What is RF microneedling? The difference compared to regular microneedling

RF microneedling has become an increasingly common term in advanced skin treatment. Just like with traditional microneedling, thin needles are used to penetrate the skin, but RF technology also adds radiofrequency energy that creates controlled heat at a specific depth in the tissue.

This means that RF microneedling and regular microneedling are based on similar basic principles, but they are not the same treatment. The difference lies primarily in the fact that RF treatment combines needling with heat energy.

What is RF microneedling?

RF stands for radiofrequency. During RF microneedling, a number of thin needles are inserted into the skin and radiofrequency energy is delivered through or in connection with the needles.

The energy is converted into heat in the tissue at the depth set by the practitioner. In this way, the mechanical effect of the needles is combined with a controlled thermal effect.

Regular microneedling, on the other hand, uses needles without radiofrequency energy. There, the treatment is primarily based on the controlled mechanical stimulation that occurs when the needles are inserted into and out of the skin.

How does RF microneedling work?

During the treatment, a treatment head is placed against the skin. The needles are inserted to a preset depth and the RF energy is activated for a short moment.

This creates small zones of heat in the tissue while the needles provide the mechanical stimulation associated with microneedling.

Depending on the device and treatment area, the practitioner can adjust, among other things:

• needle depth,
• the amount of radiofrequency energy,
• pulse duration,
• the number of passes,
• and which areas are treated.

This is an important reason why RF microneedling should normally be performed by a trained practitioner with experience of the specific equipment.

What is the difference between RF microneedling and regular microneedling?

Property	Regular microneedling	RF microneedling
Technique	Mechanical needling	Needling + radiofrequency energy
Heat in the tissue	No	Yes, controlled RF energy creates heat
Treatment depth	Adjusted according to device and treatment	Adjusted according to device, area, and RF settings
Equipment	Microneedling pen, roller, or stamp depending on the treatment	Special RF microneedling equipment
Home treatment	Some simpler microneedling products are sold for home use	RF microneedling should not be performed at home
Recovery	Varies depending on needle depth and treatment	Varies depending on depth, energy, and treatment area

What is RF microneedling used for?

RF microneedling is used in aesthetic skin treatment for several different skin concerns and goals. Depending on the device, treatment protocol, and individual, the treatment may be used with a focus on, among other things:

• skin texture,
• fine lines and wrinkles,
• acne scars,
• uneven skin,
• and skin laxity.

Research on RF microneedling has shown promising results in several of these areas, but results vary between individuals, devices, and treatment protocols. It is therefore not possible to say that RF microneedling automatically gives better results than regular microneedling for all skin concerns.

Is RF microneedling better than regular microneedling?

Not necessarily. They are two different treatment methods that may suit different situations.

RF microneedling adds heat energy at a controlled depth and is often used when the practitioner wants to combine needle stimulation with thermal impact on the tissue.

Regular microneedling is a simpler technique in which the treatment is performed without RF energy. It can be used for several types of skin treatments and is also available in much simpler equipment.

Which method is most relevant depends, among other things, on:

• which skin concern is to be treated,
• skin type,
• desired result,
• how much recovery time one accepts,
• and the practitioner's assessment.

It is therefore better to view RF microneedling and traditional microneedling as two different tools rather than trying to declare one method generally better.

What does RF microneedling feel like?

The experience varies depending on the treatment area, needle depth, RF energy, and individual sensitivity.

Since both needles and heat are used, the treatment may feel different from traditional microneedling. Numbing cream is sometimes used before professional treatments to reduce discomfort.

After the treatment, temporary redness, swelling, and tenderness are common reactions. How long the skin is affected varies depending on the intensity of the treatment.

What does the skin look like after RF microneedling?

Immediately after the treatment, the skin may be red, warm, and swollen. Some may also experience tenderness or minor pinpoint marks where the needles have worked.

How quickly the skin recovers depends on treatment depth, energy level, skin type, and which area was treated.

It is important to follow the practitioner's individual instructions regarding skincare, sun protection, and which activities or products should be avoided during recovery.

For general information about aftercare following traditional microneedling, you can read what to avoid after microneedling. However, aftercare following an RF treatment may differ, and the practitioner's instructions should always be followed.

Are there risks with RF microneedling?

Yes. RF microneedling is a more advanced treatment than regular cosmetic home treatment and involves both needle penetration and heat energy in the skin.

Temporary reactions may include, among other things:

• redness,
• swelling,
• tenderness or pain,
• and irritation in the treated area.

There is also a risk of more serious complications. The U.S. FDA has reported cases including burns, scarring, fat loss, and nerve damage in connection with certain uses of RF microneedling equipment.

Therefore, RF microneedling should be performed by a qualified practitioner with training and experience with the equipment in question. The treatment should not be regarded as a method for home use.

You can read the FDA's current safety information about RF microneedling here.

For more general information, you can also read our guide on risks of microneedling.

Can you do RF microneedling at home?

No. RF microneedling should not be equated with simpler microneedling products for home use.

The RF equipment delivers electrical energy through needles down into the tissue, and incorrect settings or improper use can cause significant damage.

RF microneedling should therefore be performed by a qualified practitioner who is trained on the equipment and can assess whether the treatment is suitable for the person being treated.

RF microneedling compared with laser

Both RF microneedling and various laser treatments are used in aesthetic skincare, but the technology is completely different.

RF microneedling delivers radiofrequency energy via needles inside the skin. Laser instead uses light energy that is absorbed by the tissue depending on the wavelength and laser type used.

Which method is relevant depends on the skin concern, skin type, treatment goals, and the equipment used.

If you want to better understand the differences, you can read our guide on microneedling compared with laser.

Who should be extra cautious?

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for RF microneedling. Medical conditions, skin diseases, medications, implants, and previous treatments may affect whether the treatment is appropriate.

A professional practitioner should therefore review relevant medical history and treatments before RF microneedling is performed.

If you have an active skin infection, pronounced inflammation, or other skin problems in the treatment area, treatment should not be performed without professional assessment.

Also read our guide on when you should not do microneedling.

Summary

RF microneedling combines traditional needling with radiofrequency energy. The needles penetrate the skin while RF energy creates controlled heat at a specific depth.

The most important difference compared with regular microneedling is thus that RF treatment adds heat energy in addition to the mechanical stimulation from the needles.

• Regular microneedling works with needles without radiofrequency.
• RF microneedling combines needles with RF energy.
• RF microneedling is used, among other things, for the treatment of skin texture, wrinkles, acne scars, and skin laxity.
• The result and recovery vary depending on the device, settings, and individual.
• RF microneedling should be performed by a qualified practitioner and is not a treatment for home use.

Which treatment method is best suited should be assessed based on the skin's needs, treatment goals, and the risks and benefits relevant to the individual person.

Frequently asked questions about RF microneedling

What does RF mean in RF microneedling?

RF stands for radiofrequency. In RF microneedling, radiofrequency energy is delivered through or in connection with the needles to create controlled heat at a specific depth in the skin.

What is the difference between RF microneedling and regular microneedling?

Regular microneedling uses needles to mechanically stimulate the skin. RF microneedling combines the needling with radiofrequency energy that creates heat in the tissue.

Is RF microneedling better than regular microneedling?

Not generally. The methods work in different ways and may suit different treatment goals. Which method is appropriate depends, among other things, on the skin concern, skin type, desired result, and professional assessment.

Can you do RF microneedling at home?

No. RF microneedling uses both needles and radiofrequency energy and should be performed by a qualified practitioner who is trained on the relevant equipment.

What risks are associated with RF microneedling?

Temporary redness, swelling, irritation, and pain may occur. More serious complications have also been reported, including burns, scarring, fat loss, and nerve damage. Therefore, proper equipment, correct settings, and a trained practitioner are important.