Logo arrow

Home/Blog / Microneedling vs. Microdermabrasion: Which Is Right For Me?

Microneedling vs. Microdermabrasion: Which Is Right For Me?

Posted on May 27, 2025 Laser Treatments, Skin Care

The benefits offered by microneedling and microdermabrasion often overlap and both services can provide a brighter, more hydrated skin tone; however, the best non-surgical aesthetic treatment for you depends on your comfort levels, the depths of your concerns, and what your aesthetic goals are.

As non-invasive and minimally invasive services, microneedling and microdermabrasion with clinically proven DiamondGlow® technology can transform the tone and texture of unhealthy or damaged skin without incisions, general anesthesia, or extensive recovery time. Below, you can learn more about candidacy for microneedling versus microdermabrasion and speak with our team about the most ideal solution for your needs. 

Vivace™ Microneedling: For Deeper Rejuvenation and Moderate to Severe Concerns

Microneedling, often considered a form of collagen-induction therapy, utilizes thousands of fine needles to create micro-perforations in the skin, stimulating the turnover of damaged skin cells and encouraging the growth of new collagen and elastin. Following treatment, patients enjoy a firmer and more even complexion, along with a healthier and more supple skin tone. Microneedling is also performed with the induction of radiofrequency energy, which can help tighten the skin. While relatively more invasive than microdermabrasion, results from Vivace™ microneedling typically improve over time due to the ongoing benefits of collagen production. Treatment is considered more intensive when compared to microdermabrasion. Other distinguishing factors include:

DiamondGlow® Microdermabrasion: For a Gentler Treatment and Mild Concerns

DiamondGlow® by Allergan Aesthetics is a cutting-edge microdermabrasion device that combines exfoliation, extraction, lymphatic drainage, and serum infusion into one treatment using a patented diamond-tipped wand. During DiamondGlow®, a specialized wand is utilized to gently remove dead skin cells. Simultaneously, dirt and impurities are extracted, detoxifying the skin. Lymphatic drainage is then applied to further remove toxins, followed by the infusion of SkinMedica® Pro-Infusion Serums to ensure a healthy glow. This offers gentler rejuvenation than microneedling and requires no downtime. Other factors that influence candidacy include:

Who Should I Choose to Perform My Treatment?

Regardless of which treatment you select to bring forth a healthier, softer complexion, your choice of provider is essential to your results and overall satisfaction. By customizing each treatment to one’s individual needs and maintaining a patient-centered approach, The Polacek Center for Plastic Surgery recently won three service awards from Allergan Aesthetics — the manufacturer of DiamondGlow® — and has become among the most sought after facilities in Rhode Island for Providence-area patients to achieve their aesthetic goals. Our board-certified plastic surgeon-led facility is committed to helping each person attain the results they envision with the least invasive techniques possible. 

Questions? Contact The Polacek Center for Plastic Surgery to learn more about the best skin rejuvenation treatment for you or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment at our Cranston practice.