What is Radiofrequency Microneedling
If you’re in the market for tighter skin, a smoother complexion, and better overall skin tone, it may be time to add microneedling to your skincare regimen. This minimally invasive treatment delivers noticeable results after one session and dramatic results in as few as 3 to 5 sessions. Treatments are comfortable, require little-to-no downtime, and are suitable for all skin types. Microneedling can reduce the appearance of pores, melasma, stretch marks, and scars. It targets fine lines and wrinkles and can reduce the appearance of sun spots. Plus, microneedling can tighten up certain areas that are starting to, let’s just say… relax, such as your eyelids, neck, and jowls.
Have we caught your attention?
Microneedling has become one of the most popular cosmetic skin treatments on the market for a reason – it’s safe, clinically-proven, and consistently delivers stellar results. The important thing to know is this: not all microneedling treatments (or treatment providers) are created equal. That’s why we’ve created this overview of virtually everything you need to know to decide if microneedling is right for you – straight from the desk of our founding dermatologist, Dr. Dianne Burrows. Consider it your dermatologist briefing on all things microneedling!
What is Microneedling
First things first: microneedling is available in two treatment options:
Traditional Microneedling
The first recorded use of a microneedling procedure was in 1905 by German dermatologist Ernst Kromayer, but the “traditional” microneedling we’re referring to first came on the scene in 1995, led by Dr. Desmond Fernandes in Philadelphia (Tru You Cosmetic Clinic, July 2021). In today’s version of microneedling, short, ultra fine needles are used to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. As the skin heals, collagen and elastin are produced alongside fresh new skin cells. The results? Better skin tone, texture, and tightness in around 5-6 treatments.
Radiofrequency Microneedling (RF)
In the early 2000s, microneedling technology took a giant leap forward and radiofrequency was introduced in cosmetic treatments. Radiofrequency microneedling offers all the “pros” of traditional microneedling, plus a host of additional benefits. Think of it as “microneedling 2.0”. RF microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that combines traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy. The primary goal of this treatment is to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, elasticity, and tone. Just like in traditional microneedling, tiny needles are used to create micro-injuries in the skin, but in RF microneedling, the needles are equipped to deliver radiofrequency energy into the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin). The RF energy heats the underlying layers of the skin, causing controlled damage which further stimulates the body's natural collagen and elastin production. The combination of microneedling with RF energy offers a more intensive treatment than microneedling alone and can address a range of skin concerns.
Both treatments can deliver great skin results. However, because of its superior technology, we’ve chosen to exclusively offer RF microneedling at our dermatology practice. (Scroll all the way to the bottom to learn more about the Sylfirm X technology we use in the clinic.) We care deeply about our patients’ skin health and goals which is why we only offer RF microneedling treatments that:
Are Designed for All. RF microneedling is safe and effective for all skin types, including people with melanated skin. RF microneedling is one of the only energy-based treatments that is effective for darker skin because the needles safely deliver energy below the skin’s surface.
Deliver Superior Results in Fewer Sessions. Simply put, RF microneedling is a superior treatment to traditional microneedling. Thanks to its advanced technology, fewer sessions (almost half as many!) are typically required to deliver superior results.
Require Minimal Downtime. RF microneedling is gentler on the skin and typically results in less inflammation and shorter downtime than its traditional counterpart.
Can Be Customized to Meet Your Goals. Your goals are as unique as your skin health! Under the guidance of our board-certified dermatologists, our team of experienced practitioners will determine the most appropriate radiofrequency settings to deliver optimal—and targeted—results.
A Mighty, Multitasking Treatment
Radiofrequency microneedling offers clinically-proven results for a multitude of skin concerns. If you’re like most of the patients we see, you’re likely experiencing at least one of the following concerns:
Pigmentation (age spots, brown spots, and sun damage)
Melasma
Skin laxity (a.k.a. sagging skin)
The good news is this: RF microneedling helps with it all. This mighty, multitasking treatment can help erase your fine lines while simultaneously reducing pore size and tightening up your skin tone. A few RF microneedling treatments can deliver a more youthful and radiant appearance.
For even more powerful results, we often recommend pairing RF microneedling treatments with Exosome Skin Rejuvenation Therapy.
The Ins and Outs of RF Microneedling Treatments
Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after a RF microneedling treatment.
Before:
Practitioners will cleanse the skin and apply a numbing agent, which is left to work its magic for 45-60 minutes.
Your skin is then cleansed again and disinfected to prepare you for the procedure.
Once you and your skin are feeling calm and ready, the procedure starts!
During:
Your practitioner will guide a handheld microneedling device over the skin at a consistent speed.
Because of the numbing cream, the experience should be relatively comfortable. We’ve heard the sensation described as "spicy," "tingling," or "light pressure.”
Depending on the treatment area, most sessions take between 15-60 minutes.
Before you leave, we’ll apply a silky serum that promotes comfort and healing.
After:
When you leave, your face may look or feel a bit inflamed. Some patients can see miniscule red dots on the skin immediately after the treatment (this can be alleviated with a cold compress at home!)
Some patients have described feeling like they have a “mild sunburn” which goes away an hour or two after the treatment.
You should expect minimal downtime, but know that in some rare cases mild swelling and/or itchiness can last from a few hours to a few days.
We always recommend that you steer clear of exercise (don’t get sweaty!) and makeup for at least 24 hours.
And of course, we wouldn’t be your friendly neighbourhood dermatologist if we didn't remind you to use extra sun protection (think: hats!) for optimal results.
The Lasting Results
Within the first six weeks post-procedure, you’ll start to notice changes in your skin – tighter, smoother, softer, and overall rejuvenated skin is on its way! Better yet – you’ll see continued improvements for up to six months after your first treatment with even greater results expected after subsequent treatments.
Remember, unlike over-the-counter products and even injectables, RF microneedling is helping your body produce more collagen and elastin – plus fresh new skin cells – which means these results are coming from the inside out.
A Closer Look at Our Technology: Sylfirm X
Okay, if you’re still reading, we know you care about the details! Let us bring you behind the curtain and teach you more about the advanced RF microneedling technology we’ve chosen to use at Interior Dermatology Centre.
Introducing, Sylfirm X!
Sylfirm X was the world's first FDA-Approved pulsed wave and continuous wave radiofrequency microneedling system (Sylfirm X). It’s the technology of choice for many dermatologists worldwide because of its precision and effectiveness. In doctor-talk, Sylfirm X delivers targeted RF energy into the tissue. Precise thermal coagulation is created by using evenly-leveled electrodes to penetrate the accurate target depth, in order to induce optimal results with extra effectiveness.
Here’s what that means for you:
A Treat For Hard-to-Treat Areas. Sylfirm X technology gives us the ability to safely and effectively treat ultra-delicate areas, like around the eyes, and is the only RFMN device on the market that can treat directly over the eyelids.
Less Pain, Better Results. Non-insulated needles deliver RF energy to different depths in the skin simultaneously. Where other technologies may require two to three passes over your skin, Sylfirm X takes just one pass. This significantly reduces discomfort, treatment length, and downtime. For most people, this means less pain and fewer treatments.
Less Downtime. Because Sylfirm X delivers energy in a patented delivery system, it requires less downtime for you. Fewer passes over the skin are needed, which means there is little to no bleeding, and much less trauma to the epidermis.
With our Sylfirm X technology, 3 to 5 initial treatments followed by a single maintenance treatment every 6 months leads to dramatic—and long-lasting—results for most people.
Knowing Your Skin
Well, you’re now officially a microneedling expert – or at least you hopefully know more than when you started this article! Here’s the good news, you don’t need to be an expert in microneedling to reach your skin goals. That’s what we’re here for!
The board-certified dermatologists on our team have THOUSANDS of hours of skin-specific training. We’re here to design a custom treatment plan that best suits your needs and your budget. At IDC, we are proud to offer a wide range of products, treatments (and treatment combinations) that are proven to deliver results. To learn more about RF microneedling and whether or not it’s right for you, book a consultation today.
