Mixing two treatments - Is it possible to do microneedling and right after an e matrix?

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

Yes, we often combine lasers and microneedling on the same day. I recommend adding prp to improve healing and outcomes. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

EMatrix works very similarly to microneedling, by causing tiny columns of damage in the skin, which add collagen and elastin as they heal. I would NOT combine them as it might cause TOO much damage, and lead to hyperpigmentation or scarring. I don't think there is any real reason to do them together. We often call eMatrix "microneedling on steroids". We think it is stronger and works better than microneedling, but there is more down time and it is a little more painful. I agree completely with Dr. Emers' answer that you can combine lasers and microneedling, but eMatrix works differently than lasers. 

Now, eMatrix is termed sublative, namely electrodes rest on your skin then RF is applied. If you want a combination treatment, Dr Emer is correct, laser and eMatrix is best as you are using two different energy devices. If you want microneedling use a energy based RF microneedling system, like Intensif or even INFINI RF. Mixing two devices in the standard protocols will not cause too much damage, as specialist are use to using fully ablative devices, and combining treatments. The reason NOT to mix both is that you are delivering the same form of energy, and the better one is micro needling RF, with insulation. Dr Davin Lim.