Microchanneling vs. Microneedling: What's the Difference?

The Short Answer

Microneedling usually means a motorized pen or a handheld roller that moves across the skin while tiny needles make small channels. Microchanneling uses a stamping device, such as Procell, that presses straight down and lifts back up with a single-use cartridge, so the channels are made by a stamping motion rather than a rolling or gliding one.

Both are used to help improve the look of skin texture, tone and pores over a series of sessions, and in both cases results vary from person to person. At Heavenly Skin we offer Procell microchanneling, not pen or roller microneedling.

What Microneedling Is

Microneedling is the broader, better-known term. A pen-style device has a small head of needles that moves up and down rapidly while the provider glides it across the skin. A roller is a small drum covered in needles that is rolled over the skin. Rollers are also sold for home use, usually with much shorter needles than professional devices.

Microneedling is offered in many settings, from esthetic studios to medical offices. How deep the needles go, and who is allowed to perform deeper work, depends on the device and on local rules. That is one reason two people can describe very different microneedling experiences.

What Microchanneling Is

Microchanneling is a form of microneedling that uses a stamping motion. With Procell, the device is pressed against the skin and moved section by section, making small, evenly spaced channels. Each client gets a new, single-use cartridge. A serum is applied during the session while the channels are open.

Many of our clients describe the feeling as a vibration with mild pressure. Comfort is personal, though, and it depends on the area being worked on and on how sensitive your skin is that day.

We use Procell on the face, on the face with dermaplaning added, and on the scalp in our Microchanneling Scalp Treatment.

Downtime, in General Terms

With either technique, it is common for skin to look pink or flushed and to feel warm, tight or sensitive afterward. For many people this settles within a day or a few days, but it depends on your skin, the device, the settings and how much of the face was worked on. We would rather not promise a specific number of hours, because everyone's skin responds differently.

Skin is more sensitive to the sun after either procedure. In Las Vegas that matters all year, so plan on daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, a hat and as little direct sun as possible while your skin settles. Your provider should give you written aftercare instructions, and those come first.

Who Each Tends to Suit

Microchanneling tends to suit people who want gradual, steady improvement in the look of rough texture, dullness or uneven tone, who are comfortable committing to a series of sessions, and who prefer an esthetic studio setting. Many of our clients book a series of three sessions spaced about four weeks apart.

Pen microneedling may suit someone who already has a provider and routine they are happy with, or someone whose dermatologist has recommended a specific medical-setting procedure. If you have scarring, a skin condition, or breakouts that are deep, painful or widespread, start with a dermatologist. They can tell you what is appropriate before you book anything esthetic.

Neither option is a good idea on sunburned, broken or actively irritated skin. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medication or using prescription skincare, check with your doctor first.

What It Costs at Heavenly Skin

Microchanneling with Procell is $299 for 60 minutes, or $329 for 75 minutes with dermaplaning, and the scalp treatment is $199 for 60 minutes. A $30, 45-minute Consultation is required before your first session. Every option, deposit and package is listed on our pricing page, and our booking page is always the final word on current prices.

New to the studio? Our first visit guide explains what happens at a consultation and how to prepare. Clients coming from the east side of the valley can also read our microchanneling guide for Henderson.

Questions Worth Asking Any Provider

Whichever technique you choose, it is fair to ask: What device do you use, and is the cartridge or needle head single-use? What serum or product goes on during the session? What should I avoid before and after? How many sessions do you usually suggest, and how far apart? What would make you recommend waiting or choosing a different service? A good provider will be glad to answer.