RF MicroNeedling is the new gold standard for treating most types of acne scars, resurfacing skin of color, and tightening and firming aging skin that’s lost its youthful bounce.

Sometimes also called RadioFrequency MicroNeedling, or Fractional RadioFrequency, RF MicroNeedling concentrates its energy into the most important part of the skin that is responsible for the textural irregularities and skin’s firmness and elasticity. By protecting the surface layer of the skin from heat energy, the risk of pigment change in skin of color is eliminated, and the downtime is truly minimized¹.

“After losing a significant amount of weight twice, I lost a lot of volume in my face. On top of that, I had acne scarring. He recommended the RF microneedling along with fillers and my face has regained its volume and the scarring is noticeably better. I am so grateful to him and his team. He really helped me regain confidence and I HIGHLY recommend him.”
–lacjk on RealSelf.com

Microneedling RF: Collagen Induction Therapy

Fast facts

About:

• Microneedling is a dermaroller procedure that uses small needles to prick the skin.
• The purpose of treatment is to generate new collagen and skin tissue for smoother, firmer, more toned skin.
• Microneedling is mostly used on the face and may treat various scars, wrinkles, and large pores.

Safety:

• Microneedling is minimally invasive, requiring no downtime.
• It’s considered safe for most people who are in overall good health.
• The procedure isn’t safe for people who use certain acne medications or for women who are pregnant.
• You’ll experience minor redness and irritation for a few days after the procedure.

Convenience:

• Total prep and procedure time is about two hours.
• You’ll need to see a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or cosmetic surgeon for this procedure. In some states, an aesthetician may also be able to perform the procedure if supervised by a physician.
• You may need at least four procedures or more for the best results.

Targeted areas for microneedling

Microneedling is most often used on your face to target:

• acne scars
• age spots (also called “sun spots”)
• fine lines and wrinkles
• large pores
• other types of scars
• reduced skin elasticity
• uneven skin tone

In addition to facial concerns, microneedling is sometimes used to treat stretch marks in other areas of the body. One study found that microneedling was effective for stretch marks on the thighs and abdominal area when combined with fillers.

Scarring on other body parts may also be treated with this procedure. However, microneedling is primarily used on the face.

Are there any risks or side effects?

Like all cosmetic procedures, microneedling isn’t without risk. The most common side effect is minor skin irritation immediately following the procedure. You may also see redness for a few days. Call your doctor if you notice more severe side effects, such as:

• bleeding
• bruising
• infection
• peeling

You may not be an ideal candidate for microneedling if you:

• are pregnant
• have certain skin diseases, such as psoriasis or eczema
• have open wounds
• have had radiation therapy recently
• have a history of skin scars

What to expect after microneedling

Microneedling isn’t invasive like plastic surgery, so the recovery time is minimal. According to Emory University, most people require very little downtime, if any at all.

You may notice skin irritation and redness within the first few days following the procedure. This is a natural response to the small “injuries” made by the needles in your skin.

You can go back to work or school after the procedure if you’re comfortable. Some people apply camouflaging makeup during the first few days as the redness dissipates.

Your skin will also be more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen is a must.

After microneedling, your skin works fairly quickly to rejuvenate new tissue. In theory, you should see results within a couple of weeks.

To maintain the results of your treatment, you’ll need multiple sessions and perhaps other complementing treatments. Your doctor will advise you on the best plan of action based on your individual goals.

Preparing for microneedling

Before the procedure, talk to your doctor about ways you can prepare so you have the best possible outcome. You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as ibuprofen and those for acne treatment, well in advance of the procedure.

Your doctor may also recommend that you stop using topical retinoids beforehand too. Doing so may reduce the risk of certain side effects.

The Skincare Effects of Microneedling RF

The conceptual framework for this latest beauty trend has been around for nearly five decades, but only in the last few years has technology caught up. Finally, microneedling RF treatment can deliver anti-aging benefits without pain – and this news is spreading like wildfire.

The secret is ultrafine needles that puncture your skin to make very tiny wounds. As your skin heals from these wounds, your body’s collagen production soars, resulting in taut skin. Surface scarring is eliminated and fine wrinkles are softened, if not erased.
Simply put, it’s the only dermatology treatment that tightens your skin while also reducing your wrinkles at the same time.

What to Expect

To make you comfortable, before the procedure, you’ll be given a topical numbing agent for the area to be treated. Then the microneedling device, outfitted with a cluster of needles, delivers several dozen pricks about three millimeters deep into your skin. The device also shoots radiofrequency energy into your skin to treat scars and wrinkles and yield a fuller, more youthful look.

Together, the needles and heat energy stimulate your skin into creating new collagen and hyaluronic acid, which help repair tissue and hydrate your skin, respectively. One session is about 20 minutes, and a minimum of three sessions is recommended for optimal results. It’s common, as well, to undergo touch-up procedures to maintain your appearance.

Although the microneedling procedure is extremely safe, some mild side effects are to be expected. Many patients report a slightly uncomfortable yet tolerable experience. Redness and swelling around the treated site is not unexpected, either, though both should only be mild. Your face might also feel warm, as if you have a sunburn.

For many women, microneedling has been a game-changer. Yet, as with any hot trend, there is still misinformation out there. Read on to find out the truth about microneedling RF treatment for aging.

Microneedling Truths

Microneedling is hot – and for good reason – but let’s clear up several misconceptions.

At-Home Microneedling RF Does Not Deliver the Same Anti-Aging Benefits

Manufacturers of at-home microneedle rollers often claim that their devices are just as effective as the state-of-the-art versions used by dermatologists.

Don’t fall for it. Dr. Ava and her trained, board-certified staff utilize top-of-the-line medical grade versions that aren’t safe or acceptable in the hands of an untrained practitioner (whether at home or at a doctor’s office). Furthermore, because the at-home microneedling procedure uses a lesser-quality device, you don’t get the same beautiful results.

Microneedling Does NOT Leave Holes in Your Skin

Microneedling RF treatment does create controlled injuries in the skin, but it does not leave your face resembling an aerated front lawn. The needle punctures are so small that, unaided, no one can see them, even close up. The effect, however, is that your skin may look flushed, but this passes soon.

The purpose of creating these microscopic punctures is to stir collagen growth so you heal faster and look more youthful, which is why you’re considering the procedure in the first place!

Safe and Effective for Areas Around Your Eyes and Lips

Another reason to trust microneedling RF treatment only in the hands of an expert practitioner from Ava MD in Beverly Hills is that it’s necessary for these delicate areas. As a result, several microneedling tools come equipped with special rollers for use in the following senstive areas:

• Your upper eyelid
• The eyelashes on your lower eyelid
• Around the side of your nose
• Your upper lip

Not Just Anti-Aging Benefits

It’s true that the majority of patients seek microneedling RF treatment for its anti-aging benefits like smooth, taut skin and a less wrinkled appearance, but it also corrects scarring due to acne. The collagen that the procedure creates helps fade your scarring. The result is the restoration of your flawless skin!

What is Micro-Needling?

Micro-needling is a non-invasive skin resurfacing procedure that is very popular among men and women who want to smooth and refine their complexion without needing to spend a lot of time recovering. It has been proven safe and effective, and many celebrities use it to keep their skin youthful and bright. A micro-needling procedure generally takes just a half hour or less, depending on the areas treated, and can be used on other areas of the body besides the face as well. Age spots on the chest and stretch marks on the stomach can be treated with micro-needling, among others.

Topical solutions are effective for the uppermost layer of skin, called the epidermis, but can only go so far without reaching the dermis. Micro-needling allows for topical solutions to reach the dermis through the tiny channels created by the procedure, which in turn allows the solutions to work more efficiently and effectively, leading to dramatic results. Dr. Ava and her highly experienced team work with each individual patient in order to create the best customized micro-needling treatment plan.

Benefits of Micro-Needling

Micro-needling takes a short amount of time and does not require any downtime. Following a session, patients are free to immediately resume their everyday activities and go right back to work. The skin may be red for some time before full results show, but this redness is easily and safely covered with makeup. Micro-needling can be used to treat age spots, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, stretch marks, and sagging skin. It can even be used to help remove tattoos! Collagen production is stimulated during a micro-needling treatment, which helps to renew the skin and leave patients with a more youthful appearance.

Following a micro-needling treatment, it is important to stay out of the sun as much as possible and to make sure to protect the skin with a high SPF sunblock, as the skin will be more sensitive to UV rays. Dr. Ava and her associates work with each of her patients to create a follow-up skin care regimen that will preserve the effects of micro-needling and allow patients to retain a youthful look for longer. Some patients may require more than one micro-needling session for optimal results, depending on what issues are being treated. Dr. Ava takes care to ensure that patients know what they are in for and what kind of results they can expect.