Radiofrequency microneedling, also known as RF microneedling, is a skin treatment that effectively repairs multiple skin problems. The technique takes the tissue-heating nature of radio waves and the collagen-inducing mechanism of microneedling to create a very effective treatment for the skin.
RF microneedling is also becoming a popular alternative to laser resurfacing for patients; however, patients often have many unanswered questions about the procedure before they book an appointment.
If you have been wondering about RF Microneedling for Melasma but are unsure if it is the correct procedure for you, read this piece of content. This explains the RF microneedling procedure and how it removes skin lesions. Here we outline the benefits and risks involved with treatment and what you can do to maximize potential results.
What Is RF Microneedling?
In traditional microneedling, tiny, short needles are passed in rows, creating small punctures that stimulate an inflammatory response and controlled micro-injuries. Inflammation serves to eliminate irritants and damaged cell debris, allowing skin repair to begin.
In the healing phase, the superficial skin cells regenerate, closing micro-punctures. Additionally, collagen production increases as part of the healing response. At the end of the healing period, new skin cells replace the old, and collagen fills deeper voids to reestablish volume. These changes to skin improve wrinkles, normalize skin tone, and reduce laxity, ultimately providing smoother skin. This is the reason microneedling has become a sought-after option for skin resurfacing.
RF microneedling can also be effective in treating cellulite with prolonged needles. The heated needles create controlled injury to subcutaneous fat, shrinking and remodeling this deep tissue layer. The heat generated by RF microneedling protects melanocytes in superficial skin layers that produce pigment to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), a massive advantage over laser resurfacing.
What Conditions Does Radiofrequency Microneedling Treat?
The following conditions can be treated with RF Microneedling for Melasma:
- Skin rejuvenation
- Acne scarring
- Non-inflamed to moderately inflamed acne
- Melasma and other skin pigmentation conditions
- Hair thinning
- Rosacea
- Body contouring
- Stretch marks
- Excessive sweating from the armpits
Candidates for skin rejuvenation with RF microneedling are younger patients with mild to moderate signs of skin aging or superficial lines returning after a facial plastic surgery procedure. In some patients with complicated skin texture issues, RF microneedling may be performed in combination with plastic surgery.
Who Should Not Do RF Microneedling?
Microneedling is usually acceptable in a healthy individual. However, the following conditions can contraindicate the procedure for some individuals:
- Collagen vascular disorders
- Active infection
- Immunosuppression
- Given acquired and inherited clotting difficulties
- History of poor wound healing
- Pregnancy
- Poor scarring history
- Poor blood sugar regulation
In contrast to other types of laser treatments, darker skin is not an absolute contraindication for RF microneedling.
Benefits of RF Microneedling
RF microneedling offers several advantages over other skin rejuvenation techniques.
- It is safe for all skin types.
- It can safely target the subcutaneous layer of the skin.
- It has a shorter downtime than a CO2 laser.
- It has longer-lasting effects than botulinum toxin injection.
- It has more tolerable side effects.
Overall, the cosmetic effects of RF microneedling have been shown to be comparable to laser resurfacing for the treatment of acne scarring as well as signs of mild-to-moderate skin aging. RF microneedling also improves hydration, texture, volume, and collagen.
What things do you do to prepare for your RF Microneedling Session?
We at South County Med Spa & Wellness Center conduct an extensive medical evaluation of every patient to make sure RF microneedling is an appropriate treatment. Once we evaluate that RF microneedling is suitable for the patient, we give them detailed information about how to prepare for the treatment, and we will book their appointment thereafter.
The following is a list of the pretreatment guidelines we recommend for patients receiving RF microneedling:
- Safe sun protection
- Halt use of skin-sensitizing products like hydroxy acids, retinoids, and tanning
- Begin antivirals if the patient has a history of cold sore outbreaks
- Apply topical vitamins A and C to support the skin’s healing response
- Halt medications that disrupt clotting and skin repair, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids
- Do not drink alcohol or smoke, as this will slow skin recovery
What Happens During RF Microneedling Treatment?
An average RF Microneedling for Melasma begins with cleaning the treatment area. We then use topical anesthesia to numb the affected area, which can take up to 30 minutes to take effect.
Once we get the site numb enough, that means we can start putting the device over that treatment area. When we are using the needling equipment, pinpoint bleeding occurs; that’s normal. We make sure we cover the whole treatment area. The procedure can last up to an hour, depending on the size of the problem area.
After the session is completed, we clean up the skin, and we apply a vitamin-rich moisturizer. We may also use topical antibiotics for the sure prevention of a skin infection. We ask staff to provide aftercare information before the patient goes home.
Steps to Take Care of Your Face After Radiofrequency Microneedling?
Good aftercare helps you recover faster. To allow the treated site to heal well after RF microneedling, we suggest the following steps:
- Clean the treated area with a mild cleanser and moisturizing with hyaluronic acid. Do this twice daily.
- Don’t use makeup for a few days or until it’s no longer inflamed. Healing skin is very irritable.
- Avoid the sun.
- Keep taking antiviral treatment.
- To minimize bruising, ice, take bromelain or arnica supplements, rest with the area elevated, and avoid vigorous activity for a few days.
- Don’t pick at the wound during healing.
Final Thoughts
RF microneedling has established itself as the gold standard in contemporary skin resurfacing. It offers depth, safety, and efficacy, which are all advantages when targeting pigmented lesions like melasma. It jump-starts the normal rejuvenation of the dermis, refines the texture of the skin, decreases pigmentation, and keeps yielding benefits long after treatment in the case of RF microneedling. There is nothing else like RF microneedling in aesthetic medicine.
If you are considering RF Microneedling for Melasma or want to restore the overall health and texture of your skin, Call South County Med Spa & Wellness to schedule a consultation and learn how this unique treatment can help you feel your best, inside and out.