Microchanneling and microneedling are two popular treatments for skin concerns like wrinkles, fine lines, and scarring. Both involve using a device to create tiny punctures in the skin, which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. But there are some key differences between the two procedures.
Difference between Microchanneling & Microneedling
Both procedures work on the same principle. Microchanneling uses a device with fine filaments like needles to create microchannels in the skin. This stimulates the release of growth factors and encourages the production of collagen and elastin. Microneedling uses a device with slightly larger needles than Microchanneling to create micro-wounds in the skin. Both procedures can effectively improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and acne scars but Microneedling can act effectively on deeper scars and wrinkles.
How does microchanneling work?
Microchanneling is a comparatively newer, minimally invasive skin resurfacing procedure that uses a small, hand-held device with multiple, very fine, gold-plated filaments like needles to create shallow channels in the top layer of skin. These channels are about the size of human hair and are created by a process of stamping the device across the skin surface. This triggers the body’s natural healing process which produces collagen and elastin to help keep skin looking young and healthy and allows for better absorption of serums and other topical treatments and growth factors.
Microchanneling – the next-generation pain-free skin rejuvenation treatment targets the superficial layer of the skin. It can be used to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and other types of scarring, imperfections, and other signs of aging. The impressive results have made this procedure the most popular skin rejuvenation treatment available today.
Is There Any Downtime for Microchanneling?
Typically 1 to 2 hours is almost like no downtime associated with microchanneling, although you may experience some redness and swelling immediately after treatment. These side effects typically resolve within a few hours. The procedure is relatively quick and easy, with most sessions taking less than 30 minutes.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy uses a device called Dermapen or Dermaroller with fine needles for minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure to create microscopic punctures in the skin. However, unlike microchanneling, microneedling penetrates a little deep into the skin. This procedure depends on the same principle of Collagen induction, but the needles used to create tiny punctures in the skin are slightly larger which may pain more than the Microchanneling procedure. Also, it can create micro bleeding or bruises on the surface. So people who are on blood thinners or those who are frequent alcohol drinkers should avoid this treatment.
How Microneedling Works
Micro-penetrating needles are designed to cause controlled injury and stimulate the body’s natural healing process. After treatment, the punctured holes in the skin will gradually fill in with new collagen. The needles are positioned very close to each other and move back and forth. This causes the skin to be penetrated but not broken. This helps to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. The needles are kept at a safe distance from blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles to ensure that they are not damaged. Due to the controlled injury caused, your skin will produce new collagen and elastin. This will result in smooth skin.
Effectiveness of Microneedling
The study was conducted on 48 persons and published in “The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology”, issue no. 11(8): 29–34. Each subject underwent 4 microneedling sessions that were 30 days apart. At Day 90, four facial areas had improved by at least one grade—glabella frown lines, periorbital lines, cheek folds, and upper lip lines. On Day 150, six of the nine facial areas had improved by at least one grade—horizontal forehead lines, glabella frown lines, periorbital lines, cheek folds, upper lip lines, and labiomental crease. So no doubt, Microneedling does work effectively for facial rejuvenation.
Summary statistics for wrinkle severity and for changes at day 90 and 150
| FACIAL AREA | BASELINE | DAY 90 | DAY 150 | CHANGE AT DAY 90 | CHANGE AT DAY 150 | ||
| MEAN | RANGE | MEAN | RANGE | ||||
| Global score | 3.17 | 2.24 | 1.95 | 0.93 | n/a | 1.23 | n/a |
| Horizontal forehead lines | 2.6 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 0–2 | 1.1 | 0–3 |
| Glabella frown lines | 3.2 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 0–2 | 1.6 | 0–3 |
| Periorbital lines | 3.3 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 0–3 | 1.9 | 0–3 |
| Preauricular lines | 3 | 2.7 | 2.6 | 0.3 | 0–1 | 0.4 | 0–1 |
| Cheek folds | 3 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 0–2 | 1.8 | 0–3 |
| Nasolabial folds | 3.5 | 3.2 | 3 | 0.4 | 0–1 | 0.6 | 0–2 |
| Upper lip lines | 3.2 | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 0–3 | 1.9 | 0–3 |
| Marionette lines | 3.2 | 2.9 | 2.5 | 0.3 | 0–2 | 0.7 | 0–2 |
| Labiomental crease | 3.5 | 2.8 | 2.4 | 0.7 | 0–2 | 1.1 | 0–2 |
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Comparison Between Microchanneling & Microneedling
| Treatment | Device Used | Process | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microneedling | Device called Dermapen/ Dermaroller, with slightly larger needles. | Creates tiny punctures/microtears in the skin to trigger production of new collagen and elastin. Can go deeper than Microchanneling. Can be painful than Microchanneling. | 3 days to 1 week | dark circles, deep acne scars and deep lines and wrinkles. |
| Microchanneling | A linear gun-like stamping device with gold-plated filaments like needles. | Creates microchannels in the top layer of skin—less invasive, less painful option. | typically 1 to 2 hours | Hyperpigmentation, skin tightening, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars that are not so deep, uneven texture and color tone, sun damage, and hair loss. |
Which is Better: Microchanneling or Microneedling?
Both Microchanneling and Microneedling can be effective at improving the appearance of your skin. Microchanneling targets the top layer of the skin. It can be used to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and other types of scarring, imperfections, and other signs of aging which are not much deep. While Microneedling can work on deeper scars and imperfections of the skin. So according to your facial need, you can choose the procedure. Consult your specialist and he will advise you on the perfect treatment for your concerns.
You may also refer to our detailed table containing info on Treatments and Their Effectiveness & Downtime
Also Read: Different Types of Microneedling (Which One is Better?)
Facial After Microneedling (Should You Do It?)
Frequently Asked Questions
The short answer is yes. A dermatologist is a skin specialist who can assess your individual skin concerns and determine whether microneedling is right for you.
Microchanneling is a new trend in the skincare industry that is said to be very effective. It improves the appearance of superficial skin concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, and acne scars that are not so deep and helps products penetrate deeper into the skin.
Microchanneling can cost you anywhere between $250 to $400 per session depending upon where you live.
If you have Mild skin concerns, 1-2 sessions will be enough, done once a year. If you want deep rejuvenation, your specialist will recommend you 4-5 treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart. But it all depends on your skin condition.
While everyone’s skin is different, most people start to see visible results after just a couple of microchanneling sessions or 2 weeks after the first session. However, for optimal results and deeper skin concerns, it is recommended to get 4-6 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
The downtime for microchanneling is typically very short, with most people only experiencing redness and swelling for 2-3 hours after the treatment, which makes it an ideal treatment for busy people who want to improve the appearance of their skin without taking time off from their busy schedules.
Microchanneling does tighten skin to a certain extent, but it is not a substitute for a facelift.
Microchanneling can be done every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the individual’s skin type and desired result, and most people see optimal results after three to five sessions.
After microchanneling, it is important to avoid wearing makeup for at least 24-48 hours. This allows the skin to heal and helps prevent infection.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural moisture-binding substance that helps keep skin hydrated and can be used to plump up the skin. After MicroChanneling, you may apply hyaluronic acid to help soothe the skin and promote healing. After microchanneling, the skin’s ability to absorb and retain moisture is increased, so using hyaluronic acid afterward can help to further improve hydration levels. Just be sure to wait until any redness or swelling from the microchanneling has gone down before applying it.
1 – Do not use Retin-A or any other active skin care products for at least 1 week after MicroChanneling.
2 – Do not have procedures such as botox or fillers after MicroChanneling
Conclusion
In conclusion, microchanneling and microneedling are both great options for skin rejuvenation. They are both minimally invasive, have little to no downtime, and can be done in a short amount of time. They are also both affordable procedures. The main difference between the two is that microchanneling creates tiny channels in the skin which helps to increase the absorption of serums and creams, while microneedling only creates microscopic punctures in the skin. Microchanneling is a great option for those with sensitive skin, while Microneedling is better for those with thicker skin. Ultimately, the best option for you depends on your individual skin type and what you are looking to achieve. Hope you find this article useful to decide on your treatment.
Hi, I’m Annie,
What drives me is the ability to empower women by cultivating the self-confidence in their inner beauty, enhancing their self-image, and showing them that overall beauty needn’t be either difficult or costly and that they can seamlessly mould their style to suit their everyday needs, without having to make an either / or choice. I’m constantly surprised at every transformation and it drives me on to the next. My knowledge is enhanced by 18 years of hands-on experience, and learning from every new assignment.
When I’m not writing beauty advice for my blog, I’m consulting on make-up, hair, diet and style. Or I’m just kicking back my heels cuddling with my fat Lab, Coco.
