Infini Radiofrequency (RF) Needling

What is RF needling?

Radiofrequency needling combines two modalities, microneedling and radiofrequency energy, to renew the skin.

Radiofrequency needling can help to:

• Tighten the skin
• Improve fine lines and wrinkles
• Enhance skin elasticity and thinning skin
• Improve the appearance of some acne scars
• Reduce pore size

Skin needling and radiofrequency are both well-established treatments that are normally performed individually to restore collagen and improve the skin. The combination of the two in a single treatment synergises their effects on the skin.

What are the benefits of RF needling?

Radiofrequency needling is designed to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin to provide a superior result. The radiofrequency energy bypasses the superficial layers of the skin by being delivered to only the tips of the insulated needles. Therefore, the risk of injury to the superficial epidermis (top layers of the skin) is minimised, also reducing the visible recovery time.

Some of the benefits of RF treatment include:

• Minimally invasive treatment
• Minimal downtime required
• Improves the appearance of the skin
• Reduces skin texture irregularities
• Smooths and firms the skin
• Can treat acne scars, wrinkles and fine lines
• Tightens loose or mildly sagging skin

Radiofrequency needling is particularly suited to the treatment of many skin types, including olive or darker skin types. There is minimal risk of causing hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation post-treatment, as the energy is delivered from the inside of the skin, and not from the outside. Although skin preparation for all skin types is recommended.

Who is a good candidate for RF microneedling?

Those who want to improve the appearance of their skin with minimal downtime required may look into the skin tightening procedure. However, RF microneedling is ideal for those with:

• Concerns about the visible signs of ageing
• Minor scarring
• Large or open pores
• Visible skin texture and irregular skin tone
• Loose or sagging skin
• Acne scars
• Pigmentation or sun damaged skin
• Stretch marks

The treatment is not recommended for those with the following conditions:

• Eczema
• Active acne 
• Psoriasis
• Defibrillators
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Tendency for keloid scarring

You should not have taken isotretinoin medication for at least six months before undergoing Infini RF Needling procedures. Additionally, if you’ve had a threads procedure in the same area, you should wait six months before receiving RF needling in that area.

A consultation with one of our friendly practitioners will determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the treatment.

How to prepare for RF needling treatment

Two weeks prior to RF microneedling treatment, it is best to use sunscreen and avoid:

• Sun exposure
• Solariums
• Fake tan to the treatment area

How to care for the skin after the treatment

After the treatment, it is important to continue caring for your skin. It is recommended that you:

• Follow a diligent skincare regimen, using the skincare provided or recommended by your practitioner
• Use a moisturiser daily, starting at day 2 post treatment, if you feel you need it
• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen, ideally SPF50+
• Avoid swimming or strenuous exercise 2 days post-treatment
• Delay using makeup until the following day 

What are the risks and side effects of RF needling?

There are few side effects associated with the radiant skin and facial rejuvenation of RF microneedling. The skin generally tolerates the impact of the tiny needles used in the RF microneedling device, but mild redness is to be typically expected during and after treatment.

Other side effects that may be encountered include:

• Pinpoint bleeding
• Slight bruising
• Swelling
• Itching
• Dryness
• Scaling
• A mild acne flare-up
• A cold sore breakout

Generally, these side effects may last a few hours post-procedure or several days. You may need to get in contact with a health professional, however, if you notice the following side effects:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Persistent swelling or redness
• Signs of infection
• Allergic reactions
• Prolonged bruising or bleeding

FAQ

What is the difference between laser skin resurfacing and RF needling?

Laser skin resurfacing is viewed as an “outside to inside” treatment. This means that the laser energy must penetrate through all layers of the skin to reach its target. Laser treatments can often cause a change in pigmentation, and may not be suitable for those with darker or olive skin tones.

With RF treatment, the skin is treated from the “inside-out”, as the needles penetrate the skin and the energy delivered is only at the tips of the needles. The radiofrequency is not attracted to melanin or pigment in the skin, therefore the chances of causing pigmentation are low, making it ideal for those with darker or olive skin tones.

What is the difference between microneedling and RF microneedling?

Radiofrequency needling and traditional microneedling are both forms of collagen induction therapy designed to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate the skin, and treat acne scars. Whilst traditional microneedling remains an effective treatment for the above concerns, the Infini provides a superior result.

Some advantages of micro needling with RF over traditional skin needling include:

• Radiofrequency needling can be treated deeper in the dermis, up to 3.5mm
• Hybrid treatment combining RF and collagen induction therapy
• Radiofrequency needling allows for the treatment of multiple depths in the dermis in one session
• The patented insulated needles deliver RF energy to highly specific locations in the skin as programmed by the practitioner

How long is the downtime?

The downtime required following RF needling is quite minimal. 

After the treatment, there might be some redness and swelling, which subsides within 24 hours. However, some residual redness with sensitivity may last up to 48 hours post-treatment. 

Social downtime in most cases in less than 48 hours with a full recovery and normal skin care can resume after 10-14 days. 

How long does microneedling with RF last?

The effect of microneedling with RF can last for years, but this depends on each individual’s collagen regeneration and remodelling time, combined with the number of treatments completed and lifestyle factors.

As each individual will require a different number of sessions to achieve their optimum results, this will affect how long the results will last.

How much does RF needling cost?

The cost of RF needling typically depends on factors such as the size of the treatment area, the extent of skin conditions to be treated, and how many sessions are required for optimal results.

Find further information on consultation fees and treatment prices here.

Does RF microneedling treatment tighten skin?

Yes, overall skin rejuvenation with RF microneedling treatment can help tighten mild to moderate loose skin. The treatment remodels the skin, which encourages the production of new collagen and elastin. This naturally tightens the skin.

Can RF needling be combined with other treatments?

Radiofrequency needling can be combined with laser skin resurfacing treatments to improve damaged skin, elasticity and pigmentation.  In many cases of acne scarring, a multi-modality approach is required for the most efficient treatment outcome based on the type of scarring present.

Effective treatments to use alongside RF needling include bio remodelling, bio stimulator treatments and Rejuran.

Topical treatments can also be used alongside RF microneedling after the treatment as products can better penetrate the skin. Some products that can be used are vitamin A, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.