There’s little question about it: Shoppers are into microneedling. A lot {that a} development report revealed by Transparency Market Analysis in 2023 predicted the trade at massive can be valued at $1.1 billion by 2031—with radiofrequency (RF) microneedling creating a whole lot of buzz by itself. Often known as a step-up from conventional microneedling (which entails the insertion of tiny needles into the pores and skin to set off collagen manufacturing), RF microneedling combines radiofrequency power to succeed in the deepest layers of your pores and skin for higher smoothing and tightening outcomes. Principally, 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 identify of firmer pores and skin offers you pause, we get it. To assist break down whether or not it’s value making an appointment with an professional for RF microneedling, we spoke to board-certified dermatologist Mariana Vergara, MD, and board-certified inside medication doctor Glenicia Nosworthy, MD, to debate every part you want to learn about RF microneedling earlier than making your first appointment.
Consultants on this article:
- Mariana Vergara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founding father of Magnificence Villa Vergara in Beverly Hills
- Glenicia Nosworthy, MD, an inside medication doctor specializing in aesthetic medication at Glo by Glen in New York Metropolis
What’s radiofrequency microneedling?
Radiofrequency microneedling is a minimally-invasive beauty remedy that helps set off recent collagen and elastin manufacturing by way of a combo of deep-tissue power and itty-bitty needles. Using 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 power that’s delivered into the deeper layers of the pores and skin by way of microneedles. “The RF power heats the pores and skin tissue, stimulating collagen manufacturing and tightening pores and skin,” says Dr. Nosworthy. Nevertheless, it’s essential to notice RF microneedling nonetheless isn’t essentially a one-size-fits-all sort of deal. There are totally different units, needle depths, and settings which can be all essential elements, and an skilled practitioner may also help information you to the appropriate remedy.
Earlier than entering into the main points with machine varieties, although, it’s essential to grasp how microneedling works.
How does RF microneedling work?
A microneedling machine often consists of a hand piece housing ultra-tiny needles. As for the remedy itself, the radiofrequency power is delivered to the goal space because the microneedles penetrate a number of layers of the pores and skin. “The radiofrequency power 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 power 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 power takes issues to the subsequent stage 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 higher pores and skin tightening, wrinkle discount, and firmness. Plus, you’ll possible want fewer classes.
“Radiofrequency microneedling enters the deep layers of the pores and skin and makes use of warmth for pores and skin tightening, which might present higher outcomes,” says Dr. Vergara. “For the perfect end result, a sequence of three remedies each three to 4 weeks aside are wanted.” Alternatively, with conventional microneedling, a affected person would wish about six classes to completely deal with a situation like pimples scarring, for instance.
The several types of microneedling units
Not all RF microneedling units are created equal, so throughout your session, it’s best to ask your supplier which machine kind they plan to make use of in your particular issues. Basically, 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
Based on Dr. Nosworthy, fractional RF makes use of insulated needles to ship power to focused areas of your pores and skin. “RF power is just delivered by way of the ideas previous the dermis, which is the highest layer of pores and skin, resulting in quicker therapeutic and fewer downtime,” she says. Such a RF microneedling is finest for addressing tremendous traces, 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 power in three totally different depths with one entry or pulse.” Primarily, it will probably 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 beloved 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 power by way of stable microneedles that warmth the entire remedy space (not like fractional RF, which delivers warmth to focused areas). “Non-fractional remedies are usually extra aggressive and will require extra downtime in comparison with fractional RF microneedling,” Dr. Nosworthy says. “Non-fractional RF microneedling is commonly used for topical issues—like hyperpigmentation and pimples scars—and in addition for deeper tissue transforming.”
Bipolar RF microneedling
“Bipolar RF microneedling units have two—’bi’—electrodes on both aspect of the remedy space to ship radiofrequency power,” 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 superb for anybody trying to enhance pores and skin texture and laxity.
Bipolar differs from fractional and non-fractional as a result of it delivers radiofrequency power through two electrodes (fairly than needles). So whereas it can warmth up extra pores and skin tissue because of its two electrodes, bipolar units often 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 power into your pores and skin (not like bipolar, which makes use of two—therefore “bi”). “The power 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 usually 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, tremendous traces, pores and skin laxity, enlarged pores, uneven pores and skin tone, and bumpy or scarred texture. Consultants say the remedy can even tackle stretch marks (though it’s best to handle your expectations on outcomes, since nothing can utterly do away with stretch marks).
Right here’s only a transient take a look at what RF microneedling can tackle—and the way:
High quality traces and wrinkles
“RF microneedling stimulates collagen manufacturing and pores and skin tightening, which may also help cut back the looks of tremendous traces and wrinkles, significantly on the face, neck, and chest,” Dr. Nosworthy says.
Pores and skin laxity
The warmth generated by radiofrequency power makes it good for tightening pores and skin. Based on Dr. Nosworthy, RF microneedling “promotes collagen transforming and pores and skin tightening, making it an efficient remedy for bettering pores and skin laxity and sagging.”
Zits 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’s why consultants extremely advocate the remedy for pimples scars, like icepick or rolling scars.
Enlarged pores
When you technically can’t 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 tackle 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 may also help 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 a great candidate for RF microneedling?
Each Dr. Nosworthy and Dr. Vergara agree that RF microneedling is nice for a variety of sufferers. Preferrred candidates embrace anybody trying to tighten your pores and skin, even out your pores and skin tone, easy bumpy pores and skin textures, and cut back the look of enlarged pores or stretch marks.
Not like many different minimally invasive remedies available on the market, RF microneedling is usually a secure choice to make use of on non-reactive pores and skin varieties and pores and skin tones. Nevertheless, it’s 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 stage of care.
What can I anticipate throughout a RF microneedling remedy?
When you seek the advice of with a dermatologist and guide an appointment for microneedling, it’s best to put together your self in your appointment (which, we promise received’t be as scary because it appears). From begin to end, it’s 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’s 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’s no have to abstain from any particular skin-care merchandise main as much as your session, until in any other case famous by your physician. Nevertheless, for those who discover something to be sensitizing your pores and skin or inflicting irritation, you’ll wish to pause use forward of time. You’ll additionally wish to make sure you don’t have any energetic pores and skin infections or open wounds on the time of remedy.
When you’ve 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 often 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 tremendous needles is used to create managed micro accidents within the pores and skin whereas delivering radiofrequency power 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 depends upon the severity of your particular person pores and skin issues. By way of 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. Based on Dr. Nosworthy, a few of her sufferers do discover the service painful, however once more, this actually depends upon the individual.
Downtime ought to be minimal and the remedy space may be crimson and infected instantly after. Usually, for those who’re handled with a one-pass machine, there will likely be much less irritation. Nevertheless, for those who want a number of passes, your pores and skin may be redder and swollen for a number of days (or, in some circumstances, every week). The length of your remedy will even depend upon 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:
Based on Dr. Nosworthy, aftercare will fluctuate relying on the affected person and the depth of the remedy. However usually 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, sizzling baths, saunas, and actions with extreme sweating for a number of days post-treatment,” Dr. Vergara provides. “Components like retinol and vitamin C ought to be prevented for one week post-procedure on the handled space.”
Persistence is vital when it comes to when you possibly can anticipate to note outcomes. “It’s usually gradual and [skin will] enhance over time because the collagen transforming course of continues,” Dr. Nosworthy says. That mentioned, taking a photograph previous to remedy could also be a good suggestion that will help you observe and consider your progress for those who’re doing a number of classes, she suggests.
What are the unwanted effects of RF microneedling?
Instantly after microneedling, your pores and skin may be crimson, swollen, and delicate for a number of hours, but it surely ought to return to regular inside a number 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, for those who expertise any of those unwanted 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 elements, together with your location, the experience stage of your supplier, the particular machine used, and the variety of classes you select to endure. Nevertheless, Dr. Vergara and Dr. Nosworthy usually estimate that remedy can price anyplace from $200 to $2,000 per session.
Does RF microneedling actually work?
The effectiveness of RF microneedling depends 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 preserve a ‘youthful’ look,” she says. She provides that as a result of its advantages, it might even assist delay or stop the will for invasive cosmetic surgery sooner or later.
Nevertheless, Dr. Nosworthy is just partially satisfied RF microneedling is the best 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 aren’t a fan of getting to do a number of preliminary classes adopted by upkeep remedies, whereas others discover the ache to be insufferable. All issues value contemplating, which can also be why working with an skilled supplier is essential to make sure machine settings and depths are secure and appropriate in your pores and skin.
Last takeaways
Look, the reality is, nobody wants to get any minimally invasive, anti-aging remedy executed—even this one. Growing older is a pure course of, and getting a process executed is a private selection. If pores and skin laxity, pimples scars, tremendous traces, and even enlarged pores are in your checklist of pores and skin issues, then you definitely may be a great candidate for RF microneedling.
Nonetheless, it’s finest to talk with a extremely skilled dermatologist who works with quite a lot of RF units and has a various vary of purchasers (verify their Instagram! Learn their evaluations!). This can guarantee they will develop a customized 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.
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