Your Complete Guide to RF Microneedling

This nearly painless treatment that can significantly improve wrinkles, scars, and skin laxity.
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Video: Learn About RF Microneedling

Our educational videos are directed by Aesthetics HQ founder and certified physician assistant Melissa Singleton – an experienced injector and top Galderma national trainer.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

New Collagen
Stimulates collagen fiber growth to enhance skin quality and texture.
Fast Results

Clients generally achieve optimal results with two to four treatments.

Subtle
Results may not be as dramatic as surgical procedures.

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RF Microneedling: What You Should Know

Providers use insulated needles to administer high-intensity radio frequency energy into targeted areas.

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Michael Wangia, MD | Dermatologist

Radio frequency (RF) microneedling devices use special needles to administer high-intensity radio frequency energy into targeted tissue beneath the skin. This procedure induces a uniform warming effect on deep tissue, stimulating new collagen fiber growth and significantly enhancing skin quality and texture. The outcome is minimal to no downtime and a nearly painless treatment that can dramatically improve wrinkles, scars, and skin laxity.

What to Expect

RF microneedling is a minimally invasive method for improving skin quality and texture. It stimulates collagen and elastin growth, leading to enhanced skin firmness and reduced appearance of wrinkles and scars. The procedure has minimal downtime and is nearly painless, making it an attractive option for those seeking skin rejuvenation without surgery.

Pros

  • Minimally invasive.
  • Stimulates collagen and elastin production.
  • Improves skin quality and texture.
  • Reduces wrinkles, scars, and skin laxity.
  • Minimal to no downtime.
  • Nearly painless treatment.

Cons

  • Requires multiple treatment sessions for optimal results.
  • Potential for mild side effects like pinpoint bleeding, bruising, and redness.
  • Not suitable for all patients.
  • Results may not be as dramatic as surgical procedures.

What to Expect

The RF microneedling procedure involves topical numbing and typically lasts about an hour. Before the procedure, patients are advised to avoid alcohol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and salicylic acid products to minimize bruising. During the treatment, specially insulated or non-insulated needles deliver RF energy into the deep tissue, creating a warming effect that stimulates collagen growth. Clients generally achieve optimal results with two to four treatments.

Recovery

The downtime required for skin treatments can vary from several days to a week, depending on the intensity of the erbium laser treatment. During recuperation, it is typical for the skin to swell and develop a rough texture. Initially, the skin may feel tender, leading to itchiness and discomfort. Ensuring the protection and retention of skin moisture during the healing phase is essential. This includes using ointments and heavy creams and gradually shifting towards lighter creams and serums as skin healing progresses.

Results

Recovery and results usually span just a few days, during which the skin may undergo flaking and peeling. However, it may take over a week for more intense erbium treatment, and full results may take several months for collagen and elastin to be fully regenerated.

Safety Profile

Safe for all skin types if the device uses insulated needles. Non-insulated needles are contraindicated in skin types IV-VI due to the risk of pigmentation.

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