Radiofrequency Microneedling
As we age, the production of collagen and elastin declines, resulting in visible signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, mild skin laxity, acne scars, sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture and tone. Many cosmetic treatments aim to increase the production of new collagen and elastin; however, these procedures typically stimulate collagen and elastin only in the outer or inner skin layers. Radiofrequency microneedling offers an innovative approach to cosmetic dermatology by combining microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production, thereby promoting facial rejuvenation. Dr. Michele Green in New York City often uses radiofrequency microneedling in her patients’ personalized treatment plans to achieve a smooth, radiant complexion with long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling is a non-surgical procedure used to rejuvenate the face and achieve a more youthful look. Its microneedling component uses tiny, surgical-grade needles to trigger the body’s natural healing response and boost the production of new collagen in the epidermis. At the same time, RF energy is delivered deep into the skin to encourage collagen growth in the dermis. RF microneedling is a pain-free and safe treatment suitable for all skin types and tones, including darker skin tones. With RF microneedling, Dr. Green helps you look and feel like your best self again.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally acclaimed, board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing premier non-surgical cosmetic procedures for facial rejuvenation to some of the world’s most selective clients. She consistently ranks among New York’s top dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, The New York Times, and Super Doctors for her dedication and expertise. Dr. Green adopts a less-is-more approach in cosmetic dermatology, customizing each patient’s treatment plan based on their unique skin type, tone, and concerns. When you visit Dr. Green at her private dermatology practice in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she will collaborate with you to develop a personalized RF microneedling treatment plan designed to help you achieve clear, radiant, and youthful-looking skin that lasts.
What is radiofrequency microneedling?
Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment designed to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines, pore size, acne scars, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, mild loose skin, and uneven skin tone or texture. Unlike traditional microneedling, RF microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency technology to boost collagen production in the skin’s outer and inner layers, maximizing its benefits. Patients often experience little to no downtime or side effects afterward, making it convenient to fit treatments into busy schedules. Most patients need an initial series of RF microneedling sessions, spaced four weeks apart, to achieve optimal results. Dr. Green recommends regular maintenance appointments to sustain and enhance these results. RF microneedling remains a popular skin renewal option because it is minimally invasive, safe for all skin tones and types, and consistently delivers impressive results.
How does RF microneedling work?
RF microneedling encourages the production of new collagen and elastin in both the epidermis and dermis. The technique utilizes tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the skin’s surface, triggering the body’s natural wound-healing process and promoting the growth of collagen and elastin. At the same time, radiofrequency energy is delivered to the dermis, heating the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. As we age, the levels of collagen and elastin naturally decline, resulting in visible signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, acne scars, and enlarged pores. The combined effects of microneedling and RF energy maximize collagen and elastin synthesis in both the epidermal and dermal layers of skin, promoting enhanced skin rejuvenation and a more youthful appearance.
What does radiofrequency microneedling do for the face?
Radiofrequency microneedling is a great treatment choice for skin rejuvenation, reducing signs of aging and sun damage on the face, including:
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Mild skin laxity
- Skin discoloration from sun damage or old acne lesions
- Acne scars
- Uneven skin texture
- Enlarged pores
- Stretch marks
Vivace RF microneedling device for skin rejuvenation?
Dr. Green offers Vivace radiofrequency microneedling at her boutique cosmetic dermatology office in New York City’s Upper East Side. Vivace employs a robotic motor to deliver precise, controlled pulses with gold-tipped, insulated microneedles. This combination makes the treatment painless for patients while boosting collagen production in both the epidermal and dermal skin layers. Vivace is an excellent choice for addressing fine lines, large pores, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, and improving skin elasticity. Typically, patients undergo at least three Vivace RF microneedling sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, to achieve optimal results.
Who is a good candidate for Vivace RF microneedling?
A suitable candidate is an individual over 21 who is in good overall health and wants to boost collagen in their skin while addressing specific skin concerns. Vivace RF microneedling is safe for all skin types and tones, including those with darker skin, making it accessible to most people interested in skin rejuvenation. However, those with a history of keloid scarring, skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis, blood disorders, active acne, or frequent cold sore outbreaks may not be ideal candidates for RF microneedling. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women are generally not suitable for Vivace RF microneedling, as its safety has not been fully confirmed. To determine if you’re a suitable candidate, it’s best to consult a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, who will assess your candidacy and create a personalized skin rejuvenation plan tailored to your specific needs, skin type, tone, and aesthetic goals.
What is the Vivace RF microneedling treatment?
At the beginning of your Vivace RF microneedling session, you’ll meet Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. During your consultation, she will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical assessment of your skin, and discuss any previous cosmetic treatments you have undergone. Based on her assessment of your specific skin concerns and aesthetic goals, Dr. Green will determine the most suitable treatment options using Vivace RF microneedling. She might also take medical photographs at this time to monitor your progress.
On the day of your Vivace RF microneedling treatment, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the entire treatment area one hour before the procedure to minimize discomfort and make the experience nearly painless. When you arrive at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office, the numbing cream will be removed, and the skin will be sterilized for the treatment. The Vivace handpiece will then glide over the skin, delivering tiny, gold-tipped needles along with radiofrequency energy to stimulate new collagen growth. After the procedure, a specialized peptide serum and cooling mask will be applied to enhance the results. Dr. Green will also provide important aftercare instructions, including any recommended treatment serums and skincare products tailored to your plan.
Are there any side effects to Vivace RF microneedling?
There is almost no recovery time, and minimal side effects are linked to Vivace RF microneedling. Patients might notice mild redness in the treatment area, which typically resolves on its own shortly after the procedure. Less commonly, patients may also experience pinpoint bleeding or swelling in the area, which usually subsides within 24 to 48 hours.
Is there any downtime associated with Vivace RF microneedling?
No. The appeal of Vivace RF microneedling is that it involves minimal downtime, allowing patients to integrate the treatment into their busy schedules easily. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise and activities that raise body temperature, such as hot tubs or saunas, for 48 hours to prevent swelling or infection. They should also practice proper sun protection after treatment, including avoiding excessive sun exposure, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat to maintain the results. Additionally, patients should refrain from exfoliating or using harsh skin products, such as retinol and hydroxy acids, for one week to reduce irritation and support wound healing.
How long do RF microneedling results last on the face?
The duration of RF microneedling results depends on several factors, including the number of treatment sessions, your skincare routine, sun exposure, sun protection, and age. Most patients see improvements in skin quality for up to six months after their last treatment. Many find that maintaining optimal results is possible with biannual “touch-up” treatments, keeping skin glowing for years. Dr. Michele Green will also develop a personalized skincare plan tailored to your specific skin concerns and goals, boosting and maximizing the benefits of RF microneedling treatment.
What skincare products should be paired with RF microneedling treatment?
After an RF microneedling treatment, using targeted skincare products is crucial for maintaining and boosting the results. Dr. Green’s proprietary skincare line, MGSKINLABS, offers a variety of products designed to address concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture and tone, and hyperpigmentation. When you consult with Dr. Green for your RF microneedling procedure, she will develop a personalized skincare plan tailored to help you look and feel your best.
Sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine, especially after RF microneedling treatments. UV rays can damage collagen and elastin fibers, speeding up skin aging. Sun exposure can also lead to the recurrence of sunspots and hyperpigmentation, even after treatment with RF microneedling. Patients should always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield against both UVA and UVB rays. The Hydrating SPF 50 from MGSKINLABS is an excellent physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide to block harmful UV rays, along with hyaluronic acid and lactic acid to hydrate and soften the skin.
Patients undergoing RF microneedling for hyperpigmentation can benefit from skin lightening ingredients such as vitamin C, kojic acid, lactic acid, and tranexamic acid. The Vita-C Serum from MGSKINLABS contains a high potency of vitamin C to brighten the skin, accelerate skin cell turnover, and protect the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage. The Skin Brightening Cream from MGSKINLABS contains kojic acid, lactic acid, and fruit extracts to lighten and eliminate pigmentation.
Retinol is a wonderful skincare ingredient that encourages cell turnover and collagen production, helping to reduce signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and uneven skin texture and tone. The MGSKINLABS Essential Antioxidant Infusion is a powerful retinol serum specially formulated to boost collagen and revitalize the skin. Retinol should be avoided for one week after RF microneedling treatment to allow the skin to recover. Since retinol increases skin photosensitivity, it’s important to avoid excessive sun exposure, use retinol only at night, and apply daily sunscreen to shield your skin.
What treatments can be combined with RF microneedling to achieve pan-facial rejuvenation?
Patients often combine RF microneedling with other cosmetic procedures in their personalized treatment plans to address multiple skin concerns and achieve a comprehensive facial transformation. Some individuals may want to improve dynamic wrinkles and volume loss caused by aging, while others might focus on skin laxity. When working with expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green in NYC, she will develop a customized treatment plan that targets your specific skin concerns and aesthetic goals.
Botox injections are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments globally because they can help reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles on the face. Dynamic wrinkles occur when muscles contract during facial expressions, such as raising the eyebrows, furrowing the brow, or squinting the eyes. Common dynamic wrinkles include forehead lines, glabellar lines, and crow’s feet. When Botox is injected, it temporarily paralyzes the muscles in the treated area. By “freezing” the muscles, Botox can help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles caused by muscle activity. Botox typically takes two weeks to start working and lasts around four months. To maintain and improve their results, patients usually have regular follow-up treatments.
Dermal fillers are another excellent cosmetic procedure to combine with RF microneedling. These injectable compounds help fill volume loss and enhance specific facial features. They can be used on various parts of the face, such as the cheeks, nasolabial folds, lips, oral commissures, jawline, tear troughs (the hollows under the eyes), and chin. Fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero contain hyaluronic acid, a natural substance in the body that draws in water and smooths the skin. Sculptra, a liquid dermal filler, uses poly-L-lactic acid to stimulate collagen production and restore volume in the treated area. Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last six to twelve months after a single treatment, while Sculptra can last up to two years after multiple treatments.
Thermage is an excellent complement to RF microneedling because it enhances mild to moderate skin laxity. Considered the gold standard for non-invasive skin tightening, Thermage delivers impressive results in just one session. It utilizes radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production deep within the dermis, resulting in skin tightening and a smoother appearance. The newest Thermage device, Thermage FLX, features AccuREP technology, which provides more precise heating, greater patient comfort, and enhanced skin tightening results. Typically, results are visible within four to six months and can last up to two years, depending on the patient. Thermage involves no downtime, enabling patients to schedule treatments and quickly resume their daily routines. Besides the face, Thermage can tighten skin on the neck, decolletage, chest, abdomen, upper arms, thighs, and buttocks.
FAQs about RF Microneedling Treatment
Is RF microneedling better than a facelift?
No, RF microneedling treatment and a facelift are not comparable. RF microneedling is a non-surgical option used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, fine lines, mild skin laxity, acne scars, and pigmentation caused by sun damage or previous acne. A facelift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat, tightens facial muscles, and repositions the skin to achieve a more youthful look. While RF microneedling has virtually no downtime, a facelift typically involves a longer recovery period, incisions, and a higher risk of side effects due to the use of general anesthesia.
The best non-invasive facelift option is Thermage. Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as remodel existing collagen fibers, leading to tighter, firmer skin. The new Thermage FLX features AccuREP algorithmic technology for more precise energy delivery and better skin heating. Its wider tip also enables faster treatments, increasing patient comfort. After just one session, patients can see skin tightening effects that last up to two years. Since visible results take four to six months, patients usually undergo annual treatments to maintain their improvements.
Individuals with significant sagging skin or skin laxity may benefit from a facelift, as it is the only procedure that can remove excess skin to tighten and lift the face. After the skin has healed, patients can undergo RF microneedling to improve skin texture and tone, achieving comprehensive facial rejuvenation. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private NYC cosmetic dermatology office, she will evaluate your medical history, facial anatomy, and skin concerns to determine which cosmetic procedures are best suited to help you reach your aesthetic goals. If you are a candidate for a facelift, Dr. Green will refer you to a trusted plastic surgeon for a plastic surgery consultation.
Is RF microneedling good for eczema and acne?
It is generally not advised to undergo RF microneedling while experiencing active eczema or acne on the skin. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and scaly skin. The microinjuries created during the procedure can exacerbate eczema symptoms, leading to increased irritation and triggering a more severe inflammatory response. Additionally, microinjuries on already dry patches can compromise the skin barrier, increasing the risk of infection later. RF microneedling is also not recommended for patients with active acne breakouts, as the procedure can spread bacteria across the face, potentially leading to infection and worsening of the breakouts. Dr. Green recommends treating the underlying eczema or acne first for optimal results.
Is Vivace or Morpheus8 better for skin rejuvenation?
Vivace and Morpheus8 are both resurfacing fractional radiofrequency microneedling treatments that reduce fine lines, facial wrinkles, and acne scars while also improving mild skin laxity and uneven texture and tone. The main differences between Vivace and Morpheus8 are in the pulse duration and depth settings. Vivace’s pulse duration can be adjusted within a range of 100 to 800 milliseconds, whereas Morpheus8 relies on provider discretion, which can lead to errors and a higher risk of pain, burning, or scarring. Additionally, Vivace offers a wider range of depth options, allowing for more precise adjustments when treating various skin types and concerns compared to Morpheus8’s three depth settings. Moreover, if used improperly, Morpheus8 can cause unintended fat loss in the treated areas. Dr. Green prefers Vivace in her private dermatology practice on Manhattan’s Upper East Side because of its consistently excellent results and zero risk of unwanted fat loss.
What are the downsides of RF microneedling on the face?
There is no downside to RF microneedling on the face! RF microneedling is a non-invasive treatment, meaning that the outer layer of skin is not removed. It is safe and effective for patients of all skin types and tones, including those with darker skin. Additionally, the procedure involves no downtime or adverse side effects, making it easy for patients to incorporate RF microneedling into their busy routines. After a short series of treatments, patients can expect clear, radiant skin. When you consult with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green about skin rejuvenation, she will create a customized treatment plan to address your specific skin concerns and ensure optimal results.
How painful is RF microneedling on the face?
RF microneedling treatment is virtually painless. For added comfort, a topical numbing cream containing lidocaine, an anesthetic, can be applied to the skin one hour prior to treatment to maximize comfort during the procedure. Additionally, the Vivace RF microneedling device utilizes a precision robotic motor to control microneedling depth, making the procedure virtually pain-free.
Does microneedling with RF really work on the face?
Yes! RF microneedling is an excellent choice for individuals seeking to reduce the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, enlarged pores, and stretch marks. Its innovative design allows patients to benefit from both microneedling and RF energy in a single treatment, boosting collagen production. By stimulating collagen, RF microneedling can deliver a natural-looking, radiant glow with minimal downtime and no side effects. After a series of treatments, the skin continues to produce new collagen and elastin for up to six months, helping patients achieve smooth, glowing skin with long-lasting results.
Getting started with facial radiofrequency microneedling today
Radiofrequency microneedling is one of the most innovative treatments available for facial rejuvenation. Its microneedling component stimulates collagen production in the epidermis, while its radiofrequency component boosts collagen in the dermis, enhancing overall facial renewal. RF microneedling can target a variety of concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, mild skin laxity, and acne scars. Dr. Green uses the Vivace RF microneedling device because it can deliver a natural, radiant appearance for patients of all skin types and tones, with minimal downtime. If you’re interested in improving your skin tone, texture, wrinkles, and elasticity with Vivace RF Microneedling, Dr. Green is ready to help.
Dr. Michele Green is a highly regarded, board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing her patients with the top non-invasive cosmetic treatments, including Vivace, Thermage, Botox, dermal fillers, and chemical peels. She takes a holistic approach and follows a less-is-more philosophy, tailoring each patient’s treatment plan to address their specific skin concerns and achieve the best possible results. She is consistently recognized as one of NYC’s top dermatologists by New York Magazine, Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, and The New York Times for her dedication and expertise. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Green at her private dermatology practice in Manhattan’s Upper East Side and learn more about radiofrequency microneedling and other non-invasive skin rejuvenation options, call 212-535-3088 or contact us online today.