Radiofrequency Microneedling

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body (making up around 30% of the body’s “dry weight”). It can be found in the skin, bones, connective tissues, joints - pretty much everywhere. It’s often referred to as the glue or the scaffolding that holds everything together structurally.

Collagen is the protein that keeps our skin looking healthy, supple, smooth and youthful. As we age, particularly as women go through perimenopause and menopause, the levels of collagen in the skin decrease dramatically. This leads to increased skin laxity, wrinkling, texture and sagginess.

Radiofrequency microneedling, also called RF microneedling, is a treatment that remodels the subdermal adipose tissues. It is one of a number of collagen inducing treatments.

It combines two collagen stimulating modalities, radiofrequency and microneedling.

There are a number of different RF microneedling devices in the UK. The two most well known devices on the market: Morpheus8 and Secret RF.

The device has a handpiece with an attachment of sterile head of dozens of “pins” - very fine needles, between 0.5 - 8mm long (Morpheus8 delivers the deepest up to 8mm), usually gold-plated, that are applied to the skin. This not only microneedles the skin, it also delivers radiofrequency via the needles.

The microneedling element creates targeted, controlled “micro” injuries to the skin which triggers the skin’s self-repair mechanism, this causes new collagen to be made.

The radiofrequency heats the deep layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, tightening existing collagen and, again, stimulating new collagen to be made.

The RF energy delivered deep into the skin produces faster, more dramatic results over traditional microneedling.

The result is smoother, tighter, firmer and younger looking skin.

This Glowday Treatment Guide has been verified by Vaiva Mikalauskaite

RF microneedling can be used to improve skin laxity, scarring, lines and wrinkles on the face, neck and body.

Common treatment areas include:

• Loose or sagging skin of the face, jawline, neck and body
• Wrinkles and fine lines on the face, neck and décolletage
• Under eye sagging and wrinkling
• Acne scarring
• Stretchmarks
• Pigmentation and discolouration.

Radiofrequency microneedling is appropriate for all skin tones and colours, but if you have a darker skin tone - it is very important to use an experienced and qualified practitioner.

Radiofrequency microneedling may be unsuitable in the following cases - please consult with your practitioner if you have any of the following:

• Keloid scars, history of eczema, psoriasis and other chronic conditions;
• history of actinic (solar) keratosis;
• history of Herpes Simplex infections;
• history of haemophilia;
• history of diabetes;
• the presence of raised moles, warts on the targeted area.

Absolute contraindications include;

• scleroderma, collagen vascular diseases or cardiac abnormalities;
• use of Accutane in prior 6 months;
• blood clotting problems;
• active bacterial or fungal infection;
• facial melanosis;
• malignant tumours, immunosuppression;
• use of blood thinners or prednisone;
• pregnant or nursing women;
• corticosteroids within two weeks of procedure, chronic liver disease, porphyria or other skin diseases.

Topical numbing creams are used with RF microneedling, so an allergy to lidocaine would preclude you from treatment. An undetected allergy to lidocaine or tetracaine could cause itching, shortness of breath, swelling or respiratory distress.

Following your treatment, your skin will be red and flushed, similar in appearance to a moderate sunburn.

Your skin will also feel tight and sensitive to touch for a few days.

The redness can persist for 2-3 days following the treatment.

Mild swelling is also normal, and should resolve by itself within 2-3 days.

You may experience peeling in the areas that were treated. The skin may also feel rough/sandpaper-like for 2-7 days following the treatment. This can last 2-4 weeks.

Other potential risks include:

• Bleeding or bruising
• Infection
• Scarring
• Damage to deeper structures
• Bruising and puffiness
• Hyperpigmentation and/or hypopigmentation
• Nerve injury (very rare)
• Needle shock
• Unsatisfactory result
• Allergic reactions
• Delayed healing