Considering doing either an RF facial or Microneedling for skin tightening. Which is also good for reducing pore size?

Question

I'm considering doing either an RF facial or microneedling (regular - no RF or PRP) for skin tightening but would also like to know which one would be better for reducing the size of my pores. I speculate it's microneedling but an expert opinion would be appreciated. TIA!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Ramandeep Sidhu, MD · Answer

Hello - thank you for the question. In regards to pore size reduction both treatments are effective but adding RF to the treatment also tightens the area you are treating so treating a full face with RF Microneedling, you get the benefit of tightening,lifting, resurfacing and reduction in pore size. It is great treatment. Thank You !

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

I'm not sure what you mean by RF "facial" but microneedling while it does stimulate collagen production, it is not considered a skin tightening procedure like Thermage or Ultherapy. Microneedling helps with enlarged pores, fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin texture.

Promila Banerjee, MD · Answer

If you can incorporate BOTH treatments as a combo are very beneficial! It referred to as FRM treatment. Micro needling involves penetration of micro needles into the dermis and deliver radio frequency pulse into the targeted tissues. The micro needles create micro injuries to the dermis initiate healing . Injured cells release growth and wound healing signals to which then fibro blasts are stimulated to produce new collagen. This new collagen fills in the wounded areas, atrophic scars (acne), and thickens the skin RF generates a heat response into the dermis producing a tightening effect and healing response that causes collagen production and remodeling, allowing the skin to thicken and adhere closer to the muscular structure of the body thus gives you skin tightening. Combine this with PRP and you receive the ULTIMATE treatment. (Platelet-rich plasma PRP is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets which involved in the clotting process. They release several different growth factors s to promote healing and tissue responses including attracting stem cells to repair the damaged area  and can induce the remodeling of the tissue to healthier and younger state.)Best of luck

Patricia Faraz, MD · Answer

Hello Bira, While RF Facials are great and do help with skin tightening, the microneedling will help smooth and tighten improving the appearance of your pores.Best to you,

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

I prefer energy based RF- the trick to getting good results is not the device, but the settings. I use both Intensif, as well as many other RF devices including Infini RF- for skin tightening its a long PD in the deeper layers, for pores, the settings must be lower in energy, shorter pulse duration and very superficial with 2-3 overlaps. I choose a particular laser based upon the size of the pore, skin type of the patient, and expectations. I find that the most reliable method is with INFINI RF, micro needling using energy. This beats all my Fraxel lasers and chemical peel techniques. Very little downtime, and it is ideal for small to medium size pores. Fraxel 1927 comes in a close second in the high density setting.

Chemical peels such as TCA (70-100%) placed focally in the pores is an excellent treatment for large pores. Fully ablative laser are excellent, but the downtime is long. I use both erbium and CO2. Fractional CO2 medium density can work, but you require 3-6 sessions. More in the pore section in the web reference below.

Pore size reduction treatments should be tailored according to the patient IMO.

Regards

Dr Davin Lim

Laser and aesthetic dermatologist

Brisbane, Australia.

Considering doing either an RF facial or Microneedling for skin tightening. Which is also good for reducing pore size?

Answers (6)

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