What happens when you combine radiofrequency energy with traditional microneedling? The answer is a revolutionary technique called RF or radiofrequency microneedling. Alone, each technique is effective, but combined, they are something magic.
Skin is left looking younger and brighter, with just the first session showing results within a few days after the treatment.
How Does RF Microneedling Work?
This minimally invasive treatment has been called a form of ‘controlled skin injury’. This is because it creates ‘micro-damage’ to the skin, which then stimulates the formation of new and healthier skin. The result is a reduction in the appearance of common skin concerns, such as wrinkles and acne scars.
Basically what happens is that a wand studded with many tiny needles is used on the skin’s surface through controlled measures. This causes ‘micro-injuries’.
This technique is paired with radiofrequency, which produces heat energy. While the needles create controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen, RF energy heats deeper layers of skin.
The combination of these techniques triggers collagen production, producing glowing skin. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and a major component of connective tissues. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure, strength, and elasticity of your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
As you age, your natural collagen production decreases, which can lead to wrinkles, joint pain, and weaker skin. That’s why collagen supplements, skincare products, and treatments that stimulate collagen production (like microneedling or lasers) are so popular in the beauty and wellness world.
Here are some reasons to consider RF microneedling:
It Targets More Than Just Wrinkles
Beyond smoothing fine lines, RF microneedling helps with acne scars, stretch marks, large pores, uneven skin tone and texture, and mild skin laxity (especially around the jawline and eyes).
Results improve over time. You’ll typically see improvement within a few weeks, but collagen regeneration continues for months, meaning your skin keeps getting better long after the treatment!
Minimal Downtime, Maximum Results
Unlike deep lasers or surgery, RF microneedling has minimal downtime. This means that the redness only lasts for one to three days following the treatment. Clients get serious skin rejuvenation without the extended recovery.
It is safe for all skin types. RF microneedling is safer for darker skin tones compared to some lasers, as it doesn’t target pigment. That makes it an inclusive option for more people looking to improve their skin texture and tone.
What To Know Before The Treatment
As with many beauty treatments, a series of RF microneedling treatments should be administered. The treatments are typically given every four weeks, and performed in a series of three to six treatments.
The word ‘micro-injury’ might make some people apprehensive about receiving the treatment. However, most people say it’s not painful, but rather uncomfortable, describing it as a warm, prickly sensation. You may feel pressure, heat, or a stinging sensation, but most describe it as tolerable.
There are ways the professional administering the treatment makes it manageable. A numbing cream which acts as a topical anaesthetic is applied before the procedure to minimise discomfort.
Afterwards, you might experience some mild redness, or swelling for a few days. This will feel similar to having sunburn. However, after you have weathered the tenderness, you will start to see incredible results. Multiple sessions are needed for the best results.
You will also have to prep your skin by avoiding retinols, sun exposure, and chemical peels for a few days before the treatment.
Embracing Tomorrow’s Technology
The development of revolutionary techniques such as RF microneedling is a response to a society which is becoming increasingly interested in anti-aging procedures which improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and promote collagen production.
RF microneedling was first introduced in the early 2000s, with the earliest devices emerging between 2002 and 2004. It was developed as a more advanced alternative to traditional microneedling.
The goal was to enhance skin tightening and collagen remodeling effects, especially for deeper layers of the skin, without the extensive downtime or risks associated with more invasive procedures and lasers.
One of the first FDA-cleared devices for RF microneedling was Fractora, by InMode. Later, Morpheus8, Vivace, and Secret RF became widely recognised and adopted by therapeutic outlets and dermatology clinics.
The technology continues to evolve, to become safer and more fine-tuned as time progresses. Recent developments have led to devices with improved energy delivery systems, allowing for more precise targeting of skin layers. This precision minimises damage to surrounding tissues and reduces recovery time.
Clinicians also now have access to a broader range of settings and applicators, enabling them to tailor treatments to individual skin types and concerns. This customisation enhances treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Ongoing research continues to explore its potential applications, broadening its utility in dermatological practice.
The global microneedling market was valued at approximately $472,34 million in 2020 and is projected to experience steady growth with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9%, from 2021 to 2028.
