In the quest for younger-looking skin you can come across thousands of potential treatments. It can be daunting to decide which are worth trying. In this post, we’ll explore Botox vs microneedling. 
They’re two of the most effective anti-aging treatments available today, but they’re also very different from one another. 
In this post, we’ll explain exactly what they are and how they work. We’ll help you figure out which of the two will be best for you, or whether you should try both! 

 

How Does Botox Work?

Botox works way below the skin, on the muscular level. It’s an FDA-approved neuromodulator that has the ability to paralyze muscles and prevent them from contracting. 
As an aesthetic treatment, we inject it where muscle movement and tension lead to wrinkles in the skin. It’s an easy yet very effective fix for frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet. Botox is a very quick treatment, especially when done by registered nurses with aesthetic expertise like our injectors at SEV. 
The word “Botox” can raise some concerns, but they’re largely unfounded – this wrinkle treatment has been around for decades. There’s a lot of data confirming that it’s quite safe, not just as an anti-wrinkle treatment but also as a treatment for other health concerns. 

 

Pros:

  • Highly effective for treating “expression wrinkles” like frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles. 
  • Quite affordable when compared to other treatments with this level of efficacy. 
  • Very fast and easy procedure.
  • FDA-approved.   
  • Safe and effective.

Cons:

  • Results only last for 3-4 months. 
  • Very small risk of negative reaction. 

 

How Does Microneedling Work?

Microneedling is a type of collagen induction therapy. As we age, the skin slows down its collagen production. Since collagen is the main structural protein in the skin, our skin looks more saggy and wrinkled when there’s less of it. Because microneedling encourages more collagen production, it helps the skin itself become firmer, tighter, and literally more youthful. 

If the name hasn’t clued you in, microneedling is done by puncturing the skin with tiny needles. The needles are incredibly thin, so the micro-punctures don’t cause any damage to the skin. However, they still trigger the skin’s self-repair mechanisms, which include producing more important proteins like collagen. 

Microneedling has other benefits beyond addressing lines and loss of tone. It can also improve overall skin texture and fade hyperpigmentation and scarring. 
Since microneedling requires puncturing of the skin, it comes with a risk of infection and irritation. These risks are particularly high if the microneedling device that’s used isn’t an FDA-approved medical device or if the person performing the treatment isn’t a registered nurse or physician. 

 

Pros:

  • Excellent treatment for stimulating collagen production. 
  • Can improve signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of tone. 
  • Can also improve other skin concerns like texture, large pores, scarring, and hyperpigmentation. 

Cons:

  • You’ll usually need a series of treatments in order to achieve very notable results. 
  • Can be a little painful.
  • Risk of infection, especially if performed with a derma roller at home or if done by a practitioner who is not a medical professional. 

 

What’s the Main Difference Between Them?

So is microneedling better than Botox? Is Botox better than microneedling? If we haven’t made it clear already, Botox and microneedling are totally different. It’s definitely a case of comparing apples to oranges. 
To start, Botox is a one-and-done injection that you can receive every 3 to 4 months, while microneedling requires a series of treatments spaced one month apart. Microneedling rejuvenates the skin itself while Botox works on the muscles underneath. 

If your main concern is those deeper wrinkles in the upper half of the face, Botox is the definitive solution. On the other hand, if you want to enhance the firmness and smoothness of your skin, microneedling is the better choice since it’s great for fine lines, surface issues, and general loss of tone.  

Can You Receive Botox and Microneedling Together?

If you’d like to address signs of aging very comprehensively, you can do both microneedling and Botox, although not at the same appointment. We recommend waiting at least two weeks between your Botox and microneedling appointments.

 

Botox and Microneedling at SEV Laser

One thing that both Botox and microneedling have in common is that it’s important to get them done by a medical professional. A skilled practitioner will give you better results with a much smaller risk for side effects. 

At SEV Laser, all of our registered nurses are specialized in cosmetic treatments like Botox, microneedling, and other anti-wrinkle injectables like dermal fillers. 
If you’re looking to address wrinkles caused by muscle movement, you’ll want to give Botox a try. We offer it at most SEV Laser locations across the United States! 

If you’re interested in microneedling, we offer that at select SEV locations in California, under the name “Morpheus8.” Morpheus8 is a highly advanced machine that combines microneedling with radiofrequency. It magnifies the effect of microneedling which allows for better results with fewer treatments! 
No matter which anti-aging treatment you’re interested in, booking is easy! Check out our booking portal to see which treatments are available at your nearest SEV medspa.