Virtue RF Microneedling: What You Should Know

“The Virtue RF device delivers radiofrequency using microneedling,” says Dr. Madnani. Tiny needles create microchannels that trigger a wound-healing reaction, which produces new collagen.

Unlike regular microneedling, Virtue RF needles also emit controlled pulses of RF energy from their tips, creating heat in the dermis that ramps up the new collagen and elastin production. Over the next several weeks, the increased level of collagen creates firmer, smoother, more youthful skin.

The heat also contracts existing collagen fibers, which produces some immediate skin tightening.

While it’s most commonly performed on the face, neck, and decolleté, Virtue can be used anywhere on the body, including the arms, abdomen, glutes, and thighs.

The Virtue RF microneedling platform includes three handpieces, giving it a versatility that allows providers to target specific skin concerns and conditions.

• The Smart RF 36-needle handpiece treats the face, hands, and decolleté.

• The Deep RF 36-needle handpiece has a cooling plate, making it better for body treatments.

• The Exact RF single-needle handpiece precisely targets small, delicate areas, like around the mouth, jawline, and eyes (to address concerns like eye bags).

You may feel light pressure from the device wherever it’s used, but there’s virtually no pain during the treatment, for a few reasons:

• A robotic precision delivery (RPD) system inserts the needles into the skin precisely, so they don’t tear or traumatize it. This helps prevent the textural problems that can sometimes happen with similar treatments.

The insulated needles ensure that only the deepest layers of the skin are heated. This helps protect the top layer of the skin from unnecessary damage, minimizing downtime and decreasing discomfort. This also helps protect patients with olive, brown, or deep skin tones from complications like hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, since melanin-producing cells are located in a more superficial layer that’s not heated.

Pros

• The non-invasive treatment is virtually pain-free. “The Virtue RF is one of the most comfortable devices on the market,” says Dr. Madnani.
• Downtime is minimal. “Generally, patients should expect a few hours of redness,” says Dr. Madnani. “They may return to normal activity the next day and resume their regular skin care regimen after 5-7 days.”
• Virtue RF is suitable for all skin types and skin tones, thanks to its insulated needles.
• The device is highly customizable, so the treatment can be carefully tailored to a patient’s individual needs. Providers can control he amount of energy being emitted and deliver longer pulses of radiofrequency energy, for a more effective treatment in a single session. 

Cons

• It’s not a quick fix. A series of multiple treatment sessions, 4 to 6 weeks apart, is recommended for optimal results. 
• Results rely on new collagen growth, so it can take up to 6 months after your final treatment to see your final outcome. 
• Annual maintenance treatments are recommended to keep up results.
• As with any RF microneedling system, the results are ultimately determined by the person holding the handpiece. Be sure your provider is very experienced in using the Virtue RF microneedling device.

Both Virtue and Morpheus8 RF microneedling devices work similarly to ramp up new collagen production.

Each has handpieces with similar numbers of gold-plated, insulated needles. Morpheus8 can go slightly deeper into the skin than Virtue (8 mm vs. 6 mm), potentially giving it an edge for treatments where the skin is thicker—for instance, on the abdomen.

Some providers consider Morpheus8 to be a bigger gun that delivers more impressive results in a single treatment, but even with local anesthesia, it’s reportedly painful. One article described it as “somebody putting a hot hole puncher deep in your skin.” It also comes with a few days of recovery time and a more uncomfortable healing process.

Virtue RF, on the other hand, is very tolerable, and downtime is virtually nonexistent. According to Dr. Shashidhar Kusuma, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Weston, Florida, the treatment is also extremely effective. “The main thing is, how efficiently are you able to deliver a significant amount of energy to reduce the pain and do a very effective treatment simultaneously? That’s where the electronics of the device and how it’s manufactured makes a big difference,” he explains.

The upshot: “Virtue is a fabulous machine to use for the face, and we’ve been using it for a long time,” says Dr. Kusuma.

Expect to be at the office for about an hour, with the actual procedure taking 15-30 minutes.

Here’s what to expect.

• First, the treatment area is cleansed.
• A topical anesthetic is applied to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
• Once the numbing cream has taken effect, your provider will apply the handpiece to the treatment area.
• The handpiece will automatically insert the sterile needles to the required depth (up to 6 mm, or about .25 inches), emitting the preselected amount of RF energy.
• Your provider will continue moving the handpiece until the entire area has been treated.

Post-treatment, most providers apply a microcurrent dual face mask rich in antioxidants and hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

After that, you’ll be free to go on with your normal activities.

• Pin-point bleeding should stop within minutes.
• Discomfort should fade within a few hours.
• You may be encouraged to avoid strenuous physical activity, wearing makeup, and taking very hot showers for the rest of the day.
• Redness and swelling gradually diminishes by the next day.
• Avoid direct sunlight to the treated area for 48 hours. Going forward, protect the skin with a broad-spectrum, SPF 30+ sunscreen.

You may start to see some immediate results within a day or two of your Virtue treatment. Your skin might look brighter and firmer, with smaller pores.

For optimal results, 3 to 6 treatments, scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart, are recommended. It may take more treatment sessions to see a significant improvement to acne scars and stretch marks.

Full results should become apparent 3 to 6 months after your final treatment, once the new collagen and elastin have had time to develop.

Complementary skin rejuvenation treatments are often recommended. For instance, the channels created by microneedling allow for active ingredients to penetrate better and work more effectively, so your provider may also administer topical PRP (platelet-rich plasma).  

Another popular adjunct to Virtue is CoolPeel, a fractional laser resurfacing treatment that helps treat sun damage.

Results typically last a year, and most providers recommend annual maintenance treatments.

The longevity of your results will depend on factors like your age, skin quality, and how well you take care of it.