MDF Laser vs. Microneedling

Revive Laser Studio
Jan 7
2 min read

If you’re researching treatments to smooth skin, fade acne scars, or shrink pores, chances are you’ve come across two popular options: microneedling and fractional laser resurfacing.

At Revive, we specialize in laser treatments only—specifically, the Hollywood Spectra with its MDF (Multi-Depth Focus) handpiece. Here's why that’s our go-to, and how it compares to traditional microneedling for skin texture and collagen support.

The Goal Is the Same: Collagen, Clarity, Smoother Skin

Both treatments aim to:

Stimulate new collagen
Soften acne scars and large pores
Improve tone and skin quality
Minimize early fine lines

But MDF does it with laser energy—no needles involved.

Quick Recap: What’s Microneedling?

Microneedling uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. That injury triggers your body’s natural healing response and boosts collagen over time.

It’s a valid option for many skin types—but it has limitations:

Doesn’t treat active acne or deeper pigment concerns
Results build slowly over multiple sessions
Still causes redness and minor trauma to the skin surface

Why We Use MDF: More Control, More Customization

The MDF handpiece on the Spectra laser delivers fractional energy at multiple skin depths. Think of it like high-precision collagen remodeling—stimulating new tissue from the inside out, while keeping the surface intact.

What it works on:

Acne scars
Enlarged pores
Uneven texture
Fine lines
Overall skin dullness
Mild pigment and post-acne marks

And because it uses non-ablative 1064nm laser energy, it’s safe for all skin tones—including deeper Fitzpatrick types—with minimal risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Downtime? Very Minimal.

You’ll likely have:

2–4 days of mild redness or pinkness
Possibly tiny “peppering” dots with deeper texture settings
No peeling, no open skin, no wound care

Most clients are back to normal routines within a day or two, and can wear makeup after 24 hours if needed.

How Many Sessions?

We typically recommend a series of 3–4 treatments, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. You’ll start seeing improvements in tone and texture after the first few, with continued collagen remodeling for months afterward.

Ready to Try It?

Book a consult and we’ll walk you through what MDF laser resurfacing can do for your skin, whether you’re treating scars, texture, or just want a fresh, clear glow.

When Microneedling Might Make More Sense

While we don’t offer microneedling at Revive, we recognize it has a place—especially for clients who:

Want a very gentle starting point for skin rejuvenation
Are extremely sensitive to heat-based treatments
Prefer zero device-based energy (no laser or RF)
Have thin, reactive, or rosacea-prone skin where laser may need to be delayed

Microneedling can also pair well with laser in alternating treatments—for example, using MDF to rebuild texture and target pigment, then microneedling in between for surface collagen support. If we think you’d benefit from that approach, we’re happy to refer you to trusted local providers who specialize in microneedling.