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Microneedling vs Laser – What You Need To Know

Microneedling vs Laser – What You Need To Know

Table of Contents

TL:DR Summary

  • Microneedling Explained: Tiny punctures stimulate healing and rejuvenation.
  • Healing Process Triggered: Increases collagen, elastin, improves blood flow.
  • Visible Benefits: Reduces scars, wrinkles, pores, pigmentation, stretch marks.
  • Minimal Risks: Temporary redness, swelling, possible bruising, and infection.
  • Pre-Treatment Care: Avoid sun, exfoliation, retinoids; moisturize and hydrate.
  • Post-Treatment Care: Apply sunscreen, avoid makeup, harsh products for 24 hours.
Microneedling is a new treatment that is becoming more popular because it has little downtime and quick results. It uses tiny needles to make small holes in your skin and stimulate healing and collagen production. Microneedling can help with many skin problems, but it is especially good for deep wrinkles around your mouth. Lasers are another way to treat your skin, but they use light to heat up and damage your skin cells. Lasers can also help with many skin problems, but they have different levels of intensity and downtime. In this article, we will compare microneedling and lasers, and tell you what each one can do for your skin and which one is right for you.

Introduction to Microneedling and Lasers

Microneedling is a new treatment that is becoming more popular because it has little downtime and quick results. It uses tiny needles to make small holes in your skin and stimulate healing and collagen production. Microneedling can help with many skin problems, but it is especially good for deep wrinkles around your mouth.

Lasers are another way to treat your skin, but they use light to heat up and damage your skin cells. Lasers can also help with many skin problems, but they have different levels of intensity and downtime. In this article, we will compare microneedling and lasers, and tell you what each one can do for your skin and which one is right for you. Keep reading.

While lasers is effective for tissue tightening, microneedling can quickly and effectively address issues ranging from stubborn wrinkles to stretch marks. Both treatments complement each other very well.

 Microneedling vs Lasers
Microneedling vs Laser Treatments

What is the Difference between Laser and Microneedling?

Laser treatments and microneedling are different in how they work. Lasers use light as energy to treat your skin. They can target specific things on your skin, like scars, brown spots, or red veins. They can do this without hurting the rest of your skin or changing your skin type. Laser treatments are good for specific skin problems. But laser treatments also need more time to recover from (from a few days to a few weeks).

Microneedling is a mechanical method of effective treatment

On the other hand, Microneedling is a mechanical method of effective treatment that has grown in popularity in recent years due to its results and benefits. Microneedling creates thousands of tiny channels of injury over a treatment area and forces the treated area to heal. This is ideal for a large area, such as the entire face. The results are not selective to a specific problem. On the contrary, microneedling can tremendously help with collagen regeneration, skin rejuvenation and skin turnover. 

Here is a table that shows the differences between CO2 laser and microneedling facial treatments:

TreatmentCO2 Laser FacialMicroneedling Facial
Treatment TypeLaser-based treatmentNon-laser based treatment
Procedure DescriptionUses a laser to remove outer layer of skinUses a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin
Targeted IssuesWrinkles, fine lines, age spots, acne scarsFine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, overall skin rejuvenation
Recovery TimeSeveral days to a week for redness and peelingMinimal downtime, some redness and mild swelling
Pain/DiscomfortMay cause discomfort during and after the treatmentMay cause mild to moderate discomfort during the treatment
EffectivenessHighly effective, noticeable results in a few weeksEffective, but may require several treatments for best results
CostExpensiveLess expensive compared to CO2 laser
Differences between CO2 laser and microneedling facial treatments
Microneedling is also affordable and inexpensive, and combines well with other aesthetic procedures.
Generally, most dermatologists would recommended using microneedling devices with disposable tips (for safety and hygiene reasons)  and with as many needles as possible. Drum-shaped needle rollers are hard to clean, and also hard to apply the appropriate pressure to the skin. In addition, the permanent needles dulls quickly and cannot reach the effectiveness of the microneedling pens. 

What are the Benefits of Microneedling?

On the other hand, microneedling together with micro-wounding creates controlled wounds on the skin surface that encourages healing in a way that tilling a field increases its yield. Microneedling is also affordable and inexpensive, and combines well with other aesthetic procedures as an ideal treatment. 

Generally, most dermatologists would recommended using microneedling devices with disposable tips (for safety and hygiene reasons)  and with as many needles as possible. Drum-shaped needle rollers are hard to clean, and also hard to apply the appropriate pressure to the skin. In addition, the permanent needles dulls quickly and cannot reach the effectiveness of the microneedling pens. 

Should I try one before the other?

If you are looking to proactively take care of your skin, and boost your skin or facial collagen, then microneedling is a quick and easy way to do so without much risk. It is also more affordable with less or no downtime. On the other hand, if you have a specific problem or issue that you would like to address and treat, then you might want to consider laser treatments for your specific condition to meet your goals. 

For perioral rhytides and other indications, a simple microneedling approach without Radiofrequency (RF) assistance is adequate enough.

What to take note of when doing Microneedling?

Technical Tips to Take Note When Performing Microneedling 

For perioral rhytides and other indications, a simple microneedling approach without Radiofrequency (RF) assistance is adequate enough. There are some technical tips to take note of: 

  1. Always use manual traction for smooth needle delivery. Always keep the skin taut. The therapist should be able to use the other hand to stretch the skin tight to target the deeper layers. 
  2. Holding the device perpendicular to the skin to allow the needles to penetrate the skin at 90 degrees. 
  3. Ideally perform multidirectional passes. By moving it back and forth, up and down, or in circular motions, it prevents the patients from looking like they have stripes. 
  4. If the patient is able to tolerate it, aim for pinpoint bleeding. Severely photo damaged skin often bleeds immediately, while fibrotic skin or scars, particularly in non-facial areas, may require several passes to elicit pinpoint bleeding.

Can Microneedling Remove Acne Scars?

Treatment for Atropic Scars

For atrophic scars, traditional pulsed CO2 lasers can provide significant improvements with just one treatment. But to avoid post-treatment mismatches, the laser procedure must be delivered to entire cosmetic units or acne scarring. This is not the case with microneedling. With microneedling, a small area of atropic scars within a cosmetic unit can be treated without having to worry about colour mismatches.

Microneedling disrupts the fibrotic pores and induces new collagen formation. For striae that covers large body areas, microneeding is able to improve both the skin texture and tightness.

Can Microneedling Treat Enlarged Pores?

​Microneeding for Enlarged Pores

Yes, microneedling can be an effective treatment for enlarged pores. Microneedling involves the use of small, fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. This stimulates the skin’s natural healing response, including the production of collagen and elastin. As a result, the skin becomes firmer and more elastic, and the appearance of enlarged pores can be reduced.

Microneedling also helps to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. This can lead to a reduction in the size of pores and an improvement in skin texture.

However, it’s important to note that the results of microneedling for enlarged pores may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s skin type. It’s always best to consult with a qualified skincare professional to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.

Microneedling is a popular cosmetic treatment that involves using a device to create tiny punctures in the skin. This can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. It can also be used to treat hyperpigmentation, which is a common skin concern.

Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is an excess of melanin in the skin. This can be caused by sun exposure, hormone changes, or certain medications. It can lead to patches of dark skin on the face, neck, chest, or hands.

Microneedling can help to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation by creating microscopic injuries in the skin. This stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which can help to fade dark spots.

Can Microneedling Treat Hyperpigmentation?

​Microneeding for Hyperpigmentation

Microneedling is a popular cosmetic treatment that involves using a device to create tiny punctures in the skin. This can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. It can also be used to treat hyperpigmentation, which is a common skin concern.

Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is an excess of melanin in the skin. This can be caused by sun exposure, hormone changes, or certain medications. It can lead to patches of dark skin on the face, neck, chest, or hands.

Microneedling can help to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation by creating microscopic injuries in the skin. This stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which can help to fade dark spots.

Here is the conclusion and key takeaways from this article by Wellaholic

Conclusion

When it comes to skincare treatments, microneedling and laser are two heavy hitters that can dramatically improve your complexion. But understanding the difference between the two is crucial to make an informed decision. Microneedling involves the use of tiny needles to create microscopic punctures in the skin. This stimulates collagen production, effectively treating issues like acne scars, fine lines, and even stretch marks. It’s less invasive and generally has a shorter downtime.

To Needle or To Laser: Unveiling the Best Skin Solution for You

On the other hand, laser treatments use focused light to vaporize or remove the skin’s outer layers. They are potent at addressing pigmentation issues, sun damage, and deeper wrinkles. However, laser treatments can be harsher on the skin, leading to longer recovery times and potentially more side effects.

The choice between microneedling and laser really boils down to your specific skincare concerns, your tolerance for downtime, and, of course, your budget.

Microneedling vs. Laser: Unveiling the Perfect Match for Your Skin Goals

In conclusion, both microneedling and laser treatments offer unique benefits and drawbacks, but your choice should align with your skincare objectives. If you’re in Singapore and looking for less invasive procedures with shorter recovery time, microneedling is an excellent choice.

However, if you’re targeting more severe skin issues and are prepared for a longer healing process, laser treatments could be more appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between microneedling and a laser facial in terms of recovery time?

Microneedling typically has a shorter recovery time compared to a laser facial. The former may have minimal side effects that subside within a few days, while the latter can have a recovery period that lasts up to two weeks. However, these timelines can vary depending on individual skin types and the specifics of the treatment.

Is it safe to undergo microneedling or a laser facial in Singapore?

Yes, both microneedling and laser facials are safe procedures when conducted by trained professionals. Ensure to choose a reputable clinic, such as Wellaholic, that adheres to stringent safety protocols.

Can I combine microneedling and laser facial treatments for better results?

While both treatments offer distinct benefits, it’s important to consult a skincare specialist before combining them. A professional will consider your skin type, concerns, and goals before recommending a bespoke treatment plan.

What are the long-term effects of microneedling and laser facial treatments?

Both microneedling and laser facials can significantly improve your skin’s health over time. They may help reduce signs of aging, improve skin texture, and stimulate collagen production. However, results can vary based on skin type, lifestyle, and post-treatment care.

With over 8 years of experience in the aesthetics industry, I am passionate about enhancing beauty and wellness through innovative, science-based approaches. As the Aesthetic Director at Wellaholic, I am committed to delivering exceptional services that are tailored to each client's unique needs. My expertise spans across advanced skincare treatments, body sculpting, hair removal services, and nutritional supplements, all aimed at helping clients achieve their personal best.

Serene Chiam, Aesthetic Director

Serene Chiam is the Aesthetic Director at Wellaholic, a well-known aesthetic chain in Singapore. She has more than ten years of experience in the aesthetics industry. With a Bachelor of Health Science (Aesthetics) and CIDESCO certifications, she expertly combines scientific knowledge with practical skills. Serene is known for her personalized approach to beauty, ensuring each Wellaholic client’s journey is unique and transformative. Her significant contributions have been pivotal in establishing Wellaholic’s reputation for excellence in aesthetic wellness.

Contact Serene at support@wellaholic.com

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Decoding Beauty Treatments: Microneedling vs Laser – A Comprehensive Guide to Aesthetic Procedures, Dermatology Insights, and Singapore Beauty Tips

Discover expert insights on beauty, hair removal, facials, regrowth, teeth whitening, and more at Wellaholic - Singapore's top aesthetic chain.

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