Botox has long been one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures on the market, but a newer procedure called microneedling is quickly catching up with it. Fortunately, the latest cosmetic trend on the rise combines both of these treatments to smoothen out skin, improve skin texture, and resolve issues such as acne scarring.
So how does the micro needling and Botox combo work? With a micro needling device, a board certified will create tiny injuries into the skin to trigger collagen and elastin production. Depending on the injector, they may administer the Botox at the surface-level of the skin during or after the microneedling process. Together, these two procedures rejuvenate and create a youthful appearance for the face.
The Botox Facial: Two Procedures In One
The combination of micro needling and Botox is sometimes called the Botox Facial. Because these two products use needles and treat signs of aging, it’s easy to see why this pairing was developed. Before diving into the two-in-one procedure, it’s important to first understand how microneedling and Botox work on its own.
What Is Micro Needling?
Micro needling is a non-invasive procedure that creates micro-injuries in the skin to trick the body into jumpstarting its natural healing process: laying layers of collagen and elastin to protect your scars and make the skin stronger. Collagen and elastin are two proteins that are crucial ingredients for beauty:
- Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It’s found in connective tissues and is instrumental to healing. It helps wounds close by replacing the damaged skin cells with stronger, less elastic tissue – often referred to a scar tissue. Collagen is responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump, especially in your younger years.
- Elastin is an elastic protein that helps the skin cells return to their position. It’s the stretchy quality of your skin that allows it to “snap” back into place after being pinched or poked. Elastin is what prevents the skin from sagging.
The microneedling treatment begins with a handheld device covered in tiny needles. Your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon will run this device over the treatment area, where it can target even narrow areas around the nose and the eyes. The needles create microscopic punctures that collagen and elastin rush to fix, improving the skin texture.
Aside from tightening the skin against fine lines and wrinkles, microneedling also treats acne scars, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and other problems as the old layer of the skin peels away.
What Is Botox?
Botox is the diluted form of botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin that causes the temporary paralysis of muscles. As it stops the muscle cells from contracting, Botox can restrict muscle mobility to reduce the deep wrinkling that happens when you frown or squint.
Experienced doctors are trained to inject the Botox into specific muscles around the face, such as those creating frown lines, forehead wrinkles, or crow’s feet. While doses of Botox are mainly used to erase signs of aging such as fine lines, it won’t “fill” in the loose areas as hyaluronic acid would. Botox can also be used to treat excessive sweating, migraines, and muscular disorders.
How Do Microneedling and Botox Work Together?
Although they treat the same skin conditions, micro needling and Botox act differently. The idea is that microneedling can nourish the surface of your skin and strengthen its lower layers, while Botox stops the signs of aging and improves the results for the long term. Generally, the combo treatment would work like this:
- The skin is cleansed and a topical, numbing anesthetic is applied 30 minutes prior to the treatments.
- The microneedling device (usually a pen-like or handheld rolling system) is gently moved across the treatment area to create tiny injuries.
- A Botox-based serum is applied to the area. Sometimes, the micro needling device has an internal delivery system. In other cases, a practitioner may spread the serum over the micro-channels opened by the needles.
Unlike a traditional Botox injection, this procedure focuses on the surface of the skin rather than going deeper to reach the muscles. Aside from fixing the lines and crinkles, Botox can also manage the pores and oil production. Because the substance prevents muscles from contracting, you sweat less and produce less sebum. This helps your skin look smooth, clear, and poreless.
Some practitioners also opt to apply other products alongside the Botox in a “microdroplet” technique: hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, stem cell growth serums or even platelet rich plasma (PRP). These custom blends are “stamped” in with the micro needling tool at a dermal level to address other concerns.
A cocktail of these special ingredients and agents can do a lot for your skin: the vitamin C can brighten it, hyaluronic acid can hydrate and add plumpness, and PRP is rich in regenerative growth factors that boost collagen production.
Of course, patients should not expect to see immediate results after the procedure. For some time after, the epidermis may remain pink and dry. Your doctor may recommend a nutrient-rich serum as part of your skin care routine, which should be applied throughout the day. It’s also best to lessen your exposure to the sun as too much light will create damage on your sensitive epidermis.
Once the results appear, you can expect beautiful, wrinkle-free, and glowing skin.
The Benefits of Combining Microneedling With Botox
By itself, micro needling is incredibly powerful and versatile. When used in conjunction with Botox injections, the anti-aging effects are compounded on different areas of the skin. If your anti-aging regimen isn’t delivering the results you want, then maybe it’s time to give this combo a try. Here are some benefits you can expect to enjoy:
- Visible results after a few days
- Shortened healing time for both procedures
- Decreased pore size and sebum production
- Improvement of redness or flushing
- Tightened skin and fewer wrinkles
- Zero downtime and little effect on your daily routine
- Resolves existing damage or injuries
- Reduced risk of infection, bruising, or discoloration from other procedures
Who Are Ideal Candidates for A Botox Facial?
The ideal candidate for a Botox facial is someone who wants to improve their skin tone and reduce wrinkles. It’s also great for patients who want to give Botox a try but are afraid of looking “frozen” or “plastic”. However, this treatment should be avoided by people who:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have used Accutane in the last 6 months
- Have open wounds or a skin infection in the area
- Have had radiation treatment within the last year
- Have a history of keloid scars
Generally, combining micro needling and Botox is an effective way to achieve amazing skin care results even with no downtime. If you’re thinking about undergoing a session, it’s also important to consider potential side effects such as redness, tight or itchy skin, and sensitivity to light. You may also experience some dryness and shedding after the process.
Give Your Skin A Glow Up At Ethos Spa
As the leading medical spa in New Jersey, Ethos Spa is the go-to clinic for patients who want to give their appearance a boost. Our expert doctors can provide the latest, state-of-the-art beauty treatments for you. Schedule a consultation with us today so we can discuss the right cosmetic options for you.
