Microneedling and Laser: A Full Breakdown
Written by: Aither
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Published on Apr 04, 2025
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Time to read 8 min
There is a wide range of skin treatments alongside countless skincare and cosmetic products available to everyone. Many of these treatments overlap in their benefits, so it becomes a challenge to choose the best option. We’re putting the spotlight on two of the most popular procedures: microneedling vs. laser resurfacing. Both are known for promoting smoother, healthier skin, but which one delivers better results?
Microneedling Vs Laser Skin Resurfacing: The Basics
Non-invasive skin treatments are cosmetic procedures to enhance the skin's appearance without the need for surgery, injections, or cuts. These treatments use advanced technologies such as lasers, radiofrequency, ultrasound, or chemical solutions to target issues like wrinkles, fine lines, loose skin, and uneven pigmentation.
Among these treatments, laser resurfacing vs microneedling are the two most requested treatments.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a skin treatment that involves using fine needles to create micro-injuries on the skin's surface. These tiny punctures trigger the body’s natural healing response, so it boosts the production of collagen and elastin.
There are several types of microneedling techniques, but they all share a common principle: using tools such as a derma roller, derma stamp, or a derma pen. This treatment can be safely performed at home when using high-quality tools, such as the Aither derma roller.
What is a Laser Treatment?
Laser resurfacing is a procedure that uses focused laser beams to minimize wrinkles, scars, and uneven pigmentation. It tightens the skin and eliminates both benign and malignant lesions.
The process involves directing short, intense pulses of light onto damaged skin. By precisely vaporizing skin layer by layer, laser resurfacing removes the outer epidermis and heats the deeper dermis layer. This heat encourages the production of new collagen fibers like microneedling. This treatment is also commonly referred to as lasabrasion, laser peel, or laser vaporization.
Home skin laser treatment may be available but it doesn't use true laser technology and is less powerful than professional treatments.
Overview of the Differences Between Laser Treatment vs Microneedling
Criteria | Microneedling | Laser Treatment |
|---|---|---|
How It Works | Tiny needles puncture the skin to stimulate collagen | Lasers remove or heat skin layers to trigger collagen growth |
Downtime | Minimal (1–3 days); mild redness | Moderate to significant (5–10+ days); redness, peeling |
Results Timeline | Visible after 3–6 sessions | Visible after 1–2 sessions; faster improvement |
Skin Types | Safe for most skin types and tones | May not be suitable for darker skin tones (risk of pigmentation) |
Treatment Duration | 30 minutes | 30-120 minutes |
All About Microneedling
The skin’s repair response is activated by the microneedling itself. This makes microneedling effective for improving fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, discoloration, and other skin concerns.
Before the procedure, your provider (in-clinic) or you (at home) may apply a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort. While microneedling isn't painful, it can cause some mild discomfort and leave your skin feeling sore or sensitive. During the session, tiny sterile needles are gently pressed or rolled over the skin to trigger the regenerative process. Afterward, a healing serum may be applied to enhance results.
Post-treatment, it’s common to experience redness, tenderness, and slight bleeding at the needle entry points. A few days later, mild peeling may occur as the outer layer of skin sheds to reveal fresher, smoother skin beneath. Full results become visible within six weeks, with noticeably revitalized and healthier-looking skin.
Pros and Cons
Best home microneedling or in-clinic treatments come with a wide range of benefits, but it may not be the ideal choice for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages and drawbacks:
Pros
• Effectively treats scars, fine lines, and uneven texture
• Minimally invasive with no surgical intervention required
• More budget-friendly compared to other skin treatments
• Minimal downtime
• Quick, straightforward sessions
• Long-lasting improvements with proper care
• Safe and effective for all skin tones
Cons
• Results are not immediate and may take time to fully develop
• Multiple sessions are needed to achieve optimal results
• Some mild discomfort may be experienced during or after treatment
• Skin can be more sensitive to sun exposure post-treatment
What Other Skin Concerns Can Microneedling Address?
Microneedling is a versatile treatment that can benefit both men and women looking to improve signs of aging, scarring, and various skin imperfections. In addition to its popular uses, microneedling can also treat the following conditions:
• Stretch marks
• Acne scars
• Active acne
• Uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation
• Enlarged pores
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Hair thinning or hair loss (especially when combined with serums)
• Loose or sagging skin
Types of Microneedling Treatments
Traditional microneedling has evolved beyond basic rollers and pens. Advanced options now include enhancements like radiofrequency (RF) microneedling and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for even greater results.
Types | Definition |
|---|---|
Traditional microneedling | A device with fine needles to pierce the skin in targeted areas. |
With platelet-rich plasma | Uses fine needles along with PRP extracted from your own blood. PRP is rich in growth factors that enhance the skin’s natural healing and stimulate increased collagen production. |
With radiofrequency | Similar to traditional microneedling but adds the benefit of radiofrequency energy, which is delivered through the needles to gently heat the deeper layers of skin. |
Who Should Avoid Microneedling?
Individual with:
• Blood clotting or bleeding disorders
• Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels (e.g., diabetes)
• Use of blood-thinning medications
• Current or recent use of acne medications containing isotretinoin
• Chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
• Hepatitis, HIV, or other infectious diseases
• Autoimmune disorders
• Loose or sagging skin
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
All About Laser Therapy
When undergoing laser skin resurfacing treatments like Halo Resurfacing, Opus Plasma, or BBL Laser, a trained professional uses a laser device to deliver concentrated light energy to targeted areas of the skin. This energy focuses on elements like water or pigmentation to remove the outer layer of skin and stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers. As your skin heals over the following days and weeks, you’ll notice improvements in texture, elasticity, tone, and overall radiance.
Before the procedure begins, a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the skin. Treatment duration can range from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the size and complexity of the area being treated. For larger or more intensive procedures, sedation may also be used. Most patients require two to three sessions to achieve optimal results.
After treatment, the skin may feel tender and show signs of redness, swelling, or itchiness. The area will be delicate, but your provider will apply appropriate post-care products and take steps to prevent infection.
While some discomfort is normal, it subsides quickly. Recovery time varies, some may return to their skincare routine in a day or two, while others may need four to five days of downtime.
Pros and Cons
Pros
• Minimally invasive with no surgical intervention
• Requires little to no downtime, depending on the type of laser
• Proven to be both safe and effective when performed by qualified professionals
• Treatment sessions are quick and efficient
Cons
•May be more effective on lighter skin tones than darker ones due to pigmentation sensitivity
• Expensive, especially if multiple sessions are needed
• Some treatments involve longer recovery times
• Results can vary based on skin type, condition, and the laser used
Skin Concerns That Laser Can Effectively Treat
Most individuals in good health dealing with cosmetic or medical skin concerns are suitable candidates for laser therapy.
• Active acne and acne scars
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Loose or sagging skin
• Dark spots and uneven pigmentation
• Melasma
• Rosacea and general facial redness
• Broken capillaries
• Spider veins
• Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB)
• Psoriasis symptoms
• Ingrown hairs
Types of Laser Resurfacing
Types | Use |
|---|---|
CO2 Laser Resurfacing | Effective for treating wrinkles, scars, warts, birthmarks, rhinophyma (enlarged oil glands on the nose), and more. |
Erbium Laser Resurfacing | Treat fine to moderately deep wrinkles, mainly on the face, but also on the neck, chest, and hands. |
Fractional Laser Resurfacing | Target small areas of skin with narrow beams and helps the skin heal faster while boosting collagen production for tighter, smoother skin |
Who Should Avoid Laser Treatments?
This procedure may not be suitable for individuals with the following conditions:
• Autoimmune disorders
• A tendency to develop scars easily
• Currently taking medications that contain isotretinoin
• A history of cold sores or herpes outbreaks
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
People with darker skin tones may face a higher risk of side effects from laser treatments. This is because melanin in the skin absorbs more laser energy, which can increase the likelihood of burns or pigmentation problems.
Microneedling-Laser Results
microneedling vs laser for stretch marks | Laser |
microneedling vs laser for pores | Microneedling |
microneedling vs laser for wrinkles | Microneedling (fine lines), Laser (deeper wrinkles) |
microneedling vs laser for pigmentation | Microneedling |
Note: Both treatments can effectively address a variety of skin concerns, but in some cases, one may be more suitable or deliver better results than the other.
Microneedling vs Laser Cost
Microneedling costs about $400 per session. In comparison, multiple laser skin treatments can average around $2,000 for ablative lasers and approximately $1,000 for non-ablative laser procedures.
Even at-home tools for these treatments vary greatly in cost. Microneedling devices range from $20 to $100—for example, the Aither Derma Roller with 0.25mm needles is priced at $58. In contrast, skin laser home treatment can be more expensive, with options like the LYMA Laser costing around $3,700.
Microneedling or. Laser Resurfacing: Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Microneedling is recommended for addressing fine lines, mild wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. On the other hand, laser resurfacing may be more suitable for deeper wrinkles, prominent acne scars, and age spots.
What about combining both?
Laser-Microneedling Treatment: Is it Worth The Combination?
Microneedling and laser therapy both address similar skin concerns through different methods. They can be used together in a treatment plan, but not at the same time. Proper spacing between sessions is essential for safe, effective results.
Benefits of Microneedling-Laser Treatment
When used together or in a staggered treatment plan, microneedling and laser therapy work synergistically to boost collagen production and enhance skin rejuvenation. This combined approach delivers more dramatic and noticeable results than either treatment alone.
Each treatment method targets the skin differently: laser therapy, like BBL, is highly effective at addressing pigmentation issues such as redness or brown spots, while microneedling improves overall skin texture and promotes collagen renewal across a broader area. When combined, they allow for a more targeted and comprehensive treatment, leaving the skin smoother, firmer, and more youthful.
Can You Have Laser After Microneedling?
Yes, you can safely undergo laser treatment after microneedling. While combining both can lead to enhanced results, either treatment on its own can still offer significant benefits.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Microneedling with Laser Treatment?
Laser treatments tend to yield the best results on lighter skin tones, but most skin types can be safely treated at specific times of the year. Combining microneedling with laser resurfacing is suitable for a wide range of clients seeking optimal results.
Ideal candidates are those looking to improve issues such as:
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Skin laxity or sagging
• Broken capillaries
• Age spots and sun damage
• Acne scars or other types of scarring
• Uneven skin tone or discoloration
However, individuals with active skin infections or open wounds should wait until the skin is fully healed before undergoing treatment.
Make a Choice, Try Aither at Home
Deciding between microneedling and laser treatments is like choosing between two premium skincare solutions—each has its own unique benefits and can leave you feeling confident and refreshed. The most important part is understanding what your skin truly needs. Remember, your path to glowing, healthy skin is uniquely yours.
If you are not yet ready to commit to expensive treatments, you’ll always have home options with our Aither derma roller.
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