Can Radiofrequency Microneedling Fix Sagging Skin?
A lot of innovative technologies have been developed to solve age-related skin concerns for a youthful appearance. RF microneedling treatment is one of these technologies that have been developed for the improvement of a person’s skin imperfections.
So can radiofrequency microneedling fix sagging skin? Yes, radiofrequency microneedling is suitable for sagging skin and it’s in fact one of its benefits, along with the improvement in the appearance of scars, stretch marks, acne breakouts, and even the prevention of hyperhidrosis.Â
Rejuvenate and heal your face with the technique proven time and time again to provide maximum regenerative results: microneedling. Call us today to book your microneedling appointment at aNu Aesthetics.
Radiofrequency Microneedling for Skin Rejuvenation
Radiofrequency microneedling is an effective skin rejuvenation treatment proven to improve current skin quality by promoting improvements in body skin laxity. Although it can’t replace surgical treatments for the improvement of facial skin laxity, radiofrequency skin tightening is still capable of prolonging the time before the need for a surgical procedure to improve the skin appearance is warranted.
In fact, a study on 25 female patients who received fractional radiofrequency treatment at 4-week intervals showed that radiofrequency microneedling is an effective treatment for skin problems including lax skin with wrinkles. This is evidenced by the good results of the procedure on the measures used in assessing it, such as patient satisfaction scores and objective biophysical measurements.
Other Applications of Radiofrequency Microneedling
Aside from skin rejuvenation, this advanced microneedling treatment also offers a wide range of other benefits. Other applications of microneedling combined with radiofrequency include the improvement of the appearance of acne scars and breakouts, stretch marks, traumatic scars, and hyperhidrosis.
1) Enlarged Pore and Scars (Acne and Traumatic)
Radiofrequency microneedling is shown to be an ideal treatment for minimizing enlarged pores and improving the appearance of acne scars and even traumatic scars derived from surgery.
This is proven in a study where the patients treated with radiofrequency microneedling exhibited improvements in the clinical parameters assessed, such as Investigator Global Assessment of large pores, skin surface roughness, dermal density, and grading of acne scars. Patient satisfaction was also shown to be good after the procedure.
2) Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris, the clinical and encompassing term for skin blemishes such as pimples and blackheads due to clogging of pores, may be improved on and is also one of the benefits of RF therapy. In fact, a study comparing radiofrequency microneedling with fractional carbon dioxide laser therapy has shown it to be a better treatment option as seen in these patients’ clinical and photographic assessments.
3) Striae Distensae
Striae distensae is the clinical term for stretch marks, a skin condition where thinning of the epidermal layer and shrinkage of the dermal layer occurs due to stretching of the skin’s connective tissue.
Radiofrequency microneedling is a promising therapeutic option for improving the appearance of stretch marks. This is demonstrated in a study where a good patient satisfaction score of “satisfied” or “very satisfied” was taken when RF microneedling and platelet-rich plasma injections were administered in patients with stretch marks. There was also no documented worsening of the stretch marks.
4) Hyperhidrosis
Another benefit of radiofrequency microneedling is hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating of the body even without undergoing exercise or other strenuous activities.
In fact, a study on patients with primary axillary hyperhidrosis has demonstrated a significant improvement in the symptoms of patients when compared to the sham control, with no relapse in 41.6% of patients who underwent the procedure. In this study, radiofrequency microneedling was administered at 3-week intervals to the treatment group while a sham treatment is provided to the control group
Ideal Candidates for Radiofrequency Microneedling
Ideal candidates for radiofrequency microneedling are patients who want to see an improvement in their skin problems such as saggy skin, especially because this procedure is suitable for patients of all skin tones and skin types.
However, certain conditions that patients possess make them ineligible for this procedure regardless of their desire to undergo the procedure. This is because these conditions may make them more susceptible to major side effects or may make the procedure less effective.
These conditions include a medical history of previous herpes infection because of the chance of reactivation of cold sores conferred by the procedure. A known allergy to the topical numbing cream applied during the procedure also makes a patient ineligible for the procedure.
Other medical conditions that a patient may have that warrant these patients to forego the procedure include cardiovascular diseases, blood coagulation disorders, and autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
How Radiofrequency Microneedling Works
The principle of radiofrequency microneedling is governed by a combination of traditional microneedling and the administration of radiofrequency. A handheld device with a single-use tip precisely delivers radiofrequency energy to the skin.
This thermal energy then introduces microscopic injuries to the dermal layer of the skin, stimulating the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, ultimately leading to the remodeling of the dermal layer of the skin. This dermal remodeling manifests macroscopically as an improvement in skin quality, such as improvement of skin texture and tightening of loose skin.
How Radiofrequency Microneedling Is Done
The radiofrequency microneedling is done first by applying a numbing cream that will be left on the skin for 35 to 45 minutes. This allows the patient not to feel pain or warmth during the procedure, although pressure may still be felt while the device is being placed on the area of concern.
The machine will then be set to the right settings suitable for the needs of the patient followed by placing the handheld device on the areas of concern.
After the actual procedure, the healthcare provider performing the procedure may then opt to put on a serum and face mask to hydrate and moisturize the area administered with RF treatment.
Pre- And Post-Treatment Care
Pre-and post-treatment care procedures are best recommended to be followed by patients who wish to undergo radiofrequency microneedling procedures for them to gain optimal benefits with minimum discomfort. This is to facilitate an amazing patient experience for radiofrequency microneedling.
Prior to the commencement of the procedure, the patient must be advised to prime their skin by cleaning it with a gentle cleanser and 70% alcohol. Antiviral medications must also be taken with the advice of a healthcare provider to avoid herpetic breakouts that may occur when a patient is unaware that they had a previous herpes infection.
After the procedure, the patient must stay away from direct sun exposure and wear sunscreen of at least SPF30. They must also avoid washing their face for a day. Meanwhile, topical antibiotic creams may also be prescribed by the physician to prevent infection and must be applied for 2 to 3 days after the treatment.
Side Effects of Radiofrequency Microneedling
Because radiofrequency microneedling is a minimally-invasive procedure, it produces only minimal side effects, especially when done by experts in handling the procedure. It has minimal downtime and patients who underwent this procedure may immediately return to their normal activities after the procedure. Its good efficacy and safety profile are also further proven by its FDA-approved status.
Some known mild side effects of the procedure include small pinprick bleeding, temporary redness, mild bruising, swelling, and the sensation of sunburn. These may be managed by over-the-counter drugs or just go away on their own shortly after. Full healing after the procedure is expected after 4 weeks.
Get The Best Skin Rejuvenation Services at aNu Aesthetics
Improvement of saggy skin and the appearance of wrinkles are just some of the benefits of microneedling with radio frequency, along with the management of acne, scars, and hyperhidrosis. This is through making microscopic injuries that stimulate natural collagen production through the penetration of radiofrequency waves.At aNu Aesthetics, we offer the best cosmetic procedures for the best aesthetic appearance of our clients. Headed by Dr. Cristyn Watkins, we’re committed to bringing improvements in our clients’ skin appearance without surgery. Learn more about what products and services we offer by contacting us today at info@anuaesthetics.com.
Rejuvenate and heal your face with the technique proven time and time again to provide maximum regenerative results: microneedling. Call us today to book your microneedling appointment at aNu Aesthetics.