There’s a big difference between laser treatments and microneedling and it all comes down to how the two treatments work. By design, lasers use light as energy. can be performed either in ablative modes with an Er: YAG laser or non-ablatively with Nd: YAG laser, depending on the particular aesthetic outcome that the patient and practitioner wish to achieve. In addition, ablative and non-ablative treatments can also be combined into a comprehensive anti-aging treatment, such as Fotona’s TwinLight™ Fractional Rejuvenation system. This allows lasers to have a specific target to treat in the skin, such as broken red veins or brown spots, without damaging surrounding unaffected tissue. It’s a very selective treatment.
Microneedling is the mechanical method of creating thousands of tiny channels of injury all over a treatment area that force the skin to heal. The results are not selective to a specific problem, but you can see improvement in many issues by nature of causing collagen regeneration and skin turnover.
Both treatments are used to heal certain types of cosmetic concerns, such as acne scarring and rejuvenation.
Pros and cons of micro-needling?
Pros of micro needling include a relatively quick recovery time (about a day or two of a light sunburn appearance) and less potential side effects. It’s also safe to use on all skin types. The cons of micro needling are that the results are often subtle.
It can take numerous micro needling treatment sessions to achieve the results you desire, and still, some conditions are best treated with a laser.
Pros and cons of laser treatments?
In the hands of an experienced physician, in Collins Laser Aesthetics is performed, or supervised by a doctor, using the Fotona technology, laser treatments can often provide quicker, more dramatic, and long-lasting results than micro needling treatments. But with that greater reward comes greater risks. Because lasers deliver heat to the skin we see more side effects (such as temporary darkening or bruising) and 2-3 days downtime due to post-treatment swelling and redness
Do you suggest trying one before the other?
If you’re looking to be more proactive about taking care of your skin, microneedling is a quick and easy way to do so without much risk. On the other hand, if you have a specific problem you would like to address, it may be the case that you are better suited for a laser treatment to meet your goals.
Can they be used effectively together?
Absolutely! We can target specific issues with a laser and then perform microneedling for all-over skin rejuvenation on the same day. Or, you can alternate treatments on a monthly basis or so. It all depends on what you are trying to address.