Would microneedling be a good alternative to Botox?

Neuromodulators (such as Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau) and soft tissue fillers like Belotero can improve the appearance of the forehead by reducing lines, wrinkles and folds. Deeper lines and wrinkles need a combination approach with Botox, fillers, lasers, and microneedling/PRP. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer

Thank  you for your question in regards to microneedling. Microneedling is a great method to treat a plethora of skin concerns with little downtime. It generally takes several treatments to achieve desired results, although adding PRP (platelet rich plasma) will often amplify the results. Regarding Botox, this treatment is injected directly into the muscle to paralyze it, resulting in less movement which can lead to deeper lines and wrinkles. 

I have personally been injecting Botox for aesthetic reasons since 1991 and have been using microneedling for over twenty years. Each is an excellent and efficient aesthetic treatment modality, but only if used for the right purposes. Professional microneedling works best for improving superficial color and texture problems, such as mild hyperpigmentation or reddish patches and for textural problems, such as skin roughness or very superficial acne scars. Botox ( as well as the other approved neuromodulators, such as Dysport, Xeomin and Juveau) work best for quieting the muscular hyperactivity of the muscles of facial expression that gives rise to forehead furrows and glabellar frown (scowl) lines. So, if your problem is deep furrows of the forehead that result from hyperdynamic frontalis (forehead) muscles, Botox would be the way to go. And, if, after years of making these furrows day in and day out, to the point that the furrows are now present at rest (static wrinkles), as well, then additionally using a filler, would help to smooth these. You would do well to consult with a board certified aesthetic physician and make sure to ask to see his/her personal before and after photos before agreeing to proceed. Best of luck to you.

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. Botox, on the other hand, paralyzes the muscles directly beneath the skin to prevent muscle contraction which creates folds. 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.

Choosing between microneedling and Botox usually depends on how deep the furloughs on your forehead are. Microneedling is an in-office procedure in which the area is topically numbed, and a handheld machine is used to poke tiny needles into the skin very quickly. With a numbing agent this is usually not uncomfortable. The “damage” that the needles cause the skin actually prompts collagen production and cell turnover, making the skin more elastic and reducing lines. Patients usually need 4-6 treatments. If the wrinkles are too deep and more so due to over-usage of forehead muscles, I would recommend trying Botox or doing a mix of the two. They can be done during the same session! I recommend consulting with your dermatologist to decide which is best for you.

Hi there.  Botox works in a very different way from microneedling.  Both when used in combination can give excellent results.  On the forehead, you are most likely developing lines due to muscle movement.  Botox is a very safe, easy and effective way to relax specific muscle groups to prevent the lines from continuing to form and get deeper.  Microneedling works by causing tiny wounds  in the skin which heal and stimulate your skin to make new collagen and elastin fibers.  This helps the skin be more youthful and smooth.  If the lines are not too deep and movement is manageable otherwise, you could try the microneedling a few times to see if it is enough.  Otherwise, definitely get the Botox if you're a candidate for it.