banner

Book Appointment

RF Microneedling for Acne Scars


Date :05-June-2023

Acne, formally known as acne vulgaris, affects almost every human at one phase of life or another. It's one of the most common skin conditions in the world, and, unfortunately, painful acne can often leave a physical and emotional mark after it subsides. Acne scars can affect patients from the teenage years and last throughout adulthood. For many acne patients, it can be difficult to minimize the appearance of acne scarring later.

The field of dermatology has developed various treatment options for removing acne scars in recent years, and one of the most popular methods to reduce the appearance of textured acne scars is micro needling. Microneedling uses tiny pinpricks to the skin to stimulate the wound-healing processes of the body, boosting elastin and collagen production and often rewiring the skin's natural memory of scarring.


RF Microneedling for Acne Scars


Recently, micro needling devices have been combined with the power of radiofrequency energy to stimulate new collagen deep within the layers of the dermis. Radiofrequency (RF) energy treatments, such as Thermage, are commonly used for skin tightening and to reduce the appearance of fine lines and skin laxity. When RF energy is combined with micro needling, an incredible skin rejuvenation treatment is created. RF microneedling can tighten skin, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of stretch marks, acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles.

If you're frustrated by the appearance of acne scars, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Priya J Talageri is here to help. Dr. Priya is an expert in acne and acne scar treatment. With over years of experience in dermatology, Dr. Priya can help you reclaim your best skin with the latest lasers and technology.

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation treatment that relies on tiny microneedles that prick the skin's surface. These tiny pinpricks activate the wound-healing properties of the skin, which in turn activates new collagen production. Collagen is the body's natural tool to create healthy, glowing skin, and a boost in collagen can often reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture. Additionally, microneedling can be an excellent tool for disrupting scar memory or hyperpigmentation on the surface of the skin, including spots created by acne or sun damage.

When microneedling treatment occurs, tiny micro-channels are created within the layers of the skin that the use of therapeutic serums can complement. Many patients opt to couple microneedling treatments with nourishing serums or platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP microneedling takes advantage of your body's growth factors to accelerate the skin's recovery processes, which in turn can vastly help improve the look of acne scars or uneven skin tone. Through revitalizing serums, such as PRP, patients can see transformative results within the treatment area that amplify the wonderful effects of traditional microneedling. Some patients even rely on microneedling to supply rejuvenating treatments, such as micro-Botox or dermal fillers.

What is Radiofrequency Microneedling?

Radiofrequency microneedling uses innovative radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the dermis, thus increasing elastin and collagen production. This, in turn, can tighten and rejuvenate the skin, which can help to even skin tone and reduce the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, and stretch marks. RF microneedling combines microneedling with the power of fractional radiofrequency and is safe for patients with fairer and darker skin, as well as those dealing with rosacea, melasma, or active acne lesions.

There are many different RF microneedling devices, including the Infini and Factora devices, but only some successfully combine the flexibility of radiofrequency and microneedling treatments using various modalities.

How Does RF Microneedling Help with Acne Scars?

The process for RF Microneedling treatment of acne scars is simple and painless. First, you'll meet with Dr. Priya J Talageri to discuss your medical history, skin condition, and goals. Then, Dr. Green will develop a curated treatment plan to reduce the appearance of your acne scars.

When you come in for RF Microneedling treatment, a topical numbing cream (anesthetic) will be applied to the treatment area. The doctor will use the Vivace RF Microneedling device to rejuvenate the skin carefully, improving skin tone and texture. After your appointment, you can resume your normal daily activity. Side effects of treatment may include mild swelling or redness, but this should subside quickly after your treatment session.

Can RF Microneedling be used for Skin Resurfacing?

RF Microneedling is an ideal option for patients seeking skin resurfacing and has become a competitive alternative to laser resurfacing due to its unique complementary nature. When radiofrequency energy is combined with microneedling, patients can firm and rejuvenate the epidermis–the top layer of the skin–which helps to reduce skin laxity, fine lines, and skin imperfections along the surface.

Is there any downtime required?

As RF Microneedling is a non-invasive procedure, it requires virtually no downtime. Once you leave the office, you can return to your normal schedule, although you may experience some minor redness or inflammation immediately post-treatment.

Will Microneedling Help with Acne Scars?

RF Microneedling helps to restore elastin and collagen production along the skin's surface and can help to erase the skin's natural memory of acne scars to improve skin tone and texture. Through fractional radiofrequency microneedling, patients can eliminate the appearance of acne scars over a short series of treatments without any need for downtime. This simple and easy treatment process has become a popular option for many patients looking to reduce the appearance of acne scars and help to restore their skin.

Does Microneedling Help Deep Acne Scars?

Microneedling devices, such as Vivace, can tailor needle depth to treat varying levels of acne scarring better. Both traditional microneedling and RF microneedling can effectively treat mild, moderate, and severe acne scarring, and RF microneedling can help smooth out skin tone, creating firmer, younger-looking skin where a scar once was.

Fractional RF for Acne Scars vs. Traditional Microneedling

The process for traditional microneedling and RF microneedling is essentially the same, as both involve tiny pinpricks to the skin that help to stimulate new collagen in the dermis. However, RF microneedling has the added benefit of radiofrequency energy, which is proven to tighten and firm the skin, activating elastin and collagen production even further than traditional microneedling. Additionally, RF microneedling can only be performed by an expert medical professional. It's also good to note that, though traditional microneedling can be performed by an aesthetician, deeper needles typically required for acne scar reduction can only be used in a medical office. Dr. Priya is an expert in reducing the appearance of acne scars and treating hyperpigmentation due to acne and active acne breakouts. When you work with Dr. Green, she can analyze your skin type and current skin condition to determine which treatment is right for you.

How many sessions of RF Microneedling do I need for Acne Scars?

How many microneedling treatments for acne scars largely depend on the size and severity of the acne scars being treated. However, in general, patients need multiple sessions to see optimal scar reduction. Typically, Dr.Priya recommends that patients wait at least four weeks between RF microneedling treatment sessions, as the skin needs time to fully rebuild its foundational matrix and work through the wound-healing processes that activate collagen production. Between RF microneedling sessions, a doctor will likely recommend a custom-tailored skincare routine that will help to support the skin as it naturally rebuilds itself.

Most patients will see improvements after a single session. Still, patients typically benefit from three sessions spaced four weeks apart to disrupt the skin's memory of acne scarring truly. Additionally, RF microneedling can be combined with other treatments and used as a "finishing touch" on a patient's personalized treatment plan. As Dr. Priya J Talageri is an expert in treating acne scars, she can curate a treatment plan that will create the best possible results.

How many microneedling sessions for deep acne scars are needed?

Patients with deep acne scars typically require 3-5 RF microneedling treatments spaced four weeks apart, as a treatment area with deeper acne scars may take more time to regenerate healthy skin. Additionally, for those with severe acne scars, your doctor might recommend a combination treatment plan with other acne scars removal treatments, such as non-ablative laser treatments or chemical peels, to quickly and fully remove any scars.

Dr. Priya J Talageri is well-versed in various acne scarring treatment options, including traditional microneedling, PRP microneedling, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, chemical peels, etc.

If you're frustrated by the appearance of acne scars, some solutions can make a world of difference. Contact Dr. Priya J Talageri has been a renowned expert in treating acne scars for over two decades.

Ask doctor

725

Video Gallery


Testimonials


Book Appointment