If you’ve been keeping your eye on the aesthetics market, you know that it seems like a new device or treatment launches every week, making it a challenge to determine exactly what procedure is best for you. To add even more complexity, there are many versions of what seems like the same treatment. This is certainly true of microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy. While this procedure has been around for a while, in recent years, microneedling paired with radiofrequency (RF) has surged in popularity, and for good reason.
“Using microneedles to insert radiofrequency is far more efficacious than microneedling alone,” says Dr. Macrene Alexiades, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. When you use a device that deeply penetrates the skin, “the RF induces rejuvenation to the skin, which increases collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid—all three major skin components—to full depths,” she says. “If injected deeper, the energy can also help melt fat, which could be beneficial for a fatty neck,” says Dr. Ben Talei, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California. While it’s most frequently used to treat the face and neck, it can be used anywhere on the body to help firm, sculpt, tighten, and smooth as a result of coagulation.
According to Dr. Alexiades, RF microneedling yields the greatest and most consistent reduction in major skin concerns, more so than any other energy-based devices, including lasers—but to get those results, you must know what kind of device to look for, who to see for treatment, and how to best care for your skin afterward. If you’re looking for gentle yet effective treatment that offers minimal downtime1, you may be a great candidate for Matrix Pro® RF treatments by Candela.
Are all forms of RF microneedling the same?
Absolutely not—you will get different levels of results, depending on which device you choose. There are microneedling devices with RF that focus on shallower layers of tissue. “The microneedling is doing most of the work by causing columns of stimulation within the skin that encourage the body to promote healing in the area, which helps make the skin look more plump for a few months,” explains Dr. Talei. “However, these forms are not meant to stimulate collagen or other protein formation to any significant extent.”
There are also forms of treatment that Dr. Talei refers to as “injectable microneedling” and which penetrate the skin much more deeply, such as Candela’s Profound® system and the new Matrix system. “Having been broadly recognized as the investigator who launched the first RF microneedling device and developed a new genre in this category, I can state with authority that all RF microneedling devices are not the same,” says Dr. Alexiades. “The discomfort of the treatments can also vary depending on the RF microneedling device used,” says Dr. Jennifer Levine, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City.
That said, there are new advancements in microneedling technology that allow for more shallow penetration with deep energy delivery while significantly reducing discomfort.1 An RF microneedling treatment with Matrix Pro is more comfortable1 than most procedures of this caliber—when comparing Matrix Pro and another treatment, a patient said the difference was like night and day. “The other device was so harsh, it was almost like a staple gun feeling,” she said. While she wouldn’t go out in public the day after treatment with that more aggressive device due to bruising, she went to work after the Matrix Pro treatment, thanks to its minimal downtime1. Matrix Pro is one part of the Matrix system, which also includes two additional handpieces—Sublime™, to target the superficial and deeper dermis with infrared light and bipolar RF energy without needles, and Sublative™ RF, which uses bipolar RF to help remodel tissue without needles. Your provider can combine this technology with RF microneedling, for a treatment that’s basically three in one.
Is it safe for all skin tones?
For the most part, RF microneedling is safe for the majority of skin tones. “It bypasses the epidermis, and radiofrequency energy is pigment blind, which means that RF targets the skin structures deep in the tissue while not interacting with pigment in the skin, unlike other devices and lasers,” says Dr. Alexiades. However, if your skin tone is very dark or tends to be reactive, you’ll want to use a device that has insulated microneedles, like Matrix Pro, which is designed to be safe for most skin types, does. “Other devices may spread a small amount of energy to the superficial skin,” warns Dr. Talei.
Does the thickness of the needles matter?
Yes. This is one of the most important characteristics of microneedling. How thick the needles are determines how much trauma the device inflicts upon your skin. Matrix Pro uses ultrafine needles with a unique design and taper that result in a treatment designed to be gentler on the skin. Instead of a “stabbing” feeling, the microneedles gently glide through, so many will need only topical numbing rather than anesthetic injections. “The proprietary gentle gliding mechanism avoids vessel trauma,” explains Dr. Talei. “This results in much less bruising under the eyes than I’ve seen with any other RF microneedling device.”
Another aspect of what makes Matrix Pro gentle is the device’s sensitive form of impedance monitoring. “This allows the machine to modify its power output based on the feedback of the current pushing through the tissues,” says Dr. Talei. “If the resistance is too high, the machine automatically adjusts the RF energy pulse duration to avoid damaging tissues.” As a result, you’ll get a consistent and transformative outcome with every treatment1.
Who can I see for RF microneedling?
The most important thing you can do when booking any aesthetic treatment, but especially if you’re using a device as advanced as the Matrix system, is to see a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or other qualified and licensed provider. “Injectable RF must be performed by a trained practitioner who is not only licensed in the state they are working in but also trained in the anatomy of the face or body to understand the depths of treatment needed,” explains Dr. Talei.
It’s worth noting that while all treatments come with risks and side effects, Matrix Pro is designed to minimize these, thanks to its use of short-pulse energy rather than the longer pulses you’ll find with other RF microneedling devices—meaning each “stamp” of the needles takes just milliseconds to work. “A shorter-pulse treatment tends to cause less damage, with a shorter recovery time,” says Dr. Talei. Because Matrix Pro can actually target three different depths of the skin with just one pulse, you will need only one pass of the microneedles in the treatment area, further reducing risk. All that being said, making sure your tool is in the right hands is key to a great result. Don’t look for deals on microneedling treatments—focus on quality instead.
How can I prepare my skin for RF microneedling?
If you’re using powerful active ingredients like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, or beta hydroxy acids, stop using them for at least two to four weeks before your treatment, as the combo of these potent formulas and microneedling could sensitize your skin. Adds Dr. Levine, “avoid supplements that increase bleeding, such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin.” Makes sense—RF microneedling creates controlled wounds, and these medications thin the blood, which could lead to bleeding or bruising. (This is also true of taking fish oil supplements and drinking alcohol, so skip happy hour a few nights before your appointment.) If you take prescribed blood thinners, talk to your doctor before booking your RF microneedling appointment, to get the best recommendation for your needs.
You’ll also want to consider how you time your appointment seasonally. “The skin is always less reactive when recent tanning and UV sun exposure is avoided,” explains Dr. Talei. If you’re religious about your sunscreen use, then you should be A-OK, but if you’re a sun worshiper, schedule your RF microneedling for the winter months. This could also help protect you from cold sores, which are often triggered by hot sun; having an active flare-up will mean you can’t book your session. Flares can also be triggered by professional treatments like microneedling, so let your provider know if you’ve had cold sores in the past. “If you have a history of cold sores, [an antiviral like] Valtrex may be indicated prior to treatment,” says Dr. Levine.
Is there downtime after RF microneedling?
This will depend on the individual patient and on the device your provider is using, as it’s the intensity and the depth of treatment that affect downtime. Some RF microneedling devices will require a week of downtime, especially if the device penetrates the skin very deeply or if your provider has to treat the area with multiple passes to achieve your desired results. With Matrix Pro®, you’ll still get a deeper treatment than most microneedling devices can offer but with more minimal downtime—typically, just a few days1.
Even better, it’s very likely you’ll see results within the first few weeks. “Matrix Pro is one of the best devices I’ve ever seen for improving overall skin and pore quality,” says Dr. Talei, who notes that his patients see those results after just one treatment, with further improvement after three treatments performed four to six weeks apart. “It’s also one of the best methods of improving malar bags—the bags that are present with fluid accumulation underneath the eyes.” Over time, you’ll see how your skin becomes more even and slightly tauter, leaving your complexion more radiant and fresh.
How should I care for my skin after microneedling?
At home, use cold compresses as needed, which will help reduce swelling and relieve any residual discomfort, and adjust your skin-care routine. If you have bruising, Dr. Talei suggests trying an arnica gel, which could help fade it faster. Any harsh products you stopped using before treatment should still be kept on standby until after your skin has completely healed. Dr. Talei also recommends avoiding pore-blocking ointments and creams, which could congest the open microchannels in your skin and cause a breakout. Instead, use very gentle cleansing and moisturizing formulas from dermatologist-approved brands like Cetaphil or CeraVe to keep the skin clean and hydrated as it heals. And of course, wear products with an SPF of 30 or higher every day for a month after your treatment (and every day thereafter, right?).
Don’t be alarmed by any minor swelling you might see, especially in the first few days of your recovery. This is a good sign that your skin is healing well and working hard to look firmer and smoother. You can help combat extra puffiness by sleeping with the treatment area elevated for the first 48 to 72 hours after your procedure.
- Profound Matrix system FUFT2002 Clinical Study Report_DHF03167. Treatment considerations are under the discretion of the qualified licensed healthcare professional. Individual healing times, discomfort, treatment results and satisfaction can vary.
