Microneedling After Botox: How Long Should You Wait?

By: Linda Robison — Certified Facial Fitness Specialist

Disclosure: As an affiliate partner and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

By: Linda Robison — Certified Facial Fitness Specialist

Disclosure: As an affiliate partner and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why does timing matter?

Botox needs a little time to settle into the muscles where it was injected. Microneedling, on the other hand, works by creating tiny controlled injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen.

That’s why I wouldn’t rush into microneedling right after Botox. Too much pressure or skin manipulation too soon may interfere with your results.

If you’re comparing Botox with other treatments too, this Botox combination treatments guide shows which ones pair well and which ones need more spacing.

How long to wait after Botox for Microneedling?

A common recommendation is to wait about 2 weeks after Botox before microneedling. That gives the Botox time to settle and reduces the chance of disturbing the treated area.

Some providers may suggest waiting longer, especially if you had several areas treated or your skin is still tender or bruised.

My approach: I tend to be more cautious and give Botox plenty of time before doing another facial treatment.

Key Takeaway: The longer you wait, the better your Botox will settle in, ensuring optimal microneedling benefits without complications. (Cleveland Clinic). 

Risks of Microneedling too soon

If you microneedle too soon after Botox, you may increase the chance of:

• disturbing the treated area before the Botox has fully settled
• extra swelling, bruising, or irritation
• getting less predictable results

This is why I’d rather wait than rush it. Even if your skin looks fine, the Botox may still be settling underneath.

Personally, I tend to be cautious and usually give Botox plenty of time before doing another facial treatment.

Should you get Botox before or after microneedling?

Yes — the order can matter, especially if you’re trying to fit both treatments close together.

Microneedling before Botox: This is usually the simpler order because the microneedling is done first, before Botox has been injected.

Microneedling after Botox: If you’ve already had Botox, give it time to settle before microneedling and follow the timing your injector recommends.

Always consult a professional for the best approach.

How microneedling and Botox work differently

Microneedling works more on skin texture and collagen, while Botox targets muscle movement that causes expression lines. That’s why the two treatments can complement each other without doing the same job.

How They Work:

• Microneedling (also known as collagen induction therapy) involves using tiny needles to create microscopic punctures in the skin. This triggers your skin’s natural healing process, promoting collagen and elastin production. As a result, your skin looks fresher, firmer, and rejuvenated.
• Botox injections use botulinum toxin to temporarily relax facial muscles. This reduces the movement that causes dynamic wrinkles, such as frown lines or crow’s feet. 

Want a non-injectable option too? You can also compare facial exercises with Botox to see how they work differently.

ABZ Tip: If you’re still deciding whether Botox is right for you, see my Botox benefits and mistakes to avoid

Microneedling & Botox: Same appointment? 

Microneedling and Botox can sometimes be done in the same appointment, but the order matters.

Usually, microneedling comes first and Botox is done afterward. That way, you’re not pressing or working over freshly injected Botox.

If you’re also planning a facial, that has its own timing rules too. See when it’s safe to get a facial after Botox.

Benefits of combining treatments

Botox and microneedling work in different ways, which is why they can complement each other when timed properly:

• Botox softens expression lines caused by repeated muscle movement.
• Microneedling works on skin texture and collagen, so it addresses a different part of skin aging.
• Together, they may help improve both surface texture and the look of dynamic wrinkles.
• Spacing them properly lets each treatment do its job without unnecessarily disturbing the other.

What happens during your appointment

If your provider recommends doing microneedling and Botox in the same appointment, microneedling is generally done first. A typical visit may look like this:

1. Microneedling first – The skin is cleansed, numbing cream may be applied, and the microneedling treatment is completed.
2. Botox afterward – If your provider feels it’s appropriate, Botox can then be injected into the planned treatment areas.
3. Aftercare – Follow your provider’s instructions for both treatments, including guidance about touching the area, exercise, heat, and skincare.

Why This Order?  Doing the microneedling first avoids working over areas that have just been injected with Botox.

What are the risks?

As with any cosmetic treatment, there are a few risks to consider when combining Botox and microneedling:

• Swelling or redness after microneedling
• Bruising or tenderness around Botox injection sites
• Skin irritation or sensitivity, especially if treatments are done too close together
• Less predictable Botox results if the treated area is manipulated too soon
• A small risk of infection with microneedling if proper technique and aftercare aren’t followed

How to prep for Microneedling after Botox

If you’re planning microneedling after Botox, a little preparation can help reduce irritation and make the timing easier:

• Wait about 2 weeks after Botox, or longer if your injector recommends it.
• Make sure any swelling, bruising, or tenderness from Botox has settled.
• Follow your provider’s instructions about retinoids, exfoliants, and other active skincare before microneedling.
• Use gentle skincare afterward and avoid exfoliating until your skin has recovered — even gentle options like a sugar face scrub.
• Protect your skin from sun exposure and wear SPF daily.
• If you’re unsure about timing, check with the provider who did your Botox before booking microneedling.

Final takeaway: Microneedling after Botox

Yes, you can have microneedling after Botox, but timing matters.

• Botox works by relaxing targeted muscles.
• Microneedling works more on skin texture and collagen.
• A common recommendation is to wait about 2 weeks after Botox, although your provider may suggest longer.
• If you’re doing both treatments, microneedling is usually done first when they’re scheduled close together.

The main thing is not to rush the second treatment. Give the Botox time to settle and follow the timing recommended by the provider treating you.

FAQ: Microneedling after Botox questions

About the Author:

Linda Robison is a Certified Facial Fitness Specialist and founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone, where she shares practical tips, products, techniques, and at-home options for women over 40. She personally tests many of the methods she writes about.

Experience: Linda spent nearly 15 years as an Anti-Aging Health Advisor at the Life Extension Foundation and has over 30 years of experience testing facial anti-aging techniques, including training in Carolyn’s Facial Fitness. Her work has been featured in GB News and Beauty Box Magazine. You can view her background on LinkedIn and follow her on Pinterest.

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