Is the Subnovii Plasma Pen Better Than Microneedling?

If you have signs of aging, you’ve probably heard of numerous cosmetic treatments that can address your various concerns. With so many options, it can be challenging to determine the best procedure for your specific needs.

Microneedling and Subnovii plasma pen are two of the best non-surgical aesthetic treatments for skin rejuvenation. But, how do you determine which one is better?

The short answer is that the Subnovii plasma pen can provide more dramatic results, but whether or not it is a better treatment choice for you will depend on the extent of your cosmetic concerns as well as other factors your doctor or provider can evaluate. In some cases, patients can benefit from undergoing both treatments.

Read on to learn more about Subnovii plasma pen vs. microneedling and which one might be best for you.

What’s Covered in This Article?

How They Work: Similarly
The Technology/Methodology They Use: Different
What They Treat: Similar
The Extent of Their Results: Different
Treatment Times: Similar
Number of Treatments Recommended: Different
Downtime: Different
Combining Subnovii Plasma Pen and Microneedling Treatments

How They Work: Similarly

Both Subnovii Plasma Pen and Microneedling Stimulate Wound Healing for Skin Renewal

The Subnovii plasma pen and microneedling work in similar ways by creating mico-injuries in the skin that stimulate wound healing. This process creates new collagen and elastin in the skin, which results in firmer, smoother skin with fewer wrinkles and less sagging. The surface of the skin is also renewed, improving your overall complexion.

As non-surgical treatments, neither one requires incisions nor results in scars.

The Technology/Methodology They Use: Different

Subnovii Plasma Pen Technology

The Subnovii plasma pen offers a revolutionary skin resurfacing treatment that’s different from resurfacing treatments we’ve seen before. It targets the skin’s cellular level without physically penetrating or even touching the skin’s surface. Using low-frequency (LF) energy, Subnovii converts oxygen and nitrogen from the air into plasma (an ionized gas), which is then delivered into the deep layers of skin through tiny channels (micro-injuries).

This process promotes the production of new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin while tightening the connective tissues for smoother, more even skin.

Microneedling Methodology

Microneedling involves ultra-fine needles that create controlled punctures in the skin. These medical-grade needles enter the skin and produce micro-injuries that promote the body to send nutrients to the skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production.

What They Treat: Similar

Microneedling and Subnovii plasma pen can both treat the following concerns:

  • Fine lines
  • Wrinkles
  • Enlarged pores
  • Dark spots (age spots/sunspots)
  • Scarring (acne scars, injury scars, etc.)
  • Stretch marks
  • Rough skin texture

Subnovii can also address mild to moderate skin laxity, including:

  • Upper eyelid hooding
  • Loose skin along the jawline (jowls)
  • Lines on the neck

The Extent of Their Results: Different

The Subnovii Plasma Pen Works at a Deeper Level

Plasma pen resurfacing targets the deep layers of skin for more dramatic skin tightening and restructuring. Subnovii can treat deeper wrinkles and sagging while also addressing the superficial issues microneedling can, such as fine lines and skin discoloration. Because of this, it is considered a non-surgical facelift alternative that achieves dramatic results without surgery or the downtime associated with it.

Microneedling Treatment Is Effective But Treats Superficial Skin Layers

Microneedling addresses similar concerns to Subnovii but not on the same level. While still extremely effective at rejuvenating the skin and treating the above concerns, microneedling treats more superficial signs of aging because the needles reach a maximum depth of 1 mm. This means it can tighten wrinkles and reverse sun damage, but deep wrinkles, sagging skin and significant signs of aging would be better treated by the plasma pen.

Treatment Times: Similar

Both Subnovii plasma pen and microneedling are quick and effective treatments that won’t take up your whole day. Either treatment can generally be completed in less than an hour. Smaller areas can be done in 20 to 30 minutes.

Number of Treatments Recommended: Different

One or a Few Initial Plasma Pen Treatments Are Recommended

Just a single plasma pen treatment can achieve dramatic skin rejuvenating results. However, those with advanced signs of aging may consider one or two subsequent treatments if their desired results aren’t achieved after one session.

Subnovii Plasma Pen Maintenance Treatments

You can choose to undergo regular plasma pen resurfacing treatments every three to four years to maintain your results.

An Initial Series of Microneedling Sessions Is Recommended

A series of microneedling treatments is recommended to achieve optimal results, as more dramatic results can be seen after each session. In most cases, three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart each are adequate.

Microneedling Maintenance Treatments

Many patients choose to get microneedling done two to three times per year to maintain their youthful appearance.

Downtime: Different

Modest Downtime Needed After Plasma Pen Resurfacing

Patients usually take three to seven days off from work and social activities while healing from Subnovii plasma pen treatment. To avoid creating additional inflammation in the first week, we advise against engaging in activities that can cause you to overheat or sweat.

After plasma pen treatment, your skin will likely be red and feel warm, similar to a sunburn. Small dots will be visible on your skin after treatment and last for a couple of days, after which small scabs will form and fall off within five to 10 days depending on anatomical location.

Minimal Downtime Needed After Microneedling

Because microneedling treatment is less intense than Subnovii plasma pen treatment, minimal downtime is needed after especially if topical PRP (platelet rich plasma) is applied immediately afterwards, most can resume their usual activities without any restrictions the following day.

Can I Combine Plasma Pen and Microneedling Treatments?

Yes! For those with extensive aging concerns, Subnovii can be combined with microneedling treatments. Subnovii can also be combined with radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening and laser skin resurfacing.

Find Out if Subnovii Plasma Pen or Microneedling Is Best for You

To determine whether plasma pen resurfacing, microneedling or a combination of treatments is right for you, it’s best to meet with a qualified, experienced aesthetic provider like California Dermatology Care. A specialist can evaluate the condition of your skin and listen to your goals to help you choose a treatment that will achieve the best results.

At California Dermatology, Dr. Ting and our providers look forward to helping you achieve beautiful, youthful skin you can be proud to show off. To schedule your personalized consultation, call or text us at 925-328-0255 today!