In medical aesthetics, there’s always a latest-and-greatest. Over time the newest hot trending treatments will either fall off the map or establish true legitimacy. A few years ago, the buzz was radiofrequency (RF) microneedling which takes medical microneedling to the next level. RF microneedling treatment has endured the test of time and has become an established go-to treatment for skin rejuvenation, acne scars, and softening keloid scars.
All RF microneedling machines are fundamentally the same. They insert an array of fine pins into the skin which release radiofrequency energy from the tips. This creates a microinjuries both in the surface of the skin and under the skin to spark new collagen production and remodel existing collagen. Remodeling existing collagen softens lines, wrinkles, and scars while new collagen delivers smoother, tighter skin.
RF microneedling technology is an alternative for people who can’t do laser or maybe who have had bad experiences with laser. It’s safer for those with darker skin because when the procedure is performed correctly the energy bypasses the melanin-rich epidermis.
Is RF microneedling really safe for all skin types?
When positioned properly, the needle tips emit heat into the deep tissue without traumatizing the layer of skin that contains melanin-producing cells. This makes radiofrequency microneedling safe for those with more skin pigment who tend to be prone to laser complications or, for skin types 5 and 6 who are not candidates for laser treatments. This is especially true for correcting acne scars on those with deeper skin tone.
While most of today’s RF microneedling devices have insulated needles, meaning the radiofrequency energy is only emitted from the tip of the needles, it’s a good idea to confirm this feature with your provider. The older, non-insulated needles are much more aggressive resulting in less operator control and more patient downtime.
What skin concerns can RF microneedling treat?
Like medical microneedling pens and dermal rollers, RF microneedling leverages the body’s natural healing response to create new collagen by creating microinjuries. The heat injury under the skin makes RF microneedling more effective at improving skin texture (smoothing fine lines and enlarged pores), diminishing some pigment, fading acne scars, and providing some skin tightening.
RF microneedling can help treat hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a clinical ailment. RF microneedling works on the same principals as MiraDry – damaging the sweat glands to diminish wetness and the odor it causes over the course of four to six monthly treatments.
RF microneedling is touted for treating stretch marks. Typically, only moderate results can be expected when using RF microneedling alone, and it does take multiple sessions to reduce their appearance. Laser is more effective for diminishing redness in fresh stretch marks. Laser or radiofrequency skin resurfacing is arguably more effective at diminishing stretch marks. Five to six monthly RF microneedling treatments a month apart will make less noticeable. It’s important to keep your expectations for RF microneedling stretch mark results in check.
What kind of results can I expect and when?
With all RF microneedling devices, you can usually see some signs of improvement within a week, with more dramatic results developing over the next three or four weeks. You may notice a brighter, smoother, and firmer complexion in as early as two weeks. You will likely notice that your moisturizers, makeup, and sunscreens go on much smoother.
It does take at least three months after a radiofrequency microneedling treatment for enough collagen to form to see skin tightening. A series of three treatments are usually recommended for optimal results.
How do I choose between RF microneedling and other treatments?
Fractional skin resurfacing lasers such as the LaseMD generally give a better overall refresh on fair complexions when there is significant discoloration. Radiofrequency microneedling does provide an excellent alternative to laser for those who have darker skin types. It also excels at softening laser-resistant keloid scars and and shrinking crepey skin.
Fractional skin resurfacing with laser, radiofrequency, or thermal devices are arguably preferable for treating stretch marks. For those with more significant skin laxity, a series of a combination of fractional skin resurfacing and radiofrequency microneedling treatments is often recommended for optimal results.
What are the RF microneedling risks?
Operator error is the biggest risk. If the operator rushes through the treatment or doesn’t select the right needle depth energy can be discharged into the top layer of skin. This can cause little bumps that look like chicken skin for a few months. For darker skin types, operator error can result in burns, scars, and/or hyperpigmentation when the needles are not fully inserted during the treatment pulses.
It is important to understand that no heat-based technology is 100% risk-free for deeper skin colors. Procedure safety is ultimately determined by the person holding the handpiece. If the microneedles are not inserted properly, heat can be mistakenly delivered to the top layers of the skin. This can cause burns, scars, and pigment changes.
There is a chance that RF microneedling heat can possibly dissolve or evaporate dermal filler that has been placed superficially. Dermal fillers are usually placed more deeply so they are unlikely to be affected by a RF microneedling treatment. However, when dermal filler is used close to the surface of the skin, such as Belotero to smooth fine lines around the mouth, the heat from the radiofrequency can dissolve the filler.
RF microneedling can theoretically disturb freshly inserted threads. It takes about two months for threads to dissolve, and RF microneedling should not be performed during that time. If you want both procedures, schedule the threat lift after the RF microneedling treatment or at least two months after your thread lift procedure.
Which RF microneedling device is best?
Devices available today differ in the number and size of pins and the degree of control for adjusting needle depths and radiofrequency energy time. These nuances affect treatment pain and downtime, as well as ultimate outcome.
There are the big guns, namely the Profound and the Morpheus8. Treatments with these machines are more painful and involve greater downtime but deliver more results in a single treatment. Profound and the Morpheus8 treatments require a topical anesthetic cream plus lidocaine injections. An anti-anxiety medication is usually prescribed to make the needle sticks more bearable. This means you must arrange for someone you know to drive you home after treatment. Post procedure you can expect to be swollen, red, and bruised for up to two weeks.
Milder radiofrequency treatments, such as with the Vivace, Secret, or Genius, minimize pain and downtime. They do require topical numbing cream and a series of treatments to achieve the same results as the big gun procedures. Post procedure you can expect the treatment area to be pink that diminishes over one to three days. If your face is treated, keeping it elevated at night can greatly reduce any swelling. You can wear mineral makeup the next day to cover any remaining redness or pinpoint scabs, and bruising is rare.
Of the milder radiofrequency microneedling machines, the Vivace has received the most awards for excellence. The ability to make precise, incremental settings for tolerable and versatile treatments set it apart.
Vivace Microneedling RF at Rejuvience Med Spa
The Vivace was chosen above other available RF microneedling machines for several reasons. First was its well-earned award-winning status which continues to grow. Next was the the ability to precisely tailor treatments to the individual’s skin type and skin issues. Many people don't want the significant pain and downtime that accompanies with the "big gun" RF microneedling treatments. Vivace RF microneedling treatments don't require injections or sedation, and mineral makeup can usually cover up any fading redness the next day.
Rejuvience Med Spa provides the full Vivace Experience. This means that the Boost Serum and Soothe Mask are provided in addition to the Vivace Microneedling RF treatment. The Boost serum contains tripeptide and hexapeptide technology, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and hyaluronic acid to help speed the healing process. The Soothe Mask is provided to apply at home. Its tripeptide technology in an anti-inflammatory cooling fluid to promote fast, effective recovery
In addition, a complimentary LED Light Therapy treatment, a $50 value, is provided immediately after the Vivace microneedling RF treatment. LED Light Therapy helps jump start the healing process as well as new collagen production.
Still have questions about RF microneedling treatments? Call or text Rejuvience Med Spa at (602) 899-7462 or book a complimentary consultation.
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About Rejuvience Med Spa
Rejuvience Med Spa is a licensed boutique medical spa located in Paradise Valley Village at Cactus and Tatum. We use award winning non-invasive equipment to deliver laser and radiofrequency skin rejuvenation, medical microneedling, scar revision, skin tightening, body sculpting, body contouring, and weight loss services. Our mission is to help you both look and feel your best. We love what we do!