Fractional RF Microneedling

The fractional RF microneedling treatment is a great treatment for the skin providing:

skin tightening,
lifting,
rejuvenation
stretch mark improvement
acne scar improvement
general scar revision
improvement in skin texture

Moreover, fractional RF microneedling combines radio frequency (RF) and microneedling and works by applying controlled RF energy directly into the skin with microneedles. The treatment represents the most advanced fractional radiofrequency system that lays down new collagen fibres and provides deeper skin remodelling to reduce the visible signs of aging. The treatment has been FDA-approved and it is safe to use on all skin colours. It is also known under the trade names 3D Dermaforce, EndyMed, Vivace, Secret RF and Morpheus8.

The various different brands have different features, for example some use insulated needles and others do not, but they all rejuvenate the skin using the same basic principles.

How does it work?

During the treatment, very fine gold plated needles are used that gently puncture the skin and direct the RF energy, in other words, the RF energy goes exactly where it’s needed. The cartridge is single use, disposable and has 25 needle tips (or 64 for body treatments) which pierce the skin to a controlled depth. Bipolar RF energy is conducted through the needles to affect the dermis around the needles. The skin starts to heal and the wound healing process starts which triggers the build up of collagen, which gives the skin its strength and elastin, which gives it its elasticity. The overall effect on the skin is to make it look firmer, tighter and younger.

Because the RF energy is delivered precisely to the correct depth into the skin there is no possibility of burning or over-heating. The energy reaches as far as the mid-level of the dermis where most of the collagen fibres are. The treatment addresses the skin’s collagen support system and restructures it. When the damaged areas are rebuilt the superficial layer of the skin looks stronger and smoother.

$fractional rf microneedling - how it works$

Here is the result of three fractional rf microneedling treatments on me, taken about six weeks after the final treatment.

(Unretouched photos. Results vary)

The Treatment

First, I will cleanse your skin with an antibacterial wash and apply numbing cream which I leave to work for about 30-40 minutes. You will feel suction, heat and pin pricks over the treated area, but it doesn’t hurt, it only feels mildly uncomfortable when the area is sufficiently numbed.

The treatment lasts for about 45 minutes.

How many treatments do I need?

Clients skin varies and so does the response to the treatment, but on average a minimum of three or four treatments are needed, spaced 3 – 6 weeks apart. The number of treatments depend on how the client responds to the treatment and the required outcome.

What is the aftercare?

You can check out the aftercare here.

What are the side effects of Fractional RF Microneedling?

This treatment is safe and effective. Side effects include:

redness that lasts 24-48 hours
pinpoint bleeding
skin peeling and flaking
itching
swelling
bruising
in people who suffer from cold sores – a break out of cold sores due to integrity of the skin being disrupted.

The first three side effects on the above list usually occur. The remaining items occur less frequently. If you suffer from cold sores and want the treatment, it may be worth discussing with your doctor if it’s worth taking an antiviral medication before treatment.

What are the contraindications to treatment?

Radio frequency can dissolve fillers so you should only have fillers after this treatment. Normal microneedling is ok to have with skin fillers.
Active acne or any infectious skin condition such as active cold sores or warts.
Moderate to severe eczema or psoriasis
Clients with a tendency towards keloid scarring
An allergy to local anaesthetic cream (lidocaine)
Other serious diseases