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Do you feel like every year your beauty to-do list gets longer? Like, all of a sudden it just feels like everyone is doing every treatment, all the time? So people are doing all these different skincare treatments, and you honestly wonder about how they manage it!

Like, forget about the cost for a second…how do you even schedule all these things people are doing? 

But anyway — there are two treatments I will always be faithful to: Botox and microneedling. I do the microneedling myself at home and get my Botox touched up every 4-6 months. (It’s not because my skin is so great — it’s because I can’t manage my appointments!) To me, these are a great one-two punch for anti-aging and skin texture.

Combining popular treatments like microneedling and Botox injections has gained attention in the beauty world. Both are excellent at reducing signs of aging, smoothing out fine lines, and giving skin a more youthful appearance. 

But is it a good idea to do them together, and what’s the right order? In this post, we’ll dive into the key points of combining these two treatments, covering everything from safety to the best order for optimal results.

(And if you clicked on this post looking for information about the trendy Botox facial, I have a post about that too!)

Is Botox or Microneedling better for anti-aging?

They work differently! 

Microneedling is hands-down better for skin texture or laxity, because that’s not really what Botox is supposed to fix. 

But if you’re thinking about a big-picture idea of what your skin needs… Microneedling can diminish improve fine lines and is a great choice for preventing early aging. But Botox is a powerhouse for preventing lines from forming and erasing what’s there. 

Really, they do different things and work well together. Botox mostly prevents lines from forming. Microneedling improves skin texture, including lines (but also pores and lack of firmness!). 

So it’s not about better, exactly…it’s which one is going to meet your needs. 

I’m in my twenties. Do I need Botox or microneedling?

If you’re looking for your first anti-aging treatment, I would definitely suggest starting with microneedling.

I have a whole post about the Best Age to Get Botox, but basically: microneedling will keep your skin firm and plump, and in doing that, it will decrease early fine lines. If you’re starting early enough, they will disappear.

When you start Botox, you’re committing to a treatment every 3-4 months forever. For microneedling, the benefits of each treatment are permanent. (Of course, you will still age! But however much you wind the clock back, you keep those benefits.)

Microneedling is also typically cheaper per treatment, and you don’t have to commit to the next appointment. (You can also DIY it like I do — I would estimate my cost per treatment is now less than $5!)

Doing Microneedling and Botox in One Appointment

Microneedling and Botox can be done in the same appointment, but not at the same time. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, uses tiny needles to create small, controlled wounds on the surface of the skin. These microscopic punctures kickstart the body’s production of collagen and elastin—two proteins that keep skin firm and youthful.

On the other hand, Botox injections involve the use of botulinum toxin type A to temporarily paralyze certain facial muscles. Botox is great for treating dynamic wrinkles, which form due to repeated muscle contractions—think crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles.

When combined, these treatments can boost each other’s results, but the order matters. You should always do microneedling first, then follow with Botox in the same appointment.

If you just did your Botox and now you’re looking for microneedling, you’re going to need to wait a few weeks until your Botox has fully settled into the muscle.

Can You Do Microneedling After Botox?

Yes, but not immediately.

Basically, you can’t do it right away because if you are puncturing the skin as you do in microneedling, you’re moving the toxin out of the muscles. If the toxin runs or leaks out of the muscle, your results don’t last as long. 

(For what you pay for the Botox, you want to be sure you’re getting the most from it!)

 Microneedling involves using fine needles to puncture the skin and stimulate collagen production. These tiny punctures create small wounds that need time to heal. Doing microneedling immediately after Botox can disrupt the Botox, leading to uneven results. Since Botox works by relaxing specific muscles, the Botox needs time to settle before you perform any treatment on the surface of the skin.

If you’ve recently had Botox and want to try microneedling, it’s best to wait at least two weeks. This will give the Botox enough time to fully settle in the treatment area and prevent any adverse reactions.

Can You Do Botox After Microneedling?

Absolutely. 

In fact, getting Botox after microneedling is often the best option for patients looking for the most effective treatment. After the microneedling procedure, your skin goes into repair mode, boosting collagen and elastin production. Doing Botox after microneedling lets you relax the underlying muscle while the skin heals, leading to natural-looking results.

In some cases, medical providers will recommend doing microneedling first and then administering Botox during the same appointment. This approach ensures you get the benefits of both treatments without interfering with their effectiveness. After the microneedling treatment, the skin is primed for Botox, giving you smoother skin and reducing dynamic wrinkles caused by facial expressions.

Botox and Microneedling Combined Effects

Combining microneedling and Botox can offer synergistic effects for the skin. While microneedling focuses on improving the surface of the skin by increasing collagen production and improving texture, Botox targets the facial muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles like crow’s feet and frown lines. Together, they tackle both surface-level and deeper skin issues, providing a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation.

By combining both treatments, patients can address a wide range of concerns, including:

• Acne scars
• Large pores
• Uneven texture
• Fine lines
• Signs of aging

Microneedling also helps with other skin conditions like sun damage, stretch marks, and skin rejuvenation. Adding Botox into the mix further enhances the overall results by preventing new wrinkles from forming due to repetitive muscle movement.

Since microneedling encourages new skin cells to grow, combining it with Botox can make your skin look more youthful and refreshed. It also promotes smoother skin and reduces the appearance of both static wrinkles (those that form without muscle movement) and dynamic wrinkles.

Botox and Microneedling After Care

Caring for your skin after microneedling and Botox is crucial to ensure best results. Both procedures are considered minimally invasive and have a short recovery period, but proper aftercare can make a big difference.

After a microneedling procedure, you’ll need to avoid direct sun exposure, as the skin is more sensitive. 

You should also skip heavy makeup, chemical peels, and strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours. Mild skin irritation, redness, or slight swelling are normal, but these symptoms usually subside within a day or two.

Botox aftercare focuses on avoiding any actions that could displace the product. You should avoid rubbing the treatment area, lying down for at least 4 hours, and participating in heavy exercise for 24 hours after the injections.

I have a full post for aftercare that you can see over here, but some general tips for aftercare include:

• Avoid excessive sun exposure.
• Keep your skincare routine simple—cleanse with gentle products and moisturize.
• Refrain from using excessive sweating products like saunas for at least 48 hours.
• Hydrate your skin with hyaluronic acid serums to promote healing.

By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that both treatments provide the best results.

Final Thoughts

Combining microneedling and Botox can be an effective way to improve the appearance of your skin. While microneedling increases collagen production and improves texture, Botox targets muscle contractions to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. Both treatments work well together, but the order in which you do them matters.

If you’re considering doing both treatments, consult with a licensed provider to create the best treatment plan for your skin’s needs. Whether you do them in one session or space them out, both treatments can help you achieve younger-looking skin with a natural, radiant glow.

By understanding how each treatment works and the importance of aftercare, you’ll be well on your way to smoother, youthful skin with fewer signs of aging.