Life is full of ups and downs. The stress from such ever-changing situations takes a toll on your mental health and affects your physical body, including your skin. The effects of stress can manifest on your skin in a multitude of ways.
Anything from wrinkles on your forehead due to worry, dark circles under your eyes from fatigue, and that ever annoying loose facial skin. These, combined with your skin’s natural aging, can have quite a drastic effect, and that’s where RF microneedling comes in.
Radiofrequency microneedling is a new and improved cosmetic procedure used to treat skin imperfections and signs of aging like loose skin, acne scars, and an uneven skin tone.
We will be discussing below, the benefits of this treatment, why it’s so effective, and what to expect from the process.
Table of Contents
- What is RF Microneedling?
- Benefits of Radiofrequency Microneedling
- RF Microneedling Treatment Process
- RF Microneedling Aftercare
- How Long Does It Take To Show RF Microneedling Results?
- Does RF Microneedling Cause Pain?
- RF Microneedling Side Effects
- How Much Does RF Microneedling Cost?
- Final Tip
What is RF Microneedling?
Microneedling with radiofrequency uses a handheld microneedling device with insulated needles to puncture the skin and release radio frequency currents into the dermis layer.
By using insulated needles that transmit radiofrequency energy or waves, they protect the epidermis layer from any damage. The radio frequency energy is able to enhance the effects as it accelerates collagen and elastin production.
The process causes only the most minimal damage to the outermost layer of skin and therefore has minimal downtime. The human body responds to these micro-injuries by kick-starting the natural wound healing response and heat to build these structural proteins that have been lost over time through aging.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling can be applied to people of all skin types and ages and studies show that it is highly effective for acne scarring, wrinkle reduction, and skin tightening. Aside from the fact that it is a minimally invasive treatment with very little downtime, it also treats a variety of skin issues, which include:
- Acne scars (especially those due to inflammatory acne, box and rolling scars)
- Large pores
- Cellulite
- Stretch marks
- Sagging skin
- Dull complexion
- Hyperhidrosis
- Rosacea
- Small hypertrophic scars (due to chickenpox, burns, vaccination, and acne)
- Fine lines and Wrinkles
Aside from treating skin issues, the procedure can improve your skin’s overall texture, making it much brighter, smoother, and firmer. The best part about microneedling with rf is that it stimulates the body’s natural healing response to deal with conditions, making it almost a natural procedure with very few side effects.
RF Microneedling Treatment Process
a) The Preparations
After your initial consultation for the procedure, a competent professional will ask you about your prior medical history. Your skin and the treatment area will also be examined and photographed to determine the best possible RF micro needling technique suitable for your condition. Instructions will be provided on how to prepare for the procedure.
b) The Procedure
Around an hour before the radiofrequency treatment takes place, a topical numbing cream is applied to take effect over the treatment area. This is mainly done to steer away from causing discomfort or pain.
Once the numbing cream takes full effect, the RF microneedling device is pressed gently on the surface, enabling the needles at the tip to penetrate the layer of the skin and deposit the radio frequency at the desired depth.
Hundreds and thousands of micro-channels are created in the target area through only a single swoop, and the radio frequency is transmitted accordingly. The skin specialist can control the penetration depth of the radio frequency and the micro-needles.
c) After Treatment
After the microneedling rf treatment, your dermatologist or skin care professional may apply a serum or face mask before sending you on your way.
RF Microneedling Aftercare
After you undergo the RF micro needling procedure, your doctor will explain how you need to take care of your skin, which may include the following tips:
- Applying ice packs to reduce any discomfort and swelling left over from the treatment
- Avoid using any sort of makeup for the day following treatment; you’re safe to do so after a period of 24 hours passes
- Use gentle cleansers after treatment
- Use a non-comedogenic sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) reading of at least 30+ for the several weeks following your RF microneedling treatment. This is because your skin’s sensitivity to the sun increases exponentially after treatment.
- Use any emollients and antibiotic creams recommended by your doctor.
For more general microneedling aftercare tips, please view our article here.
How Long Does It Take To Show RF Microneedling Results?
Usually, around 3-5 sessions of RF Microneedling are recommended over a six-month period to obtain optimal results. However, this can vary quite a bit. After all, the frequency of treatments depends mainly on how your skin responds to it, and improvements can be noticeable immediately following the procedure.
The period between each session can vary depending on the severity of the skin’s conditions and the type of RF microneedling you opt for. Usually, with the average frequency of 3-5 sessions, your dermatologist might suggest the procedure once every 4-6 weeks.
Does RF Microneedling Cause Pain?
The RF microneedling procedure is reported by most individuals to be relatively pain-free, but it can be painful for some. Depending on what sort of condition your skin has, the type of RF microneedling you’ll have to undergo can vary.
However, even for types of RF microneedling with a higher radio frequency setting, the process is still relatively pain-free due to the application of numbing creams. The only irritation you might experience may come about after the procedure. However, even that gradually decreases within an hour or two after the process.
RF Microneedling Side Effects
While there are multiple studies that support minimal side effects with rf microneedling, caution always needs to be exercised. While radio frequency micro needling does not damage the dermis, it does not mean that this treatment is safer for darker skin types.
While most treatments are well tolerated, there can be a risk of scarring, damage to sensory nerves, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), if not performed properly. Bleeding is not common as the radio frequency currents work well to mitigate the blood vessels.
The most common side effects include dryness, redness, and mild swelling, most of which will subside within the first 24 to 48 hours.
How Much Does RF Microneedling Cost?
Microneedling with radiofrequency is typically more expensive than standard microneedling or other cosmetic treatments. This is why it is important to speak to your dermatologist in-depth to make sure that this is the right treatment for you.
Just as any cosmetic treatment, it is generally not covered by insurance, and cost factors will depend on the geographical location of the clinic, treated issue, and the combination of other additional treatments such as chemical peels or PRP. The average cost of microneedling with radio frequency treatment is around $1000.
Final Tip
The combination of microneedling with radiofrequency has been proven to be more effective than just a standard microneedling treatment. It combines two individual skin rejuvenation techniques, which are not only effective at treating skin conditions, but also aid you in maintaining youthful and healthy skin.
While generally on the pricer side when compared to other cosmetic treatments, the effects and studies speak for themselves. As the human skin ages, it naturally diminishes the production of elastin and collagen. It would be an understatement to say that the combined effect of stress and the natural aging of the skin can take quite a toll on an individual’s confidence and health.
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