Microneedling or Botox? Which is Better?
On the quest for younger-looking, more radiant skin, Botox has long been heralded as king. In recent years, fillers and laser treatments have become increasingly popular for improving the appearance of the skin and now, with micro-needling being recognised as a fantastic way to improve skin health and give that youthful glow, more and more of us are now seeking to combine treatments to get the best possible results.
So when it comes to Microneedling vs. Botox… which is the right choice for you? Today, we explore how both treatments work so that you can make the best choice.
How does Botox work?
Botox smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but doesn’t directly treat the surface of the skin - instead, botulinum toxin is injected into the underlying muscle, partially paralysing it and restricting its movement.
This restriction of movement stops the muscle being able to be ‘active’ enough to form a wrinkle but still allows you to make facial expressions (depending on how many mLs of Botox that you choose to have, and your desired results).
How long does Botox last?
The paralysis effects of Botox fade over time and results will generally last between 3-6 months, at which point further injections are required to maintain the same results.
Does Botox hurt?
The level of discomfort associated with Botox injections varies from patient to patient and differs with the area of the face being treated. Being an injection, there is a stinging sensation to be expected.
The stinging sensation is generally stronger on areas of the face where there is less fatty tissue, with crows feet and frown lines reported to be some of the most uncomfortable spots to inject.
Injections last a couple of sections, and your aesthetician will generally perform between 2-10 injections per treatment area (depending on the severity of the wrinkles being treated).
There is no downtime associated with Botox, however, some bruising and swelling at the site of the injections may be present and can last for several days.
How much does Botox cost?
Botox can be costly, and ranges from $200 - $1000 per clinic visit, depending on the area being treated and how many mLs of the treatment that are required for your specific needs.
Patients wanting to maintain their Botox results should factor the treatment frequency of every 3-6 months into their budget.
How does microneedling work?
Micro-needling (also referred to as skin needling) is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that works to rejuvenate the appearance of the skin by stimulating the production of healthy new skin cells. A microneedling pen is slowly drawn across the skin in the procedure.
The Dr. Pen handheld microneedling devices utilise tiny needles, which create microscopic punctures to the skin, that close almost immediately.
This tricks the skin into thinking that it’s being injured and stimulates a healing response - including the production of collagen and elastin, which help the skin to be firm, radiant, smooth and more youthful in appearance.
This is why microneedling is also referred to as collagen induction therapy.
In this healing response, newly formed capillaries increase blood flow, and collagen and elastin flood the treated area to improve the structure and texture of the skin.
Micro needling does not damage the epidermis in the long term, and there is virtually no risk of infection or scarring from the procedure.
How long does micro needling last?
Micro needling is to be performed only once a month - this is to give the skin sufficient time to produce new collagen and heal the micro-channels created during the microneedling process.
As microneedling is designed to stimulate and renew the skin, results do not fade or wear off as they do with other cosmetic procedures such as Botox - but rather, are maintained by regularly taking care of the skin with serums, antioxidants and continued stimulation to ensure that collagen production continues.
Many people ask, “Does skin needling really work?” and the answer is a resounding ‘yes’ - most people will usually begin to see the initial skin needling results within a week of their first procedure, with more dramatic radiance, textural and fine line improvements increasing over 4-6 weeks post-treatment.
Micro needling is not an aggressive procedure. It is a gentler approach designed to provide incremental results. Research has shown long-term benefits from as little as three treatments.
Does microneedling hurt?
There is some discomfort to be associated with micro needling, however, using a numbing cream will be extremely helpful. The amount of discomfort will also depend on the length of the needle you choose to use.
Those new to microneedling will generally use a thinner, shallower needle, which creates less discomfort. As your skin’s tolerance to the needles increases with treatments, needles that penetrate further and deliver even greater results can be used.
There is no downtime associated with micro needling. After the first 24-48 hours, you may experience some superficial redness and flaking of old skin cells.
How much does microneedling cost?
Like Botox, micro needling can be performed in a clinic and prices can range up to several hundred dollars per treatment. Thanks to advances in medical and cosmeceutical technology, microneedling treatments can now also be safely performed at home.
Dr. Pen Australia offers 6 unique micro needling handsets, each with a variety of features to suit your budget and needs.
And for newbies to microneedling, the A7 and M8 models offer the finest needle cartridge gauges, so you can ease into your treatments.
You can find out more on our microneedling devices here, and find the best option for your needs.
Microneedling vs. Botox - which is right for me?
All skin types are suitable candidates for both micro needling and Botox injections, and your choice will depend on your skincare needs.
For many people, you may even like to try both treatments to achieve optimal results, as microneedling and Botox serve different purposes.
If your goal is to improve the surface and condition of your skin, microneedling will be a great choice for you.
Micro needling is also fantastic for preventative anti-ageing (a.k.a. stopping new fine lines and wrinkles from forming), as well as tightening loose skin, improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, and rejuvenating dull skin tone.
Microneedling really does give you that healthy, youthful ‘glow’ from within the skin!
Can microneedling replace Botox?
If you’ve got stubborn, deep wrinkles, Botox is fantastic at working on the underlying muscle to prevent you from repeatedly making the same facial expressions that deepen the wrinkle.
Botox works best when used before the wrinkle is too deep and if caught early enough, wrinkles can effectively be stopped in their tracks by Botox.
Microneedling and Botox achieve different results, so don’t replace each other necessarily - however they can both be used to achieve great anti-ageing results.
Botox works by paralysing the muscle, whereas microneedling works by stimulating collagen and elastin - so microneedling and Botox can work as great complementary treatments to stop the muscle from over-acting whilst also strengthening the supporting tissue with collagen and elastin .
Does microneedling affect Botox?
If you opt for both procedures, it’s recommended to wait at least 2 weeks after receiving Botox before performing micro needling (to allow the toxin time to settle into the treated area without risk of migration).
Or, if you choose to perform your microneedling treatment first, it’s recommended to wait 3-4 days for the skin’s irritation to settle before receiving any injections such as Botox or other cosmetic injectables.
If you’re ready to start your microneedling journey, start by exploring the complete Dr. Pen Australia range here to find the best device for your skin’s needs.
