Microneedling, also known as collagen-induction therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses rows of small needles to create micro-channels in the skin, primarily on the face, neck, and chest. The needles cause micro-injuries, inducing the body’s healing system to produce new stores of the proteins collagen and elastin, which give skin its strength and resiliency. The procedure is used to treat wrinkles, fine lines, mild scars, and large pores, leading to smoother, firmer, and more toned skin.
Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling is an advanced microneedling technique designed to improve skin quality and appearance. The RF energy is delivered through the micro-channels caused by the needles in a teardrop shape, which deposits most of the energy in the dermal (middle) layer of the skin, where collagen and elastin normally reside and triggers new collagen production and elastin restructuring. The result is the restoration of your youthful skin.
RF microneedling produces more dramatic results than either traditional microneedling or radiofrequency treatments alone; the combination boosts each of their effectiveness.
At Eterna Vein & Medical Aesthetics in Puyallup, Washington, our expert team of aestheticians uses the Scarlet SRF™ (short pulse radio frequency) microneedling system to treat our patients’ aesthetic concerns. We believe this technology stimulates collagen and elastin most effectively and produces the best, most youthful results. Here’s your guide to what’s involved in the process.
The many benefits of RF microneedling
RF microneedling covers a lot of ground, addressing such issues as:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Acne and other mild scarring
Sun Damage
Mild Laxity
And best yet, RF microneedling works for all skin types and colors and is safe for most patients, though pregnant or lactating women, people with an active infection, and those who have poor wound healing are not good candidates.
The procedure also has few side effects. The most common is skin irritation, and others include:
Swelling
Bruising
Redness
Flaky skin
Tenderness from the application
These symptoms are temporary and should resolve on their own within 24 hours.
The RF microneedling procedure
At the beginning of the procedure, we apply a topical numbing agent to your skin to help with any discomfort. If during treatment, you find that the discomfort is more than you can bear, we can provide a dental block.
The entire microneedling process takes about 30-60 minutes or so, depending on which area you’re having treated with additional time for numbing. After that, redness can last up to 24 hours.
We recommend an initial series of three treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart to see optimal results, but this does vary from one person to another. We can perform follow-up treatments every six months to a year to maintain your results; the exact timing depends on your skin quality and lifestyle choices.
If you’re unhappy with skin that’s wrinkled, mildly scarred, or just plain dull, RF microneedling may be just what you need to show off a more youthful and happier face. Give Eterna Vein & Medical Aesthetics a call at 253-268-3400 to set up a consultation with our staff today.