Guide:
- What is RF Microneedling?
- How Does Genius RF Microneedling Work?
- Am I a Candidate for RF Microneedling?
- RF Microneedling Recovery: What To Expect
- Is RF Microneedling Worth It?
What is RF Microneedling?
We can start to lose collagen as soon as our early 20s. Maintaining a generous amount of collagen and elastin is vital for maintaining youthful, healthy-looking skin. RF microneedling plays an essential role in an anti-aging treatment plan.
So, what is RF microneedling and what does it do? Radiofrequency microneedling is an advanced skin rejuvenation therapy with a wide range of benefits that can be tailored to help virtually anyone achieve their skin improvement goals, depending on age, skin type, sun exposure, and a few other factors. It diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin texture and tone, and has even been proven to subtly, tighten and lift the skin.
Acne scars – A study in PubMed Central shows the vast majority of patients saw an improvement in the appearance of acne scars after RF microneedling.
Skin rejuvenation – RF microneedling is loved by many patients and providers because it improves overall skin quality by targeting numerous concerns including texture, wrinkles, pores, and skin laxity.
Hyperhidrosis – A 2019 study says radiofrequency microneedling can permanently treat hyperhidrosis, reducing excessive sweating by over 50% for 80% of patients.
How Does Genius® RF Microneedling Work?
Traditional microneedling penetrates the skin with tiny needles to initiate the body’s natural healing response and stimulate collagen production. During a radiofrequency microneedling treatment, the Lutronic Genius® RF device uses these needles to puncture the skin, but unlike many microneedling treatments, Genius® RF simultaneously delivers radiofrequency energy, for a next-level collagen boost.
Genius RF microneedles can penetrate at 3 different levels while heating the tissue with RF energy to elevate collagen production. By heating the deeper layers of skin with radiofrequency energy, Genius isn’t just improving skin texture, it’s also tightening and lifting the treated areas for an even more refreshed appearance.
Collagen is your skin’s best friend for fighting off wrinkles. While regular microneedling gives those fine lines a bit of a pep talk for some improvement, RF microneedling kicks it into high gear for more dramatic results.
Unlike other treatments that target your skin’s outer layers, Genius RF microneedling leaves the epidermis undamaged, promoting a faster healing time. We typically recommend scheduling treatment sessions every 4-6 weeks to achieve the best results possible.
Before starting your RF microneedling treatment, our providers ensure your skin is squeaky clean and apply numbing cream to keep you as comfortable as possible. Once the numbing medication takes effect, which typically takes about an hour, we’ll start treating your area(s) of concern, taking it section by section for a gentle, precise treatment.
The thought of needles can be nerve-wracking to some people, but we can assure you that the Genius RF needles are extra fine, and combined with the numbing cream, you should feel comfortable every step of the way. At HerSpace MedSpa, we prioritize walking you through your treatment step-by-step, answering any questions you may have before, during, or after.
While radiofrequency microneedling is a level-up from traditional microneedling, you can up your microneedling game even more with some radiofrequency treatment paired with platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
If you opt for RF microneedling with PRP, we’ll draw a tiny amount of blood from your arm, separate your platelets – we call these liquid gold – and either inject them or apply them to your treatment area post-RF microneedling. Think of it as an extra boost for maximum results and faster healing.
At HerSpace MedSpa, we use RF microneedling to treat a wide range of concerns, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Enlarged pores
- Hair loss
- Surgery or injury scars
- Dark spots (hyperpigmentation)
- Stretch marks
- Skin laxity that causes the skin to appear slightly saggy
- Cellulite
- Hyperhidrosis
- Texture and tone
Am I a Candidate for RF Microneedling?
RF microneedling is versatile and highly customizable. It is a great option for a diverse range of patients with different goals and concerns. It could be what you need If you’re dealing with issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, or uneven skin texture.
While RF microneedling is a completely safe treatment, it’s not the best option for everyone. It’s always advisable to consult a skincare expert and have them look at your skin to assess whether it is for you. The experienced professionals at HerSpace MedSpa are always thrilled to help new patients build a treatment plan tailored to their skin and goals.
You may be an ideal candidate for Genius RF microneedling if you:
- Show early signs of aging such as wrinkles
- Have sun-damaged skin
- Have scars you want to improve the appearance of
- Have slightly loose, sagging skin that you want to tighten and lift
- Want to improve the overall appearance of your skin for a more radiant, youthful glow
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations
We typically will recommend an alternative plan of action for patients who:
- Have an active breakout or cold sore
- Are using Accutane or have recently used it
- Have a skin infection or disease
- Are currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Are pregnant
- Have a history of keloids or other concerns that come with poor wound healing
RF Microneedling Recovery: What To Expect
The length of your RF microneedling recovery can depend on the intensity of your treatment, the areas treated, and your skin sensitivity. While some redness and mild swelling is normal for the first few days following the procedure, most patients are back to their regular activities within a week or less.
As with any cosmetic treatment, achieving the best results possible requires you to take proper care of yourself and the treated areas following your procedure. We’ll send you home with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure you heal as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Some of our radiofrequency microneedling recovery tips include:
- Ice packs are your friends! They’ll help with any initial swelling or discomfort.
- Keep SPF handy for several weeks post-treatment. Your skin’s sensitivity to the sun will be elevated as you heal, so wear mineral-based sunscreen every day, and don’t forget to reapply.
- Avoid sun exposure or excessive heat for the first week.
- If you are prescribed any antibiotic creams or emollients, be sure to use them as directed.
- Refrain from using any skin products for 12 hours. Then, stick to a gentle cleanser for the next couple of weeks.
- Give Tretinoin or Retinol a break for a week as your skin needs time to heal.
- Avoid wearing any makeup until the next day. You should be safe to return to your usual makeup and skincare routine after 24 hours.
- Do not undertake heavy workouts for the first 24 hours after your treatment, as sweating increases the risk of infection.
RF microneedling is generally a safe, straightforward treatment with minimal risks and easy downtime. Possible side effects include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Dryness or scaling
- Breakouts
If you experience any of the above side effects, they should only last a few hours or days.
Is RF Microneedling Worth It?
On average, the RF microneedling cost is about $1000, according to patients on RealSelf. Every patient has a specific treatment plan tailored to them, so the size of the treatment area and the amount of sessions needed varies. Radiofrequency microneedling can cost anywhere from $500 to $2400, depending on the treatment area.
By combining the collagen-boosting benefits of traditional microneedling with the power of radiofrequency energy, RF microneedling is the gold standard medical spa treatment for improving most skin concerns, from stretch marks and skin texture to enlarged pores and acne scars. In the hands of an experienced aesthetic professional, radiofrequency microneedling can yield dramatic improvements in the appearance of the skin.
Ready to achieve healthier, younger-looking skin with RF microneedling? Request a consultation with the experienced aesthetic professionals at HerSpace MedSpa to find out if this treatment is right for you.