Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling in Santa Cruz, CA
As we age, collagen and elastin production slows, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Radiofrequency microneedling is an advanced treatment that uses tiny needles and radiofrequency energy to boost collagen, improve tone and texture, and soften fine lines and wrinkles for more youthful-looking skin. We’ll explore what radiofrequency microneedling is, how it works, the benefits it provides, what to expect during treatment, and why Rebecca Small, MD at RSMD Medical Aesthetics is the provider to trust for customized radiofrequency microneedling treatments and outstanding results.
What is RF Microneedling?
RF microneedling, or radiofrequency microneedling, is a minimally-invasive treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to remodel collagen and elastin at varying depths of the skin. This improves on the traditional microneedling treatment to offer greater results in fewer treatments, while also offering additional treatment benefits thanks to the addition of radiofrequency energy. Radiofrequency microneedling is an effective treatment option for the following skin concerns:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin laxity and sagging
- Uneven skin texture
- Dull, tired-looking skin
- Enlarged pores
- Acne scars
- Stretch marks
How Does RF Microneedling Work?
Like traditional microneedling, the RF microneedling treatment is administered using a handheld device with tiny needles. The device is carefully pressed into the skin, inflicting micro injuries to trigger the body’s healing response. This healing response causes the body to produce new collagen to rejuvenate the skin, leading to cosmetic and skin health benefits. However, the RF microneedling treatment has an additional step. While the needles are beneath the skin’s surface, they’ll emit heat via radiofrequency energy. This gentle heating further boosts collagen production, while also causing the skin tissue to contract for skin tightening benefits. Overall, the combination of microneedling and radiofrequency energy allows for impressive skin tightening, lifting, and rejuvenation.
RF Microneedling vs. Microneedling
Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling is an advanced form of microneedling that combines the collagen-boosting benefits of microneedling with radiofrequency energy for enhanced skin tightening and rejuvenation. It provides an immediate tightening and lifting effect while also improving skin laxity, contour, tone, and texture long-term as the collagen rebuild continues over the next few months. Thanks to these advantages, RF microneedling requires fewer overall treatments than standard microneedling and can produce better improvements in wrinkles and sagging skin. Ultimately, RF microneedling provides a wider range of benefits and higher efficacy compared to traditional microneedling.
Can You Combine RF Microneedling with PRP?
Yes, we often combine RF microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy! PRP can boost the benefits of RF microneedling treatments by further enhancing collagen production and regeneration. PRP is created using the patient’s own blood. To do so, we take a blood sample and place it in a centrifuge device to separate the blood’s growth factors and stem cells from unnecessary ingredients. Then, during the RF microneedling treatment, PRP is injected into the skin as the microneedles pierce the skin’s surface. The customized combination of microneedling, RF energy, and PRP in one treatment session produces longer-lasting, optimal anti-aging results than any of these treatments alone.
Frequently asked questions
Is RF Microneedling Right for Me?
If you are seeking a powerful skin rejuvenation solution that can improve a wide range of cosmetic skin concerns, you may be a good candidate for RF microneedling. At RSMD Medical Aesthetics, Dr. Small will evaluate your skin health during a consultation, during which time you can discuss your treatment goals and determine if RF microneedling is right for you. With Dr. Small’s expertise, she can develop a customized treatment plan to produce your desired results.
What is an RF Microneedling Treatment Like?
An RF microneedling treatment takes approximately one hour to perform, but the exact duration of treatment can depend on the size of the treatment area and whether you’re combining the treatment with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. Prior to treatment, we’ll provide you with a topical numbing cream that you can apply to the treatment area to reduce any discomfort that may occur during the microneedling process. To administer treatment, we’ll use a microneedling handpiece to inflict tiny injuries in the skin’s surface, while also emitting radiofrequency energy to the deeper layers of skin tissue. There’s little to no discomfort during this process thanks to the topical numbing cream.
How Long is RF Microneedling Downtime?
There’s virtually no downtime after RF microneedling, as the treatment itself stimulates the skin’s healing process for a rapid recovery. The healing process is further accelerated when the treatment is combined with PRP therapy. Still, patients can expect minor side effects such as redness and sensitivity in the skin, which may feel like a mild sunburn. You can use an ice pack or cooling masks to alleviate any discomfort, although these side effects typically resolve within 1-2 days. You can resume your normal activities immediately after treatment, but we recommend avoiding excessive heat, exercise, and other strenuous activities for the first 48 hours after treatment.
How Long Do RF Microneedling Results Last?
After the initial side effects heal, you’ll begin noticing results from your RF microneedling treatment. These results will continue to improve in the weeks and months following your treatment, as wrinkles, stretch marks, acne scars, and other cosmetic concerns begin to fade. These benefits will continue for up to 6 months after your final treatment. We typically recommend a series of 3-5 treatments for best results, and potentially more depending on the severity and/or depth of your skin health concerns. These treatments can be performed in 4-6 week intervals. After achieving your desired results, we recommend scheduling routine maintenance treatments to make them last as long as possible.
How Much Does RF Microneedling Cost?
At RSMD Medical Aesthetics, the cost of RF microneedling treatments may vary depending on the treatment area, the number of treatment sessions needed for optimal results, and other variables. During your consultation, Dr. Small will develop a customized treatment plan based on your cosmetic goals. At this point, we establish the procedure costs so you can receive upfront pricing before you begin your treatment.
Why Choose RSMD for Your RF Microneedling?
Dr. Rebecca Small is an industry leader in facial aesthetics with extensive experience customizing RF microneedling treatments to help patients dramatically rejuvenate the appearance. Her artistic vision and technical skill with skin resurfacing means she can develop a tailored RF microneedling regimen to target your unique skin concerns and goals for rejuvenation. From your initial consultation through maintaining your optimal results long-term, Dr. Small oversees every part of your RF microneedling experience at RSMD to ensure your satisfaction.
We invite you to schedule a RF microneedling consultation and take the first step towards the youthful appearance you desire. Call today and discover why patients trust RSMD for their cosmetic goals.