Laser skin resurfacing and microneedling are two of the most popular non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments. Yet there are many differences between laser skin resurfacing and microneedling. As such, it is important for an individual to understand these differences so he or she can determine which treatment delivers the best-possible results.
For those who are considering laser skin resurfacing and microneedling, there are many factors to consider. To better understand these factors, let’s look at laser skin resurfacing and microneedling, how each procedure is performed and each treatment’s benefits.
What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing involves the use of DOT Deka laser treatments to improve the tone, texture and pigmentation of skin on the face and neck. It is used to treat facial wrinkles, sun-damaged skin and various dermatological conditions.
During a laser skin resurfacing treatment, CO2 lasers use infrared and pulsed light to gently heat the skin. The lasers are delivered at different wavelengths and applied to different areas of a patient’s skin. That way, the lasers stimulate collagen production to rejuvenate the skin’s appearance.
Laser skin resurfacing requires no incisions. It is intended for patients of all skin types – even patients with thick or thin skin. Plus, laser skin resurfacing has been shown to treat the following skin issues:
- Skin laxity
- Fine lines
- Acne
- Surgical scars
- Deep wrinkles
Typical recovery after a laser skin resurfacing procedure takes about three to five days. A laser skin resurfacing patient may experience swelling, itching, redness and other side effects at this time. He or she may also be provided with the following post-treatment instructions:
- Cover the face with Aquaphor immediately following a laser skin resurfacing procedure.
- Apply an occlusive ointment or moisturizer to prevent direct contact between the treated tissue and air.
- Use a cold compress on the treated area.
- Wash the treated area with tepid water and a cleanser at least twice a day.
- Avoid exposing the treated area to hot water and steam.
DOT Deka laser treatments may be performed in combination with other facial rejuvenation procedures as well. Common facial rejuvenation procedures completed at the same time as laser skin resurfacing include:
- Facelift: Treats visible signs of aging in the face and neck.
- Blepharoplasty: Lifts sagging or drooping upper eyelids and reduces the appearance of under-eye bags.
- Brow Lift: Corrects sagging skin on the forehead.
Non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatments like Botox® may be performed approximately two weeks after laser skin resurfacing, too. At this point, a patient’s skin has fully healed, and his or her post-laser skin resurfacing swelling likely has disappeared.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also referred to as collagen induction therapy, involves the use of tiny needles to treat fine lines, wrinkles and other visible signs of aging in the face and neck. It helps stimulate the growth of collagen and elastin, leading to youthful-looking skin.
During a microneedling procedure, tiny needles create micro-perforations in the top layers of the skin. The needles help improve skin firmness and elasticity. Also, they use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to penetrate deep layers of the skin, resulting in facial skin rejuvenation.
A typical microneedling procedure only requires about 30 minutes to complete. The procedure involves four steps:
- A centrifuge separates PRP from red blood cells in a patient’s blood.
- The PRP cells are prepared for microneedling.
- PRP is applied to a patient’s skin.
- A microneedling pen is used to inject PRP into a patient’s skin.
Downtime is usually minimal after a microneedling treatment. Patients sometimes experience inflammation after microneedling is performed, but this disappears on its own within about two to four days of treatment. In some cases, microneedling patients fully recover within 24 hours of a procedure.
Microneedling often provides a great facial rejuvenation treatment for individuals who want to improve skin tone or treat scars. Conversely, microneedling is generally not recommended for individuals dealing with any of the following medical conditions:
- Bacterial or fungal infection
- Cardiac issues
- Collagen vascular diseases
- Hemorrhagic disorders
- Hemostatic dysfunction
- Keloid scars
- Scleroderma
Patients may require multiple microneedling treatments to achieve their desired results. Each microneedling treatment program is tailored to a patient, and patients often see the full results of microneedling within about four to six weeks of treatment.
The Bottom Line on Laser Skin Resurfacing and Microneedling
Deciding between laser skin resurfacing and microneedling is sometimes difficult. By meeting with an expert facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon like Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, however, an individual can make an informed facial rejuvenation treatment decision.
Dr. Azizzadeh is a world-renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is happy to explain laser skin resurfacing and microneedling to patients. He also conducts a patient evaluation before he performs a facial rejuvenation treatment. This enables Dr. Azizzadeh to offer a personalized facial rejuvenation treatment recommendation to each of his patients.
Laser skin resurfacing, microneedling and other facial rejuvenation treatments are readily available. To find out more about these treatments, please call us today at 310-657-2203 to book a consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh.