Micro-needling and Botox have become two of the most popular ways of getting rid of wrinkles and attaining a more youthful look. Whilst both treatments can help to tone the skin and reduce fine lines, they are different procedures. If you’re wondering what the differences are, we encourage you to continue reading.
What is Botox, and how does it work?
Botulinum Toxin Type A (known by the name brand Botox, among others) is a neurotoxin. It binds to the nerve terminal on the muscle it is injected into to block the release of acetylcholine. This temporarily relaxes the muscle movement, which in turn reduces the appearance of lines.
Botox is used to treat problem areas around the eyes, chin, upper lip, and nose. It can also be injected into the hands and underarms to reduce excessive sweating. It is important to understand, before treatment, what kind of lines Botox works best on.
Your face probably has different lines and wrinkles for a variety of reasons. Botox is best for wrinkles known as ‘dynamic wrinkles’. This doesn’t refer to wrinkles caused by ageing or the environment but instead, lines that have developed through creasing and folding every time you laugh, smile, or frown. Over time, these actions can cause deep impressions on the skin, even when your face is relaxed.
Your practitioner can help to target problem areas by injecting Botox directly into the source. Through a small dose under the skin, the muscles will stop contracting and moving. Over time the problem lines will begin to fade.
Many people opt for Botox because it provides quick results with no recovery time. For this reason, lots of clients book their appointments during their lunchtime break so that they can return to work in time for the afternoon shift!
What is micro-needling, and how does it work?
Micro-needling refers to the process by which multiple needles cause controlled damage to the skin. Whilst this may sound a bit contradictory, the tiny punctures trigger the body to repair itself, creating a wound healing response that stimulates collagen and elastin production.
Micro-needling doesn’t just reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles but can instead help to brighten dull skin, reduce scarring, and fade pigmentation. Unlike Botox, micro- needling can be performed on most areas of the body.
If, instead of dynamic wrinkles, you are more affected by static wrinkles, then micro-needling will be the more suited treatment method for you. Static wrinkles refer to wrinkles that appear due to a lack of collagen and elastin. Most people with static wrinkles feel as though their skin has a droopy and crepe-like texture.
Micro-needling helps to stop sagging skin by rejuvenating the production of elastin and collagen. Through the controlled damage, your body will immediately be triggered to heal the wounds on the face. As the face repairs, you will begin to notice a difference in the look and feel of your skin.
Micro-needling aims to reverse the effects of ageing and help your skin feel tighter and smoother.
What are the main differences between micro-needling and Botox?
Whilst both treatments work to produce similar anti-ageing results, it’s important to distinguish between the two. Botox is injected directly into the muscles of the face and produces almost immediate results, with most patients noticing identifiable differences between 2 to 7 days.
Although micro-needling also works quickly, it can take a little longer to see the final results. This is because it is not administered through injections into the skin. Once the natural processes in the skin begin to work and heal, you will see improvement. This usually takes a few days from when you receive your treatment.
Whilst it may therefore seem tempting to opt for both treatments at the same time to reduce static and dynamic wrinkles, we do not recommend this. This is because Botox needs to be injected into healthy, intact skin free from wounds. As micro-needling causes lots of little wounds, this could result in an infection and sores to the skin.
How long do the results of these treatments last?
Usually, the results of Botox last longer than the results of micro-needling. This is because Botox directly impacts the muscles under the skin and can produce results that last around three months.
On the other hand, micro-needling is often followed by a stricter regime. Therefore, if you are looking for long-lasting changes, you may need to consider receiving micro-needling on a monthly basis.
What are the uses for these procedures?
Botox has been considered the number one procedure to reduce fine lines and wrinkles for many years, although it doesn’t have many uses beyond that. Although sometimes it can be used to treat migraines and problems with sweating.
Micro-needling has many more uses. Though it is mainly used for treating wrinkles and stimulating the production of collagen, it can also treat acne scars, reduce large pores, and
promote brighter-looking skin. Instead of ‘freezing’ collagen, micro-needling rejuvenates the production resulting in youthful skin.
Botox and microneedling are popular treatment choices for a very good reason. They are both a great and effective way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, though there are many differences between the two.
Ultimately, this means you must decide which treatment method is right for you. Botox is a more dramatic procedure though it requires fewer sessions due to temporarily freezing the muscles under the skin. On the other hand, micro-needling takes advantage of the skin’s healing process and stimulates the new production of collagen and elastin but is required more regularly.
At The Body Work Clinic, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of treatments to suit all patients. We want all prospective clients to feel confident and informed about the range of services on offer.
Do you still feel unsure about which procedure is best for you and your skin? Book a free consultation with our top nurse, Ruth Holt, today by calling us on 01223 455144.