Why Microneedling with RF is Superior to Traditional Microneedling

Microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) may sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but it’s actually the newest and most effective way to achieve tighter, smoother skin without surgery. To celebrate its arrival at our center, we’re dedicating this post to examining why RF microneedling is superior to traditional microneedling. But first, what the heck is RF microneedling?

What is RF microneedling?

RF microneedling has all the skin resurfacing benefits of traditional microneedling, but with the added technology of insulated needles that deliver RF energy to the skin, creating new microchannels linking your skin’s layers. While the microneedles create tiny wounds in your skin to prompt your body to replace old skin cells with healthy new ones, the RF energy heats deep layers of your dermis to encourage collagen growth and tissue tightening, leading to visibly healthier skin that continues to improve over the following months.

RF microneedling can be used to address:

• Uneven skin tone & texture
• Fine lines & wrinkles
• Large pores
• Facial skin laxity
• Stretch marks
• Hyperpigmentation

What is radiofrequency? Is it safe?

Radiofrequency is a type of energy on the electromagnetic spectrum that is measured in “frequency,” or wavelengths per second. Though it may sound intimidating, RF energy is actually on the slow end of the RF range—about 100 million times slower than visible light, and over 1 billion times slower than an X-ray. RF also uses lower-frequency electromagnetic waves (the waves that make up light) than lasers, which allows it to target deeper layers of the skin.

If you’re thinking that the RF used in microneedling is the same that’s used in your smartphone or microwave, don’t worry—the RF used in non-surgical skin tightening treatments is much more controlled than other forms of RF. Numerous studies, like this one from the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, have touted the safety and efficacy of RF for non-surgical skin tightening. At The Swan Center, we use the FDA-cleared Lutronic Aesthetic’s Genius because it allows us to monitor and carefully control RF during treatment to ensure that targeted tissues reach the optimal temperature to induce new collagen production and cell regeneration without overheating skin cells.

What are the advantages of using RF in microneedling?

Microneedling is a powerful treatment on its own, but the addition of RF takes it to the next level in terms of skin rejuvenation. Some of the benefits of using RF with microneedling include:

• Faster cell turnover means quicker results than traditional microneedling
• Recovery time is much shorter compared to traditional microneedling, laser resurfacing treatments, and chemical peels
• RF helps break down scar tissue
• RF accelerates collagen production and skin tightening
• With the Genius machine, treatment can be customized for each patient thanks to its variety of needle tips
• Unlike some skin rejuvenation treatments, RF microneedling is safe for all skin types and tones
• Treatment can be performed on almost any area of the body that has wrinkles, discoloration, or acne scarring

How many treatments will I need?

Most of our patients notice significantly smoother, more even skin after just 1 RF microneedling treatment, however, we find that 3 is the optimal amount of treatments to see major skin tone & texture improvements. And since RF microneedling encourages your skin to produce collagen and elastin after it’s treated, you can enjoy results that will continue to improve for months.

Can I combine RF microneedling with other procedures?

Because the RF used in RF microneedling creates microchannels between your superficial and deep skin layers, your skin will be significantly more receptive to other facial rejuvenation treatments in the months following your RF microneedling treatment. To maximize your results, we recommend following up your treatment with a light chemical peel, HydraFacial, and/or BOTOX or dermal filler injection. We also recommend grabbing some quality skincare products, like those from ZO or SkinMedica, to indulge your newly rejuvenated skin.

Schedule your complimentary Atlanta skincare consultation

At The Swan Center, our goal is to help you love the skin you’re in. We invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our skin care specialists to learn more about how RF microneedling can help you achieve the healthy, glowing skin you deserve. Contact us online or call (770) 667-0904 today.