Potenza: What You Need to Know
What to expect
How soon you see results
Risks to consider
Fast facts
Potenza is an FDA-cleared radiofrequency microneedling treatment for the face and body. A trained provider uses the handheld Potenza device, which has ultrafine needles and radiofrequency energy, to penetrate the skin’s outermost layers—triggering the skin’s natural repair process and boosting the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin smooth, supple, and healthy.
This regenerative response helps treat a variety of skin concerns, including signs of aging and sun damage like fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes. It can also make skin look firmer.
Broadly speaking, microneedling treatments (also known as collagen-induction therapy) use tiny needles to create thousands of microscopic punctures in the epidermis. Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling procedures like Potenza combine the benefits of these micro injuries with RF energy to penetrate deeper layers of skin and create more dramatic results. Microneedling also creates channels in the skin, for topical products to penetrate more deeply.Â
According to the manufacturer, Potenza treatments can be performed on all skin types and tones, on any area of the body.
Your provider will likely apply a topical anesthetic, or numbing cream, about 30 minutes before the procedure. Once you’re numb, they’ll press the handheld device against your skin, allowing the radiofrequency energy and needles to penetrate. You may feel a stinging or mild burning sensation and light pressure as the needles are inserted into your skin.
Most Potenza treatments can be performed in less than 45 minutes. You’ll likely need an initial series of three or four sessions, six weeks apart, for optimal results.
Your body’s collagen and elastin production takes a few weeks to ramp up after a Potenza treatment. Your skin should look smoother and be more glowing within two weeks, but it can take between two and six months to see the final results.Â
As with other microneedling treatments, results aren’t permanent, so you’ll need annual maintenance treatments.
This treatment should be well-tolerated, with limited side effects, when performed by a board-certified dermatologist or physician—but you could experience some pinpoint bleeding, swelling, redness, or irritation, which will generally clear up after two or three days.Â
All microneedling treatments have the potential to cause long-term damage to your skin’s tone and texture if not done correctly. Because the procedure is so technique-dependent, you’ll have the best results with a licensed provider who’s well-trained and experienced in performing microneedling, especially when it involves radiofrequency energy.
Updated June 13, 2023