Infini Radiofrequency (RF) Needling

What is RF needling?

Radiofrequency needling combines two modalities, micro-needling and radiofrequency energy to renew the skin.

Radiofrequency needling can help to:

• Tighten the skin
• Improve fine lines and wrinkles
• Enhance skin elasticity and thinning skin
• Improve the appearance of some acne scars
• Reduce pore size

Skin needling and radiofrequency are both well established treatments that are normally performed individually to induce collagen production to improve the skin. The combination of the two in a single treatment synergises their effects on the skin.

What are the benefits of RF needling?

Radiofrequency needling is designed to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin to provide a superior result. Some of the benefits of the treatment include:

• Minimally invasive treatment
• Minimal downtime required
• Improves the appearance of the skin
• Reduces skin texture irregularities
• Smooths and firms the skin
• Can treat acne scars, wrinkles and fine lines
• Tightens loose or sagging skin

Radiofrequency needling is particularly suited to the treatment of olive or darker skin types. There is minimal risk of causing hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation post treatment, as the energy is delivered from the inside of the skin, and not from the outside. Although skin preparation for all skin types is recommended.

Who is a good candidate for RF microneedling?

Those who want to improve the appearance of their skin with minimal downtime required. RF microneedling is ideal for those with:

• Concerns about the visible signs of ageing
• Minor scarring
• Large or open pores
• Visible skin texture and irregular skin tone
• Loose or sagging skin
• Acne scars
• Pigmentation or sun damaged skin
• Stretch marks

The treatment is not recommended for those with certain skin conditions, including:

• Eczema
• Active acne 
• Psoriasis

It is also not recommended for those with pacemakers, defibrillators, or who are pregnant.

A consultation with one of our friendly practitioners will determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the treatment.

What to expect during RF needling? 

Prior to the treatment, the patient’s skin is numbed for up to 1 hour with a strong topical anaesthetic to minimise discomfort. 

Generally, the treatment is comfortable in most areas. There may be some mild discomfort felt over bony structures such as the jawline and cheekbone. The skin feels warm and tight, similar to sunburn. Pinpoint bleeding may occur during treatment, this will be resolved before the patient leaves although some minor bruising may occur which will resolve within 48hrs.

At the conclusion of the treatment, the skin will have mild to moderate erythema (redness of the skin) and some swelling. These are normal and expected outcomes which settle shortly after treatment and resolve over the following 1 – 3 days.

The patient may feel a tightening and burning sensation, this may feel like sunburn or windburn. This will resolve within 24 hours post treatment.

Some patients may experience mild crusting post treatment, these will dry on the skin and slowly resolve, this can take up to 2 weeks for some patients. These are not to be picked or scratched off as this may encourage scaring and pigmentary changes.

Our patients are provided with a post care kit to apply post treatment to help soothe the skin and encourage skin hydration and repair.

How many treatments are required?

There can be variation between each individual and the number of sessions they require to achieve their desired results. Generally we recommend a minimum of 3 sessions based on the individual needs and skin condition.

After your first treatment you will begin to see the results at the 8 week mark. A positive effect can be seen immediately post treatment due to the lifting and tightening from the temporary collagen shrinkage lasting approximately 1 week. The temporary collagen shrinkage is then replaced by collagen tightening associated with the reparative and remodelling phases of wound healing. 

From here you will experience continued improvement to the treated area between 3 to 6 months or longer post treatment.

The effect of the treatment can last several years, depending on each individual’s collagen regeneration and remodelling time.

FAQ

What is the difference between laser skin resurfacing and RF needling?

Laser skin resurfacing is viewed as an “outside to inside” treatment. This means that the laser must penetrate through all layers of the skin to reach its target. Laser treatments can often cause a change in pigmentation, and may not be suitable for those with darker or olive skin tones.

With RF treatment, the skin is treated from the “inside-out”, as the needles penetrate the skin and the energy delivered is only at the tips of the needles. The radiofrequency is not attracted to melanin or pigment in the skin, therefore the chances of causing pigmentation is low, making it ideal for those with darker or olive skin tones.

What is the difference between microneedling and RF microneedling?

Radiofrequency needling and traditional microneedling are both forms of collagen induction therapy designed to lift, tighten, rejuvenate the skin and treat acne scars. Whilst traditional microneedling remains an effective treatment for the above concerns, the Infini provides a superior result.

Some advantages of micro needling with RF over traditional skin needling include:

• Radiofrequency needling can be treated deeper in the dermis, up to 3.5mm
• Hybrid treatment combining RF and Collagen induction Therapy
• Radiofrequency needling allows for the treatment of multiple depths in the dermis in one session
• The patented insulated needles deliver RF energy to highly specific locations in the skin as programmed by the practitioner

How long is the down time?

The down time required is quite minimal. 

After the treatment, there might be some redness and swelling, which subsides within 24 hours. Some residual redness with sensitivity may last up to 48 hours post-treatment. Social downtime in most cases in less than 48hrs with a full recovery and resuming normal skin care can resume after 10-14 days. 

How long does microneedling with RF last?

The effect of microneedling with RF can last for years, but this depends on each individual’s collagen regeneration and remodelling time combined with the number of treatments completed. 

As each individual will require a different number of sessions to achieve their optimum results, this will affect how long the results will last.

Does RF microneedling treatment tighten skin?

Yes, overall skin rejuvenation with RF microneedling treatment can help tighten mild to moderate loose facial skin. The treatment remodels the skin, which encourages the production of new collagen to elastin, which naturally tightens the skin.

Can RF needling be combined with other treatments?

Radiofrequency needling can be combined with laser skin resurfacing treatments to improve damaged skin, elasticity and pigmentation.  In many cases of acne scarring, a multi-modality approach is required for best and most efficient treatment outcome based on the type of scarring present.

Topical treatments can also be used alongside RF microneedling after the treatment as products can better penetrate the skin. Some products that can be used are Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid.