How is RF microneedling different from traditional microneedling? A plastic surgeon explains the difference.
Are you beginning to see signs of aging crop up in more ways than one? Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, treats multiple common complexion woes by promoting natural firmness and plumpness in your skin. Virtue RF microneedling is an update on traditional microneedling, with stronger and slightly different effects. If you are wondering which version of the treatment is right for your skin, continue reading to learn the differences.
Traditional microneedling
Traditional microneedling is a skin treatment that involves passing a handpiece covered in tiny, sterilized needles over the surface of the skin. Microneedling triggers the body’s healing response in a controlled manner, prompting your body to flood the treated area with healthy new collagen and elastin to give the skin a firmer, smoother texture. This “remodeling” process treats a number of textural and pigmentation problems, including:
Fine lines
Crepe-like skin texture
Hyperpigmentation
Sun damage
It typically takes 3 appointments to see optimal results, but patients usually see some light improvements even after just 1 session.
RF microneedling
Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling is a technology that uses controlled RF energy to heat skin below the surface to promote skin contraction and tightening. In the Virtue RF microneedling device that we use at my practice, the RF is emitted from tips of the tiny, hair-like needles. Not only does RF microneedling promote skin tightening, but the addition of RF amplifies the microneedles’ ability to promote collagen and elastin production. RF tightens and lifts, giving you even younger-looking skin in addition to improving the texture and tone.
Aside from the amplified results, you’ll have a similar treatment experience and side effects with either traditional microneedling or Virtue RF microneedling.
What to expect from RF microneedling treatment
Before microneedling treatment, we apply a topical numbing cream. Once I begin to pass the device over your skin, you may feel warmth and prickling, but it is not painful. The microneedling process only takes about 20 minutes, and afterwards, we will apply a sheet mask containing antioxidants, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid to your skin to reduce redness and promote healing.
Right after treatment, most patients have a sunburn-like redness or inflammation, so you’ll need to avoid makeup and use only the most gentle cleanser or moisturizer the day of treatment. Your skin will also be more sensitive to sun, so be extra diligent about wearing a high-quality, mineral-based sunscreen in the weeks after treatment. Otherwise, you can resume your normal activities.
Microneedling also primes your skin to more deeply absorb skincare ingredients, so talk with me about any products you may want to apply immediately afterwards—certain ingredients may be ideal to use after RF microneedling, while others could irritate your skin.
RF microneedling results
For the first few days after treatment, you’ll notice a soft glow, but it takes some time to see the results of new collagen production come to fruition. Your results will continue to improve over the course of several months, delivering more noticeable improvements to your skin concerns.
While you will see results after a single RF microneedling session, I recommend planning a set of 3 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart for optimal results. To maintain your results after the initial course of treatment, I advise patients to return about once a year.
Am I a good candidate for RF microneedling?
Typically, my RF microneedling patients are looking to improve skin texture while also seeing some improvement in elasticity, or tightness. In addition to acne scars, hyperpigmentation or other textural issues that microneedling treats, you may have mild jowls or folds around the mouth and nose, and some wrinkles in the upper face, as well. RF microneedling offers a natural-looking, gentle improvement to wrinkles throughout the face; you will continue to look very natural, just more rested.
Why should I choose VirtueRF microneedling over another RF microneedling device, like Vivace or SecretRF?
I choose to offer the VirtueRF microneedling system at my practice because it allows me to achieve maximum results for my patients using state-of-the-art combination technologies:
The Virtue RF device uses precise robotics to control the needles, preventing any unnecessary micro-tears in the skin and keeping side effects to a minimum.
The device allows me to include concentrated red and blue LED light in your treatment, which improves cell turnover and fights unwanted bacteria.
Treatment is versatile for all skin types and tones, as VirtueRF allows me to calibrate the depth of needle penetration and the level of RF energy supplied to the skin based on your goals.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Sharline Aboutanos in Richmond
Female board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos has over a decade of experience offering medical aesthetic services and plastic surgery in Richmond. To receive expert care and treatment that achieves beautiful results, schedule your microneedling consultation today by calling 804.355.3410 or contacting us online today.