Difference between RF Microneedling and RF Sublative Rejuvenation: which is more beneficial for acne scarring?

This is a great question and Dr. Pilest gave a very nice review of the treatments that you are asking about. I have spent a lot of time with the eMatrix device by Syneron for acne scars and did the FDA clinical trials which led to its clearance for acne scars. You need to have a series of treatments, up to three, to have very nice results with this device. The next generation device, the Viva by Venus, is pending FDA approval, but those clinical trials, also which I was part of, also yielded great results. How they will differ in clinical practice will be seen. RF microneedling is also a great treatment for acne scars. We are behind the rest of the world in this technology but slowly it is gaining traction as devices are becoming FDA cleared. The one I have the most experience with in the US in the EndyMed Intensif, and if you know how to use it, doc wise, treating acne scars with it gives some great results, usuallyalso in 1-3 treatments. The big question is do these RF needling devices work better than the needling pens – and those of us who use both favor the RF devices, although both work. And one final comment — having Olive toned skin is no problem for either procedure — RF energy is color blind so it works well on all skin types.

Thanks for your questions! RF Sublative Rejuvenationmakes use of a radio frequency system that brings heat energy in your skin'sdermis. This procedure results in acne scar improvement, tone and textureenhancement, as well as wrinkle reduction.
RF Microneedling, on the other hand, is similar to RFSublative Rejuvenation except this one involves a device with many fineneedles. These fine needles create tiny punctures in your skin allowing betterserum absorption as well as triggering natural collagen production. Theseresults are also similar with that of the RF Sublative Rejuvenation.
RF microneedling is best  suggested in managing acne scars. The resultsare highly impressive compared to that of RF Sublative Rejuvenation.
Finally, both procedures work effectively on any skincolor. Hope this helps you out!

I agree with my friend and colleague, Dr. Gold, that RF needling does seem to be a bit better for acne scars. The needles go into the dermis and the heat and injury draw the dermis together, reducing the depth of the ice pick and boxcar type lesions. Sublative devices work differently, and in my experience, even hybrid devices do not achieve the level of improvement that RF needling does. Alternatives to eMatrix include Fractora or Profound. The results improve with time, even after a single treatment.   Another option is scar subcision as performed by Dr. Singh in India. While RF and needles are color blind, laser is not. 

RF Sublative Rejuvenation utilizes Radio Frequency technology to
deliver heat energy into the dermis. This causes deep dermal impact with minimal
down time resulting in improvement of acne scars, tone, texture and wrinkles.
RF Microneedling is similar technology with the addition of the microneedles in
the hand piece. The microneedles cause tiny openings in the skin to allow for
better penetration of products immediately post procedure. They also create a
more superficial improvement in acne scars, tone texture and wrinkles.

There was recently a study comparing eMatrix (RF
sublative rejuvenation technology) to Fraxel Restore for acne scar improvement
and they concluded that they both technologies produced the same amount of
improvement.

In my office I often combine eMatrix with DermaPen
microneedling and PRP plasma treatment with great results. When technologies
are combined they yield better results.

For
Olive toned patients I prefer to use eMatrix. The reason I choose the Ematrix
is because the RF technology is safe and effective for all skin types. Though I
have done Fraxel treatments on Olive skin, it does have more of a possibility
for hyperpigmentation over the eMatrix. eMatrix treatments can improve your
acne scars with a series of treatments, usually about 5, spaced one month
apart.

It is
best to consult with a Board Certified Dermatologist to see if this treatment
is best for you and how many sessions you will need.