Is Microneedling RF safe if I'm prone to melasma? Will it make it worse? I've been told contradicting things.

Question

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, microneedling RF (Profound, Infini and others) can be performed using reduced settings in patients with melasma. Pre and post treatment with bleaching agents are needed.Jeff Rapaport MD FAADRealself Verified All-star

Allyson Berkey, MD · Answer

I agree with Drs Rapaport , Fox and Lim - treating Melasma is safe, when done correctly. 
The discrepancies are rooted in the highly variable responses we see with melasma patients. Melasma is a complex skin condition, involving 1) overactivity of the melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment, and 2) irregular deposition and degradation of the melanin pigment in the dermal and epidermal layers of the skin. Any treatment that disrupts the skin can trigger the melasma and have an unwanted outcome, so caution is warranted.  
Best outcomes are achieved with conservative management with topicals like hydroquinone or kojic acid, or gentle peels, but can include gentle MN RF, when indicated.

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

You can get a microneedling with RF treatment done even if you have melasma as long as you're with a skilled practitioner.  The radio frequency would need to be turned very low because you never want to heat up the skin too much with a melasma patient as heat can cause it to worsen.  I would also not go as deep with the depth of the needles on a melasma patient.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Agree with Dr Rapaport, treating melasma pre and post, together with conservative settings using an INSULATED device would give the safest outcomes. Dr Davin Lim, Brisbane. AUSTRALIA

Is Microneedling RF safe if I'm prone to melasma? Will it make it worse? I've been told contradicting things.

Answers (4)

Answer: Melasma and RF

Answer: Melasma and RF

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Is Microneedling RF safe if I'm prone to melasma? Will it make it worse? I've been told contradicting things.

Answers (4)

Answer: Melasma and RF

Answer: Melasma and RF

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Everything you need to know about Microneedling RF

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.