Taking care of our skin to maintain or even to keep it looking healthy is a very natural and important matter. Medical cosmetic methods and techniques have developed very dramatically until we reach procedures that do not require surgical intervention but provide impressive results in this field.
Radiofrequency micro-needling is an aesthetic technique that rejuvenates the skin by using Microneedles and Radiofrequency. This technique is a type of controlled micro skin injury in which the damage stimulates the formation of healthy new skin, which may help with many skin problems like acne and wounds scars, fine wrinkles, enlarged pores, stretch marks, sagging skin, and hyperpigmentation. This procedure enhances collagen production in the skin which improves its appearance and texture
RF micro-needling is a safe treatment, but it is not ideal for everyone; thus, candidates for this treatment are persons in good health, as their skin can recover well. While the treatment is not recommended for people with a history of Keloid or infections, some chronic skin illnesses such as psoriasis at the treatment area, or who are receiving chemotherapy or radiation.
Also with the proper examination, we can determine the right candidate for this treatment. What does this technique treat?
– Scars such as acne scars, burn scars and wounds.
– Reduce wrinkles around the eyes, nose, lips, neck and forehead.
– Rejuvenate the skin and tighten the sagging skin for the face and body area.
– Open pores.
– Improve the stretch marks, elasticity and smoothness of the skin.
– Stimulates the production of collagen in the dermis, which gives a healthy and younger appearance to the skin
This procedure is done by inserting micro-needles that deliver heat to the skin deep into the dermis using radiofrequency energy.
The thermal energy stimulates the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid by providing deeper coagulation, and protein denaturation, that means breaking up the links in the collagen and hyaluronic acid to achieve deeper skin remodeling with very minimal to no downtime with rapid recovery, leading to tissue repair and hydration, skin tightening and lifting, without making any aggressive damages to the skin surface.
The doctor will decide the proper depth for the entry of micro-needles into the skin based on the skin laxity and skin issues. The depths of the micro-needle can range from 0.5mm to 4.0mm. The insertion of the needles triggers the immune system’s natural response that results in the formation of new collagen-rich tissue, which enhances the overall texture and appearance of the skin.
To achieve a good result, it is frequently recommended to undertake 4-6 sessions separated by 4 weeks.
– If you have a history of cold sores or Herpes infection, the doctor should be informed prior to the treatment to prescribe pre-treatment medicine to eliminate the chances of developing a cold sore or Herpes infection post treatment.
– If you have a history of keloid or a family history of keloid, please inform your provider prior to the treatment.
– Avoid Dermal Fillers at least 2 weeks prior to treatment and 2 weeks after treatment.
– Do NOT use the following products 3 days prior or 3 days after your treatment: Retin-A, retinoids, or similar vitamin A compounds, harsh scrubs or exfoliating products and bleaching creams.
– Do NOT apply any creams, lotions, perfume or makeup etc. on the area to be treated, prior to treatment.
– Avoid tanning or prolonged sun exposure 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after treatment and keep using sunscreen SPF 50 pre and post the treatment, Sun may cause adverse reactions, as well as make your pigmentation worse.
– Apply sun Screen SPF 50+ every two hours.
– Avoid washing the treated area for at least 8 hours.
– Moisturize the skin with a suitable moisturizer or as advised by a doctor
– Avoid hot baths and sweating for two days after the treatment.
This treatment is safe for the skin, and its side effects are minor and may last between the first 24-48 hours of the session:
– Minor peeling or dry skin with crust formation in rare cases.
– Hyperpigmentation can occur very rarely, especially when exposed to sunlight after a session.
– If you have a history of cold sores (herpes), this procedure may cause irritability.
– Temporary redness may last up to 4 days.
– Freckles may temporarily diminish or disappear permanently in the treated areas.
– Other potential risks include itching, discomfort, bruising and swelling.
The effect of the treatment can be noticed from the 1st session but to achieve a good result, it is recommended to do 4-6 sessions, once a month, and to maintain the result better to do once every 3 to 6 months.
The treatment can be combined with platelet-rich plasma or stem cells, and laser to improve the treatment’s outcome.
– People with eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis if having it at the treatment area. People with skin tumors such as skin cancer.
– People with many moles or warts in the treated area. Areas affected by new burns or open wounds.
– People with blood clotting issues.
– Those who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes if not controlled.
– Who has a history of Keloid.
– Autoimmune diseases.
– People with high expectations, or those who need surgical solution to their condition.
This article is Medically reviewed by : Dr. Iman Itani MBBS.GP. Aesthetic doctor.