RF Microneedling
Providers at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery offer RF Microneedling solutions for men and women in Austin and Sunset Valley, Texas.
Today, there are more skin rejuvenation options than ever before. It’s never been safer or more convenient to get youthful, glowing skin with minimally invasive treatments that offer great results and minimal downtime. RF Microneedling is one of the latest solutions for patients who want to look younger without a lengthy recovery period.
The Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery is proud to introduce this innovative skin care treatment to patients. This in-office procedure combines microneedling with radiofrequency thermal energy to promote collagen production and tightening of the skin. RF Microneedling is safe for all skin types. This treatment can improve signs of aging, scars, stretch marks and mild skin laxity.
What Is RF Microneedling?
RF Microneedling is named for the two components involved in its skin rejuvenation approach: the pixilation effect that appears in the skin from microneedles, and the radiofrequency energy that it delivers to the skin.
Through the small punctures and the introduction of radiofrequency energy deep into the tissues, vertical microchannels are formed in the skin. This creates a controlled injury using both heat energy and manual punctures. These microchannels then cause the body’s natural healing process to go into overdrive. By creating this minor damage, collagen production is boosted and new, healthy tissue is created.
Collagen plays a vital role in the skin’s health, creating the look of healthy, youthful skin. When the skin is damaged through UV rays, the natural aging process, disease, trauma, collagen loss and skin irregularities or signs of aging occur. RF Microneedling is a treatment that helps rejuvenate the skin through increased collagen production.
Because the transformation begins at the deepest layer of skin, the dermis, cellular improvements will continue for 6-8 weeks after each treatment.
Why Choose the RF Microneedling Treatment?
RF Microneedling is a great option for those with skin texture issues. This minimally invasive treatment harnesses the body’s recovery powers to enhance the skin.
Patients can undergo the procedure to treat existing issues, which may postpone the need for more invasive treatments and plastic surgeries.
RF Microneedling can also be performed following a surgical procedure to help maintain the results of the surgery. Some surgeries like the facelift or forehead lift focus on certain areas of the face but may not address areas that show less extensive aging. In these cases, RF Microneedling can help create a uniformly refreshed look.
RF Microneedling is effective in improving the following conditions:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Mild skin laxity
- Large pores
- Scars (e.g., acne scars)
- Stretch marks
Candidates for RF Microneedling
Prospective patients may be considered for RF Microneedling treatment if they meet the following criteria:
They Are Healthy
While the procedure is considered minimally invasive, patients who are immunocompromised, prone to infection, or who have active skin issues in their desired treatment areas may not be immediately approved for the procedure. However, once these conditions improve, our provider can review the patient’s full medical history and determine if the procedure is safe for them.
They Are Experiencing Skin Laxity and Signs of Aging
RF Microneedling can jumpstart the skin renewal process. This treatment is designed to create a smoother, tighter, more youthful look. Due to the nature of the procedure, there are some limitations to what the treatment can accomplish. RF Microneedling may not be the best treatment option for discoloration caused by hyperpigmentation, pigmented lesions or visible blood vessels (e.g., capillaries) because laser treatments are often more effective for achieving these goals. RF Microneedling can be combined with a Broadband Light treatment (BBL). A combination BBL and RF Microneedling treatment can accomplish the goals of pigment and vascular reduction, as well as the benefit of the radiofrequency microneedles. Nonetheless, patients should have realistic expectations of what a non-surgical treatment can achieve.
They Are Willing to Commit to Multiple Treatment Sessions
In most cases, our provider will recommend a treatment plan for at least 4 RF Microneedling appointments, spaced 3-4 weeks apart. This promotes optimal, long-lasting rejuvenation over a period of weeks and months. Our providers often recommend adding BBL to the treatment. The BBL assists with pigment or vascular reduction and increases collagen production.
RF Microneedling is safe for use on any skin tone, from very fair to very dark skin. There is also no specific age restriction. Women and men alike can benefit from the treatment. However, it is recommended that patients who are pregnant or on certain acne medications wait to undergo RF Microneedling.
An RF Microneedling Consultation at the Buckingham Center in Austin, Texas
Prospective patients who have skin concerns can meet with one of our providers for a consultation. During this meeting, the doctor will review the patient’s medical history, learn more about his or her aesthetic preferences and examine the patient’s skin.
If the patient is a good candidate for this procedure, the provider creates a custom treatment plan that includes RF Microneedling, as well as any additional procedures. In addition, the provider may recommend professional skin care options to the patient.
Preparing for an RF Microneedling Session
Patients should wash their face and refrain from applying sunscreen or cosmetic products prior to a skin treatment session. Long hair should be secured away from the face. Patients should wear loose, comfortable clothing, as they will be lying down during their treatment session.
If the patient is experiencing an active skin condition, or some other health issue, he or she should notify the office to determine if rescheduling is necessary.
How RF Microneedling Is Performed
First, the skin is cleansed and prepped with a topical anesthetic. The numbing cream remains on the face and any other treatment sites on the neck and body for about 30 minutes to ensure a comfortable RF Microneedling treatment.
The handheld device is passed across the treatment sites. This allows the microneedles that are affixed to a small wheel to prick the skin while radiofrequency energy is delivered to the tissues simultaneously. The device passes over each area once.
Cool air can be blown over the skin during RF Microneedling for an improved experience.
In some cases, the RF Microneedling procedure will be combined with a Growth Factor treatment, which involves growth factors being spread across the skin prior to the treatment.
Growth Factor is derived from the patient’s blood. Prior to the session, blood will be drawn and run through a centrifuge to extract the potent plasma, which is referred to as liquid gold. This serum contains powerful healing components that can amplify a patient’s skin rejuvenation results.
The entire appointment can last up to 90 minutes, and patients are free to return to their normal schedules following their treatment session.
Recovering From RF Microneedling
Fractionated microneedle radiofrequency is a minimally invasive skin therapy that is performed in a convenient office setting at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery and requires minimal downtime.
Patients may be encouraged to stay out of the sun and to keep their skin clean and hydrated.
Makeup can be worn the next day. The provider and staff will provide the patient with any specific instructions for the best results.
What are the Risks and Side Effects of RF Microneedling?
Risks include:
- Infection
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Side effects include:
- Tenderness in the skin
- Redness and minor swelling; the feel of sunburn is typical
- Visible spots for up to a few days that appear like pixelated dots
Articles on RF Microneedling
Read this RF Microneedling review from the Prime International Journal of Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions about RF Microneedling
Is RF Microneedling Painful?
While there can be some mild discomfort involved with the treatment, the use of a pre-procedure topical anesthetic combined with cool air provides patient comfort during an RF Microneedling session. There can be redness and irritation following the procedure, but it is typically minimal and short-lived. Over-the-counter pain medications and a cool compress can control these side effects.
How Much Does RF Microneedling Cost?
Depending on how many areas are treated, patients can expect to spend around $850-$1,000 per RF Microneedling treatment session.
The total cost of the treatment series is usually less than the cost of cosmetic surgery. If the patient elects to undergo additional treatments, like the application of Growth Factor, the price of each session will increase.
Prospective patients can consult with office staff to receive a pricing guide.
How Often Should I Schedule Treatments?
Initially, patients are encouraged to have a total of 4 or 5 treatments performed at intervals of 3 of 4 weeks. After this initial series, the provider can set up a schedule for those interested in maintaining their results.
What Are Other Names for RF Microneedling?
Generic descriptions for similar technology include:
- Pixel8-RF
- Fractionated microneedle radiofrequency
- Injectable fractional radiofrequency treatment
- Microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFR)
- RF collagen induction therapy
What Are the Limitations of RF Microneedling?
RF Microneedling was specifically designed to treat the skin, and more specifically fine lines and wrinkles, scarring and sagging skin.
RF Microneedling treatments can be used on many areas of the face (including around the eyes) and body. However, this treatment cannot replace surgery for those with more extensive signs of aging. RF Microneedling is unable to improve coloration issues.
Related Procedures
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- Restylane®
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- RF Microneedling
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