Does RF melt hyaluronic acid fillers?

Question

Can I get RF to encourage collagen production if I had been injected hyaluronic acid fillers 6 months ago? The reason I am asking is because I heard that RF can deplete the HA fillers do it will can of defeat the purpose? I love my HA fillers but it just works for volume and doesn't really encourage my own skin to produce its own collagen while RF does.

Misbah Khan MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

RF and other devices alike CAN penetrate deep under the top layer of the skin and can affect the HA fillers. I do not use these devices but Used to work with them and this is something that the patients need to be informed ahead of time to make sure they know that its a potential side effect.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @SarahTy!  Great question--RF microneedling will not melt HA fillers that were injected 6 months ago. Best of luck, Dr. Nima

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

RF can dissipate , lessen the effect of a HA filler. However at 6 months most of the HA has been absorbed. For collagen stimulating fillers , I recommend Radiesse or Bellafil. Wishing you the best of health!

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. The bottom line is that while there is a potential there for the RF to affect the HA filler treated areas, it will probably not have a noticeable difference. You should discuss all the potential side effects of RF treatment with the treating physician prior to having a procedure. Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Having an RF treatment will not impact the longevity of the fillers you had injected 6 months ago.  It is fine to proceed with your RF treatment.

Lawrence Janowski, MD · Answer

6 months is plenty of time after filler injection to get RF.  Over time the HA filler is integrated into the tissues and should be minimally affected by RF.  The RF can enhance results by stimulating new collagen growth.

Sagar Patel, MD · Answer

The energy certainly causes inflammation and in general that causes an earlier degradation of the HA filler. I dont know if a blinded reviewer would be able to notice a difference. I would avoid if possible but not change plans secondary to this.

Norman Gonzales, MD · Answer

Typically any RF treatments are superficial treatments that stimulate collagen formation.    They should not affect HA fillers.  However, I still encourage my patients to wait 2 weeks between any injectable and any energy treatment.  Good luck
Dr. G

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Generally speaking superficial RF will only address your skin and produce collagen formation there. Any other form of subcutaneous or deep RF energy will destroy some of your fat and you will find yourself losing volume in the face. the hyaluronic acid fillers will not be affected by the radio frequency. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Great response from Dr Weiner! In general conceptual terms why do RF after injecting HA fillers? Best to complete RF sessions than apply or inject all the HA fillers needed, than there could not be any relationship to cause dissolving of the HA products.

Does RF melt hyaluronic acid fillers?

Answers (13)