Which is safer, AND would provide the best results for sun spots, fine lines and crows feet: microneedling, or halo? (Photo)

Question

I am almost 43 with fine lines, a few wrinkles, some brown sunspots, some large pores around my nose, crows feet, slight jowls, etc. But my skin is healthy, luminous and I look young for my age. I’d like to have even more of a glow, reduce pore size and have a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Safety/fewer side effects is my *number one* concern, second concern is results. Which is safer, and which has better results for above concerns: microneedling, or halo?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

We had microneedling years ago and after treating dozens of patients and looking at the before and after photos, we essentially discontinued using that device. Very little visible improvement. On the other hand, the Halo laser has given us better results than we anticipated. We have treated thousands of patients with the Halo and have had fantastic patient satisfaction. It's not as amazing as a full field laser resurfacing, but it essentially has no risks, so for the risk factor and downtime, it's amazing.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For facial rejuvenation I would suggest a combination approach including:1) skin care with products and microneedling/PRP2) PDT Light Therapy a few times per month with growth factors3) laser treatments like Clear + Brilliant regularly and others (Fraxel, Viva, CO2, Erbium) a few times per year4) Sculptra injections a few times per year for collagen production with fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, Radiesse, and/or Bellafill5) Thermage/Ultherapy for yearly skin tightening with or without PDO or cone-based Instalift threads for lifting6) Botox every 2 to 3 months to stop movement lines and prevent lines at rest
See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Additional views of the face, including the crow's feet area, would have been helpful for better delineating treatment options. What I can say is that a series of relatively inexpensive superficial peels can be quite useful for increasing skin plumpness, promoting glow, fading all kinds of hyperpigmented spots and even tightening pores.. Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, Jessner's Solution & low concentrations of TCA have all been used for this purpose.  What's more, they have stood the test of decades of safe and successful use. The same cannot be said of relatively expensive, bells and whistles fraxel lasers, and other so-called "next big thing" devices. Professional microneedling, too, can be especially helpful for dealing with enlarged, dlilated pores, and is another relatively inexpensive modality. If after the foregoing, you still feel the need to address the crow's feet, they are best treated with Botox, and volumizing fillers can help to define and straighten a jowly jawline.  Make sure that you consult with a board certified aesthetic physician and exercise a very healthy dose of "Buyer beware!" when considering this or that new fraxel or radiofrequency devices. Best of luck to you.

Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD · Answer

Microneedling is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation technique that uses a mechanical device with fine needles to create controlled injury. This triggers the body to produce more collagen. It addresses fine lines and wrinkles, loose and sagging skin, acne and scarring, uneven texture, stretch marks, and pore size.  Please contact a qualified provider or a board-certified physician with extensive experience in these procedures and get a complete assessment to see which are the best treatments for you.

Accents Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa · Answer

Thank you for your question and providing a photo. Please keep in mind it is best to be seen in office for a consultation in order to receive the most thorough treatment plan.
While microneedling is a wonderful procedure to improve skin tone and texture, there are other options for you that are more suited for your concerns and based on your photo. 
Halo works differently than microneedling but will provide you with a more aggressive treatment for your spots. Another option is Picoway Resolve which is also done in a series of sessions and little downtime. Resolve is suited for all skin types and the results are quite dramatic. It will also improve skin texture with some softening of fine lines. 
Botox is an option for your for smoother texture due to less fine lines and wrinkles along with prevention of further fine lines and wrinkles. Of course, skin care is essential particularly SPF which will prevent both fine lines and also dark spots.

Jake Wardwell, DO · Answer

I perform both Halo and Micro needling coupled with PRP and Halo is a much more effective procedure for the indications that you mentioned. In addition to being more potent at regenerating collagen, Halo helps improve skin tone, Texture, vascularity and even out pigmentation. The primary reason why Halo is better at regenerating collagen is that it causes the body to remove the old damaged collagen and grow new collagen, rather than other therapies like micro needling that stimulate remodeling of collagen but not removal and regrowth. Halo has two wavelengths of laser, one that vaporizes the top layer of skin to improve texture and aid in the faster recovery of the deeper focused laser that coagulates (burns) the deeper collagen layer and stimulates the production of a Hyaluronic acid and Platelet Rich Plasma milieu at the healing site.

Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery - Grand Rapids · Answer

Hello there,
      I definitely think Halo or microneedling would be great options for the concerns you have. That being said, micro needling is "safer" than Halo due to it not being quite as aggressive. If you are utilizing proper post-treatment skincare and instructions, risks are basically non-existent. Halo is more aggressive, therefore there are theoretically more risks. That being said, we have seen no post-treatment issues. Between the two treatments, Halo will give the best results due to it being more aggressive. That being said, if many treatments of micro needling are done, results will start to resemble that of a Halo. 
Hope this helps. 
Sarah RN BSN

Thomas D. Griffin Jr., MD · Answer

"Regular" Microneedling, or microneedling without radiofrequency is a superficial treatment. Halo is a much more dynamic device which penetrates the skin deeper and effects collagen production in a much more positive way. Both treatments in your skin type are completely reasonable and, so long as you have researched and trust your provider's knowledge, should be safe. Halo will give you better results in a single session. If you are looking for a lower downtime and a really nice treatment to improve pore size, fine lines and give your skin a glow, I would research Vivace RF microneedling and coolpeel (a light, fractionated CO2) they are both great tools without any significant side effects. I use both in the same session and they are terrific for what you are looking for.

Which is safer, AND would provide the best results for sun spots, fine lines and crows feet: microneedling, or halo? (Photo)

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