Top Questions and Answers About RF Microneedling

Microneedling, which involves creating microscopic punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen, has been popular among those looking to rejuvenate their skin. This technique works well with a lot of aesthetic procedures, one of which is radiofrequency (RF). The combination, known as RF microneedling, brings in RF energy to further enhance the treatment. 

But what exactly is RF microneedling in Singapore? How does it elevate traditional microneedling? What concerns can it treat? Continue reading as we answer the top seven questions about RF microneedling. 

1. What is RF microneedling?

As its name suggests, RF microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrafine needles that emit radiofrequency energy. This causes micro-injuries on the skin’s surface and heats up the tissue layers to trigger the body’s natural healing response that promotes collagen and elastin production. 

Here are a few more facts worth knowing about RF microneedling:

• It can address the deeper layers or reach the subcutaneous skin layer without creating significant damage to the top layer. 
• The holes created by the device are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye. 
• It can be used on the face and other areas of the body including the neck, arms, and stomach.

2. How does it differ from typical microneedling?

Typical microneedling uses a specialized device with tiny needles rolled over the skin. This causes microscopic punctures and creates controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the skin’s natural healing process. The production of collagen and elastin follows, which then thickens the skin and reduces the appearance of scars, wrinkles, sun damage, and more.

The main difference between the two is that RF microneedling adds RF energy to conventional skin needling technique. The addition of RF energy boosts the production of essential skin proteins while also heating the skin’s underlying layers, enhancing its skin tightening effect.  

Both offer skin rejuvenation results and can address different needs and concerns. Conventional microneedling is ideal for those who want to improve their overall skin texture with less downtime. RF microneedling, meanwhile, is for those who want to improve deeper wrinkles and mild to moderate skin laxity. 

3. What conditions can RF microneedling treat or improve? 

RF microneedling’s ability to stimulate the creation of growth factors and the production of skin proteins such as collagen and elastin enables it to address various skin issues. These include: 

• Acne scarring
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Loose skin/skin laxity
• Skin redness
• Skin pigmentation problems
• Stretch marks

4. What RF microneedling device do we use at Cutis?

At our aesthetic clinic in Singapore, we have the Secret DUO, a multi-platform device that combines RF microneedling (Secret RF) with a 1540 nm erbium glass laser. These technologies can be used individually or together to target different skin concerns, such as pigmentation, scarring, fine lines, and uneven texture.

Secret RF combines fractional radiofrequency and microneedling in one device. It delivers controlled thermal heat energy, with each microneedling heated at optimal temperature to remodel collagen. It can also target specific layers of the skin for tailored solutions for every patient’s skin concern. 

RF microneedling using the Secret DUO device can deliver RF energy depth between 0.5mm and 3.5 mm and can target both superficial and deep-rooted skin issues. It can help treat or improve acne scars, uneven skin or pigmentation, enlarged pores, stretch marks, and saggy skin. 

The Secret DUO effect: The addition or use of the erbium glass laser provides a gentle subdermal skin resurfacing without damaging the epidermis. It uses fractional laser beams delivered as multiple columns, creating controlled micro-injuries in the dermis. The laser can deliver varying levels of heat to stimulate collagen and target blemishes in the skin. 

You can turn to this combination for: 

• Skin resurfacing
• Wrinkle reduction
• Acne and surgical scar reduction
• Skin lifting and tightening
• Pore reduction
• Spider veins and stretch marks reduction
• Skin tone and texture improvement
• Eye bag and double chin reduction

5. Does RF microneedling hurt?

Even with the use of needles, the procedure is generally tolerated by most patients. It is normal to feel heat and pressure but it shouldn’t be painful. There is also some discomfort and warm sensation due to the heat from RF energy. A topical anesthetic or numbing cream can also be applied to the skin to improve patient comfort.

It is also good to know that the gold-plated micro needling used by Secret RF can seamlessly penetrate the skin and do what it’s intended to do. This helps ensure patient comfort and minimizes discomfort while delivering the optimal level of heat.  

6. What results can you expect?

As RF microneedling in Singapore can penetrate the scar tissue more, it can stimulate the collagen deeper. And with new collagen, you can see improvements in your enlarged pores, sun spots, wrinkles, stretch marks, and skin laxity. For optimal results, three to four (spaced four to six weeks apart) Secret RF treatments are needed.

Most patients start seeing improvements after the second treatment, but optimized results are seen three months after the last treatment. A consultation with our aesthetic doctor in Singapore can help determine if Secret RF is right for you and how many treatments you need to achieve your goals. 

7. Can you do RF microneedling at home? 

No, it isn’t advisable. Whatever type of microneedling procedure you choose, it is best to leave it to the professionals. This is because they have the right tools and knowledge to perform the procedure. Doing it at home with tools you bought somewhere or online can pose serious risks, such as scarring and infection.

Do take note that with microneedling, you need to use the right depth for certain skin concerns. The tools you have at home may not be powerful enough to penetrate deeper and get the results you’re looking for. So, to be on the safe side, see a skin or aesthetic doctor. 

Book a consultation today

Want to learn more about Secret RF or Secret DUO and how it can achieve your skin aspirations? Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics today and schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors in Singapore.