdermabrasion, though they are not the same. Instead of using tiny needles, a provider will use something with a rough surface to exfoliate your skin. It only treats the surface area and doesn’t target the layers beneath to provide excellent results.
There are many skin conditions that microneedling cannot treat and health problems and medications that you may need to steer clear of when seeking treatment.
These conditions include:
- Acne. If you have acne, consult a dermatologist before you consider microneedling. The problem with acne and the tiny needles is that the process may actually spread bacteria from breakouts to other areas of your face. Additionally, touching the breakouts with your hands before completing the healing process can also spread oils and bacteria that lead to worsening blemishes and even skin infections requiring medical treatment.
- Contact dermatitis. This condition occurs when your skin has an allergic reaction to specific materials or creams that lead to an irritated, itchy rash. Common causes include particular types of metal jewelry, perfumes, and laundry detergents.
- Cold sores. Like acne, you should avoid microneedling, especially if you have a cold sore. The logic is the same–microneedling may spread the virus to other areas and worsen the condition.
- Eczema or psoriasis. Microneedling can worsen these skin conditions and cause whiteheads and pimples in the area.
- Moles, skin tags, and skin growths. If you have any of these conditions prone to bleeding or a change in size, microneedling is not appropriate, and it’s essential to seek medical consultation to address these issues.
- Keloids. If your skin forms these raises, hard scars, microneedling may worsen the problem and prompt new bumps and scars to appear.
- Blood disorders. If you have blood disorders that require anticoagulant medication, microneedling is not for you.
- Cancer. If you have cancer and are undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy, which weakens your immune system, avoid microneedling.
The process of microneedling includes your provider rolling a hand-held device with tiny needles over your skin. They may use longer needles to penetrate deeper layers of your skin which may treat deep scars on your face. There is no downtime with the procedure, and sessions may last anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.
After effects, such as redness and a swollen appearance in the area, may last up to five days, and you should not wear makeup for 24 hours following your session. It’s also important to avoid direct sun exposure as your skin is much more sensitive during this healing process.
What Is Laser Facial Treatment?
Laser facial treatment and rejuvenation are considerably different compared to microneedling. Lasers are much more accurate when targeting specific areas and use precise light explicitly calibrated to your skin type and tone. While microneedling generally targets a larger size at one time, it also does not allow individualized treatment to meet your needs.
With laser treatment, it’s possible to calibrate the lasers to target specific problem areas and conditions without damaging the surrounding skin cells. They can target brown spots (sometimes called sun spots), broken capillaries (red veins), acne, scarring, and areas of loose skin on the skin and neck that you want to restore for a firmer and more youthful appearance. Additional skin imperfections that are excellent candidates for laser treatment include minimizing large pores, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, skin discoloration, and more.
Laser facial treatments can significantly improve your skin at a much quicker rate than microneedling. The therapy is better at targeting specific skin concerns instead of a generalized area. Like microneedling, laser skin rejuvenation can improve collagen production and elasticity, helping treat the appearance of sagging or loose skin. This helps create a more firm and plump, youthful look.
Many clients choose to treat their necks, under the chin, under the eyes, and cheekbones when signs of aging appear.
Laser facial treatments may not be suitable for you if you have the following conditions:
- Pregnancy. Pregnant women should always consult their OB, midwife, or doctor before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.
- Are currently taking serious acne medications. Laser facials may have significant adverse and dangerous side effects when done with certain acne medications. Please consult your doctor.
- Have or have a history of skin cancer. This may lead your skin more susceptible to adverse side effects.
- Have genital herpes or cold sores. Like microneedling, this may spread the virus to other areas.
- Have keloid scars. Similar to microneedling, laser facial treatments may worsen the blemishes and outbreaks.
Laser facial treatments have countless benefits compared to microneedling. Precision lasers are calibrated based on your specific needs and allow you to target only problem areas. Sessions may last as little as 15 minutes, and you can return to your day immediately. While microneedling side effects can last up to five days, the redness that may occur with laser treatments usually subsides within just a few hours.
Facial Laser vs. Microneedling: Can They be Used Together?
Many clients want to know if they can use laser facial treatments in conjunction with microneedling without seeing adverse effects. The consensus in the medical community is that yes, they can. Many professionals recommend that you wait at least two weeks between procedures to give your skin time to heal and correctly identify negative reactions to a specific procedure.
However, the combination treatment may not be right for everyone. For this reason, it’s critical to consult with a medical professional, such as a True Laser or skin specialist, before proceeding with combination treatments.
The good news is the ability to use both skin treatments together can produce precise, targeted conditions and provide all-encompassing areas simultaneously. Some microneedling procedures include using LED lights, but it’s essential to note that this is not the same as laser treatment and does not provide the same results.
The answer will center on the specific condition of your skin, what you’re looking to treat, and other health concerns or issues. Additionally, know that these skin treatments may delay the use of different procedures, such as derma fillers, ultrasounds, facial peels, and microdermabrasion.
Facial Laser vs. Microneedling Procedures: The Bottom Line
When it comes to facial lasers vs. microneedling treatments, it’s important to identify your specific skincare goals. Laser treatment is the best way to get the desired results if you want to target particular issues and areas. Laser treatment is much more precise and will not damage surrounding skin cells.
On the other hand, microneedling does not provide the ability necessary to attain such precision. The side effects may last longer, and certain skin conditions may significantly minimize whether the procedure is right for you.
At Body Details, we can perform a much more targeted approach to treatment. We calibrate our lasers precisely based on your needs and goals and apply the treatment directly to that area. We re-evaluate your skin and progress each time you visit and re-calibrate our lasers as necessary. This provides better results, as treatments are individualized just for you.
Schedule a FREE Consultation Today
With more than twenty Body Details centers in South Florida, you can search for “skin rejuvenation near me” by clicking the link. With more than a decade in business, we’re one of the leading laser treatment providers in the state. Over the years, our medical professionals have conducted more than one million laser treatments for countless residents.
Medical professionals such as Physician Assistants (PAs) and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs) provide all of our laser treatments. A medical director oversees every center to ensure we adhere to the highest standard of care.
We offer FREE consultations where you can meet with a Body Details representative in person to discuss laser skin treatment and your unique goals. We’ll develop a treatment plan customized to your skin needs, such as condition, skin type, and tone. Our centers have flexible hours to fit our clients’ schedules best, making it easy to get the treatment you desire.
Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation and be on your way to getting the smooth, flawless, younger-looking skin you deserve.
