Have you had those moments looking in the mirror where you suddenly notice your fine lines have deepened, or a single wrinkle has become quite prominent?
Well, you’re not alone.
For us Canadians, aging well is important, though we’re not opposed to a touch of help to minimize those noticeable wrinkles and achieve that refreshed, youthful radiance that enhances our confidence.
Microneedling and botox injections are two of the most sought-after aesthetic treatments for those who want results without undergoing surgery.
But what happens when you want to get both treatments?
“How long should I wait after microneedling to get botox?” becomes the question that many patients find themselves asking.
Generally, most experts advise a waiting period of about one to two weeks between microneedling and Botox, though the exact window hinges on things like how deep the microneedling went, your skin’s sensitivity, and your personal healing speed.
Microneedling also known as collagen induction therapy or CIT.
Providers who offer more superficial treatments may suggest patients wait less time while others will require you to wait the full two weeks to ensure redness and inflammation has subsided.
As every patient reacts differently to treatments, it’s always best to wait the amount of time your provider recommends before receiving additional treatments.
What’s more, the timing alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
Today we’re diving into how botox and microneedling work, why the order in which you receive these treatments matters, and if receiving them together can help treat multiple signs of skin aging simultaneously.
WHAT IS POTENZA?
That’s something we’ve covered in a few of our other articles already. Click here to read our Potenza post.
Now let’s look into these treatments and see if it’s smart to do Botox after microneedling.
Why Timing Matters When Combining Botox and Microneedling
Microneedling causes micro injuries to the skin which initiate collagen growth and kickstart your body’s natural healing process. It’s quite common to see some temporary redness, swelling, or inflammation after a microneedling session.
Allowing time for your skin to heal from your microneedling treatment before receiving Botox allows your practitioner to properly examine and plan treatment on skin that isn’t actively healing.
As always, we want to make sure there is sufficient healing time before introducing another cosmetic procedure. The last thing you want is for your treatments to clash and affect your results. With that being said, there is not an exact number of days you should wait.
Several factors play into this to decide when you should move forward with treatments:
- How deep did you go with your microneedling treatment?
- Did you use radiofrequency energy?
- What was your treatment area?
- How does your skin feel? Are you experiencing redness, swelling, or sensitive skin?
Because of this, every patient will have different wait times. Never judge your treatment timeline by a Google search.
How Can Botox and Microneedling Work Together?
To understand why many people combine these treatments, it’s helpful to first understand how each treatment works individually.
While both treatments are commonly used in facial rejuvenation, they target different aspects of skin aging.
Botox works by temporarily relaxing specific facial muscles that contribute to expression lines and dynamic wrinkles.
Microneedling, on the other hand, creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
Because they address different concerns, some patients choose to incorporate both treatments into a broader anti-aging strategy.
What Is Botox Good For?
Botox is a neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles.
It is commonly used to improve the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, including:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines
- Crow’s feet
- Bunny lines
- Chin dimpling
By reducing repetitive muscle movement, Botox can soften the appearance of these lines and help prevent them from becoming more pronounced over time.
Botox treatments are typically quick, require minimal downtime, and are among the most commonly performed non-surgical cosmetic procedures worldwide.
Read: How To Tighten Loose Facial Skin: Non-Surgical Face Skin Tightening in Ottawa & Eastern Ontario
What Is Microneedling Good For?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that creates controlled microchannels in the skin.
The treatment is commonly used to address concerns such as:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven skin texture
- Stretch marks
- Mild skin laxity
As the skin heals, collagen and elastin production are stimulated, which may contribute to improvements in skin texture and overall skin quality.
At Dr. Lian Beauty, Potenza RF Microneedling is commonly used to address many of these concerns by combining traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy.
Can You Get Botox After Microneedling?(and Why Timing Matters)
Yes, it’s very common to stack Botox and microneedling treatments as part of an all-inclusive skin rejuvenation treatment plan.
Microneedling targets skin texture, acne scars, enlarged pores, and collagen production, while Botox simply relaxes the facial muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles.
Timing is the biggest factor to consider when wanting to stack Botox with microneedling. Many providers will advise you to let your skin heal from microneedling prior to getting Botox, typically waiting one week to two weeks, depending on your treatment.
Some providers may even suggest waiting additional time before getting Botox, if there is redness, swelling, irritation, or sensitivity of the skin after microneedling treatment.
Here at Dr. Lian Beauty, we customize our treatments based on each patient’s needs.
Related: RF Microneedling and Chemical Peel: 10 Reasons They’re Skin’s BFFs
Should You Get Botox Before or After Microneedling?
The previous section discussed if microneedling and Botox can be done together and touched on why recovery time may matter. A lot of people in the same position as these patients actually have the opposite question- which should I do FIRST Botox or microneedling?
Patients get both treatments with Botox first and microneedling first.
Some providers like to do microneedling and allow the skin to recover before administering Botox. Other providers prefer to do Botox first and allow time for the neuromodulator to settle into the muscle.
There’s no single timeline that fits everyone, and similarly, no definitive order that works for all patients. Treatment goals, treatment area, skin sensitivity and type of microneedling being performed can all affect how the treatments are sequenced.
Always listen to the recommendations of the person who will be administering both treatments instead of comparing to standard timelines.
Related: Is RF Microneedling Better Than Microneedling For Glowing Skin?
Microneedling-Dysport Treatment in Dr. Lian Beauty
Alright, let’s talk about how microneedling and Dysport can work together to improve your skin.
Microneedling at Dr. Lian Beauty comes in two forms: microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) microneedling. Both methods can be combined with Dysport injections for a more complete treatment.
Although this article focuses on Botox because it is the term most people use when researching neuromodulator treatments, the same general timing considerations typically apply to Dysport.
Both Botox and Dysport are neuromodulators that work by temporarily relaxing targeted facial muscles.
Learn more about RF microneedling: What is Potenza RF Microneedling: The Secret To Flawless Skin
Microneedling focuses on improving the overall texture and tone of your skin. It does this by stimulating your body to produce collagen, which helps address concerns like uneven texture, enlarged pores, and minor scars.
Dysport injections, on the other hand, target wrinkles caused by muscle movement.
These injections relax specific muscles to prevent wrinkles from forming when you frown, raise your eyebrows, or squint.
By combining microneedling with Dysport, we can address both texture issues and wrinkles in one treatment.
This approach offers a more comprehensive rejuvenation effect, leaving your skin looking smoother and more even-toned.
Now, after the procedure, there are some aftercare instructions to keep in mind. These are similar to regular microneedling, but with a few extra precautions specific to Dysport:
- Minimize looking down for long periods. This helps prevent the Dysport from moving from where it was injected.
- Avoid rubbing the treated area. Touching or rubbing the injection sites can also displace the Dysport.
- Limit exercise for the first 24 hours. Strenuous exercise can increase blood flow and potentially cause the Dysport to move, leading to unwanted side effects like a droopy eyelid or eyebrow.
The Benefits Of Combined Microneedling and Botox Treatment
While both Botox and microneedling offer individual benefits for skin rejuvenation, combining them unlocks their full potential. This powerful duo tackles various concerns:
- Wrinkles and creases: Botox relaxes muscles that contribute to wrinkles, while microneedling stimulates collagen production to further smooth the skin.
- Loss of tone and contouring: Microneedling tightens the skin by boosting collagen, while Botox can address specific areas for facial sculpting.
- Blemishes and scarring: Microneedling helps improve the appearance of scars and uneven skin tone by promoting cell regeneration.
This combined approach, often referred to as a “Botox Facial,” offers a multitude of benefits for your skin:
- Reduced Appearance of Scars and Uneven Skin Tone: Microneedling stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which can help improve the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
- Firmer, Smoother Skin: Botox relaxes muscles that contribute to wrinkles while microneedling further enhances skin texture by promoting collagen production. This can lead to tighter, smoother skin with reduced fine lines and wrinkles.
- Enhanced Facial Contouring: Both Botox and microneedling can contribute to a more sculpted appearance. Botox can target specific areas for subtle lifting and contouring, while microneedling tightens the skin overall.
- Brighter, More Radiant Skin: Microneedling can improve overall skin health by promoting cell turnover, which can lead to a brighter and more radiant complexion.
- Minimal Downtime, Maximum Results: Compared to some surgical procedures, a Botox Facial offers a quicker recovery time with minimal downtime. However, some temporary side effects might be experienced.
Related: Potenza™ RF Microneedling For Hyperpigmentation
Who Is A Good Candidate for Combined Microneedling and Botox?
Combined microneedling and Botox might be a good option for you if:
- You have fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, or uneven skin tone.
- You’re in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results.
- You’re looking for a non-surgical way to achieve a more youthful appearance.
However, it’s important to note that combined microneedling and Botox might not be suitable for everyone. Here are some contraindications:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Both microneedling and Botox are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Skin conditions: Certain skin conditions, such as active acne or rosacea, might make you a poor candidate for microneedling.
- Bleeding disorders: If you have a bleeding disorder, microneedling might not be safe.
- Allergy to Botox: If you have an allergy to Botox or any of its ingredients, you should avoid this treatment.
Conclusion
Botox and microneedling are two popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments that can address different aspects of facial aging.
Microneedling is commonly used to improve skin texture, acne scars, and collagen production, while Botox helps soften dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions.
If you’re wondering how long after microneedling you can get Botox, many practitioners recommend waiting approximately 7-14 days, although the ideal timing varies depending on the individual, the treatment performed, and the skin’s healing response.
For patients undergoing Potenza RF Microneedling, treatment timing should be individualized based on treatment settings, recovery, and overall treatment goals.
The safest and most effective approach is to work with an experienced medical provider who can determine the most appropriate treatment sequence for your specific needs.
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Dr. Lian Peter, MD, MPH, CCFP, is a Family physician with a passion for aesthetics. In her aesthetic clinic, she provides a wide range of minimally invasive and non-invasive procedures, constantly honing her skills to deliver exceptional care and help patients attain their desired appearance.
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