RF Microneedling Acne Scar Treatment
RF Microneedling Treatment For Acne Scar Removal In Singapore
RF microneedling, also known as radiofrequency microneedling, is a cosmetic procedure that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to improve acne scars, uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, fine lines and mild skin laxity. The treatment uses fine needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin while delivering radiofrequency energy into the deeper dermal layers.
This controlled injury stimulates the body’s natural healing response and encourages collagen and elastin production. Over time, this may help improve the appearance of depressed acne scars, refine rough skin texture, reduce the look of enlarged pores and support firmer, smoother-looking skin.
How does RF microneedling work?
RF microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency heat energy. During the treatment, insulated fine needles are inserted into the skin at controlled depths to create tiny micro-injuries. At the same time, radiofrequency energy is delivered directly into the dermis, where acne scar tissue and collagen remodelling take place.
The heat energy helps stimulate collagen contraction and new collagen formation, while the microneedling process activates the skin’s natural repair response. This makes RF microneedling suitable for selected patients with acne scars, uneven texture, enlarged pores, fine lines and other textural changes caused by acne or ageing.
As with any skin condition, treatment suitability depends on the severity of the scars, skin type, depth of scarring and whether there is active acne or inflammation. A doctor’s assessment is recommended to determine whether RF microneedling, laser resurfacing, TCA CROSS, subcision or a combination approach is most appropriate.
Why is RF Microneedling the preferred choice for acne scar treatment in Singapore?
Fibrous scar tissue is often found in the deeper layers of the skin such as the dermis. Most doctors only use CO2 skin resurfacing lasers to reduce the appearance of scars. However, the depth of the micro-channels induced by CO2 lasers is about 1.8mm. This is insufficient to target stubborn, deeper acne scar tissue. RF microneedling on the other hand uses needles that can penetrate up to 3.55mm of the dermis. It’s an effective treatment for various skin concerns and severe acne scars, as it is less invasive, requires a shorter downtime, and results in minimal side effects.
How does RF Microneedling treat acne scars?
At Radium Medical Aesthetics, we use GENIUS. GENIUS RF microneedling is a microneedling treatment that uses tiny needles and radiofrequency energy to improve a variety of skin concerns such as acne scars, fine lines, dark spots, and stretch marks. The device creates controlled micro-injuries on the surface while delivering heat into deeper skin layers, a process known as percutaneous collagen induction or collagen induction therapy. This encourages the skin’s natural collagen production, which helps repair damaged tissue, improve skin texture, and promote skin tightening for long-term skin rejuvenating results.
Multiple microneedling sessions are usually recommended for optimal results, depending on the severity of the scars and the treatment area. GENIUS RF microneedling is suitable for many different skin types and can be an alternative to laser treatments, with a lower risk of pigment changes. While some mild side effects such as redness or swelling may occur, these usually subside quickly, making it a safe and effective method for reducing acne scars and restoring smoother skin.
RF Microneedling vs CO2 Skin Resurfacing Laser
Although it may seem that RF microneedling is a harsher treatment as compared to CO2 lasers, the truth is that there is more epidermal damage for CO2 lasers. CO2 lasers ablates the top layer of the skin, leaving the wound exposed to the surroundings. Another reason why RF microneedling is preferable over CO2 skin resurfacing, is that it’s perfect for all skin types, while the latter is recommended only for people with fair skin. Finally, RF doctors can perform RF microneedling on many delicate areas of the skin that aren’t typically ideal with CO2 resurfacing (such as the eyes and mouth). Many people avoid undergoing CO2 laser treatments because of the prolonged healing times, and the lingering pain that may last for up to a week. In addition, if the post-treatment care is not optimal, infection may set in, causing more discomfort and inflammation of the skin.
Frequently asked questions about RF Microneedling in Singapore
RF Microneedling works best on rolling scars because it can considerably improve overall skin texture.
For people with ice pick scars, doctors may use other specialty scar treatment such as TCA cross to release the deep scar tissue first. After a few sessions, the overall skin texture can be further improved with RF Microneedling to smoothen out the appearance of residual scars.
Depending on the intensity of the treatment, RF Microneedling treatment typically has a downtime of 2 to 4 days. The downtime is considerably shorter than a CO2 laser, which could possibly last up to a week. The shorter downtime is because there is little epidermal damage during the RF Microneedling treatment as the energy is delivered directly to the deeper layer of the skin.
Unfortunately, no.
As an ablative laser, CO2 skin resurfacing laser only removes the top layer of the skin. It does not target the deeper layers of the skin. RF Microneedling, on the other hand goes deep into the skin up to 3.5mm. Both are not a direct substitute of each other. However, they work synergistically if someone has various types of scar tissues which may require treatment at both superficial and deeper layers of the skin.
Yes, RF Microneedling can also be used as a skin tightening treatment. RF Microneedling is one of the most versatile medical aesthetic treatments available in Singapore. Other than treating a wide range of acne scars and trauma scars, it can also correct wrinkles and improve skin texture with superior results. Neck ageing and skin folds on the neck also respond well to RF Microneedling. Wrinkles on the décolletage may be treated with RF Microneedling for skin rejuvenation as well.
Laser treatments are often not suitable for people with dark skin. The risks of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are high for people with darker skin tone. RF Microneedling stands out from the competition as it is able to treat all skin types, regardless of color. It does so by administering the radiofrequency energy directly into the dermis, bypassing the superficial layer of the skin.
RF Microneedling is mostly known for its capability for improving acne scars. What most people don’t know is that this technique can also treat a wide range of other skin disorders such as skin laxity and wrinkles. In fact, RF Microneedling is FDA-approved for the percutaneous treatment of facial wrinkles. The deep heating of the dermis causes collagen stimulation in exactly the same way other skin tightening treatments like Ultherapy and Thermage do.
Benefits
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Improve overall skin texture -
Reduce the appearance of depressed acne scars
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Refine the look of enlarged pores
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Improve mild fine lines and wrinkles
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Support collagen production and skin firmness
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Improve selected textural concerns caused by acne, ageing or other forms of skin condition
Best For
People who are suffering from different types of depressed scars, pigmentation, and fine lines on the face. RF Microneedling does not only effectively remove acne scars, it is also able to provide overall skin rejuvenation for ageing skin.
