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Plasma Pen vs microneedling are two of the most popular skincare procedures used to treat wrinkles and loose, saggy skin. Both of these treatments seek to stimulate the production of collagen, which is the protein responsible for skin elasticity. Furthermore, both Plasma Pen treatments and microneedling are minimally-invasive and require little downtime compared to other rejuvenation treatments.
All that said, we have a big dilemma on our hands. Plasma Pen vs. microneedling: which is better?
Before we can answer that question, we must break down the differences between these two treatments. In this article, we will define what plasma pens and microneedling do. We will also list the most important differences between them. In the end, you will be able to decide which treatment is right for you!
What Is A Plasma Pen?
Plasma Pen therapy is a non-invasive procedure that emits a high-frequency electrical arc current to create a combustible charge near the problem area. The heat from the combustion causes micro-injuries that stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin in the skin. In other words, Plasma Pen treatment creates controlled burns to tighten and rejuvenate the skin.
In the past, Plasma Pen therapy was only available in a treatment clinic by a medical professional or a certified esthetician. As such, it was time consuming, expensive, and inconvenient. However, there are at-home Plasma Pen devices that are approved by the FDA for general use. These days, the at-home pen is a great investment for anyone who takes their skincare seriously and wants to look their best.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally-invasive procedure that involves the use of tiny sterilized needles to prick the skin. For fine lines, the process involves pushing the needles about 1 mm deep into the skin. Deeper scars or wrinkles may require the needle depth to be at 1.5 to 2 mm.
The resulting wounds encourage the body to produce new collagen and elastin, which heals, tightens, and revitalizes the skin.
Microneedling can be done in a professional treatment clinic or at home with microneedling devices, also known as dermarollers.
Plasma Pen vs Microneedling: Breaking Down The Differences
Plasma Pen treatment and microneedling operate on the same principle: creating small controlled injuries on the skin to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. However, apart from the principle behind these anti-aging treatments, there are a lot of differences that must be taken into consideration. The way in which these treatments work is very, very different.
That said, here are the most important differences between microneedling vs. Plasma Pen therapy.
Conditions Treated
Microneedling can help with issues like shallow wrinkles, fine lines, acne and injury scars, and large pores. Plasma Pen therapy can help with deeper and more complex issues like upper eyelid hooding, crow’s feet, jawline laxity, and benign lesion removal; as well as the simpler issues that microneedling addresses.
That said, Plasma Pen therapy is more effective in treating both shallow issues as well as conditions that involve sagging and less tone in the skin. The plasma pen boasts incredible skin tightening effects, and can also remove skin tags. It’s our personal favorite approach to treating eye bags - read all about using a plasma pen for under eye treatment in our related blog post!
Procedure Time
Each microneedling session usually takes around 10-20 minutes to complete, depending on how large the area is. Plasma Pen treatments, on the other hand, may take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour. Again, this depends on how large the area to be treated is.
Results
With Plasma Pen therapy, you will be able to see noticeable results after the area is fully healed, which can take around 6 to 8 weeks. You can expect results to last for three years or even longer.
For microneedling, results may be noticeable after 3 to 4 weeks and will last for about 3 to 5 months. It is common for microneedling clients to schedule 2 to 3 sessions a year to maintain their results.
Both methods may require more than one treatment to achieve your desired results. But while microneedling may require 3 to 6 sessions, Plasma Pen therapy usually takes only 1 to 2.
Recovery & Safety
Both Plasma Pens and microneedling devices are approved by the FDA and are considered safe. However, just like any procedure, there are certain risks to consider.
These procedures create micro-injuries on the skin, which can become infected with improper care. Keep in mind that these tiny injuries are open wounds where bacteria, creams, and soaps can enter. Without proper aftercare, you run the risk of getting an infection or irritating the treated area with chemicals in lotions, soaps, and shampoos.
Swelling, scabbing, and slight discomfort are also common side effects for both procedures but will fade away after a few days. Swelling is a natural part of the healing process and should be allowed to run its course without intervention from ice packs. Scabbing, on the other hand, is also a normal part of the process. These scabs should not be picked to avoid developing scars or hyperpigmentation in the area.
When it comes to recovery, microneedling takes the least time. Healing can take between 1 to 3 days, depending on the extent of the treatment. Plasma Pen therapy takes longer to heal, averaging around six to eight weeks, but the results last way longer than microneedling. Learn more about plasma pen aftercare in our blog.
Cost
Plasma Pen therapy for small problem areas (e.g. bunny lines, frown lines, crow’s feet) costs around $600 to $900, depending on the treatment provider. More complicated issues (e.g. droopy eyebrows, stretch marks, sagging neck) can cost upwards of $2,000.
On the other hand, microneedling sessions only cost about $200 to $700 each. However, it may take multiple sessions to achieve the results that you want. Furthermore, the results only last for about 3 to 5 months, so you can expect to spend anywhere from $600 to $4,000 or beyond.
Plasma Pen vs Microneedling - Which Procedure Is Right For Me?
Microneedling is less expensive, requires a shorter procedure time, and heals faster than Plasma Pen therapy. However, it may take more than a few sessions to achieve the result you want, and results usually only last for about 5 months.
In comparison, Plasma Pen therapy may be more expensive and take longer to heal, but the results last for years. Additionally, most clients only need 1 to 2 sessions to achieve their desired results, which means that you will likely spend less for long-lasting results. Furthermore, Plasma Pen therapy can treat deeper, more complex issues than microneedling can, especially when it comes to sagging skin and deep wrinkles. Using a plasma pen for skin tightening effects is one such case of this.
So, when it comes to the Plasma Pen vs. microneedling debate, which one wins?
All things considered, Plasma Pen therapy is the better investment if you are aiming for more noticeable and longer-lasting results. To see just how effective Plasma Pen therapy can be, check out these Plasma Pen before and after pictures of our satisfied clients!
Final Thoughts On Microneedling vs Plasma Pen
Another huge benefit of Plasma Pen therapy is that you can do it at home! However, having the best Plasma Pen on the market is imperative to achieving the results that you want. With Dermavel’s Fibroblast Plasma Pen, you can easily treat your problem areas and go straight into the healing process–all in the comfort of your own home.
But don’t just take our word for it. Check out reviews from our satisfied clients and learn all about their experiences - then, get your plasma pen and achieve the same results for yourself!
Products in this article:
Fibroblast Plasma Pen
