Microneedling vs. Microchanneling: What's the Difference?
Microneedling and microchanneling are essentially similar treatments. They both use very fine needles to create controlled microscopic channels in the skin that stimulate the body's natural healing response and to produce new collagen. The primary difference is how the treatment is performed. Microchanneling uses a gentler stamping technique to create consistent channels with less lateral movement across the skin. The advantage of creating channels is that they can be used to include enhanced collagen stimulation treatments such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF).
If you've been researching treatments for acne scars, fine lines, enlarged-looking pores or uneven skin texture, you've probably encountered both terms. One of the questions we hear at Muse Medical Artistry in Aurora, Colorado is, "What's the difference between microneedling and microchanneling, and which one should I get?"
It's a good question because the terms are sometimes used as if they describe completely different procedures. They don't.
The basic science behind them is very similar. Where they differ is primarily in the technique used to create those microscopic channels and how we can use the channels as part of the treatment.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Microneedling is the general term for treatments that use very small, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin.
Why would we intentionally create tiny injuries? Because they activate your body's natural repair process. When your skin recognizes these controlled micro-injuries, it begins a healing response that includes the production and remodeling of collagen and other components of healthy skin. The process occurs gradually after treatment.
The objective isn't to damage your skin. It's to create a carefully controlled stimulus that encourages your skin to repair and remodel itself.
This is why microneedling is commonly used for concerns such as uneven skin texture, fine lines, acne scars, enlarged-looking pores, stretch marks and other changes associated with aging or damaged skin.
For answers about how we treat specific concerns check out our other articles in our Microneedling Education Hub.
What Is Microchanneling?
Microchanneling uses the same fundamental principle as microneedling: very small needles create controlled microscopic channels in the skin to initiate a healing response. The difference is primarily in how those channels are created.
Some microneedling techniques use a pen-style device that is moved across the surface of the skin. With microchanneling, the treatment is performed using a more controlled stamping action, creating channels with less lateral movement across the skin.
At Muse Medical Artistry, we prefer this controlled microchanneling approach.
Rather than focusing simply on creating as many micro-injuries as possible, our objective is to create precise, consistent channels while minimizing unnecessary trauma to the surrounding skin.
This is also why the experience of the person performing your treatment matters. The technique, treatment depth, the areas being treated and your individual skin all need to be considered when we develop your treatment plan.
So Are Microneedling and Microchanneling the Same Thing?
For a patient trying to understand the terminology, the easiest answer is:
They are essentially similar treatments that accomplish the same fundamental goal, but they differ in how the treatment is performed.
Both use fine needles.
Both create microscopic channels in the skin.
Both are intended to trigger a controlled healing response.
Both can stimulate collagen remodeling.
The distinction we make at Muse is primarily about technique and how we use the channels that we create.
Because of the similarities, you'll hear people use "microneedling" and "microchanneling" interchangeably. We specifically use the term microchanneling when discussing our treatment because it more accurately describes our controlled approach to creating those channels. It also fits well when we incorporate PRF into the procedure, which we describe a little later.
Why Does the Microchanneling Technique Matter?
When you're considering a collagen-stimulating treatment, more trauma isn't necessarily better. The purpose of treatment is to create enough controlled stimulation to initiate the desired healing response without unnecessarily traumatizing surrounding tissue.
Think about the difference between pressing a needle vertically into a surface and moving a needle sideways across that surface. The movements aren't identical, even if both involve a needle.
Microchanneling's stamping approach creates controlled channels while reducing the lateral movement associated with dragging a needle across the skin.
From our perspective, that gives us greater control over how we perform the procedure.
It can also allow an experienced provider to customize treatment according to the area being treated and the patient's individual skin concerns.
What Are the Benefits of Microchanneling?
The ultimate goal isn't the channels themselves. The goal is what your skin does in response to them. By initiating the skin's natural repair and collagen-remodeling response, microchanneling may gradually improve the appearance and quality of the skin.
Depending on the patient and the concern being treated, potential benefits of microchanneling can include:
Smoother-looking skin texture
Improvement in the appearance of fine lines
Improved appearance of certain acne scars
Less noticeable enlarged pores
Improved appearance of some scars and stretch marks
Firmer, healthier-looking skin
Overall skin rejuvenation
One thing to understand is that these aren't necessarily immediate changes. We're creating the opportunity for your skin to respond and begin the healing process itself. Your body needs time to respond to the treatment and remodel collagen, which means some improvements develop gradually in the weeks following treatment. Depending on what you're trying to accomplish, a series of treatments may also be recommended.
We'll address individual concerns such as acne scars, pores, fine lines, crepey skin and stretch marks in separate articles because the expectations and treatment considerations aren't identical for every condition.
How Does PRF Fit Into Microchanneling?
This is another important part of how we perform microchanneling at Muse Medical Artistry.
We can combine microchanneling with platelet-rich fibrin, or PRF, prepared from your own blood.
A small amount of your blood is drawn, and we process it to separate a platelet- and fibrin-rich component containing naturally occurring growth factors. The PRF can then be incorporated into the microchanneling procedure.
Those microscopic channels give us access to the treated skin while PRF provides a concentration of components involved in your body's natural healing processes.
This is very different from simply applying a conventional cosmetic product to the surface of your skin.
Because the PRF comes from your own blood, we're using your body's own platelets, fibrin and associated growth factors as part of the treatment.
We cover this topic much more extensively in our article, "PRF Microneedling: What Is It and How Does It Work?"
What Does a Microchanneling Treatment Feel Like?
This is another question we frequently get from patients who are interested in treatment but aren't particularly excited about the word "needles."
Before we start the treatment, your skin is prepared and a topical numbing agent may be used to make the procedure more comfortable. During microchanneling, you may feel pressure, vibration or a prickling sensation as the treatment moves from one area to another. The sensation can vary depending on the treatment area and depth.
Afterward, it's normal for the skin to appear pink or red and to feel somewhat warm or sensitive. You may look a little like you have a mild sunburn. Your provider will explain what to expect following your particular treatment and give you appropriate aftercare instructions.
What Areas Can Benefit From Microchanneling?
Microchanneling can treat a variety of areas including the face, neck, décolletage, hands, abdomen, thighs, hips, back, shoulders and scalp.
For example, some patients are interested in facial microchanneling because of acne scars or just their overall skin texture, while other patients want to improve the crepey-looking skin on their neck or stretch marks on their abdomen.
The appropriate treatment plan depends much more on what you're trying to improve than simply where it appears on your body.
Is Microchanneling the Same as RF Microneedling?
No. RF microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. The needles are used to deliver energy into targeted depths of tissue to create additional thermal effects.
That's a different treatment modality. Muse Medical Artistry does not offer RF microneedling. Our microchanneling treatments focus on creating controlled mechanical channels in the skin and can incorporate PRF as part of the treatment.
Does It Matter Who Performs My Microchanneling Treatment?
Yes, the person performing the treatment is an important part of getting the results you desire for your skin concerns. When you think about it, skin isn't identical from one person to another, and so, neither are treatment goals. Someone seeking help reducing acne scars usually requires a different approach from someone primarily concerned with fine lines or overall skin quality.
An experienced microchanneling provider can evaluate your skin, understand what you're trying to accomplish and adjust the treatment appropriately.
At Muse Medical Artistry, we don't believe the goal should simply be to perform the most aggressive treatment possible. We want to create the controlled response necessary to encourage your skin to repair and remodel while minimizing unnecessary trauma.
This is one of the reasons we emphasize technique when explaining the difference between conventional microneedling and our approach to microchanneling.
Which Is Better: Microneedling or Microchanneling?
We don't think it's particularly useful to look at this as two completely different treatments competing against one another.
Microneedling describes the broader concept. Microchanneling describes the more controlled technique we use to accomplish it.
For us, the advantages of providing microchanneling to our patients are the ability to create precise, consistent channels with less lateral movement across the skin and the ability to incorporate PRF into the procedure to enhance the collagen production.
Should I choose microneedling or microchanneling?
The most important question isn't necessarily which one should I choose. A better question is: "What treatment approach is most appropriate for my skin and the result I'm trying to achieve?"
Frequently Asked Questions About Microneedling vs. Microchanneling
Is microchanneling another name for microneedling?
The terms are closely related and are sometimes used interchangeably. Both treatments use fine needles to create controlled microscopic channels that initiate the skin's healing response. Microchanneling generally refers to a technique that emphasizes creating precise channels with a controlled stamping action rather than moving a needling device laterally across the skin.
Does microchanneling stimulate collagen?
Yes. Creating controlled micro-injuries activates the body's natural healing response, which includes collagen production and remodeling. The resulting changes develop gradually rather than immediately.
Is microchanneling better than microneedling?
Rather than viewing them as completely different treatments, think of microchanneling as a particular approach to microneedling. At Muse, we prefer the controlled stamping technique used for microchanneling and the ability to incorporate PRF when appropriate. Provider experience, technique and choosing the appropriate treatment for your skin are also important factors in your results.
Does Muse use PRF with microchanneling?
Yes. Muse Medical Artistry offers microchanneling with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), which is prepared from the patient's own blood. PRF contains platelets, fibrin and naturally occurring growth factors involved in the body's healing processes.
Does Muse Medical Artistry offer RF microneedling?
No. RF microneedling uses radiofrequency energy in addition to needles. Muse Medical Artistry does not offer RF microneedling. Our approach focuses on controlled microchanneling and can incorporate PRF.
Where can I get microchanneling in Aurora, Colorado?
Muse Medical Artistry offers microneedling and microchanneling treatments in Aurora, Colorado. During a consultation, we can evaluate your skin and discuss whether microchanneling, including microchanneling with PRF, is appropriate for your particular concerns.
Considering Microneedling or Microchanneling in Aurora, Colorado?
If you're researching microneedling because you want smoother skin, fewer visible signs of aging, improvement in acne scars or simply healthier-looking skin, you don't need to figure out the terminology by yourself.
At Muse Medical Artistry, we'll start with your skin and what you want to improve, rather than assuming that one treatment is right for everyone.
You can learn more about our microneedling and microchanneling treatments in Aurora, Colorado, view our Microchanneling Before & After results, or schedule a consultation to discuss whether microchanneling with PRF is appropriate for you.
The goal isn't simply to put needles into the skin. It's to create the right controlled response, using the right technique, to help your skin build healthier-looking tissue over time.
