Microneedling is powerful on its own, but when combined with other cosmetic treatments in the right way its results can be maximized and who doesn’t want that? “The purpose of microneedling is to open channels to allow something deeper into the skin to penetrate,” says Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Dr. Janet Allenby. She explains that since a healthy skin barrier is so fantastic at its job, it can be difficult to get products through, but microneedling helps that process. We asked experts who have been doing microneedling for years which treatments they think pair best with it for superior results.
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Microneedling + Laser Skin Resurfacing
Dermatologist Tina Alster, MD of Washington, DC routinely combines mechanical microneedling with laser skin resurfacing treatments such as Fraxel or UltraClear. “I first microneedle targeted problem areas (eg, perioral wrinkles, enlarged pores, atrophic acne scars) and immediately followed with a full-face laser skin resurfacing in the same treatment session,” she explains. “The treatments work synergistically to enhance neocollagenesis and improve clinical outcomes.”
Microneedling + Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD likes to combine microneedling with PRP, which involves concentrated plasma from your own blood that contains growth factors. “It goes well together because microneedling creates tiny microchannels and PRP penetrates deeply accelerating collagen and elastin production, enhancing healing and reducing downtime,” says Dr. Peredo. “As a result, you get brighter skin tone, tighter skin, improved texture and faster recovery.”
Microneedling + Exosomes
Dr. Allenby says it’s great to take advantage of the open channels that result from microneedling by injecting specific messages into skin cells—also known as exosomes. Dr. Peredo also recommends topical application of exosomes after a microneedling treatment to “enhance cellular communication and enhance fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis.” Results can include reduced redness, improved elasticity and more even pigmentation, she adds. “Exosomes are just packets of information that tell cells to act in a certain way, where we’re trying to encourage the cell to act younger,” explains Dr. Allenby. “When skin looks younger, the tissue is brighter, more evenly pigmented and less wrinkled.”
“We are leaning into regenerative medicine and specifically using the different variants of exosomes. Exosomes can either come from a person’s own plasma, such as PRP, or from a manufacturer’s sources; everyone has heard of the salmon sperm (PDRN) source of exosomes,” says Dr. Dr. Peredo says PDRN is great for tissue regeneration and hydration benefits. It stimulates fibroblast repair, hydration and wound healing, he explains. “As a result, you see a smoother texture, brighter skin, and a stronger skin barrier. I like it for younger patients or patients with drier skin who need hydration.”
Radio frequency microneedling
Although Dr. Allenby offers standard microneedling in her practice, she prefers the microneedle attached to a radio frequency device. New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD is also a big proponent of radio frequency (RF) microneedling.
“I have seen firsthand how RF microneedling has revolutionized skin tightening and retexturing. RF microneedling combines the natural benefits of microneedling (creating microchannels to stimulate collagen) with the thermal energy of radio frequency (which delivers massive heat deep into the dermis) to create firmer, smooth and healthy skin,” says Dr Ku. He notes that in advanced aesthetics they try to combine RF microneedling with other treatments to further enhance results, speed healing and target each layer of skin health. “The best combinations are procedures that infuse the skin with healthy ingredients and accelerate healing.”
RF Microneedling + Growth Factors
“To maximize absorption and support new cell formation, we can apply serums with biological growth factors immediately after treatment,” says Dr. Kung. “Ingredients such as peptides, PDO or PLLA can be better absorbed to help the skin form a new collagen matrix,” he explains.
RF Microneedling + Sculptra
“For multi-layered, comprehensive tightening, we often combine RF microneedling with Sculptra (injectable PLLA). While RF Microneedling tightens the dermis from the outside in, Sculptra is injected to restore deep volume and stimulate the body’s collagen from the inside out,” explains Dr. Kung. “The two treatments, when properly spaced, provide a powerful lifting and volumizing effect.”
RF Microneedling + Energy Devices or Lasers
Dr. Kung says energy-based devices or lasers can be a great addition to RF microacupuncture when the goal is overall surface improvement. The combination can “help target unwanted pigmentation or redness and can provide an overall polish or glow.”
