Scottsdale microneedling

Microneedling is a popular procedure, for good reason. It can be effective for a variety of concerns about skin tone and texture (such as fine lines, acne scars, or uneven skin tone), and is a minimally invasive procedure requiring little to no downtime. The procedure is highly effective on its own, but we also offer RF microneedling, which includes the use of radiofrequency (RF) energy.

Why might someone want to add RF to a microneedling procedure? How can it affect the results?

How does microneedling work?

Microneedling works by stimulating the skin’s natural healing response. A device covered with very tiny needles is rolled over the skin, creating tiny holes in the surface of the skin. These holes are far too small to be seen, because each needle is actually smaller than a human hair.

As the body responds, the healing process creates beneficial results, including increased production of collagen and elastin (which are the primary structural proteins of the skin). As a result, the skin becomes tauter, smoother, and better hydrated. This leads to the beneficial effects of microneedling, including its anti-aging effects as well as shrinkage of scars.

How is RF microneedling different?

The experience of having RF microneedling is very similar to having a regular microneedling procedure. The only change is that a bit of radiofrequency (RF) energy is also delivered through the needles, directly into the deeper layers of the skin. This small electrical current causes localized heating of the tissue, which in turn leads to greater production of collagen and elastin and greater stimulation of the skin’s healing response.

In general, people do not normally feel much sensation during a microneedling procedure, whether or not it includes RF. Microneedling rarely produces significant discomfort, and you should not expect that adding RF to your procedure would cause this.

How can you choose which one to have?

RF is an enhancement to traditional microneedling. It creates similar results, but it does so more effectively. The types of conditions that can be treated by both types of microneedling are similar. They can improve the appearance of acne scars and other scars as well as stretch marks, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, tighten the skin, and improve overall skin texture and tone so that they are more even.

In general, if you’re a candidate for microneedling, then you’re a candidate for RF microneedling. You may want to consider it if you want to get more dramatic results from your treatment. Although microneedling in general doesn’t require downtime for recovery, you may experience some redness and swelling of the area for a day or two after the treatment; this is generally mild, and is a result of the body’s healing processes being activated. RF microneedling increases this effect, so there may be a little more redness and swelling afterwards, although it should still be mild enough that you won’t need to plan for significant downtime.

Whether or not RF is added, microneedling works best when you have multiple treatments spaced apart by a few weeks. RF does cost slightly more, and this cost can add up over the treatments, so those who are very budget-conscious might choose regular microneedling for this reason. For those who are willing to pay slightly more to increase the results of their treatments, RF microneedling would be the better choice.

Scottsdale microneedling

If you’re looking for microneedling, we offer Intracel™ RF microneedling, as well as traditional microneedling without RF. If you’re interested in learning more about this minimally invasive treatment for anti-aging, improving skin tone and texture, and improving the appearance of scars, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to discuss this and other treatment options (such as fractional laser resurfacing) with you, and formulate a plan to meet your goals for your appearance.