This blog is copyrighted to Nikki Butler at Nikki Butler Skin Clinic.
Microneedling For Scars: How Does It Work With RF?
Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling combines the benefits of Microneedling and Radiofrequency in one powerful treatment. Microneedling has been successfully used as a treatment for scars for several years. It involves creating micro-punctures in the skin, which help to break down old scar tissue and stimulate fresh new collagen and elastin. Microneedling also facilitates the production of melanin within your skin – this is responsible for your natural skin tone.
Introducing RF into your Microneedling treatments further aids collagen and elastin production within your skin to give you even better results. The Focus Dual has a unique way of delivering RF Microneedling treatments due to its ultra-fine needles and use of vacuum suction technology. This ensures that Radiofrequency energy is delivered to precisely the correct depth of the skin.
Why Do We Have Scars?
Scars form when the deeper layers of your skin (the dermis in particular) are damaged. The body forms new collagen fibres during the wound-healing process, and these are different from the collagen fibres that are found in healthy skin. When your skin is damaged, your body focuses on repairing and healing the wound, meaning that the quality and structure of this new collagen are different. Once your body has finished healing, you are left with a scar.
What Types Of Scars Can RF Microneedling Help With?
Radiofrequency Microneedling for scars is quickly becoming the ‘go-to’ treatment. It can treat most scars on the face and body, including:
- Surgery scars
- Injury scars
- Self-harm scars
- Acne scars
- Hypertrophic scars (raised white scars)
- Sunken scars
- Stretch marks
Keloid scars can not be treated. Keloid scarring occurs when scar tissue grows outside of the wound site and is often red/purple in colour. This type of scarring is sometimes confused with hypertrophic scars which are white and raised.
Scars need to have healed before you are able to perform an RF Microneedling treatment. Scars that are still going through the natural healing process are not suitable for treatment.
What Will RF Microneedling Feel Like?
RF Microneedling treatments are virtually pain-free, although some clients describe minimal discomfort. Prior to treatment, the target area will be thoroughly cleaned and prepped, to ensure that this is ready for Microneedling. A specialised handpiece is then passed over your skin and you can expect to feel light pressure as the needles create ‘micro-channels in order to trigger new collagen production. As the needles enter your skin, Radiofrequency is also distributed deep into the dermis layer. You will feel warmth in the treatment area.
What Can I Expect After My RF Microneedling Scar Treatment?
After the treatment, the skin may look red and feel a little warm, similar to mild sunburn. Scars will remain red for a few days after treatment whilst your skin is in the early stages of recovery. You will need to follow the aftercare advice provided, treating the area as a minor wound.
Everyone will experience different results after RF Microneedling scar treatments. You may notice a difference after just one treatment but a ‘typical’ course requires 3-5 treatment sessions, spaced 3-4 weeks apart.
Final results after Microneedling are usually seen around 3-6 months after your last treatment. The skin needs time to undergo dermal remodelling and produce healthy collagen, elastin and melanin.
Virtually No Downtime
Unlike invasive procedures, Focus Dual RF Microneedling scar treatments involve virtually no downtime. After treatment, your client might experience redness and swelling at the treatment site but this is usually minor and tends to disappear after a few days.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
As your skin is your body’s largest organ and entirely unique to you, it is not possible to be exact on the number of treatments that you will require. A ‘normal’ course of treatment would be 3-5 treatments that take place 3-4 weeks apart. You can, however, continue to have treatment until you are happy with the results, or until your skin stops responding to RF Microneedling scar treatments.
How Much Do Treatments Cost?
At your initial consultation, your scars will be assessed and your practitioner will advise you on the exact cost of treatment. Treatment times and cost are dependent on the type of scarring that you have and the number of sessions that are required to achieve results.
How Long Will The Results Last?
Results are long-lasting. The Focus Dual device stimulates the production of strong, new collagen, elastin and melanin. For most scars, once your RF Microneedling course is complete, you will not need any further treatment. The exception to this is where further damage to the skin takes place. For example, stretch marks may require maintenance treatments.
Bespoke Treatment Plan
Your consultant will create a treatment plan unique to you and your scars. Our aim is to help you to achieve an outcome that you will love.
More Information
If your clients are tired of trying to hide or disguise their scars, make a change today. Get in touch today to learn more about introducing RF Microneedling and HIFU into your clinic.