Laser Resurfacing vs. Microneedling: Comparing Skin Renewal Methods

Did you know?

The human skin naturally renews itself about every 28 days in youth, but as we age, that cycle slows down, leading to fine lines, uneven texture, and dullness. 

This slowdown is why professional skin renewal treatments like laser resurfacing and microneedling have become so popular: they safely encourage the skin to do what it used to do on its own, only faster and more effectively.

At Avail Aesthetics, clients often ask: “Which treatment is right for me, laser resurfacing or microneedling?” 

While both are powerful tools for rejuvenating the skin, they work in very different ways. Understanding their similarities, differences, and ideal applications will help you make a confident decision for your skin health and cosmetic goals.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about laser resurfacing and microneedling, including how they work, what they treat, the recovery process, and how long results last.

Two Different Roads to the Same Destination: Radiant Skin

Think of your skin as a canvas. Over time, that canvas develops fine lines, scars, sunspots, and rough patches. Both laser resurfacing and microneedling help “repaint” that canvas, but their tools are very different:

• Laser resurfacing uses concentrated beams of light to remove layers of damaged skin and trigger collagen production deep below the surface.
• Microneedling uses ultra-fine needles to create micro-injuries that stimulate natural healing and collagen growth without removing any skin layers.

Both methods ultimately aim to:

• Boost collagen and elastin production
• Smooth fine lines and wrinkles
• Improve skin tone and texture
• Reduce scars and pigmentation

The Science Behind Laser Resurfacing

How it works

Laser resurfacing delivers controlled thermal energy to targeted areas of the skin. Depending on the type of laser used, it can either:

• Ablate (remove) thin layers of skin, allowing fresh skin to regenerate.
• Penetrate non-ablatively, heating the dermis to stimulate collagen without removing surface skin.

Our advanced technologies at Avail Aesthetics

At Avail Aesthetics, we offer two leading laser systems, each designed for specific skin needs and available at different locations:

• ICON™ Laser (Cary location) – This versatile platform allows customizable settings for anything from subtle texture improvements to more dramatic resurfacing. It excels at treating deeper wrinkles, scars, and overall skin roughness.
• Discovery Pico Laser (Raleigh and Wake Forest locations) – This picosecond laser delivers ultra-short bursts of energy to break apart unwanted pigmentation while stimulating collagen. It is especially effective for sunspots, melasma, acne scars, and fine textural irregularities, with minimal downtime compared to more aggressive lasers.

What it treats best

• ICON™ Laser: deep wrinkles and lines, significant sun damage, uneven pigmentation, acne scars, surgical scars, rough skin texture.
• Discovery Pico Laser: brown spots, freckles, melasma, acne scars, early wrinkles, and overall skin brightness.

Treatment experience

During treatment, a numbing cream is often applied to keep you comfortable. The laser device is then passed over your skin in a precise, controlled pattern. Depending on the intensity, a session can take 30 to 60 minutes.

The Science Behind Microneedling

How it works

Microneedling takes a mechanical, but a surprisingly gentle approach. A device equipped with ultra-fine needles creates thousands of controlled micro-channels in the skin. These tiny punctures trigger the body’s natural wound-healing response, increasing collagen and elastin production.

At Avail Aesthetics, we enhance microneedling results with advanced radiofrequency (RF) technology using platforms like VirtueRF and Potenza RF Microneedling. RF energy delivers heat deep into the dermis while the needles create micro-injuries, offering a double boost for tighter, smoother skin.

What it treats best

Microneedling excels at:

• Fine lines and early wrinkles
• Enlarged pores
• Mild acne scarring
• Overall skin tone and texture improvement
• Early skin laxity (looseness)

Treatment experience

Microneedling is often described as feeling like light pressure or vibration on the skin. With numbing cream applied, most clients find it very tolerable. A typical session lasts 30 to 45 minutes, and redness usually fades within 24 to 48 hours.

Downtime: A Key Deciding Factor

One of the biggest differences between the two treatments is recovery.

• Laser resurfacing: Depending on intensity, downtime can range from a few days (for non-ablative treatments) to up to two weeks (for fully ablative resurfacing). Expect redness, peeling, and sensitivity as your skin heals.
• Microneedling: Downtime is minimal. You may look sunburned for a day or two, but most people return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. Makeup can typically be worn the next day.

If your lifestyle doesn’t allow for extended recovery, microneedling may be the more convenient option.

Comfort Level: What Does It Feel Like?

• Laser resurfacing: Sensations can range from mild warmth to a more intense snapping feeling, depending on the laser setting. Numbing creams and cooling devices help manage discomfort.
• Microneedling: Feels like light pressure, scratching, or vibration. When combined with RF energy, a warm sensation may be felt deeper in the skin.

Most clients tolerate both treatments well, but microneedling generally wins for comfort.

How Many Sessions Do You Need?

• Laser resurfacing: Sometimes just one session delivers dramatic results, particularly with more aggressive lasers. Non-ablative lasers may require 3 to 4 sessions for best outcomes.
• Microneedling: Typically performed in a series of 3 to 6 treatments, spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart, for gradual improvements. Maintenance sessions help sustain results.

Results: How Long Do They Last?

• Laser resurfacing: Results can last for years with proper skincare and sun protection, especially for deeper treatments.
• Microneedling: Results build gradually and typically last about 6 to 12 months. Maintenance treatments are recommended.

Side Effects and Risks

Both treatments are safe when performed by trained professionals, but each carries potential side effects.

• Laser resurfacing risks: Prolonged redness, hyperpigmentation, scarring (rare), infection if aftercare isn’t followed.
• Microneedling risks: Temporary redness, pinpoint bleeding, mild swelling, rare infection if the skin isn’t cared for post-treatment.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Ask yourself:

• Do I want dramatic, long-lasting results and am I okay with some downtime? → Laser resurfacing may be ideal.
• Do I prefer minimal downtime, gradual improvement, and comfort? → Microneedling could be a better fit.
• Do I struggle with acne scars or early laxity but want collagen stimulation without a big recovery? → RF Microneedling is a strong choice.

At Avail Aesthetics, we often recommend combining both over time: microneedling for collagen support and maintenance, and laser resurfacing for tackling deeper skin concerns.

Real-Life Scenario: Comparing Clients

• Emily, 45: Wants to dramatically reduce deep forehead lines and sun damage. She opts for a single ICON™ laser session, takes a week off work, and sees lasting improvement.
• Sarah, 32: Wants to shrink pores, smooth early fine lines, and keep her skin glowing without missing work. She chooses a series of VirtueRF microneedling treatments, with quick recovery after each one.

While both methods result in smoother, fresher-looking skin, the path to achieving these results varies depending on individual lifestyles and desired outcomes.

Maximizing Your Results

No matter which treatment you choose, results last longer with:

• Daily SPF use
• Consistent skincare (hydration, antioxidants, gentle exfoliation)
• Healthy habits (diet, hydration, stress management)
• Maintenance treatments as recommended

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)