Microneedling vs Lasers - Which is Better? | Dr Davin Lim

For awesome skin care tips go to drdavinlim.com/skin-care-tips/
Microneedling and laser resurfacing are two popular treatment options for acne scars. It involves using a device with fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin, which triggers the body's natural healing process and collagen production. This can help improve the appearance of acne scars by smoothing out the skin's texture.
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Laser resurfacing uses a laser to remove the outer layers of damaged skin and stimulate collagen production, which can also help improve the appearance of acne scars.
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Both treatments can be effective, but the best option will depend on the type and severity of the scars, as well as the patient's skin type and goals. It's important to consult with a dermatologist to determine the best treatment plan for you.
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My clinic: @Cutis_dermatology on Instagram
Website: www.cutis.com.au
Instagram: @drdavinlim @101.skin
Intro: (0:00)
Microneedling, How does it work?: (0:37)
RF microneedling: (1:58)
Laser resurfacing, How does it work?: (3:29)
When to use both: (5:14)
Summary: (6:38)

[@sojournerhouse]

You are the best at explaining procedures with your vast knowledge. Thank you for operating with integrity.

[@christinenguyen2530]

Thank you Dr. Lim. I am pleased to see you back on KZbin again.

[@dbf0702]

Thank you! Great description and guidance.

[@bellasmedispa]

Our office in Wisconsin, we use microneedling with PRP and with very good results as well we have laser, but I do agree with you we always give the options for the patient to consider. thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@marymaldonado5103]

I always appreciate your videos. I love that you deliver the information right away. Very educational! Please create a video on different lasers for different fitzpatrick skin types. What’s a good laser for asian skin to get rid of acne scars?

[@ritacarlson9522]

I am 70 years old. Began using a 2.0 derma roller (It has to be 2.0 size needles in order to force the body to send collagen up and into the skin) I began using this size roller in 2016. After the first 6 months my family and friends told me I was aging backwards. I roll my face...neck ...chest...arms...legs...and it has absolutely worked. When I was 65 I was carded at my local store before I could buy champagne. It made my day !! My jaw line along with the rest of my skin is tight. 100% works.

[@sr-xrp4817]

Excellent content Dr. Davin thanks for sharing sir.

[@kristinebogdanovica9239]

Thank you very much for such an educational video. I am slowly discovering different options of laser treatments and I am quite impressed. They are pricey but do seem to work.

[@kakak166]

Very helpful video and information! Thank you Dr. Lim! :)

[@sharonc7847]

Have you done, and if not, would you do a video on aging hands and the various treatments available?

[@kingqaiser2133]

I lovvve your new look!

[@BreeMoney-kw5uq]

Thanks! good stuff Davin x

[@marklee1960]

Love this channel. Love it.

[@monasedik2124]

Thank you dr for such basic comparison

[@chelo.416]

Thanks, Doc! Very informative!

[@jogon9649]

Heya Dave my favourite skin professional youtuber. Please try give us some skin product reviews some recommendations of how to layer etc

[@Kassiusday]

Excellent summary! I use micro needling more than laser. Just something our peers and colleagues often forget to mention is mesotherapy a French medical technique created by Dr Pistor , which triggered the needling devices industry. ( rollers , stamps , derma pen .. )

[@norwaydude]

If you havent already, I'd love to see a review/honest opinion of the more popular home dermastamp devices and dermapens. It would be very helpful in chosing homecare products.

[@MissInformationVlogs]

He just did. A video after this. I believe its the Banisher 2.0

[@perfectbeauty5711]

I personally love the Banisher 2.0 because the needles are finer than any other on the market. Also the head makes it very easy to push into the skin, vs. the actual needles from dermapen, etc. I have found the needles from dermapen actually scar my skin because it's too thick.

[@LY-js7ff]

Omgggg this is the question I wanted to know recently❤️❤️😍

[@ranya6893]

Thank you, super helpful!

[@noreenm8375]

Thank you. Hair looks great. 🐞

[@Handsomemangame]

Thank you i been waiting for this video

[@alexandria2916]

funny the sleeve tattoo is growing - love it though

[@shahzadiriffat2074]

Excellent .Dr Davin I like your lecture.

[@myrizfernandez7449]

Hi Dr. Lim! Can you make a video on what the best treatments are to refine pore size please? Thank you so much!

[@joeraceldidulo8642]

Hi, dr.. can you do the difference between co2 and dermabrassion? Or which is better between the two for deep acne scars😢

[@patrick707100]

Doctor Lim seems to know his subject and explains it very well. He did not mention skin planning under it was under another name. I am very surprised to notice that Doctor Lim has a arm full of tattoos, very surprising that Dermatologist would get tattoos.

[@Cbreganteswift]

Great content and explanation thank you

[@jaisuperawesome]

What about rf microneedling and laser which one is more effective for acne scars?

[@greyzia0405]

Thank you for this informative video, Dr Lim!

[@airjordan407]

Hi Dr. David, would you say thermage is way better than RF microneedling? What’s your advice for Asian skin? Thanks Doc.

[@xx528491xx]

I remember a video where you compared Fraxel to RF needling for acne scaring and said you preferred needling. Has that opinion changed or are you talking about a different laser than Fraxel for mid-depth acne scars?

[@Sunshinezz999]

Well thank you for disclosing this issue or otherwise I would go for laser 😮

[@howen7478]

I have been doing Q switch for a few years now and it made my melasma lighter however I feel with the micro needling, it made the melasma darker but it improved overall skin texture…

[@cv7958]

I find with the rise in popularity of microneedling (celebs and models touting that they get this treatment done), it’s not nearly as cost-effective as you’d expect from a patient perspective. In my area, I can get C&B for $525 and microneedling for $400. So for me, I’d rather get an entry-level laser treatment for just a little more. If microneedling was $300, then yes, I would include it in rotation but it seems odd to me to choose microneedling when I get better results with lasers for my skin concerns (prerejuvenation/hyperpigmentation) and the device itself is much much much cheaper for the provider to purchase than a laser device. I’m paying for the provider’s time and expertise but I also feel like it’s more bang for my buck when I know the provider had to shell out $100k+ for a laser device versus $5k+ for a microneedling pen lol. The level of technology is vastly different. Same reason I wouldn’t spend a lot on a skincare product with niacinamide but willing to spend on a growth factor serum. I know it cost the company more to procure the growth factor. I wouldn’t pay a boatload of money for a niacinamide serum when I know it’s a fairly affordable ingredient. Doesn’t mean microneedling and niacinamide doesn’t work just my thought process on where I choose to splurge.

[@yashwinitiwari]

what growth factor serum would you recommend?

[@aprilebru6991]

I agreed with you . Also ZO skin health growth factor serum really worked on me

[@aprilebru6991]

@@yashwinitiwariZo skin health growth factor serum really good

[@djing1722]

not everyone can have lasers done so microneedling is a good alternative for those who cant do lasers

[@bellaadamowicz8380]

Strange attitude. What the difference how much the provider spent on the device ? You go for what is better suited to you

[@georgesmith3022]

good proffesional advice

[@mandapanda6730]

Would you say an ablative laser or RF micro needling laser is better for old stretch marks?

[@rbyash1004]

Always informative as usual your videos. How about Diode wavelength targeting collagen in skin for rejuvenation. There are machines /lasers claiming that Diode laser certain wavelength targets only Collagen in skin.How can we compare it with microneedling especially RF microneedling?

[@annikamiloshkevich1124]

diode laser left my skin dry for 3 months already. No my own sebum production anymore. Biggest regret of my life is diode laser

[@lilyr.1564]

I have some static wrinkles on my lines, mainly the static frown lines that feel like indents between my eyebrows. Which is better to target? I have had 2 microneedling sessions with PRP and after the initial glow during the first week, my skin has gone back to normal. Should I continue or opt for lasers like CO2? I’m hesitant on lasers due to potential of fat loss in addition to the fact that I have Asian skin.

[@jennifercarillio8403]

Our office is not a fan of dermarollers. Because of the angle that the needles penetrate the epidermis, you're more likely to create scarring this way and the needles dull very quickly. In office, we recommend a derma pen. In addition, when using a dermapen, you are assured a brand new, sterile cartridge per each treatment. We love your content. Keep up the great work!

[@lorenlash9174]

Hmm. I've had profound results using quality Dermarollers. I've also had Microneedling in office. I don't see how in office is better. RF is a different story.

[@jennifercarillio8403]

@Loren LASH Again, I'm sure you do not have a medical grade device. We can reach deeper layers than devices that are bought online. FDA cleared and approved pens, such as the SkinPen, are extremely effective and are in office use only. Can you get results from a plain dermaroller, but again, we've also witnessed micro tears in the tissues of our patients, and they simply weren't aware of this. I'm glad you received a positive outcome. 🙏

[@lorenlash9174]

@@jennifercarillio8403 Dr. Lance Setterfield is where I've learned about microneedling and how to do it. Pretty sure I have the best microneedling derma rollers on the market. I use .5 to 1.0 needles which I use only 5 times before tossing and am extremely cautious with keeping things sterile. Personally, I did not see any major difference in my own practice versus the pen that I had used on me in office treatments. So, you know, I'm not going to keep spending $200 for an in office treatment when I can do well for my skin at home for a fraction of the cost. To each their own.

[@jennifercarillio8403]

@Loren LASH Again, not medical grade. These devices can not be sterilized..... only sanitized, and the solutions used to sanitize will dull the needles the first time you try to sanitize these devices. Again, I'm glad you are being sanitary and as safe as possible. My congrats to you, and I wish you the best on your skincare rejuvenation journey. Remember, a variety of skin rejuvenating treatments, which include laser treatments, professional peels, threads, treatments, RF/Microneedling and one of our latest and best treatments to date, Ellacore treatments will yield the best results. A variety of treatments are always encouraged to ensure the ultimate skin rejuvenating results. Thanks for the conversation, and I wish you the best!

[@lorenlash9174]

@@jennifercarillio8403 Thanks so much!

[@Fari.Klgzai90]

Is laser a good option for under eye dark circles on very thin skin and olive colour?

[@bezaethiopian7817]

Hi Dr .Davin I am so grateful for the knowledge you are sharing to me ,I am bezawit w/selassie from Ethiopia am working also with skin care treatment , I plan to open skin care training School that can help more young people to get a job and to get better awareness about skin diseases so please can you share your knowledge at my school in Ethiopia by online training ?

[@normalizaprinsloo9791]

laser has a smooth delivery, good for acne, keeps on advancing technology to cater for skin issues

[@maryamzarak5273]

What is the best laser for pigmentation and fine lines?

[@ozgekrklk4718]

Hello . Is microneedling without heat but with PRF effective for crow's feet and very mild static lines ? I am discouraged about RF microneedling because I cannot trust the provider in terms of being careful about the fatpads.

[@zyzz3328]

What are your thoughts on mesotherapy for pigmentation

[@kishimiismaila8085]

With your permission. What of the disadvantages and advantages of each for different skin types?

[@lilarose9348]

I had 6 BBL treatments and it made hyperpigmentation worse. I don’t have melasma. I took before and after pics a few weeks after each treatment. It’s been 6 mths since my last treatment and the pigment is finally back to what it was prior to treatments. Is Pica láser better? What are your thoughts on microneedling Vs microchanneling. How can someone find a good provider?

[@rhondadunn4228]

I have a lot of sun damage that has changed the texture of my skin and I absolutely hate it. I don’t eat a lot of sugar and some skin care specialist right away think it’s glycation from sugar.. but it isn’t.. what would you recommend to treat sun damage? I’m 50 and I spent my whole life in the summer sun. I thought spf in the makeup was enough.. I started using spf daily when I turned 40. Help! I wish I could send you pictures.. and get your honest opinion because I trust YOU!

[@MissInformationVlogs]

Its still not too late. Wear sunscreen daily (despite staying indoors) and dont forget to double cleanse. Check this Banish Defender SPF50 that our whole family uses

[@Pinkhair332]

Doctor please put the mike closer so the sound is lauder and we can hear better 💟

[@GiveHimGlory89]

Which is better for Icepick acne scars dr ? Rf microneedling or stellar m22 rsrfx?

[@EAAAA1505]

What laser treatments are good for forehead wrinkles?

[@whitesapphire8641]

I’ve had both! Numerous times .. its very expensive and I only see results for a couple of weeks… 😮

[@healthbeauty7853]

Fractional plasma is new on the market with a machine called opus, it claims to be a replacement for co2 fractional laser without the long downtime. Personally I'm not completely sold on the new device.

[@SkinmindedEmpfang]

Great content however let me add that in our practice, we have good effects with treatments such as Infini RF or Secret RF in particular when skin tightening is the expectation. Non-ablative fractional lasers, when compared to fractional RF, target fine wrinkles, skin texture, and pigment much better indeed. But for tightening the skin, most of our clients have better results with the RF microneedle treatments.

[@angelamarkopoyloy7546]

which is better for the wrinkles under eye area and the crows feet?

[@SkinmindedEmpfang]

Hi @@angelamarkopoyloy7546, it would be best to ask in your clinic. We have many satisfied clients who get fractional laser around the eye area to reduce wrinkles. It won't treat mimic wrinkles however so please discuss your expectations with your clinic and make sure you are aligned before you purchase the procedure!

[@skinminded]

@@angelamarkopoyloy7546 Depending on the cause of the wrinkles, non-ablative fraxel ("Fraxel Re:Store") is effective reducing crow's feet. Only when enduring sunshine has done more permanent damage to the collagen producing cells, laser or RF won't really help.

[@sialee5926]

Which is better for skin of colour & hyper pigmentation!

[@yayin43]

What’s the best treatment for stubborn dark keloids. I already had several steroids injections and it helps flatten it out except for a little part that is not lightening. Should I still have laser after 4 procedures?

[@womanlyglam]

Hi Dr.David Lim can you make a video explaining why acne scars can't fade completely even if you do continuous treatments?

[@awakenthegreatnesswithin]

They can fade with the right products

[@DisfanTami]

Hi Dr. Lim! I am a woman, 64 years of age, who has had pitted acne scars my whole life. I just had my fourth erbium yag laser and find that my scars don't look any different than prior to the treatment. In my small province in Canada, I just can't seem to find any acne scar experts. I have tried various treatments, including micro-needling and filler. Of course now as I age, I also am losing volume. I think I'm about to give up here! Wish we had somebody like yourself in our province

[@rene230464]

Princess, I had the same problem. I went to a good Spa where I checked the credentials and made sure they are well informed - they advised me to do 3 Laser treatments. I did it over 5 months and ALL my marks are gone. My skin looks beautiful. I am from South Africa and most of the marks came from suntanning when I was young.

[@jordankemguimatio5109]

@@rene230464 hello, what is your Skin Color ? Which Laser was used? CO2 fractional ? Or picolaser?

[@rene230464]

@@jordankemguimatio5109 They would not provide a Laser treatment as it these acne scars are on my neck. I get huge lumps on my neck and it takes ages to go away as it never becomes a pimple, just lumps

[@kzzaza1768]

@@rene230464 how were you re acne scars ? Deep ? Thanks

[@Gaby-cq8pr]

What about chemical peel? And how strong TCA peels is recommended to do at home

[@kzzaza1768]

Does the laser fraxel work for deep acne scars ?

[@TryfifiiKalii]

What gives the best results for stretch marks on your stomach?

[@Saidane124]

What are your thoughts on laser machines from Rejuva fresh?

[@Gian-ni]

Is Carbon Peel Laser just a fancier version of the old microdermoabrasion?

[@basmahn9151]

I hope you are ok

[@valgal9819]

Which is best for festoons… micro-needling or laser

[@littlequeen22]

I have a micro current device and I read that if you don’t keep doing it your skin will become loose. Is this true?

[@meenavenkatraman5016]

Will chickenpox pitted scars (atrophic) go away with co2 laser? How many sittings are required?

[@ttran626]

Is PRF Micro-needling or RF Micro-needling better for pitted acne scars?

[@fstarr9923]

Very informative. I've done both and like you said, they address different issues.

[@lauriannajones]

Which one did you prefer?

[@helloworld6849]

Which one was better ?

[@scottsantos09]

Is it safe to use dermapen at home for scar on my face?

[@-nellie-m3711]

Dr Lim, I’d really love you to answer my question if you would, what is your honest thoughts on doing micro needling at home with all these micro needling devices on the market now, personally for me I wouldn’t use one at home, I’d leave it to someone like yourself who has done years of training in your field of expertise, I’ve done some online research and some of the horror stories are horrendous, leaving people with scars they never had before and especially hyperpigmentation that they never had before doing at home micro needling. I do hope you are able to answer this question for me as a fellow Queenslander…you appear to have lost weight in your face, I Hope your health is okay, it’s very noticeable from previous videos I’ve watched in the past. Have a Great Australia Day tomorrow 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@SunburntComposer]

He has videos on this topic that answers your question. He gives a demonstration on how to do it at home.

[@damydam3896]

Hi doctor can I get both treatments in one day. Microneedling and laser genesis ?

[@Lisa-dy1fr]

I had a microneedling session 3 weeks ago to help encourage healing & deal with side effects from a full face TRL 4 months ago. I had developed stubborn under eye hyperpigmentation a month after TRL and pin prick blood spots were constantly showing up on my face after physical exertion. I went back for a check up a week ago and was told i need another microneedling session. I'm so tired of all the downtime and wonder if i should just stop traumatizing my face :/

[@steflondon88]

Sounds like TRL was the culprit mostly?

[@kouten07]

What is TRL?

[@luciasaunders9736]

They're just sucking money out of you, unfortunately.

[@Lisa-dy1fr]

@@luciasaunders9736 True! :( Two dermatologists confirmed microneedling unlikely to help. So disappointing but glad I found a dermatologist owned clinic specializing in laser treatment and bonus, cheaper Botox injected by a derm who’ll also expertly monitor my skin.

[@coralbrisbane5499]

Hello Dr Lim I am doing extensive research and have already had Fraxel treatments on my legs. I have dark brown spots- sun damage, that I am trying to at least fade. I am thinking of trying PRP microneedling but laser maybe more effective. Which laser is better to fade dark spots on legs. I know the legs are hard to treat. Thank you!

[@echase416]

Tretinoin

[@jenny-DD]

My ecstatic estatician does Lasers and microneedling Get a Discount when I buy a pack of 5x. Each treatment is like $75

[@MrVelonleon]

Hi doc. what do you suggest for saggy stomach skin? will laser resurfacing help or RF microneedling?

[@victoriabrooke7970]

None of those. You need plastic surgery to remove the saggy skin. None of those will tighten the skin.

[@CheerfulEspressoMachine-wc7fv]

Doc. And now what is more effective co2 laser or subcision? Please make a comment about this thank you

[@usapatriot5078]

I wonder which one of these procedures is good for Asian skin.

[@ragnhildvideosen3462]

Hi, thank you for your informativ videos. . Could you please comment on this, I am a little worried I have ruined my skin rather than built it: I had my very first Dermapen needling 3 weeks ago. They put a rich layer of 1 % retinol (from ZO skincare) on top of my skin just after the treatment and recommended to put 0.5 % retinol on my skin every night. I had never used retinol before. During the day I was recommended to use Illuminating AOX serum and also Power defense, all from ZO. My skin reacted with redness, dryness and cracking for almost 2 weeks. It was also painful every time I put on this cream for the same period. I do not mind the pain if this is healthy treatment for my skin, but I wonder if this a damaging way? MY skin is fair and my age is 63!

[@nkatarina]

noooo retinol should not be used every night right away!! if you really want to go through with using it you have to work your way up so you build resistence to redness,dryness etc. Start with using it twice a week and slowly work your way up. Sunscreen is a must and also you have to invest in a good moisturizer and moisturizer really well!

[@Jul20603]

What if after the surgery there were some missed spots. Won’t that spot be different from the one that we’re done..??? Won’t they stand out??

[@jesr.5956]

Doc how many days to see results after laser? Planning to have it later.

[@ichiagou]

done both

[@fainafaina1]

Can laser help with texture? I was told laser cannot help with a raised scar

[@kimdoan3922]

Hi Dr Lim Do you know if microneedling cause milia or white head on skin. Also it causes the scars looks larger. Thanks Dr

[@Sky10811]

Pls advice how many times in life is safe to do Radio-frequency with microneedling? I understood that 3 or 4 times in the whole life? As it basically burn skin inside. This is what plastic surgen told me

[@dominiquejones1528]

Hello Dr lim um I was wandering what's the best treatment for neck lines? I 'm sceard of using needles?

[@Sky10811]

HA Filler in horizontal lines

[@jkc8407]

I had several microneedling t/x with plasma. I saw little to no real difference. It was super expensive! 2,000 for 4 sessions. I have switched to laser treatments and i absolutely love lasers. The results have been amazing! I have more pigmentation than scars so my skincare goals are different than others. I have one scar which i have filler put into and tcl cross.

[@aileen8492]

which lasers?

[@kouten07]

Which laser?

[@mimi3981]

Which laser?

[@dr.hawkins]

Probably co2 lasers @@aileen8492

[@pineapple365]

When you mean by plasma you mean prf right?

[@nastar2749]

What kind of laser is the best for deep acnes scars?

[@tonylowry8338]

Elissa here. 12 microneedling sessions did nothing for my acne scarring. Waste of money. I wish i would have watched this video prior to this. I did have 3 subcision treatments with bellafill and it made a much bigger difference. My injector suggested doing either halo or sofwave

[@1JStyLeZ1]

Doc what do you think of Profhilo? is it worth it for Acne scars?

[@DGP888]

I love Profhilo. And he uploaded a video about Profhilo last year

[@RyeonLok]

so microneedling or rf pulse is suitable for mild pore and scars... where laser is more dept more severe case

[@healthbeauty7853]

I have a plasma pen and a secret rf micro needling machine, I can tell you that microneedling doesn't coagulate scar tissue to the same degree as a plasma pen,which the ablatation effect is similar to a laser.

[@SteffyRodriguezAgredo]

Where do you get it? How do you use it.

[@Xboxking-vc3vi]

@@SteffyRodriguezAgredo enter parameters into the machine, press ready and step on the foot switch, you can get it from a Chinese laser manufacturer.

[@Yoursmores]

Hello! How about for dark circles? RF microneedling or picolaser?

[@bernicehamlyn6975]

Jowls, nasolabial folds Morpheus 8 or midface lift

[@MJ-lc2kd]

Can CO2 laser be used to remove/improve the appearance of my leg dermatofibroma?

[@smithaharidas2991]

Love your videos Sir. Very informative they are. Can you please tell if there are there any side effects of using RF on skin. Anything? Healthwise?

[@kzzaza1768]

Up

[@kouten07]

What is RF?

[@FIAT-Voluntas-Tua-333]

Radio frequency. Some doctors says that it can make melt the fat and then kke looking older.. I never did anything.. i do not know then 😅

[@komanggithatrisnasari9969]

what treatment is better for acne skin

[@bnb0510]

I had Halo and my face blew up like a balloon with tiny burns all over. Never again! Going to try the new Advatx laser. Looks promising! It’s definitely not a one size fits all treatment. Multiple things need done in combination for best results.

[@aestheticiantrishmccarty1317]

I love Halo!! I get such amazing results with it. If the patient is unprepared though they will have a lot of swelling. It is not unusual to get swelling still depending on skin health and concern.

[@bnb0510]

@@aestheticiantrishmccarty1317 swelling? Lol they had me come back in after seeing a photo that i sent and put me on steroids and antibiotics. That’s how bad it was.

[@renadempsey842]

I love Halo as well. Done twice. But like everything it’s technician dependent.

[@aestheticiantrishmccarty1317]

@@renadempsey842 YES!!!! SO TRUE!

[@aestheticiantrishmccarty1317]

@@bnb0510 oh my... that is no fun! We had to put one patient out of 50+ maybe this past year on a steroid but she literally did everything I said not to do, haha! Things do happen though even when everyone does it right. sorry you had a hard time.

[@rupalitiwari446]

But in brown skin lasers can hyper-pigment the skin. Yes??

[@perfectlycontented]

Thank you for this video!!