Fractora RF: What You Need to Know
What to expect
How long healing takes
How much it costs
Fast facts
As a nonsurgical skin rejuvenation treatment, Fractora RF delivers radiofrequency energy—hence the RF—below the skin’s surface, via microneedling. In the hands of an experienced provider, the Fractora RF device makes micro injuries in the dermis (the lower layer of the skin) with tiny needles and fractionated radiofrequency energy, experienced as heat.
RF microneedling triggers the skin’s natural healing response, restructuring the existing collagen, stimulating the production of more, and increasing the rate of cell turnover. The result is tighter, firmer skin, with smoother skin texture and a more even skin tone. It also helps reduce acne by shrinking the skin’s oil glands.
Because the skin-tightening and resurfacing treatment generally promotes healthy new skin and a youthful appearance, it can effectively treat many skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, mild skin laxity, sun damage, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and even active acne.
Though it’s most commonly used on the face and neck, Fractora RF can treat any body areas. It’s also safe for all skin types and tones, because it targets the deeper layers of the skin—unlike lasers, which target the superficial layers. There’s little risk of pigmentation issues and less downtime than other skin resurfacing options.
Your provider can customize the needle size and amount of radiofrequency energy delivered, to best target your skin concerns. They may recommend a series of treatments—usually three—for optimal results.
A Fractora RF skin treatment typically lasts an hour or two. Your provider will first apply a numbing cream to your skin or inject the treatment area with local anesthetic. They may also give you a small dose of anti-anxiety medication, to help keep you comfortable.
Once you’re numb, your provider will stamp the handheld Fractora RF device into your skin repeatedly, across the full treatment area. With each contact, the microneedles puncture your skin and transmit the RF energy as heat. The anesthetic should mitigate pain, but you may still feel some discomfort.
RealSelf Tip: For a week before your Fractora treatment, stay out of the sun, discontinue use of topical retinoids in your skin-care routine, and keep your skin well-hydrated by moisturizing in the morning and evening. You should also avoid anticoagulants, like alcohol, aspirin, and ibuprofen, for at least a week beforehand to reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Post-procedure, your provider will send you home with detailed aftercare instructions. You shouldn’t experience too much discomfort, but “some mild reddening of the skin and some possible slight swelling can occur,” says Dr. Kenneth Hughes, a Los Angeles plastic surgeon. “It should disappear in a couple of days.” You might also have some micro-lesions, light track marks, scabbing, peeling, or even oozing for up to 48 hours, but there’s little to no downtime beyond that..
It’s important to avoid direct sun exposure for at least a month, to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation. Your fresh new skin will be more sensitive, and making a regular habit of wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 will help protect against future skin damage.
You’ll be able to see some difference in skin firmness after the swelling has gone down, but more noticeable results will become apparent several weeks later, once your body has had time to produce new collagen. You may begin to see discoloration and acne scarring fade as well as some of the effects of aging or photo damage on your skin minimized.
Your results will improve over the next four to six months, with continued collagen production, and you’ll need annual follow-up treatments to maintain them.
- Average Cost:
- $1,125
- Range:
- $450 - $2,000
Your cost will depend on your provider’s level of experience and office location, and how many areas you’re having treated. If your provider recommends a series of sessions for your treatment plan, the sessions may be discounted when purchased as a package.
The Fractora RF photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.
Updated August 16, 2023