RF Microneedling

You should wait at least 4 weeks between RF Microneedling treatments.

Treatments with Infini and Intensif are tolerated quite well. To ensure your treatment is comfortable, we utilize a topical numbing cream (lidocaine), and can offer additional numbing with injection, if desired.

Fractional RadioFrequency works to minimize your downtime and maximize the speed at which you achieve results in two ways: Fractionated Energy: \u201cfractional\u201d energy treatments deliver energy to a portion of the skin. The percentage of skin treated during Fractional Radio Frequency MicroNeedling can be adjusted during each treatment. Treating the entire skin at once would lead to a very long recovery with high risk for infection and complication (think intense chemical peels and fully ablative laser therapy). Treating a portion of the skin means the skin is able to recover quicker and keep risks and complications at a minimum. Using a series of treatments, Fractional Radio Frequency treats each cell at least once during the series. This way you can achieve the same effectiveness as an invasive treatment, with fewer risks and a shorter downtime. Minimized Damage to the skin surface: Unlike laser skin resurfacing, Fractional Radio Frequency is able to deliver the energy where its needed most, in the lower dermis, while minimizing the damage to the skin’s surface. This means you will experience the absolute minimum in visible downtime, without sacrificing results. Fractional RadioFrequency does have the potential to create bleeding, due to the microneedles. We have seen this vary from patient-to-patient. Typically bleeding is minimal and resolves immediately without any additional side effects or required action. Most patients elect to take the evening off from social activities. You should feel comfortable to return to normal social activities no later than 48 hours post-treatment, without the risk of anyone knowing you’ve had a procedure.

Fractional RadioFrequency works by causing your skin to rebuild old and damaged cells, thus the results are not immediate and depend upon the speed at which your body responds. typically, improvements are noticed 6-8 weeks after a session. Each patient typically wants to have 3 or more sessions to see significant results. However, the number of sessions recommended for your acne scars will be included in your customized treatment plan, provided during your consultation.

RF MicroNeedling is very safe. Because the energy spares the most superficial layer of the skin, most of the risks of side effects seen with aggressive lasers or deep chemical peels can be minimized or completely avoided. The two devices we use most often are the Intensif made by Endymed 3Deep and the INFINI made by Lutronic. Both have been FDA cleared for their safety and effectiveness. Infini is unique in that it insulates the tiny microneedles. This is an added safety measure to protect the very top layer of the skin, which is the area most prone to damage with laser treatments, especially in patients with darker skin. (epidemis not treated)

Generally, patients require 3-4 treatment sessions that are spaced one month apart in order to give the skin time to fully rejuvenate and rebuild its foundational matrix, restoring the skin’s texture and strength. Your initial recovery period should last no longer than 48 hours, but it’s important to allow your skin to naturally and sufficiently rebuild itself before your next treatment session. This treatment plan allows us time to measure your skin’s progress and determine whether further treatments are needed (or whether you might benefit from other treatment options in the meantime). We recommend you undergo at least 3 treatment sessions in order to see significant changes and improvements in the skin’s smoothness and texture, but this can vary based on your aesthetic goals and prior treatments. RF MicroNeedling can be a final step in an acne scar treatment process, however, which might also require other treatments prior to this procedure in order to elevate deep scars and achieve the best results for your skin. We offer a wide array of laser- and technology-based treatments for your unique skin concerns, so our experts can help you create the best treatment plan for you and your schedule during your skincare consultation.

RF Microneedling delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy through the needles. This can be only at the tips of the needles or throughout the entire length of the needle, depending on the brand of device used (we have 3 different types at our offices, so that weve always got exactly the right tool for the job). Microneedling can be performed by aestheticians and nurses, but they are limited in depth (in the state of New Jersey), meaning they may not be able to treat you deep enough for your concerns - skin tightening and scar remodeling happen in the deeper layers of the skin, whereas skin rejuvenation is more superficial. RF Microneedling devices must be performed under medical supervision of a physician because it is an involved procedure. Finally, RF Microneedling has more significant discomfort (which is why we fully numb for this), has a longer downtime, but produces much more noticeable results with each treatment than traditional microneedling.

The range of treatment settings in these two devices allow our physicians to create treatments which are safe for all skin types, including darker skin tones and skin which is prone to hyperpigmentation. This makes RF MicroNeedling a better alternative than laser skin resurfacing for the majority of patients with dark skin or skin which is prone to scarring or pigmentation. This also means those with lighter skin tones no longer have to post-pone laser therapies during the summer – Fractional RadioFrequency doesn’t have to wait for your tan to fade.

No, general anesthesia is overkill for this procedure. Typically, patients are either given a strong topical numbing cream or they are injected with lidocaine to numb the area that will be treated. Most patients do report some discomfort, but say the treatment is tolerable. In the case that you find you are experiencing discomfort, we do offer nitrous oxide (commonly referred to as laughing gas), for a pain and anxiety-free experience. None of these options in any way inhibit your ability to drive yourself home from the procedure. In general, we try to steer clear of general anesthesia because of its negative side effects and potential risks. While it does serve a great purpose in emergency medicine and general surgery, the risks are too high for something such as RF Microneedling.

No, RF Microneedling doesnt remove brown spots or pigmentation issues.

Yes, RF Microneedling can be safely used in those with melasma, rosacea, and acne. There is some new clinical evidence that the heat from RF Microneedling can help with active acne, too.