What's the difference of Clear and Brilliant vs microneedling?

Question

I've just had one round of the Clear and Brilliant Laser which felt almost like a supercharged version of microdermabrasion. When I talked to the doctor that did it, he said that micro-needling wouldn't be necessary if I just kept with the Clear and Brilliant. It seems to me that micro needling and Clear and Brilliant work on different layers, is that right? Or am I just creating more work for myself?

Heidi A. Waldorf, MD · Answer

Both of these procedures are used to improve texture and pore size and improve penetration of cosmeceuticals applied afterward with minimal downtime.  Both can be used at different defined depths   - for microneedling based on needle length and for clear and brilliant based on which of two hand pieces (wavelengths) is chosen.  The 'strength' of the treatment will be based on number of passes, and for clear and brilliant the amount of heat (the power setting).  To me the benefit of clear and brilliant over microneedling is that heat which can trigger additional skin tightening.  Ultimately, however, it is the person doing the treatment not the device that will make the difference. She will determine the best protocol for you.I hope this answer was helpful. Best wishes.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  It depends on what your goals are.  If you are seeing an experienced dermatology-supervised aesthetics provider with the proper certification to provide either laser or microneedling, you should have great results with either.  They are different approaches to skin issues, so talk to your dermatologist to help you decide which route to take.  Many of our patients do both microneedling, for deeper texture improvement, and Clear and Brilliant for surface brightening and toning.  Hope you have great success with whichever you end up doing, but both can be great together!

Sameer Bashey, MD · Answer

C + B is a very superficial laser that does not penetrate deep in the skin. Depending on the handpiece used it can help with some toning, pore, and fine wrinkle issues. Needling targets the dermal layer by piercing the skin and inducing collagen production. This can help get with acne scars, wrinkles, and can also tighten the skin. It can be done with a pen, roller, and with the aid of Radiofrequency. The length of the needle can be picked to pick the layer of the dermis you want to reach. Both are great options for patients. Speak to a dermatologist.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Both C+B and Microneedling are helpful.The work in different ways so they are more complimentary.Doing both should be very nice.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Both Clear + Brilliant and microneedling are great treatments and very popular in our clinic. I commonly combine Clear + Brilliant treatments with microneedling to get the best results. It all depends on what you are trying to treat (acne scars, textural irregularity, pore size, dyschromia, etc). See an experienced physician to come up with a treatment plan.

What's the difference of Clear and Brilliant vs microneedling?

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Answer: Clear + Brilliant and Microneedling

Answer: Clear + Brilliant versus microneedling

Answer: Clear + Brilliant versus microneedling

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What's the difference of Clear and Brilliant vs microneedling?

Answers (7)

Answer: Clear + Brilliant and Microneedling

Answer: Clear + Brilliant and Microneedling

Answer: Clear + Brilliant versus microneedling

Answer: Clear + Brilliant versus microneedling

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Everything you need to know about Clear and Brilliant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.