Are you considering skin rejuvenation treatments? As cosmetic technology advances, more options exist to address wrinkles and sun spots. Two leading treatments for making skin look younger and healthier are plasma pen and microneedling.
Both procedures are non-invasive and can help stimulate your cells’ natural repair processes to correct visible signs of damage. However, it is important to understand the differences to make an informed decision when choosing one that best suits your needs.
This article will discuss plasma pen vs. microneedling—exploring each procedure, including its benefits and side effects. We’ll also dive into what makes each treatment special and examine how they work differently. Now, let’s start.
What is Plasma Pen?
The procedure that uses a plasma pen is called plasma fibroblast treatment or plasma skin tightening. A plasma pen is a non-invasive, cosmetic device that uses plasma energy to create a plasma arc that heats and vaporizes skin tissue. The plasma pen produces plasma when an electrical spark ignites the gas stream emitting from its tip.
This plasma arc can help reduce wrinkles, sagging skin, and pigmentation by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin to tighten and improve the texture of your face. The plasma energy is delivered precisely and in a gentle, controlled manner. [1]
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses tiny, sterile needles to penetrate the skin at different depths. The procedure stimulates the body’s natural healing response by creating thousands of micro-injuries on the skin, which triggers new collagen and elastin production.
This process helps improve the skin’s overall tone and texture, reduce wrinkles, stretch marks, and acne scarring, and aid in hair loss prevention. [2]
Plasma Pen vs. Microneedling Benefits
Both plasma pen and microneedling are effective treatments for improving the skin’s appearance. Plasma pen treatments can address wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging, while microneedling is used mainly to treat acne scars, stretch marks, and hair loss prevention.
Other benefits of plasma pen treatment include:
- Reduced wrinkles and sagging skin
- Improved overall tone and texture of the skin
- Increased collagen production for improved elasticity
Meanwhile, some benefits of microneedling include:
- Reduced acne scars and stretch marks
- Improved hair growth in cases of alopecia
- Brightening of pigmentation and improved skin tone
Plasma Pen vs. Microneedling Side Effects
Both plasma pen and microneedling are considered safe treatments with few risks or side effects. Possible side effects from plasma pen might include slight swelling, redness, or tenderness of the treated area. These side effects should last only a few days and can be treated with over-the-counter medications.
Common side effects of microneedling may include redness, swelling, itching, or tenderness around the treated area. Minor bleeding is also common but should stop within an hour or two after treatment.
Plasma Pen vs. Microneedling Risks
Plasma pen and microneedling have a very low risk of complications or adverse reactions. However, plasma pen can cause skin discoloration in darker skin tones if used incorrectly, so it’s important to find a qualified and experienced doctor familiar with the plasma pen technique. Additionally, a plasma pen should not be used on broken or irritated skin.
Microneedling also carries a risk of infection, as the tiny needles puncture the skin and may increase the chance of bacteria entering. This can be prevented by ensuring that all needles are sterile and that proper hygiene is practiced throughout the procedure.
Plasma Pen vs. Microneedling Cost
Plasma pen and microneedling treatments are generally considered expensive procedures. The cost of plasma pen treatments can range from $500 to $2,000 per session, depending on the size of the area treated and the number of sessions required.
On the other hand, microneedling costs between $200 and $400 per session, but multiple sessions may be necessary for the best results.
In both cases, it’s important to consider the cost of any follow-up visits or touch-ups that may be required.
Is Microneedling the Same as Plasma Pen?
No, microneedling and plasma pen aren’t the same. While both plasma pen and microneedling can help improve the skin’s overall appearance, they use different methods. They can also be used to treat scarring from acne or other sources.
The primary difference between plasma pen and microneedling is how they work. A plasma pen uses plasma energy to heat and vaporizes the skin tissue. Microneedling, on the other hand, uses tiny needles to penetrate the skin and create micro-injuries that trigger new collagen and elastin production.
Is Plasma Pen Better than Microneedling?
It’s difficult to say whether a plasma pen is better than microneedling, as both have their benefits. It depends on the individual and what kind of skin issues they are trying to address. For example, a plasma pen can be more effective for treating wrinkles and sagging skin, while microneedling may be better at reducing acne scars and improving hair growth.
Depending on your specific circumstances, microneedling may appear preferable to laser skin resurfacing since it is less costly, has less downtime, and has a shorter recovery time. The benefits of microneedling will only be seen for around 5 to 6 months.
However, although more expensive and time-consuming, plasma pen treatment yields positive outcomes. The effects might endure for a very long time, even years.
Also, if you get microneedling done frequently, it may cost you more money. The plasma pen’s higher initial cost is offset by the incredible, long-lasting effects it produces. It’s the superior choice because it is not invasive and yields greater long-term outcomes. The primary advantage of plasma pen treatment is that it provides excellent, long-lasting outcomes.
Talking to a qualified doctor or dermatologist is important to determine which treatment is best for you. They can provide more information about plasma pen vs. microneedling and help you decide which is the right choice for your skin needs.
Can You Do Plasma Pen Treatment at Home?
No, plasma pen treatments should not be done at home. It is a complicated procedure that requires the expertise of a trained and qualified medical professional. Performing plasma pen at home can have serious consequences, such as infection, scarring, burns, or even death.
It is important to remember that plasma pen treatments are medical procedures and should only be performed under the supervision of a dermatologist or other medical professional.
Can You Do Microneedling Treatment at Home?
It is possible to do microneedling treatments at home with a derma roller. Dermarollers are small cylindrical devices that contain tiny needles on end. They are designed to create microscopic skin punctures, stimulating natural collagen and elastin production.
However, it’s important to remember that medical microneedling should only be done by a qualified medical professional. At-home derma roller treatments can cause significant damage to the skin, including scarring and infection.
Bottomline: Comparing the Plasma Pen and Microneedling
If you are interested in either of these procedures, you must consult your doctor or dermatologist to see if either treatment is right for you. Both treatments have a wide range of benefits and can help improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Plasma pen and microneedling have advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider each procedure carefully before deciding which one is right for you. Plasma pen treatments are more expensive and require more recovery time, but they can produce better results that last longer than microneedling.
However, it is important to understand the differences between the two procedures to decide which suits your needs best. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist to decide which procedure is right for you.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Ruth Crofford. A Review of Plasma Medicine. March 2019. The PMFA Journal Volume 6 Issue 3. https://www.thepmfajournal.com/features/post/a-review-of-plasma-medicine.
- Iriarte C, Awosika O, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A. Review of applications of microneedling in dermatology. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017 Aug 8;10:289-298. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S142450. PMID: 28848356; PMCID: PMC5556180.
