How Do Microneedling and RF Microneedling Compare?
At Radiance Skin Therapy, our team believes in the power of microneedling to improve patients’ skin—and even lives by helping to boost self-image and esteem. We discuss the treatment option with patients looking to address a wide range of cosmetic concerns, including skin laxity, wrinkles, acne scars, and cellulite. When it comes to microneedling at our Wisconsin-based office, there are two strategies: straightforward microneedling, which involves only fine needles, and RF microneedling, which adds radiofrequency energy into the mix.
How do the two strategies compare? Read on to learn more!
Traditional microneedling is performed with the SkinPen device, which uses 14 needles—all surgical grade and made of stainless steel—to punch holes through the surface. This is the only microneedling device approved by the FDA, and those 14 needles are put to good use: Once fired up, they can create thousands of micro-channels in a single treatment session.
Each of these channels prompts the release of growth factors that ultimately lead to the creation of new collagen and elastin to repair the skin. The repair work can minimize acne scars, fade the pigmentation irregularities of melasma, and reduce the appearance of large pores. Higher collagen levels also thicken and tighten the skin, addressing mild laxity and wrinkles.
Radiorequency microneedling is performed with the Genius® RF Microneedling device, which also uses needles to create micro-channels, but goes a step further and delivers RF waves that cause thermal damage below the surface. In other words, they heat things up! This heat hastens the healing response and can provide more dramatic results.
In addition to minimizing acne scars and laxity, RF microneedling can also reduce stretch marks.
Which treatment is best for you? An ideal way to find out is to schedule a consultation so we can take a look at your skin and make a recommendation. The treatment sessions themselves can last up to 20 minutes, but may be completed in as little as 10 minutes—depending on the size and number of areas being treated.
Another similarity? Both treatments typically work best when patients return for a few maintenance sessions every month or two after their initial visit.
Both options can cause some post-treatment swelling and redness, but healing happens quickly. Patients can get back to wearing makeup as soon as 24 hours after their session—even following the more involved RF microneedling session.
Microneedling patients may be interested in Ariessence pure PDGF+, a topical product to be applied right after both types of collagen-induction treatments to shorten the repair process and improve outcomes.
Get started with either traditional microneedling or RF microneedling by contacting the Radiance Skin Therapy and Laser Center team. Send a message online or call the office at 608.240.0088.
Anne Pientka
