Radio Frequency (RF) Microneedling

Microneedling with radiofrequency (a.k.a. RF Microneedling) is a minimally invasive, FDA- cleared, non-surgical skin rejuvenation technique that can treat a variety of skin concerns such as uneven skin tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, large pores, poor facial skin laxity, acne scars and reduce acne breakouts. Sterile gold plated microneedles create micro wounds in the dermis, the deep layer of the skin, stimulating the natural healing response and collagen production. Radiofrequency energy heats the dermis, triggering platelets and growth factors to restructure collagen and elastin, resulting in tighter skin. The RF heat is applied to the deeper layers of skin so it doesn’t interfere with the melanocytes within the epidermis, unlike many laser treatments that can cause hyperpigmentation. Therefore, this treatment is safe for darker skin tones.

The combination of both technologies in a single treatment revitalizes both the epidermis and dermis for maximum natural-looking results. Over a series of treatments, skin becomes smoother and firmer with long lasting results. Because the epidermis is not damaged during RF microneedling, downtime is shorter than laser skin resurfacing or chemical peels. Simply put, it’s the only treatment that tightens your skin while also reducing your wrinkles at the same time. For many, RF microneedling has been a game-changer.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Fine Lines & Wrinkles: Microdamage and RF energy stimulates collagen and elastin to plump skin.

Facial Skin Laxity: Microneedling increases the production of collagen and elastin to tone and tighten skin.

Uneven Skin Tone: Hyperpigmented collections are broken down to be recycled via microneedling with RF stimulation of cell growth.

Uneven Skin Texture: Microneedles eliminate areas of damaged and dead skin cells

Acne Scars: Microneedles break down scar tissue.

Acne: Three treatment sessions have been shown to result in up to 76% reduction in acne blemishes.

While both types of microneedling treatments aim to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, each takes a different approach. Traditional microneedling uses a specialized tool that contains very fine needles. This device is then rolled over the treatment area, create incredibly small wounds in the uppermost skin layers. In contrast, RF microneedling uses a combination of microneedles and radiofrequency to penetrate deep within the skin’s layers. As RF microneedling goes deeper below the skin’s surface, it’s able to tighten skin from within.

As the treatment is creating new skin cells from within, it can take several sessions to begin noticing your RF treatment results. Most clients start to see their treatment results around six weeks after their first session and enjoy optimal results around six months after their final session.

Currently using or used Accutane in the past 6 months
Have an active cold sore breakout
Have a skin infection
Have a moderate to severe skin disease (like psoriasis)
Are receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Are pregnant or breast feeding
Are taking anticoagulants
Have a history of keloids, hypertrophic scarring, or poor wound healing
Anyone who has undergone a radiation treatment within the last year

The best part about RF Microneedling is the lack of downtime it requires! Most people experience minimal downtime, and fully recover within seven days following a microneedling with radiofrequency treatment. Redness, shedding, and dryness are common during healing and resolve within a few days. Considerations on strenuous activities and skincare should be taken for a few days.

Possible side effects of a microneedling with radiofrequency procedure include prolonged erythema for up to three days, tightness and itchiness, warm sensations of the skin, dry skin, and in very rare cases the development of hypopigmentation in some areas.

WHAT TO EXPECT

To make you comfortable, before the procedure, you’ll be given a topical numbing agent for the area to be treated. Then the microneedling device, outfitted with a cluster of single use gold plated needles, delivers several dozen pricks about deep into your skin. The device also shoots radiofrequency energy into your skin to treat scars and wrinkles and yield a fuller, more youthful look.

Together, the needles and heat energy stimulate your skin into creating new collagen and hyaluronic acid, which help repair tissue and hydrate your skin, respectively. One session takes approximately an hour, including numbing time for the area to be treated. A minimum of three sessions is recommended for optimal results. It’s common to undergo touch-up procedures to maintain your appearance, as the aging process is continual.

Although the RF microneedling procedure is extremely safe, some mild side effects are to be expected. Many clients report a slightly uncomfortable yet tolerable experience. Redness and swelling around the treated site is not unexpected, either, though both should only be mild. Your face might also feel warm, as if you have a sunburn.

Microneedling RF treatment does create controlled injuries in the skin, but it does not leave holes or puncture marks. The needle punctures are so small that, unaided, no one can see them, even close up. The effect, however, is that your skin may look flushed, but this passes soon.The purpose of creating these microscopic punctures is to stir collagen growth so you heal faster and look more youthful.

Before Treatment

Avoidance of Accutane for 6 months
Discontinue use of Retin A and other topic medications for 3-5 days
Avoid skin resurfacing and hair removal treatments for 5-7 days
An antiviral medication may be prescribed
Reschedule if a rash or blemish develops

During Treatment

Skin will be cleansed
Topical numbing cream applied
Microneedling device is applied over the area to be treated
RF energy is delivered via the microneedling device

Post Treatment

Return to work in 1 day
Limit exercise to walking for 24 hours and avoid overheating for 3 days
Do not wash face for 24 hours
Do not exfoliate for 2 weeks
Cleanse only with a sensitive cleanser
Apply mineral sunblock SPF 30 or higher every 2 hours when outdoors
Only use mineral makeup
Skin redness up to a week
Skin dryness, flaking, and shedding 2-7 days after
No salicylic acid, glycolic acid or lactic acid for 2-3 weeks post treatment

Result Notes

Treatments are spaced approximately 3 weeks apart
Typically, it takes three treatments and 3-6 months following treatments to see optimal results.
To maintain your results, a booster treatment is recommended every three to six months, as the aging process is continual.
Results are long lasting, up to 5 years