Microneedling for Skin Tightening

As we age, the production of the proteins collagen and elastin begins to decrease, causing the skin to gradually lose its structure, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and increased skin laxity. Sagging skin can emphasize these signs of aging, contributing to uneven skin texture and a drooping appearance to the face and body. For patients who feel unhappy with the incidence of skin laxity and signs of aging, radiofrequency Microneedling may be the best solution for you. Unlike invasive treatments like plastic surgery or face lifts, radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling is a non-invasive treatment that rejuvenates the skin without downtime. It is best to seek treatment from an expert dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green, who can generate a treatment plan to address many skin conditions, providing patients with safe and effective anti-aging treatments.

Used to treat a wide variety of skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, acne scars, injury scars, uneven skin texture, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, cellulite, hyperhidrosis, stretch marks, hair loss, large pores, radiofrequency Microneedling is a safe and effective treatment option for all skin types. The RF Microneedling procedure combines typical Microneedling treatment with the emission of radiofrequency energy to boost the production of new collagen in both the epidermis and the dermis for total rejuvenation of the treatment area. Often called collagen induction therapy, RF Microneedling causes controlled damage to the skin using a combination of fine needles and radiofrequency energy, triggering the body’s natural healing process and providing patients with anti-aging results without any downtime. RF Microneedling can also be combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment, which speeds up the recovery process and improves the treatment results.

To achieve optimal results from RF Microneedling treatment, it is best to seek treatment from an experienced, board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green. An expert in various treatment options, including Microneedling, laser resurfacing treatment, chemical peels, Botox, dermal fillers, and more, Dr. Green has treated patients at her Upper East Side New York City dermatology office for over 25 years. Well-known for precision, patient comfort, and achieving optimal results, Dr. Green enjoys high patient satisfaction by creating individualized treatment plans based on each person’s unique needs and aesthetic goals, which has also earned her the honor of being voted one of New York City’s best healthcare providers by such publications as Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine.

What is radiofrequency Microneedling skincare?

Radiofrequency Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that stimulates collagen production to reduce signs of aging by tightening the skin, improving skin tone and texture, addressing pigmentation and sun damage, and reducing the appearance of acne scars, injury scars, and stretch marks. The treatment combines two anti-aging approaches: microneedling and radiofrequency energy emission. The two treatments give patients more dramatic skin rejuvenation without needing recovery time or downtime. Microneedling works via tiny punctures created by surgical grade needles, which form micro-injuries on the skin’s surface, and the radiofrequency energy emissions penetrate the dermal layer of skin, heating the tissue and causing controlled damage to the treatment area. While some laser treatments can be dangerous for patients with darker skin tones, such as patients of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent, radiofrequency microneedling is safe for all skin tones, as it does not target pigmentation as other laser treatments do. At Dr. Green’s New York City dermatology office, she uses the Vivace RF Microneedling device to achieve optimal results.

What are the side effects of using a Microneedling device?

Radiofrequency Microneedling is a safe and effective treatment that requires no downtime following the procedure. Most patients experience only mild, temporary side effects, including dry skin, redness, itching, swelling at the treatment site, acne breakouts, or cold sores. These side effects are common and will resolve independently without additional medical attention within several hours or days of treatment. Rarely, there is a risk of developing more severe side effects, including an allergic reaction to the Microneedling device, infection, excessive bleeding post-procedure, bruising, fatigue, or headache. If you experience any of these severe adverse events, seek medical attention from your healthcare provider. The risk of developing more severe side effects can be mitigated by seeking treatment from an expert, board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green instead of therapy from a MedSpa or Wellness Center. Dr. Green will always begin the treatment process by examining the treatment area and reviewing each patient’s medical history. If you have a history of hypertrophic scarring, are currently taking Accutane, are experiencing open cold sores or skin infection, are pregnant, or are receiving any radiation treatment, inform Dr. Green during your consultation, as RF microneedling may be unsafe.

Can RF Microneedling be done at home?

Radiofrequency Microneedling is a treatment that is best performed by an experienced dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, rather than at home, as Dr. Green uses a powerful, medical-grade microneedling device specifically designed to provide patients with the most dramatic results. Any Microneedling device acquired at home will never be as powerful as a device used at a dermatologist’s office, and there are more risks from attempting the procedure at home. The Microneedling devices available at Dr. Green’s office have adjustable needle lengths that can penetrate up to 3.5 mm deep. At-home devices, on the other hand, often have very short needles that cannot penetrate the deeper layers of the dermis, meaning any results achieved from at-home treatment will be superficial at best. Further, there is little to no FDA regulation for Microneedling devices that can be purchased for home use, meaning that the safety and effectiveness of at-home treatments have not been adequately studied. There is also a higher risk of infection from at-home devices, as these microneedling devices must be cleaned precisely to be safe. Often, it isn’t easy to do so, resulting in improperly cared for at-home devices. The safest and most effective option when seeking microneedling treatment is to make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green.

What are the benefits of Microneedling?

There are many benefits of microneedling, especially when paired with treatments such as radiofrequency energy treatment and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment. Microneedling can address various skin conditions, including skin laxity, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, hyperhidrosis, fine lines, and wrinkles, restoring skin elasticity and improving skin texture and tone. Various studies on RF microneedling have demonstrated the benefits of the treatments when combined: In 2014, researchers examined the effect of RF microneedling on the appearance of acne scars and found that in the majority of patients, the treatment significantly reduced the appearance of acne scars at the treatment area. RF microneedling has various anti-aging effects, and studies published in 2013, 2018, and 2020 demonstrated that RF microneedling reduces the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes, improves skin texture and reduces pore size, and tightens the skin, respectively. Another benefit of RF microneedling is that it is safe and effective for patients of all skin types and skin tones.

Does RF Microneedling tighten the skin?

Radiofrequency microneedling helps to tighten the skin by triggering the production of the structural proteins collagen and elastin, which improves skin elasticity for total facial rejuvenation and anti-aging results. Providing more dramatic results than microneedling on its own, RF microneedling has been shown by researchers to be effective in tightening the skin on various body parts, including the face, neck, chest, arms, and stomach. One study in 2020 demonstrated that the appearance of loose facial skin could be significantly reduced with radiofrequency microneedling treatment. Depending on the severity of the skin laxity, Dr. Green may pair microneedling or supplement with Thermage skin tightening, a laser treatment often viewed as the gold standard for skin tightening. When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will examine the treatment area and determine which skin-tightening treatment will work best for you.

How does Microneedling help tighten skin?

Microneedling, often called collagen-induction therapy, is a treatment in which a device with thin, surgical-grade needles is applied to the treatment area to puncture the skin and produce new collagen. When combined with radiofrequency energy, microneedling produces even more dramatic results. The procedure begins with the needles piercing the epidermal layer of skin at the treatment site, creating micro-wounds or many small injuries. The penetration depth depends on the needle length, which can be adjusted depending on which part of the face or body is being treated. The micro-wounds produced by the microneedling trigger the body’s natural healing response, boosting collagen and elastin production, which improves skin elasticity, and tightens the skin.

The emission of radiofrequency energy improves the results of the microneedling treatment by penetrating deeper into the dermal layer of the skin. The RF microneedling device’s RF energy is converted into thermal energy in the dermis, leading to heat damage, which stimulates collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. The heat damage in the dermis also triggers new collagen production, gradually improving skin laxity as the treatment area heals over time. Additionally, the thermal energy causes some degree of skin tightening immediately. When the radiofrequency energy is first emitted, it causes the water molecules in the dermis to separate from the fibrous collagen, which leads to skin contraction immediately and a tightening effect.

Does Microneedling help with sagging skin?

RF Microneedling does help to improve the appearance of sagging skin by inducing new collagen production, which boosts skin elasticity and produces thicker, smoother skin. The treatment process begins with a consultation appointment with Dr. Green, where she will examine the treatment area, review your medical history, and then make the treatment plan that will be best for you. In the two weeks before the treatment, Dr. Green recommends avoiding anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the risk of bruising and stop taking retinoids three days before the procedure. When you arrive in Dr. Green’s office for the treatment, she will begin by applying a numbing cream to the treatment area to improve patient comfort during the procedure. Depending on the needle’s depth, a nerve blocker may decrease the risk of discomfort during treatment.

During the treatment, Dr. Green will apply the Microneedling device to the skin, allowing the needles to pierce the skin and emit a pulse of RF energy. Dr. Green may go over each treatment site multiple times to achieve optimal results. Depending on the size and scope of the treatment area, the treatment can take between 10 and 30 minutes, with more significant surface area sites, such as the stomach or legs, taking more time than the face. Once the treatment site has been pierced with the Microneedling device, Dr. Green may apply PRP solution, which absorbs into the holes created on the skin to improve results and speed up the healing process. Following the treatment, patients can return to their regularly scheduled activities immediately without downtime. The RF microneedling treatment can make the skin particularly photosensitive, so Dr. Green recommends that patients are incredibly diligent about wearing sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Unprotected sun exposure can exacerbate signs of the natural aging process, leading to the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture.

Will Microneedling tighten neck skin?

Many patients ask, “Will microneedling tighten my neck?” and the answer is: it can! Depending on the part of the neck being treated, the needle length and radiofrequency energy level must be adjusted for optimal results. When treating the chin, Dr. Green will typically use needles that will penetrate 2mm into the treatment area with a level of radiofrequency energy between 15 and 20. The neck’s penetration level can be deeper – up to 3mm – and the radiofrequency energy level higher – between 20 and 40. Bonier areas of the body, such as the chin and forehead, require a shorter penetration depth than the softer tissue of the neck and cheeks.

How does Microneedling tighten neck skin?

Microneedling tightens the neck skin via collagen induction therapy, creating new collagen by triggering the body’s natural healing response. The Microneedling device pierces the neck skin, creating tiny micro-wounds in the soft tissue there, which boosts the production of the structural proteins collagen and elastin. When more collagen and elastin are produced, the skin becomes firmer, thicker, and more elastic, tightening the skin.

Does Microneedling help a sagging neck?

RF microneedling can effectively tighten sagging neck skin to give patients a rejuvenated, youthful appearance. A study of 247 patients with sagging neck skin found that 93% of patients were satisfied with the effects of the treatment and would get the treatment again in the future. On average, these patients improved 1.6 points on the Baker Face Neck Classification, a marked improvement over where they started. RF microneedling is best for mild skin laxity. If patients are experiencing moderate to severe skin laxity on the neck, Dr. Green may recommend a combination treatment with Thermage RF skin tightening treatment.

Does Microneedling help sagging jowls?

When treating sagging jowls, it is essential to understand the cause of the jowl formation before recommending a procedure. As we age, the fad pads in our cheeks sag, and the skin increases in laxity, leading to sagging skin along the jawline. If skin laxity is the cause of the sagging jowls, RF Microneedling can be an effective treatment for tightening the skin along the jawline. However, jowls may be caused by a build-up of fat cells along the jawline. If so, Dr. Green may recommend CoolSculpting to freeze pockets of unwanted fat or Kybella to destroy fat cells in the treatment area.

What is Microneedling for stretch marks?

Stretch marks form due to skin stretching too quickly and are very common, with an estimated 80% of all people experiencing stretch marks. Risk factors for developing stretch marks can include gaining weight, pregnancy, or genetics, and they often appear on the stomach, legs, or buttocks. Characterized by pigmented skin that inhibits typical collagen production, stretch marks can be treated with RF Microneedling. RF Microneedling can heat the deeper layers of skin for skin cell turnover and rejuvenation, reducing the appearance of uneven skin texture and tone of stretch marks.

Does Microneedling tighten the stomach?

Microneedling can be used on many body areas, including the stomach. Patients experiencing mild skin laxity in the stomach can turn to RF microneedling treatment to help tighten the skin. When the skin laxity is more significant, and patients are looking for an overall contour of the stomach area, Dr. Green may combine microneedling with Thermage for skin tightening or CoolSculpting for fat freezing. These treatments combined can help to rejuvenate the skin and contour the stomach.

Does Microneedling firm skin?

As we age, the skin naturally loses elasticity as collagen and elastin production decreases, increasing skin laxity, emphasizing fine lines and wrinkles. Sometimes, signs of aging can be further exacerbated by sun damage when patients experience unexpected sun exposure. Luckily, microneedling with radiofrequency energy can effectively provide patients with firm skin and decrease skin laxity. RF microneedling is an ideal treatment option for patients experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity and not interested in surgical treatments, such as a facelift or plastic surgery, which comes with a much higher risk of significant adverse events. For more severe skin laxity, Dr. Green may recommend using the Thermage radiofrequency device, which provides patients with long-lasting skin tightening effects up to two years post-treatment.

Does Dermaroller tighten the skin?

The Dermaroller is a microneedling device popular at home and not as effective at skin tightening or anti-aging treatment as the treatment you can receive in a dermatology office. The needle length on the Dermaroller is much shorter than the length of the needles available in Dr. Green’s office, meaning they cannot penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, providing patients with only superficial results. Additionally, the Dermaroller, when used at home, is often challenging to properly sterilize after use, making it easy for bacteria to grow on the needles and increasing the risk of infection after future use.

Does Dermapen tighten the skin?

The Dermapen is a fractional microneedling device that addresses various skin concerns, including high skin laxity, stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, and surgical scars. The Dermapen does work for skin tightening and can be safely used on patients of all Fitzpatrick skin types. The Dermapen is an FDA-registered device with eleven needles that can repeatedly penetrate the skin during treatment.

Does microneedling tighten loose skin?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is an effective treatment for improving skin elasticity, tone, and texture via the creation of micro-wounds on the surface of the skin. These micro-wounds trigger the body’s natural healing response, boosting collagen and elastin production to tighten the skin. The effects of the microneedling treatment can be further improved when combined with radiofrequency energy technology. As the needles pierce the treatment area, a burst of radiofrequency energy is emitted to heat the deeper layers of the dermis for a complete rejuvenation of the treatment area.

How to get started with radiofrequency microneedling for skin rejuvenation today

Dr. Green has many treatment options available at her Upper East Side New York City dermatology office to combat signs of aging, including fine lines, stretch marks, wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and increased skin laxity. One such treatment that is safe and effective for all skin types is radiofrequency microneedling. By creating controlled damage to the dermis and epidermis, radiofrequency microneedling boosts the production of the support proteins collagen and elastin to increase elasticity in the skin. The optimal results of radiofrequency microneedling can be achieved in as few as four sessions, and the effects can last up to a year, all without downtime.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive cosmetic procedures available, including microneedling treatment. She is consistently identified as one of New York City’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that best suits your specific concerns and provides you with optimal results. To start with complete facial rejuvenation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Green today by contacting us online or calling 212-535-3088.