Is RF microneedling with insulated needles more appropriate than Q-switched laser for mild dermal pigmentation?

neither are good for hyper pigmentation.  th best treatment is skin care, peels, and sun protection with non ablative low level laser like clear and brilliant.  please see an expert.  RF micro needling doesn't help pigmentation at all. q switch will make it worse.  Best, Dr. Emer.

RF can be used to treat pigmentation, but it would require higher needle depths to reach the level of the melanocytes and may not give consistent results. I find the Q-switched lasers to better for spot treatment of discrete hyperpigmented areas. Intensed-pulse light therapy is my preference for general pigmentation issues or mild concerns with maintenance peel or topical bleaching therapy to maintain a clear and even complexion. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG: @drjohnsonlee

PIH is hard to treat, no quick fixes, always determine the CAUSE of dermal pigment- if its melasma, RF miconeedling is not appropriate. Secondly cost to benefit ratio. QSL with T. Acid should be 7-8 times cheaper than RF insulated microneedling. In your case of PIH secondary to contact dermatitis, I personally am on the conservative side-  t. acid, QSL, time and SPF at the most. In most situations, its time and sun protection only. Most lasers and energy devices will require 4-8 sessions. Real world clinical treatment is different from funded studies at a University level. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Acne scar dermatologist specialist. Brisbane, Australia.