Traditional & RF Micro Needling Backup

Just as the duration of a treatment can vary depending on the patient’s unique needs, the number of treatments required to achieve optimal results varies as well. Most patients require a minimum of three sessions to achieve ideal results, but the beauty of a micro needling treatment for Dallas patients is that the skin does all the work, naturally healing itself.

Micro needling has been approved for the face, neck, body, and scalp.

There are several micro needling devices being sold for home use. However, dermatologists advise that the procedure should be performed by a medical professional due to the risk of infection and scarring if applied in an environment that is not appropriately sterile.

Micro needling is best utilized by Dallas patients looking to resolve the following issues:

Micro needling works particularly well on pigment problems, such as melasma or hyperpigmentation. Since it isn’t a laser, it doesn’t generate heat, so it’s ideal for all skin types, including darker complexions, at any time of the year.

Micro needling is not suitable for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of certain types of scars and wounds healing poorly, have a skin infection or condition including herpes in the treatment area, have received radiation treatment to that area of the skin within the last year, have open wounds, or have utilized Accutane^® within the last few months.

Micro needling with radiofrequency (sometimes referred to as RF micro needling or microRF) is a multiple modality treatment, as micro needling is performed along with the addition of RF energy pulses through the small needles used to create micro injuries in the skin.

Along with the benefits that traditional micro needling would deliver, the RF energy travels from the needles to the deeper dermis layer of the skin to generate heat that further enhances skin tightening and scar reduction. The heat also further stimulates the skin’s production of collagen (the good kind) and elastin for longer-lasting results.

As part of our commitment to stay ahead of the curve and offer patients the latest (but well-tested) treatment options, our practice is one of the first in the region to offer SecretRF, the first FDA-cleared 2 Mhz RF micro needling system.

SecretRF offers a precise level of control, and can amplify the effects of topical treatments – the micro injuries created by the device can serve as channels for topical products to penetrate the skin more deeply.

RF micro needling at our practice can be performed on both the face and the body. SecretRF is a motorized system that comes with two distinct cartridges – the smaller one can be used for areas that require great care and precision (such as for fine lines around the eyes and lips), and the larger one is a more efficient option for more expansive areas of the body.

In addition to the benefits of traditional micro needling, RF micro needling can reduce pore size, brighten the skin, and address wrinkles on the hands or other parts of the body.

The SecretRF device, in particular, is different from many other RF micro needling devices, as it comes with the option to choose between using insulated or non-insulated micro needle sets. Non-insulated needles can lift and tighten skin more effectively, while insulated ones will create channels to facilitate better penetration (and thus effectiveness) of topical treatments, including PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and corticosteroids (such as Kenalog^®). Scar revision with RF micro needling can also be enhanced using SecretRF’s insulated needles in conjunction with PRP or the Sculptra^® dermal filler.

Sweat and odor glands are known to be sensitive to heat. With the use of micro needles to apply RF energy deeper into the skin, the heat generated has been shown in clinical trials to damage these glands to significantly reduce axillary hyperhidrosis (i.e. excessive underarm sweating). Results can last a year or longer, and if necessary, follow-up treatments are safe to perform.

Patients very quickly start to see positive changes in the skin, which should begin to look smoother and more radiant, but the full results won’t materialize for several months. The reason for the delayed result is that micro needling prompts the skin to naturally heal itself, stimulating the growth of collagen, which helps heal and improve skin’s appearance over time. As the micro needling breaks down scar tissue, the skin responds by creating new cells, resulting in new layers of elastin and collagen fibers.

The duration and effectiveness of the treatment also depends on the number of treatments. The procedure can safely be repeated every month or so, and the number of recommended treatments depends on a variety of factors including how well the patient responds and the severity of the scars or skin damage being treated. Many patients opt for a minimum of three treatments to reduce the appearance of scars, for example. However, each patient has unique needs, and we will work with you to develop a distinct treatment plan to address your unique concerns and needs.

For Dallas patients concerned about possible pain or discomfort, our staff can apply a topical numbing cream to ensure maximum comfort during the procedure. We recommend an application of hyaluronic acid after the procedure to help heal and hydrate the skin, as well as maximizing sun protection measures.

It is important to note that most patients will experience redness and swelling for the first one to two days following the procedure, along with the possibility of light bruising. However, these effects should be mild, and patients should begin to notice smoother skin within one to two weeks, though the full effects will take longer to materialize as collagen and elastin production continues.

Sometimes, small brown dots may be present at the entry points of each RF micro needle. These typically last for two to three days before resolving on their own. If RF micro meedling is performed on the underarms, it is normal for there to be some swelling and minor skin irritation for one to two weeks.

The cost of micro needling will depend largely on the number and duration of treatments a patient requires to achieve the best possible results.

Patients who would like to learn more about their options for financing assistance can contact CareCredit either by applying online or asking our staff for additional information. Once approved, CareCredit allows patients to set up a regular system of payment for cosmetic procedures and treatments.