Skinpen/Dermapen microneedling vs INFINI/Intensif RF microneedling for acne scarring?

I recommend microneedling with RF for better outcomes with scarring. Infini is a popular treatment, but I prefer Intensif because the needles are non-insulated and it gives more robust results. I always combine microneedling with prp, subcision, Cosmelan, fillers and lasers to get the best outcomes for acne scars. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Microneedling uses a mechanical device with multiple fine needles to create controlled micro injuries which trigger the body to produce more collagen in order to repair itself. Microneedling with RF has the added benefit of radiofrequency energy to heat up deeper layers of skin and induce intense collagen production. Thus, the latter is a far superior treatment compared to regular microneedling because it causes much more intense collagen stimulation and hence improvement in the appearance of acne scarring.

There is no comparison. Microneedling alone will not fix acne scarring. The RF energy is neccessary to remodel the dermis. 

Very complex question that is best answered in a 15 minute video. If you YouTube Davin Lim Acne scars, this is explained in depth with diagrams and videos. Its not the device in most cases, its the person or Specialist behind the device. Acne scar revision comprises of specialised procedures. For the best results, one should target the acne scar type with ideal treatments METHODS. Using one device is not optimal. As everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, the best solution is a tailored one.  The web reference below will take you to a resource to help you understand acne scar revision at a specialist level. I embedded all the videos in one page to help. 



As an example deep ice pick scars, and narrow box car scars are best treated with TCA CROSS. Deep narrow scars respond better to this treatment than even the most expensive lasers. On the flip side, rolling, and atrophic acne scars can improve with fractional devices such as Fraxel, fractional lasers, ProFractional erbium lasers, Infiini –Intensif –Intracel radiofrequency microneedling. Atrophic scars (depressions) can be treated with either fat grafts, PRP or dermal fillers. Tethered and anchored scars are best treated with surgical techniques such as subcision. Other surgical techniques that I use include punch elevation, surgical elevation, punch excision and traditional excision for focal scars. Early and very mild acne scars respond well to eMatrix and non-energy microneedling, as well as vascular lasers. Skin colour changes such as PIH or dark marks respond best to sun protection, creams, and Q switch lasers in the nano and pico pulse durations. 



The majority of patients will have a collection of different scar types, and hence a tailored treatment METHOD will be best. Careful examination, especially under angled lighting with scar mapping will give you an understanding of what are the best options for your scars. Additionally tactile examination namely touch will give me an understanding of the amount of subdermal fibrosis, as special equipment is needed for this sub-set of acne scars.  In the majority of patients its finding the correct combination that give you best results, and everyone is unique! It is never about the device, its about the specialist behind the equipment that will deliver the best outcomes. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Acne scar dermatologist specialist. Brisbane, Australia.