How Much Does Profound RF Cost?
If it's worth the money
The average cost of Profound RF microneedling is $3,950, according to 123 reviews from RealSelf members. However, the price can range from $1,750 to $7,000, depending on a handful of factors.
Like other RF microneedling treatments, the Profound RF delivers radiofrequency heat into the dermis, creating controlled microinjuries that trigger the production of new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
Profound RF offers a more intense, one-time treatment than its competitors. So while it can deliver more dramatic results, this skin rejuvenation option also costs significantly more: its average price is over twice as much as popular alternatives like Morpheus8 and over four times as much as Vivace.
Here, we break down why your Profound RF treatment cost could be more or less than the average price, and whether or not real patients think their results were worth the money.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Profound RF
Why does the cost of Profound RF vary?
These are the biggest factors that will influence how much you’ll pay for Profound RF.
1. The credentials and expertise of your provider
Being treated by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with years of experience performing radiofrequency microneedling treatments will cost substantially more than it would if you booked with an aesthetician.
Microneedling results are always very dependent on the provider’s technique, and adding the heat from radiofrequency energy amps up both the potential benefits and risks.
Profound RF is the most powerful treatment of its kind, so we recommend seeing a licensed, trained medical professional—an aesthetic nurse or physician assistant, if not a board-certified doctor—who can minimize potential complications, like scarring.
Also look for glowing patient reviews (ideally accompanied by photos) for this specific procedure.
2. Where they practice
If you're in a big city, like New York or Los Angeles, don't be surprised if the price quotes you get for Profound RF treatment is steeper than the national average. Providers in major metro areas face higher costs of living, so they have to charge more to help cover their overhead.
Prices can vary even by neighborhood, so wherever you’re located, it can be worth the time to get personalized cost quotes from a few qualified providers. (You may also find that they make different treatment recommendations, to target your unique skin concerns.)
3. The size and number of treatment areas
The Profound RF microneedling device is used for facial rejuvenation most often, but it can also be used across the body to improve texture issues, including stretch marks and cellulite.
Areas like the thighs will be more time consuming for your provider to treat than smaller areas like the jawline, so expect to pay more money for that extra time.
4. How many treatment sessions you need
Usually, only a single treatment is needed to deliver improvements, but there's a chance your provider may suggest booking an additional treatment (for RF microneedling or a complementary procedure), for optimal results.
When you discuss your treatment plan with your provider, ask if they anticipate that you may need more than one session so you can budget accordingly.
5. Whether you have complementary procedures
Profound RF is sometimes included in a package of treatments, dubiously marketed as a "nonsurgical facelift." This may involve other energy-based treatments, topical PRP, and cosmetic injectables like Botox and hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers.
Combination treatments like this can be a more effective way to reduce signs of aging, but the results do not compare to a surgical facelift, so keep your expectations realistic.
When treating acne scars, providers may combine the treatment with chemical peels or subcision.
Additional procedures will cost extra money, though you may be able to get a reduced rate on each treatment for booking them all at once.
Is Profound RF worth the money?
Profound RF has a 64% Worth It Rating, based on recent patient reviews on RealSelf. So while a majority of people who had the treatment think their results were worth what they paid, about ⅓ of reviewers didn’t have a positive experience.
Many of those who were happy with their investment say the treatment took years off their appearance by firming their skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and a more defined jawline.
Those who were dissatisfied cited a range of issues, from discomfort during their treatment to not seeing results to complications like scarring, hyperpigmentation, and unwanted fat loss.
As we mentioned, all microneedling is very technique-dependent, and the RF energy increases the potential of a suboptimal result. So seeing an experienced provider is essential.
If your skin laxity is severe, it’s also unlikely that you’ll see the results you’re hoping to achieve with any nonsurgical treatment, including this one. You may be a better candidate for a surgical facelift or mini lift.
One RealSelf member, who paid $3,500 for Profound RF and saw an improvement in her fine lines and nasolabial folds, said “I'm glad that I had the procedure but wish I would [have] saved my money towards a face lift.”
A board-certified dermatologic or facial plastic surgeon will be able to recommend the best treatment option for you, based on your goals, concerns, and budget.