There isn’t any doubt about it: Customers are into microneedling. A lot {that a} development report printed by Transparency Market Analysis in 2023 predicted the business at massive could be valued at $1.1 billion by 2031—with radiofrequency (RF) microneedling creating numerous buzz by itself. Generally known as a step-up from conventional microneedling (which includes the insertion of tiny needles into the pores and skin to set off collagen manufacturing), RF microneedling combines radiofrequency vitality to achieve the deepest layers of your pores and skin for higher smoothing and tightening outcomes. Mainly, it’s no marvel why so many individuals are turning to microneedling, each RF and conventional, in 2024.
Nonetheless, if the considered urgent a number of teeny needles in your face within the title of firmer pores and skin offers you pause, we get it. To assist break down whether or not it’s price making an appointment with an knowledgeable for RF microneedling, we spoke to board-certified dermatologist Mariana Vergara, MD, and board-certified inner medication doctor Glenicia Nosworthy, MD, to debate every little thing you’ll want to find out about RF microneedling earlier than making your first appointment.
Specialists on this article:
What’s radiofrequency microneedling?
Radiofrequency microneedling is a minimally-invasive beauty remedy that helps set off contemporary collagen and elastin manufacturing by means of a combo of deep-tissue vitality and itty-bitty needles. The usage of microneedles and radiofrequency creates micro “accidents” beneath the pores and skin, which sends indicators to your physique to supply extra collagen to restore it, leading to firmer, plumper pores and skin over time.
Radiofrequency (RF), for the unfamiliar, is a sort of electromagnetic vitality that’s delivered into the deeper layers of the pores and skin by means of microneedles. “The RF vitality heats the pores and skin tissue, stimulating collagen manufacturing and tightening pores and skin,” says Dr. Nosworthy. Nevertheless, it is essential to notice RF microneedling nonetheless is not essentially a one-size-fits-all type of deal. There are completely different units, needle depths, and settings which are all essential components, and an skilled practitioner can assist information you to the best remedy.
Earlier than entering into the small print with machine varieties, although, it’s essential to know how microneedling works.
How does RF microneedling work?
A microneedling machine normally consists of a hand piece housing ultra-tiny needles. As for the remedy itself, the radiofrequency vitality is delivered to the goal space because the microneedles penetrate a number of layers of the pores and skin. “The radiofrequency vitality heats the tissue, inflicting a managed thermal harm within the dermis, which is your center layer of pores and skin,” explains Dr. Nosworthy. “This warmth vitality helps to additional stimulate collagen manufacturing and tighten the pores and skin.” Your supplier will gently press the machine over the numbed remedy space and the needles will press into your pores and skin. Once more, depths will be tailor-made to your particular pores and skin and targets.
RF microneedling vs conventional microneedling
Whereas each remedies create micro accidents within the pores and skin, which in flip set off collagen manufacturing, the addition of radiofrequency vitality takes issues to the subsequent degree by heating the pores and skin tissue. “The mixture of microneedling and radiofrequency stimulates collagen manufacturing extra successfully than both remedy alone,” Dr. Vergara says, main to raised pores and skin tightening, wrinkle discount, and firmness. Plus, you may doubtless want fewer periods.
“Radiofrequency microneedling enters the deep layers of the pores and skin and makes use of warmth for pores and skin tightening, which may present higher outcomes,” says Dr. Vergara. “For the perfect consequence, a collection of three remedies each three to 4 weeks aside are wanted.” Then again, with conventional microneedling, a affected person would want about six periods to totally deal with a situation like pimples scarring, for instance.
The various kinds of microneedling units
Not all RF microneedling units are created equal, so throughout your session, it is best to ask your supplier which machine sort they plan to make use of in your particular issues. Usually, microneedling units are cut up into 4 varieties: fractional, non-fractional, bipolar, and monopolar. Right here’s a fast breakdown of every (although don’t stress—your doctor will select the perfect in your pores and skin wants):
Fractional RF microneedling
In line with Dr. Nosworthy, fractional RF makes use of insulated needles to ship vitality to focused areas of your pores and skin. “RF vitality is barely delivered by means of the guidelines previous the dermis, which is the highest layer of pores and skin, resulting in sooner therapeutic and fewer downtime,” she says. Such a RF microneedling is greatest for addressing wonderful strains, wrinkles, pimples scars, and laxity.
Dr. Vergara makes use of Matrix Professional (a fractionated RF machine) which has the smallest needle measurement available on the market—which interprets to much less ache and downtime—whereas having the ability to “ship vitality in three completely different depths with one entry or pulse.” Primarily, it could possibly go deeper into the pores and skin with one cross than different units that may require a number of passes. Morpheus8 is one other fashionable fractional RF machine cherished by consultants and celebs for its highly effective depths and its efficacy on bigger remedy areas, just like the abdomen and arms.
Non-fractional RF microneedling
Non-fractional RF units ship RF vitality by means of strong microneedles that warmth the entire remedy space (in contrast to fractional RF, which delivers warmth to focused areas). “Non-fractional remedies are sometimes extra aggressive and will require extra downtime in comparison with fractional RF microneedling,” Dr. Nosworthy says. “Non-fractional RF microneedling is usually used for topical issues—like hyperpigmentation and pimples scars—and likewise for deeper tissue reworking.”
Bipolar RF microneedling
“Bipolar RF microneedling units have two—’bi’—electrodes on both facet of the remedy space to ship radiofrequency vitality,” Dr. Nosworthy says. “This know-how is designed to warmth the tissue between the electrodes, stimulating collagen manufacturing and tightening the pores and skin,” she says, making bipolar RF ultimate for anybody seeking to enhance pores and skin texture and laxity.
Bipolar differs from fractional and non-fractional as a result of it delivers radiofrequency vitality by way of two electrodes (moderately than needles). So whereas it’ll warmth up extra pores and skin tissue due to its two electrodes, bipolar units normally don’t penetrate as deep within the pores and skin’s layers as non-bipolar units.
Monopolar RF microneedling
Monopolar RF microneedling units use a single (mono) electrode to ship vitality into your pores and skin (in contrast to bipolar, which makes use of two—therefore “bi”). “The vitality flows between the electrode and a grounding pad positioned in your physique, making a circuit that heats the focused tissue,” says Dr. Nosworthy. Monopolar RF microneedling is often used for pores and skin tightening and physique contouring, and tends to be the least “intense” of all RF microneedling units.
What issues does RF microneedling deal with?
RF microneedling treats a variety of pores and skin issues, together with wrinkles, wonderful strains, pores and skin laxity, enlarged pores, uneven pores and skin tone, and bumpy or scarred texture. Specialists say the remedy may handle stretch marks (though it is best to handle your expectations on outcomes, since nothing can fully do away with stretch marks).
This is only a transient take a look at what RF microneedling can handle—and the way:
High-quality strains and wrinkles
“RF microneedling stimulates collagen manufacturing and pores and skin tightening, which can assist scale back the looks of wonderful strains and wrinkles, significantly on the face, neck, and chest,” Dr. Nosworthy says.
Pores and skin laxity
The warmth generated by radiofrequency vitality makes it good for tightening pores and skin. In line with Dr. Nosworthy, RF microneedling “promotes collagen reworking and pores and skin tightening, making it an efficient remedy for enhancing pores and skin laxity and sagging.”
Pimples scars
RF microneedling stimulates collagen manufacturing and pores and skin regeneration, resulting in “smoother and extra even pores and skin texture,” says Dr. Nosworthy. That is why consultants extremely advocate the remedy for pimples scars, like icepick or rolling scars.
Enlarged pores
When you technically cannot shrink the bodily measurement of your pores, RF microneedling can assist decrease their look by stimulating collagen manufacturing and night out your pores and skin texture.
Uneven pores and skin tone and texture
“RF microneedling can handle uneven pores and skin tone, tough texture, and solar harm by selling collagen manufacturing and pores and skin renewal, resulting in extra even pores and skin over time,” Dr. Nosworthy says.
Stretch marks
Total, pores and skin rejuvenation triggered by collagen manufacturing can assist decrease the looks of (however not totally do away with) stretch marks, whereas additionally serving to to agency and tighten pores and skin.
Who’s an excellent candidate for RF microneedling?
Each Dr. Nosworthy and Dr. Vergara agree that RF microneedling is nice for a variety of sufferers. Ideally suited candidates embody anybody seeking to tighten your pores and skin, even out your pores and skin tone, clean bumpy pores and skin textures, and scale back the look of enlarged pores or stretch marks.
In contrast to many different minimally invasive remedies available on the market, RF microneedling is usually a protected choice to make use of on non-reactive pores and skin varieties and pores and skin tones. Nevertheless, it is best to all the time work with a dermatologist who’s well-versed in working with a various vary of sufferers to make sure you obtain the best degree of care.
What can I count on throughout a RF microneedling remedy?
When you seek the advice of with a dermatologist and e book an appointment for microneedling, it is best to put together your self in your appointment (which, we promise gained’t be as scary because it appears). From begin to end, it is essential to have open communication together with your dermatologist about the perfect strategies for making ready your pores and skin for remedy. Figuring out what is going to occur throughout and after remedy, in addition to discussing particular aftercare directions post-procedure, is vital for optimum outcomes.
Earlier than the process:
There isn’t any must abstain from any particular skin-care merchandise main as much as your session, except in any other case famous by your physician. Nevertheless, should you discover something to be sensitizing your pores and skin or inflicting irritation, you may wish to pause use forward of time. You will additionally wish to guarantee you haven’t any energetic pores and skin infections or open wounds on the time of remedy.
As soon as you’ve got arrived at your physician’s workplace, they may prep your pores and skin for the process. “Earlier than the RF microneedling remedy, your physician will clear the world with alcohol,” says Dr. Vergara. “Topical anesthesia is normally utilized for 40 minutes prior, then the world is marked earlier than we start.”
In the course of the process:
“Throughout a radiofrequency microneedling remedy, a tool with wonderful needles is used to create managed micro accidents within the pores and skin whereas delivering radiofrequency vitality to the deeper layers of the pores and skin,” Dr. Nosworthy says. Consider it like a flowery stapler with tons of tiny needles that get pressed into the pores and skin.
The variety of passes your physician will do is dependent upon the severity of your particular person pores and skin issues. When it comes to ache, you will be numbed, however you should still expertise delicate discomfort and stinging relying on the machine and your pores and skin’s density. In line with Dr. Nosworthy, a few of her sufferers do discover the service painful, however once more, this really is dependent upon the individual.
Downtime needs to be minimal and the remedy space could be crimson and infected instantly after. Typically, should you’re handled with a one-pass machine, there can be much less irritation. Nevertheless, should you want a number of passes, your pores and skin could be redder and swollen for a couple of days (or, in some circumstances, every week). The period of your remedy can even rely on the areas and issues being handled. A session targeted on the face may transfer a lot faster than one targeted on a bigger space just like the abdomen.
After the process:
In line with Dr. Nosworthy, aftercare will fluctuate relying on the affected person and the depth of the remedy. However typically talking, Dr. Vergara suggests washing the handled space twice every day with a light cleanser in lukewarm water and gently patting dry. She additionally suggests following up with a moisturizer or serum formulated for delicate pores and skin, or one particularly created for post-procedure therapeutic.
“Sufferers also needs to keep away from strenuous train, scorching baths, saunas, and actions with extreme sweating for a number of days post-treatment,” Dr. Vergara provides. “Components like retinol and vitamin C needs to be averted for one week post-procedure on the handled space.”
Persistence is vital when it comes to when you’ll be able to count on to note outcomes. “It is sometimes gradual and [skin will] enhance over time because the collagen reworking course of continues,” Dr. Nosworthy says. That stated, taking a photograph previous to remedy could also be a good suggestion that will help you observe and consider your progress should you’re doing a number of periods, she suggests.
What are the unintended effects of RF microneedling?
Instantly after microneedling, your pores and skin could be crimson, swollen, and delicate for a couple of hours, nevertheless it ought to return to regular inside a couple of days to every week. Dr. Vergara says that you could be additionally expertise bruising, dryness, flaking, itchiness, an infection, or hypopigmentation (lightening of the pores and skin) in uncommon circumstances. “RF microneedling is a minimally invasive process with minimal downtime in comparison with extra aggressive remedies,” Dr. Nosworthy says. Nevertheless, should you expertise any of those unintended effects that worsen, make an appointment to see your dermatologist asap for remedy.
How a lot does RF microneedling price?
The price of RF microneedling will fluctuate relying on a number of components, together with your location, the experience degree of your supplier, the precise machine used, and the variety of periods you select to bear. Nevertheless, Dr. Vergara and Dr. Nosworthy typically estimate that remedy can price wherever from $200 to $2,000 per session.
Does RF microneedling actually work?
The effectiveness of RF microneedling is dependent upon the person affected person, how their pores and skin responds to those remedies, and the effectiveness of the actual machine. Dr. Vergara, nevertheless, loves RF microneedling. “I feel it’s an incredible remedy to forestall [the signs of aging] and keep a ‘youthful’ look,” she says. She provides that because of its advantages, it could even assist delay or forestall the need for invasive cosmetic surgery sooner or later.
Nevertheless, Dr. Nosworthy is barely partially satisfied RF microneedling is the most suitable choice for a lot of of her sufferers. Whereas she understands why the process has elevated in recognition over time, some have given her the suggestions that they don’t seem to be a fan of getting to do a number of preliminary periods adopted by upkeep remedies, whereas others discover the ache to be insufferable. All issues price contemplating, which can also be why working with an skilled supplier is essential to make sure machine settings and depths are protected and appropriate in your pores and skin.
Last takeaways
Look, the reality is, nobody wants to get any minimally invasive, anti-aging remedy finished—even this one. Ageing is a pure course of, and getting a process finished is a private alternative. If pores and skin laxity, pimples scars, wonderful strains, and even enlarged pores are in your listing of pores and skin issues, then you definately could be an excellent candidate for RF microneedling.
Nonetheless, it is best to talk with a extremely skilled dermatologist who works with quite a lot of RF units and has a various vary of shoppers (test their Instagram! Learn their critiques!). It will guarantee they will develop a personalised remedy plan by recommending the perfect machine in your wants, and may safely and successfully work with all pores and skin varieties, textures, and tones.
Hero Illustration by Janet Mac