INFINI RF

Pros

• Its radiofrequency energy stimulates much more collagen production and remodeling than traditional microneedling alone, while the microneedles allows the RF energy to reach deeper layers of the skin, with more precision, than they otherwise could.
• Because Infini RF microneedling treatments target the skin’s deeper layers, they're effective for all skin types and tones, with risk of hyperpigmentation in those with olive or brown skin tones (in experienced hands). 
• Some doctors on RealSelf say Infini RF is particularly effective for treating acne scarring.
• It can come with with minimal downtime, with side effects like mild redness and swelling. 

Cons

• RealSelf members give the procedure a notably low Worth It Rating of just 73%, with some reporting scarring, irregular skin texture, prolonged acne breakouts, or even cellulitis that required antibiotics after their Infini RF treatment. Others reported being left with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 
• It’s normal for the needles from the microneedling device to leave grid marks on the skin. They typically fade within a few days, but they can last up to a month or two, which can be distressing. 
• Infini RF is generally not done as a single treatment. Most people will need two to four sessions, scheduled about six weeks apart, to see optimal results.
• All RF microneedling treatments come with some risk of "melting" hyaluronic acid-based fillers, particularly those placed in the superficial lasers of skin. If you've had fillers, wait at least six months before trying heat-based facial rejuvenation treatments. 
• People with skin conditions like active acne, eczema, or psoriasis should avoid any kind of microneedling. And if you’re prone to cold sores, the treatment can trigger an outbreak.

• Average Cost:
• $1,920

• Range:
• $600 - $4,500

Your cost will depend on your provider’s level of experience, their office location, the size of the treatment area, and how many sessions you get. 

Most practices offer special package pricing if you book a series of treatments up front.

The Infini RF photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

The handheld Infini RF device has tiny needles that penetrate below the skin's surface (to the dermis layer) to deliver fractional radiofrequency energy in the form of heat. The microneedles and heat create microdamage that triggers your body’s natural healing response.

This remodels the skin’s structural proteins (collagen and elastin) and stimulates the production of more, resurfacing the skin over time. In the coming months, skin becomes increasingly firmer, smoother, and more even.

Doctors on RealSelf recommend a series of three treatments—spaced four to six weeks apart, to align with the rate of cell turnover—for best results.

You'll also need annual maintenance treatments to keep up your results.

An Infini RF skin treatment typically takes from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area. 

Your provider starts by applying a topical numbing cream. Once it takes effect, they’ll repeatedly stamp the handheld Infini RF device into the top layer of the skin, pressing the needles on the handpiece into the skin to encourage heat energy delivery into the lower layer. The numbing cream will help, but be aware that the procedure can still be painful, especially if your provider uses a high-intensity setting.  

Treatment with an experienced provider (like a board-certified dermatologist) is key to achieving good results and avoiding complications like prolonged redness, pigmentation changes, and track or grid marks. 

"Proper Infini RF technique requires a pause while the needles go into the dermis, deliver the RF pulse, and then retract," explains Dr. Katherine Dee, a physician in Seattle. This results in a ball of coagulation in the dermis, while not damaging the epidermis. "This way, you can get massive collagen stimulation in the dermis," she explains. "If you pull up too soon, you'll get a column of damage instead of a ball. This can prolong healing and create a higher risk of hyperpigmentation." 

When the full area has been treated, your provider will apply a cream or ointment and give you aftercare instructions. 

“I advise gentle cleansing of the treated area twice daily, with a mild cleanser, as well as a post-procedure cream, to aid healing and avoid dryness,” says Dr. Tina West, a dermatologic surgeon in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

You’ll have some mild redness and swelling for up to three days post-treatment. After that, you should be able to resume your normal skin-care and makeup routine. 

It’s also vital to avoid sun exposure for the first two weeks after treatment, when your skin will be especially sensitive. After that, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ daily, to avoid future sun damage.

The risk of complications or negative side effects is low with the Infini RF treatments, according to doctors on RealSelf. It uses insulated needles, to ensure that the upper layer of skin is protected and energy is delivered to the deeper dermal layers. Dr. Davin Lim, a dermatologist in Brisbane, Australia, says that "overall, it's a very safe treatment." 

The main risks are prolonged swelling and redness for a few days. 

It's not uncommon for grid marks to occur, but they should fade within a few days. "I have seen longer lasting grids or patterning. This usually occurs on the neck, but fades within a month or two," says Dr. Lim.

Of course, this high safety profile assumes that patient selection is appropriate and the settings—low, medium, and high-intensity treatment levels are available—and technique are done by a professional with proper training and credentials, says Dr. Frank Barone, a plastic surgeon in Toledo, Ohio. "It's been our experience that pre-treating the skin with a balanced medical skincare regimen will also optimize the response to Infini, as well as reduce the possibility of any side effects," he says. "Problems such as hyperpigmentation, which can be frustrating with laser treatment in dark skin types, are not typically seen with Infini treatments."

You may see some immediate improvement in skin texture and tone, but full results develop over several months and multiple treatments. 

“Cell turnover is taking place in the deeper layers of skin,” says Dr. Robert Wald Jr., a plastic surgeon in Fullerton, California. “New collagen will form. This usually takes six weeks, but continued improvement can occur over six months.”

RF microneedling treatments like Infini produce some firming, but if you have severe sagging or loose skin, this won't deliver nearly the same firming as a surgical facelift or mini lift.

"Using RF after surgery may help to maintain the results of the procedure, but it should not be seen as an alternative to surgery when the skin laxity/sagging is severe," says Dr. Thomas Pane, a plastic surgeon in Miami. 

A board-certified facial plastic surgeon who also specializes in nonsurgical facial rejuvenation can assess the extent skin laxity and advise which treatment option would be best for you.

Results last about a year, so you'll need ongoing maintenance treatments. While the new collagen and elastin that forms is permanent, the aging process continues, so replacing lost collagen is an ongoing process.