RF microneedling combines the precision of microneedling with the power of radiofrequency energy to address various skin concerns and promote natural rejuvenation. This treatment can help improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, diminish acne scars, and encourage collagen production. At San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa in La Mesa, CA, we use the PiXel8-RF device for precise and effective results.
What Is RF Microneedling?
RF microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that combines the controlled penetration of microneedles with the targeted heat of radiofrequency energy. This combination stimulates the skin’s natural repair processes and promotes the production of collagen and elastin. It’s a versatile treatment designed to address skin concerns like wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven tone while improving overall skin texture and elasticity.
What Makes PiXel8-RF Unique?
PiXel8-RF allows for adjustable needle penetration depths ranging from 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm, making it adaptable for treating different areas and skin concerns. Its gold-plated needles minimize surface impact while precisely delivering radiofrequency energy to targeted layers of the skin. PiXel8-RF uses bipolar radiofrequency technology which enhances energy distribution for consistent and reliable results across the treatment area.
How Does RF Microneedling Work?
Microneedling
Microneedling uses ultra-fine needles to create tiny punctures on the skin’s surface, triggering the body’s natural healing response. These precise channels allow the skin to increase its production of structural proteins like collagen and elastin. This process also supports cellular turnover.
Radiofrequency Energy
Radiofrequency energy uses heat to enhance the effects of microneedling by reaching beyond the skin's surface. The thermal energy targets the dermis, tightening connective tissues and remodeling collagen fibers for a firmer, more lifted appearance. Radiofrequency works on all skin tones and delivers a deeper level of stimulation for enhanced skin renewal. This heat-based approach also boosts circulation and supports long-term skin improvement.
What Concerns Can RF Microneedling Treat?
Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Wrinkles and fine lines often form as collagen and elastin levels decline with age. Environmental factors like sun exposure and repeated facial expressions can cause this to happen faster. The collagen stimulation from RF microneedling helps rebuild the skin's internal support structure which can smooth fine lines and soften the appearance of deeper wrinkles. This approach targets areas around the eyes, mouth, and forehead where wrinkles tend to be most prominent.
Acne Scars and Textural Irregularities
Acne scars result from inflammation that disrupts normal tissue healing, leading to pitted or raised scars. These scars create uneven texture, which can be challenging to treat with surface-only methods. The process of cellular turnover and additional collagen from RF microneedling helps smooth irregularities and softens scar tissue for a more even skin surface.
Skin Laxity
Loss of skin firmness occurs as collagen and elastin fibers weaken with age or after significant weight changes. Gravity and reduced hydration further contribute to sagging. By delivering controlled heat to the dermis, RF microneedling can improve definition along the jawline, cheeks, and other areas prone to laxity.
Hyperpigmentation and Sun Damage
Excessive sun exposure and hormonal changes can lead to overactive melanocytes, resulting in dark spots and uneven pigmentation. RF microneedling accelerates cell renewal, helping the skin to naturally shed discolored layers for a brighter, healthier complexion.
Enlarged Pores
Enlarged pores often result from excess oil production, loss of skin elasticity, or clogged follicles. These factors can stretch the pore walls and make them more noticeable. RF microneedling stimulates collagen around the pores which helps to tighten the surrounding skin and reduce their visibility. With repeated sessions, the skin appears smoother and more refined.
RF Microneedling for Hair Loss
Microneedling for hair loss creates tiny channels in the scalp that stimulate blood flow and help revive dormant hair follicles. When combined with radiofrequency energy, this hair loss treatment amplifies the regeneration of collagen and elastin around the follicles and creates a healthier environment for hair growth. RF microneedling can also improve the absorption of topical treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or growth factor serums which can enhance their effectiveness in promoting thicker, stronger hair.
Why Choose RF Microneedling
It is Customizable for Each Person
RF microneedling treatments can suit your skin concerns whether wrinkles, scars, or loose skin. Adjustable needle depths and energy levels allow the therapy to target varying layers of the skin for precise results. Each session focuses on the areas that will provide the most noticeable improvements for your unique goals.
It is Suitable for All Skin Types
While light-based technologies are sometimes only suitable for lighter skin, RF microneedling uses radiofrequency energy which can be used for all skin tones and types. The energy bypasses the skin’s surface to treat deeper layers without as big of a risk for hyperpigmentation.
It Comes With Little to No Downtime
After an RF microneedling session, patients may experience mild redness or swelling that typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. The skin remains intact during the process, which minimizes recovery time compared to more invasive treatments. Many individuals can return to their daily routines the same day.
You Can Enjoy Immediate and Long-Lasting Results
While some improvements in skin texture and tone may be visible within days, the benefits of RF microneedling continue to develop over weeks as collagen production increases. This combination of immediate and progressive results allows patients to enjoy smoother, firmer skin in both the short and long term. For concerns like hair loss, multiple sessions can enhance results over time.
RF Microneedling Add-Ons
PRP
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a popular add-on to RF microneedling that enhances the skin’s natural repair process. PRP is derived from your blood and is rich in growth factors that support collagen production and tissue regeneration. When applied during or after microneedling, PRP penetrates the microchannels to amplify the skin’s healing response and promote improved texture, tone, and elasticity.
PRF
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) offers a slower-release alternative to PRP, delivering growth factors and regenerative cells over a longer period. This option is ideal for patients seeking a more gradual rejuvenation process. PRF pairs seamlessly with RF microneedling by extending the benefits of the treatment, allowing for ongoing skin improvement as the fibrin matrix releases nutrients into the skin.
PRP/PRF Injections
PRF injections or PRP injections can be combined with RF microneedling to deliver growth factors directly into areas of concern. These injections focus on boosting collagen in deeper layers of the skin or scalp, enhancing results for conditions like under-eye hollows, acne scars, or thinning hair. The combination of microneedling and localized injections creates a comprehensive approach to skin and scalp rejuvenation.
What to Expect From Your First Treatment
Before RF Microneedling
Before your RF microneedling session, we’ll evaluate your skin and discuss your specific concerns to make sure the treatment is right for you. We’ll have you avoid direct sun exposure, exfoliating products, and retinol for a few days leading up to your appointment. These precautions help prepare your skin and minimize irritation during the session. On the day of your treatment, we’ll cleanse the area and we may apply a topical numbing cream to ensure your comfort throughout the process.
During RF Microneedling
During the treatment, you’ll feel a combination of gentle pressure and prickling from the microneedles and a warm sensation as the radiofrequency energy is delivered into your skin. The PiXel8-RF device can be adjusted if needed during the process. Depending on the size of the treatment area, the session typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. If we’re treating multiple areas or combining your session with add-ons like PRP or PRF, this may extend the duration slightly.
After RF Microneedling
Right after your treatment, your skin may look like it has a mild sunburn and it may be a little tender. This is to be expected for the first 24 to 48 hours. We’ll provide you with specific aftercare instructions, which may include avoiding makeup, heavy skincare products, or direct sun exposure for the first day or two. Over the next few weeks, you’ll notice improvements in skin texture and tone as collagen production ramps up. For enhanced results, we may recommend a series of treatments spaced about four to six weeks apart. If scalp treatments for hair loss are part of your plan, we’ll also discuss follow-up sessions and any complementary therapies to maximize growth.
A Few FAQs About RF Microneedling With PiXel8-RF
How Many RF Microneedling Treatments Will I Need?
The number of microneedling sessions depends on your specific skin concerns and goals. For general skin rejuvenation, many patients benefit from three to four treatments spaced about four to six weeks apart. For more advanced concerns, such as acne scars or significant skin laxity, additional sessions may be recommended to achieve optimal results.
Who Is a Good Candidate for RF Microneedling?
RF microneedling is suitable for most skin types and tones. It’s ideal for individuals looking to address wrinkles, scars, uneven texture, or mild skin laxity. However, it’s not recommended for those with active skin infections, certain skin conditions like eczema, or individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
When Will I See RF Microneedling Results?
Initial improvements, such as smoother skin texture and reduced redness, may become visible within a week after your first session. The full benefits of microneedling take time as collagen production builds, typically peaking around three to four weeks. Long-term improvements, such as firmer skin and reduced scars, continue to develop over several months with repeated treatments.
Is RF Microneedling Good for Active Acne?
RF microneedling is generally not recommended for treating active acne. While it can improve acne scars and reduce oil production over time, treating active acne may spread bacteria and exacerbate breakouts. We can recommend alternative treatments to help manage acne before proceeding with microneedling.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of RF Microneedling?
Most patients experience mild redness, swelling, or sensitivity immediately following the treatment, which typically resolves within a few days. Other side effects may include temporary bruising or minor scabbing in treated areas. Serious complications, such as infection, are uncommon when proper aftercare is followed but can occur. We’ll provide detailed instructions to minimize any risks.
How Much Does RF Microneedling Cost?
The cost of RF microneedling varies based on the treatment area, the number of sessions recommended, and any add-ons like PRP or PRF. During your consultation, we’ll provide a customized quote based on your specific needs and goals.
A Little Bit About Your RF Microneedling Providers
We are a small, woman-owned business that takes pride in delivering aesthetic medical services with a natural and minimalistic approach. We create a relaxed but professional environment where every treatment is performed under the supervision of a licensed physician. Using advanced technologies like PiXel8-RF, we address concerns such as acne scars, sagging skin, sun damage, and more with precision and care. Whether you're in La Mesa, San Diego, or nearby areas like Chula Vista, Lemon Grove, La Presa, or Bonita, CA, we’re here to help you achieve your aesthetic goals in a way that feels approachable and effective.
How to Get Started With Your RF Microneedling Treatments
RF microneedling is a versatile treatment that can improve a range of skin concerns from wrinkles to acne scars, with minimal downtime. At San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa in La Mesa, CA, we use PiXel8-RF technology to deliver effective, results-driven aesthetic treatments. To learn more or schedule your consultation, call us at (619) 303-0988 or contact us using our online form.
