Answering the top 10 questions about Radiofrequency Microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling is a fairly new treatment option for skin conditions such as acne scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks. It works by delivering radiowaves deep into the skin using tiny needles. This causes collagen production and stimulates cell growth.
The treatment is popular with celebrities like Kim Kardashian. In fact, many dermatologists recommend it because it doesn’t require downtime, and it’s effective.
In this article we will answer the top 10 most common questions about RF microneedling and explain how it works.
How long does it take for radiofrequency microneedling to start working?
The effects of RF microneedling begin quite quickly after you leave from your session. The science behind the treatment is that it promotes collagen production under your skin.
Collagen is something that we lose as we age leading to skin laxity, but we promote new collagen to come to the surface through slight abrasions on the face made with microneedles and radiofrequency.
What can microneedling do for me?
Here are a few of the issues that people often get microneedling treatments for.
Your mileage may vary with these depending on your age, depth of scarring or type of medical issue.
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines.
• Improve the appearance of wrinkles.
• Increase the production of collagen.
• Helps tighten sagging skin.
• Treat acne scarring and other types of scarring.
• Treat sun damage.
• Treat stretch marks.
• Help with pigmentation.
• Treat cellulite.
Is microneedling effective for acne scars?
In some instances, yes. There are different types of acne scars which we looked at a little deeper in this blog post. Check it out if you would like to know more about microneedling for skin with acne scarring.
Any trained professional will be able to tell you the impact that the treatment will have on your skin and the likelihood that you’ll see a positive outcome. Keep in mind that to completely get rid of scarring, you will usually need multiple sessions.
Microneedling works incredibly well for getting rid of blemishes and discolouration that you might have from acne breakouts.
What is the best way to look after your skin post microneedling treatment?
It’s best to go easy on your skin after a treatment. This means avoiding harsh exfoliation products, be as gentle as you can with your cleansing for a couple of days and make sure you are following guidance from your practitioner to which products to use for cleansing and moisturising.
After a few days, your skin’s top layer will have repaired itself, and you’ll be able to go back to using your normal skincare routine products. If you notice any lasting issues it’s always best to speak to the beauty experts and they’ll be able to advise you further.
When should you avoid radiofrequency microneedling?
There aren’t many reasons that someone should avoid radiofrequency microneedling. It’s considered a safe procedure and is much less invasive than other treatments that have similar effects. One caution that we would give is to avoid infection to the body parts that you’ve had treatment on.
This includes staying out of swimming pools and not going into other bodies of water, including rivers, lakes or the sea. The micro abrasions on the skin are open wounds which can leave them a little more exposed than your normal healthy skin. Try not to touch your face after treatment as you want to avoid bacteria getting into the skin.
Other than that, you might want to avoid RF microneedling if you have sensitive or irritated skin (such as psoriasis on your face), you are immunocompromised or if you have to take blood thinners on a regular basis.
The team at Ana Harmony will provide you with a full consultation prior to treatment and advise you whether you are able to have the treatment or to avoid it.
What does the radiofrequency part of the microneedling do?
Radiofrequency microneedling uses radio waves to heat up the dermal layer of the skin. This causes micro-injuries to the skin, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen is the main component of connective tissue, which gives skin its elasticity and strength.
Elastin helps hold skin together and give it resilience. This is why radiofrequency needling helps make your skin look tighter. The thermal effect of radiofrequency really helps on the chin, neck and décolleté areas that are prone to skin laxity.
Is microneedling better than Botox?
RF Microneedling and Botox are two different cosmetic treatments. Knowing which is better than the other depends on what aesthetic outcome you are looking for.
One of the biggest differences between the two is Botox places an injection into the skin with a chemical that stops the muscles in your face from moving, which gives a smooth finish to the face.
Microneedling doesn’t add anything into the skin, it causes micro traumas on the skin and then the body’s own healing response creates collagen which creates a similar effect.
They both work well in different ways, and it would depend on your skin type and condition. Note: At Ana Harmony we don’t service any Botox injections, only RF Microneedling.
What will my face look like after a microneedling session?
Sometimes after treatment, you may be a little red or on rarer occasions sometimes bruised. At Ana Harmony you have Dermalux included after treatment to aid the healing response and stimulate your collagen and elastin faster. This helps the redness reduce after treatment. Any redness shouldn’t take too long to subside, and you’ll be left with skin that feels much firmer, refined with a noticeable reduction in scarring, dyspigmentation.
Microneedling might require that you come back in for multiple sessions. If you don’t see massive improvement after the first treatment, contact your beauty expert to discuss.
How long does radiofrequency microneedling last?
Microneedling normally takes up to 1 hour and a half – the needling portion itself only takes around 45 minutes and the Dermalux part takes 30 minutes. This depends on the areas being treated. Smaller areas will take less time.
How much does radiofrequency microneedling cost?
At Ana Harmony we offer packages that combine HIFU and radiofrequency microneedling, or we can do the microneedling on its own. You can find out pricing here.
If you’d like to know more about radiofrequency microneedling, give us a ring on 01628 298 040 or pop into the salon on the Cookham Road in Maidenhead.