Fractional RF Microneedling
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a dermatological procedure that has been in use for nearly three decades. It operates under the principle that controlled damage to problematic areas of the skin will spur the body’s natural healing process to improve texture and appearance. As evident by its name, this technique uses small needles to create superficial injuries and induce rejuvenation.
What is Fractional RF Microneedling?
Fractional radiofrequency (RF) microneedling is one of the more recent techniques that has gained popularity for its safety profile and short healing period. The needles release non-ionising low-energy radiation deep into the skin. This produces ‘thermal zones’ in the deeper layers of the skin where the cells that promote healing and skin rejuvenation are.
What are the benefits of RF microneedling?
With certain settings, we can bypass injury to the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) such that there is less chance of the skin surface being damaged. This means that hyperpigmentation (excessive brown changes on the skin) is much less likely and healing time is reduced.
Microneedling devices that use fractional radiofrequency are equipped with customizable settings. Needle depth, exposure time, and power level can be adjusted according to the needs of each individual patient.
What can fractional RF microneedling be used for?
Fractional radiofrequency microneedling may help improve a range of skin issues, including scars (acne scars and traumatic scars), stretch marks, textural irregularities, wrinkles, hyperhidrosis, poor skin elasticity, among others. Because the epidermis is hardly exposed to injury, it is safe for use in coloured skin.
How is the procedure performed?
At Melbourne Skin & Dermatology, the practitioner will apply a topical anaesthetic cream to the area. Treatment can take 20-45 minutes depending on the area being treated. Patients describe the treatment to be tolerable with anaesthetic topical cream.
The downtime is 5-7 days of redness, pin-point marks on the skin and mild scabbing. Most patients see results following 2-4 treatments. Speak to your practitioner for advice a treatment plan specifically for you.
An initial consultation appointment is required for assessment prior to procedure.