Microneedling and radiofrequency microneedling are cosmetic skin resurfacing treatments that use tiny needles to create collagen and elastin in the skin. Both are a type of collagen induction therapy (CITs) used to treat wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, and more!
The difference between RF microneedling and microneedling is in the name. RF microneedling uses radiofrequency energy from a targeted laser to enhance the benefits of this minimally-invasive treatment.
Stadia Med Spa offers RF microneedling to enhance your skin’s natural beauty. Keep reading to learn more about the difference between RF microneedling vs microneedling.
Microneedling is a procedure where tiny needles repeatedly puncture the skin. While the idea of tiny needles may remind you of getting a tattoo, this cosmetic treatment is designed to heal the skin instead of using needles to inject pigment into the skin.
The thin needles create microtraumas in the skin, both in the epidermis (surface level) and epidermis (middle layer). When you’re injured, your body creates more collagen to help you heal. Microneedling uses this natural bodily function to heal blemishes and reverse the signs of aging.
Collagen induction therapy can treat:
Most new microneedling devices treat varying skin depths and are FDA-approved for use on the face, neck, abdomen, arms, knees, and thighs.
Some microneedling devices are even available for in-home use. Although most medical professionals will advise against those because they can cause unpleasant side effects when used incorrectly.
Stadia Med Spa offers an upgraded form of microneedling called RF microneedling. RF microneedling combines traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy.
Radiofrequency energy heats the skin to a specific temperature to induce collagen production. RF is used in many cosmetic treatments to tighten sagging skin and reduce the signs of aging.
One popular treatment – called the Laser Genesis facial – is equivalent to a nonsurgical facial for those with mild to moderate sagging and wrinkles.
Both RF microneedling and microneedling puncture the dermis and epidermis at a customizable depth. But the addition of radiofrequency greatly enhances the benefits of microneedling.
When you research microneedling and RF microneedling before your treatment, you will probably notice a price difference. The cost of microneedling is between $100 and $600, while the cost of RF microneedling is between $800 and $1500.
That leads many people to ask, is RF microneedling worth it?
When you microneedle with RF, the heat penetrates deeper into the skin. It follows the microchannels created by the microneedles to create more collagen. The combination of RF and microneedling gives you better results with fewer treatments.
“Microneedling on its own is less effective and requires many, many more treatments. In the long run, RF microneedling is worth the investment.”
RF microneedling is one of the only treatments on the market today that successfully reduces fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite, scarring, and uneven skin tones.
And that isn’t even the best part! RF microneedling is minimally invasive and requires little to no recovery time. You leave your treatment and get back to living your life!
The difference between microneedling and RF microneedling in terms of sensation depends on several factors, including where you get your treatment done! Generally, microneedling is less painful than RF microneedling. You also won’t feel the therapeutic heat from the radiofrequency energy.
RF microneedling isn’t painful, but it can be uncomfortable. At Stadia Med Spa, a topical anesthetic is optional – especially if you are nervous about your RF microneedling treatment!
For some, the idea of the needles puncturing the skin makes them nervous. But the majority of patients at Stadia Med Spa find RF microneedling surprisingly tolerable. Some patients even find the treatment relaxing and enjoyable. They compare it to a hot stone massage – hot but therapeutic.
What you feel during your microneedling or RF microneedling treatment depends on the skin and what you are trying to treat. Stretch marks, scars, wrinkles, redness – every blemish requires a different needle depth.
Also, everyone has a different pain tolerance. Moderate scarring may hurt more to treat than surface-level wrinkles and lines.
Your provider will pass the device over the treatment area several times and adjust the needle depth based on your unique skin care goals and concerns!
Stadia Med Spa is primarily concerned with your comfort, so don’t miss out because you’re afraid it may be intolerable! The treatment is customizable, and your provider will work with you to make your treatment as pleasant as possible.
RF microneedling and microneedling also differ in how often you need appointments. Microneedling is less effective than RF microneedling, so you will need more appointments to see the same results.
Microneedling without RF can be done once a month every four to six weeks. The total number of visits will depend on your skincare concerns and goals. Some practitioners recommend nine months of treatment, while others recommend upwards of 20 to meet your goals.
RF microneedling requires between two and four treatments every two to six weeks. After that, you can schedule regular maintenance every six months to keep your results from fading!
Neither treatment has permanent results since the collagen produced during microneedling is removed from the body after a time. But, RF microneedling is much more effective and needs fewer treatments overall.
The difference – RF microneedling vs microneedling – is most evident in the results! RF microneedling has better results with fewer treatments. Stadia Med Spa recommends it for anyone with minor to moderate sagging skin, wrinkles, sun damage, scarring, stretch marks, cellulite, and more!
If you still aren’t sure if microneedling or RF microneedling is the right treatment for you, why not start with a free consultation? An experienced professional will go over your treatment goals and any concerns you have about the treatment before you book! Contact Stadia Med Spa to schedule today.
Call 210-881-6270 today!
