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RF Microneedling AKA Fractionated radiofrequency
Background
There has never been a better time to invest in your skin! Our new technology is a combination of previously used separate treatments: microneedling and radiofrequency. The combination therapy known as fractionated radiofrequency has clinically proven efficacy in treating acne and acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, on face and other body areas. It is safe to use on all skin types and has demonstrated essentially no complications or downtime.
The technology behind radiofrequency (RF) skin rejuvenation works on the following principle: it uses tissue resistance in the various layers below the skin to change RF energy into thermal energy. This thermal energy causes collagen contraction and in turn stimulates new collagen and elastin production. There are many other methods of delivering thermal energy into the skin for rejuvenating purposes, with one of the most popular ones being laser energy. However, a distinct advantage of RF microneedling is that no light is emitted into the skin and that only specific layers of the skin are thermally excited to stimulate collagen production.
RF is also frequently used as a separate treatment modality for skin rejuvenation, however there are risks attributed to reaching very high temperatures at the level of the epidermis, the most superficial skin layer, while trying to treat the dermis, which is responsible for actual skin remodeling. Epidermal damage and fat necrosis are usually treated with aggressive cooling, but that leads to insufficient thermal damage delivered to the deep dermis without which there is no significant skin tightening.
Microneedling has a long positive record of skin tightening by creating skin microtrauma by direct needle penetration. This targeted skin damage initiates a reparative process by stimulating firbroblasts to create new collagen. It has been used extensively for acne scars, alopecia, stretch marks and wrinkling. It is generally considered safe for all skin types with little risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation or other complications.
RF Microneedling Approach
The combination therapy of microneedling and radiofrequency was a naturally and mutually complementing treatment modality that expanded the scope of clinical efficacy that none of them could achieve alone. Merging these technologies together allowed for enhancement of the results that could not be achieved with either approach alone. This combination technology creates fractional radiofrequency coagulation of dermal collagen and results in immediate collagen contraction and gradual collagen regeneration. It also stimulates a natural healing response which leads to the replacement of damaged connective tissue with new healthier skin.
Because RF energy is not absorbed specifically by melanin there is a significantly decreased risk of hyperpigmentation, when compared to laser treatments. Because energy is delivered at precise depth there is decreased risk of thermal damage to superficial skin layer.
Expectations
As with traditional microneedling the therapy requires skin numbing with lidocaine to create a comfortable experience. Our treatment protocol involves doing 3-4 sessions once every 3 weeks. There is no pain after the procedure. Most patients report mild erythema (redness) and swelling (edema) lasting 1-3 days. Some minimal bruising is common with deeper needle insertions. Because the needles are insulated, no heat is released until the needles penetrate the skin surface (epidermis) and the risk of skin burn is essentially nonexistent. Additionally, because the treatment creates temporary channels in skin, a variety of topical agents can be used simultaneously to achieve even better clinical outcomes. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is one of the most commonly used modalities.
When done on a regular basis RF Microneedling provides excellent outcomes that lead to reversal of skin ageing process and significant improvement of multiple skin problems such as acne, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, skin laxity and droopiness both on and off the face.