Radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) treatments stimulate collagen to improve acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. They also firm and tighten skin.
RFMN is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenating procedure that combines two treatments to make an even better one. Radiofrequency both stimulates and tightens collagen. Microneedling by itself induces new collagen formation.
How Radiofrequency Microneedling Works
Radiofrequency microneedling works by creating very small channels in the skin using tiny surgical needles. Once these needles are in the dermis, the device delivers energy through them. The tip is pressed repeatedly on the skin to cover the treatment area.
The face, neck, and other areas including the decolletage can be treated. RFMN is very good for treating acne scars, fine wrinkles and crepey sun damaged skin.
Both the small injuries caused by the microneedles and the heat created by the radiofrequency work in different ways and complement each other to stimulate collagen and elastin.
Radiofrequency microneedling is a form of fractional resurfacing. It is more assertive than Clear + Brilliant but less robust than fractional CO2 resurfacing and has less downtime.
What to Expect
Prior to treatment, numbing cream is applied to the treatment areas. Some patients prefer nitrous oxide during treatment for additional comfort. A full face treatment takes 30-45 minutes.
Moderate redness and swelling often appears after treatment lasting 1 – 3 days. Aftercare involves gentle cleansing, sun avoidance and moisturizer.
A minimum of three treatments are usually required, and more are needed when treating acne scars. Treatments are spaced 4-6 weeks apart. As with any collagen stimulating procedure, results may take up to 6 months to appear.
Applying a serum or platelet rich plasma immediately after treatment may enhance the result.
Good Candidates
Generally, all skin types can be treated with this device. However, precautions should be taken to guard against the development of hyperpigmentation after treatment in those who are prone to it.
People with acne scars, fine wrinkles and general skin aging are great candidates, especially those who don’t want the longer recovery of fractional CO2 resurfacing.
Which fractional resurfacing treatment you choose depends on your goals, your skin, and the amount of time you have to recover. Clear and Brilliant is a great choice for preventative treatments, to add vibrancy, and to treat melasma. As mentioned earlier, fractional CO2 is a more robust treatment than radiofrequency microneedling and has longer recovery.
In addition, you don’t have to limit yourself to only one type of resurfacing treatment. It is okay to do several RFMN treatments and then a bigger fractional CO2, or vice versa.
Combination Treatments
Combining radiofrequency microneedling with other procedures yields enhanced results. Combining it with Thermage or Thermitight leads to even more tissue tightening. Whereas, grouping it with chemical peels or IPL Photofacials improves tone and texture as well as wrinkles and firmness.
