Microneedling Vs. Botox
When it comes to skincare treatments that deliver real, visible results, two treatments often top our list: microneedling and Botox. Both are popular skincare treatments among our patients, but they serve very different purposes. Deciding which is right for you depends on your aesthetic goals, skin type, and lifestyle. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “Should I try microneedling or Botox?” you’re in the right place!
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that involves using a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-injuries trigger your body’s natural healing response, which includes boosting collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin are the building blocks of firm, smooth, and youthful skin.
Think of microneedling as a workout for your skin. Just like exercise strengthens muscles, microneedling strengthens and revitalizes your skin from the inside out. It’s particularly effective for addressing fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, uneven texture, and enlarged pores. Over a series of multiple sessions, patients notice a dramatic improvement in their skin’s tone, texture, and overall radiance!
What Is Botox?
Botox, on the other hand, is a neuromodulator. It works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles - those lines and creases that form when you make facial expressions like smiling, frowning, or squinting. Botox is made from a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and has been safely used in aesthetic medicine for decades.
The effects of Botox typically last about 3-4 months, at which point the muscles gradually regain their activity. With consistent treatments, patients find that Botox helps them maintain a smooth, youthful appearance while still looking like themselves.
What Are The Big Differences Between Microneedling and Botox?
When it comes to choosing between microneedling and Botox, it’s not about which treatment is "better" - it’s about what your skin goals are. Here’s a closer look at how these two popular treatments compare:
How They Work:
Microneedling: Think of this as your skin’s wake-up call. By creating tiny, controlled micro-injuries, microneedling stimulates your body’s natural collagen and elastin production. These are the proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm, plump, and smooth. The process also speeds up cell turnover, replacing damaged cells with fresh, healthy ones. The result? Smoother texture, reduced scars, and a more youthful glow over time.
Botox: This works on a completely different level. Instead of stimulating your skin, Botox relaxes specific facial muscles. It blocks nerve signals that tell those muscles to contract - stopping repetitive movements like frowning or squinting that lead to dynamic wrinkles. With Botox, the skin above those muscles softens, giving you a smoother, more relaxed appearance.
What They Treat:
Microneedling: This is our go-to for texture concerns. It’s fantastic for addressing acne scars, fine lines, and uneven tone. If you’re starting to notice early signs of aging, or if you want an overall boost in skin quality, microneedling might be just what you need.
Botox: Botox shines when it comes to dynamic wrinkles - the lines caused by repetitive expressions like smiling, frowning, or raising your eyebrows. These include crow’s feet, forehead lines, and those little “11s” between your brows. If you’re looking to smooth these specific areas with no downtime, Botox is the MVP.
Results Timeline:
Microneedling: Patience is key here! Because microneedling works by boosting your body’s natural collagen production, results develop gradually. You’ll start noticing improvements in your skin texture and tone after a few weeks, but the real magic happens after a series of treatments. Think of this as a long-term investment in your skin’s health and vitality.
Botox: If you’re after more immediate results, Botox might be your go-to. You’ll typically see smoother skin within 3-7 days of your treatment, and the effects last around 3-4 months. It’s perfect for when you want to look refreshed on a shorter timeline.
The Downtime:
Microneedling: There’s minimal downtime with microneedling. After your session, you can expect some redness and mild swelling - think of it as a mild sunburn. These effects usually subside within 1-2 days. We recommend refraining from makeup or harsh skincare products for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, we recommend just a simple moisturizer and SPF (this one is our favorite - and it has a pretty universal tint that works on all skin types).
Botox: Botox is a “lunchtime treatment” for a reason—there’s virtually no downtime. You can head back to work or your daily activities immediately. Just avoid strenuous exercise or lying flat for a few hours post-treatment, and you’re good to go.
The Cost:
Microneedling: At $400 per session (or $650 with PRP for an added collagen boost), microneedling is an excellent option for addressing multiple skin concerns like texture, scarring, and fine lines. While it requires a series of treatments for optimal results, many clients find the long-term improvements worth the investment.
Botox: Botox is priced per unit at $14.50, with the total cost depending on how many units you need to achieve your desired look.
Can You Combine Microneedling and Botox?
You absolutely can! Combining microneedling and Botox is a powerhouse approach to achieving radiant, youthful skin. Here’s why they pair so well: Microneedling focuses on improving your skin’s texture, tone, and overall health. By stimulating collagen and elastin production, it addresses concerns like uneven texture, fine lines, and scarring, giving your skin that fresh, rejuvenated glow over time.
Botox targets dynamic wrinkles caused by repetitive facial expressions. It smooths out areas like crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines, leaving your skin looking softer and more relaxed.
Both microneedling and Botox are both proven treatments for improving your skin, but they work in different ways. Whether you’re looking to smooth wrinkles, boost collagen, or enhance your skin’s texture, there’s a treatment - or combination of treatments - that’s perfect for you.
Whether you're interested in filler, Botox/Dysport, collagen-boosting skin treatments, or want to learn more about our Defy Monthly Facial Membership (a perfect choice for those who want to transform their skin without the price tag over the course of a year!), we’d love to see you in our Bethesda medical spa soon.