With so many diverse opinions out there, we know it can be confusing when it comes to taking care of your skin. There is no shortage of solutions to help your skin look clearer, brighter, and younger in the beauty industry. However, given all the information available, a little help and some basic understanding of ‘what helps with what’ is often welcomed.
At Skin Technique, we pride ourselves on providing the industry’s best solutions. We aim to educate our patients on the best treatments to help them reach their individual skin goals. Most patients who come to see us for the first time don’t know what they are looking for; they just know ‘what’ they are trying to correct.
Microneedling and lasers are both popular treatments for the skin. But what’s the difference between them? And which is better for you? In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each treatment and help you decide which is right for you.
What is the Difference Between Microneedling versus Lasers?
As these treatments utilize vastly different methods to improve your skin, there naturally are glaring differences between the two.
Laser treatments harness the power of light as energy, allowing the laser to specifically target a place on the skin that it will treat. It is commonly used to treat skin conditions such as irregular pigmentations or broken red veins. It can focus on the imperfection without surrounding the surrounding tissue.
Microneedling, on the other hand, is an ideal treatment for large areas. Microneedling rejuvenates the skin and helps with the appearance of wrinkles. This procedure uses tiny needles to penetrate the epidermis to generate collagen from within, producing smoother and firmer skin cells.
Microneedling Treatments
At Skin Technique, we offer three types of microneedling; traditional microneedling, microneedling with PRP, and microneedling with radiofrequency (called our Intensif®).
Traditional Microneedling
Microneedling is the process of breaking down the skin through tiny little needles, forcing the skin to regenerate. This process stimulates the replacement of surface skin cells, repairing and creating newer skin in its place.
Ideal for Treating: Acne, Acne Scarring, Large Pores, Fine lines & Wrinkles
Treatment time: 30 minutes
Downtime: 2 – 5 days (skin is just red)
Optimal Results: Within 1 week
Microneedling with PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)
PRP is the part of our blood that contains healing properties. Our microneedling with PRP treatment (famously known as the ‘Vampire Facial’) uses a patient’s blood and injects the PRP into the area while simultaneously microneedling. When we integrate PRP (platelet-rich plasma) into the mix, it stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities. The growth factors cause an increase in tissue healing and overall skin rejuvenation.
Ideal for Treating: Acne, Acne Scarring, Large Pores, Fine lines & Wrinkles + Stretch Marks
Treatment time: 30 – 60 minutes
Downtime: 2 – 5 days (skin is just red)
Optimal Results: Within 1 – 2 weeks
Microneedling with Radiofrequency (Intensif®)
This type of microneedling, with radiofrequency technology, offers skin tightening and traditional microneedling benefits. The RF Skin Tightening stimulates the body’s natural collagen. The added benefit of extra collagen stimulation in addition to the microneedling can further optimize traditional results while also repairing and tightening loose skin.
Ideal for Treating: Acne, Acne Scarring, Large Pores, Fine lines & Wrinkles + Sagging Skin
Treatment time: 30 – 60 minutes
Downtime: 1 day (skin is just red)
Optimal Results: Within 1 – 4 weeks
Laser Treatments
We are proud to offer some of the top lasers currently available on the market at Skin Technique: the HALO™ Fractional Resurfacing laser and the cutting edge BBL (BroadBand Light) technology.
HALO™ Fractional Resurfacing
This laser is the world’s first ‘Hybrid Fractional Laser‘ and is one laser you only need to do once per year! ‘Hybrid’ means that it targets various layers of the skin and is ideal for correcting deeper wrinkles and providing complete skin resurfacing. Expect excellent results after only one treatment!
Ideal for Treating: Sun Damage, Skin Discolouration, Large Pores, Poor Texture, Uneven Tone, Fine Lines, Aging Skin
Treatment Time: 60 minutes+ (depending on the treatment area)
Downtime: 3 – 7 days (skin is red and puffy)
Optimal Results: within 1 – 4 weeks
Forever Young BBL™
Want the best anti-aging laser on the market? Look no further than our most powerful IPL device that uses light energy to target layers beneath the skin. It’s the only laser shown to change the expression of genes associated with aging, longevity, increased lifespan, and clearer, smoother, and younger-looking skin.
Ideal for Treating: Aging Skin, Lines & Wrinkles, Redness, Pigmentation, Rosacea, Spider Veins, Acne, Freckles, Pigmentation
Treatment time: 60 minutes+ (depending on the treatment area)
Downtime: none
Optimal Results: within 1 week
Forever Clear BBL™
Our innovative acne treatment uses the power of broadband light (BBL) to comfortably and effectively clear acne without creams or medicine.
Ideal for Treating: Acne, Redness, Rosacea, Small Blood Vessels
Treatment time: 60 minutes+ depending on the treatment area
Downtime: 1-5 days, depending on skin sensitivity
Optimal Results: within 1 – 7 days
Can Both Procedures Be Used Effectively Together?
You can target specific issues with a laser and then microneedle all over skin rejuvenation on the same day. Or, you could alternate treatments monthly so that your face is always getting some love from us!
After Your Treatment
Downtime and recovery time will vary depending on the procedure you have. For example, non-ablative laser skin resurfacing or microneedling with shorter needles require little downtime. However, sensitive patients might take over-the-counter painkillers to manage slight pain after treatment sessions.
Laser Treatment Post Care
While you may experience some redness for the first 24-48 hours, laser treatment allows you to resume normal activities immediately following the procedure. Following your appointment, you should:
- Avoid makeup, skincare products, and sunscreen until fully healed.
- Ask your specialist if your brand of moisturizer is safe for use.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure for 2 weeks.
- Avoid swimming pools and hot tubs for 2 weeks.
- Avoid picking at the area.
Microneedling Post Care
After your appointment, it is normal for your skin to feel tight, itchy, and warm for roughly 2 days. Depending on the treatment, you may experience slight bruising and hyperpigmentation. Following your procedure, you should:
- Not wear makeup or sunscreen for 12 hours.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser 3 hours post-procedure and before bed.
- Resume a normal skincare routine after 48 hours.
- Not use alcohol-based toners for 2 weeks.
- Not have excessive sun exposure for up to 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Laser or Microneedling?
While they both treat similar skin issues, it’s best to speak with someone to confirm which procedure is best for your circumstance. As an example, a laser may be able to help treat spider veins, when microneedling cannot.
What sets a treatment at Skin Technique apart?
A consultation is performed prior to any invasive procedure in a physician-directed clinic. The physician decides the laser settings and the pre and post-care instructions. The attention to detail, knowledge and medical expertise are equally as important as the treatment itself.
Book your consultation with our team of experts HERE.