RF microneedling is the most advanced microneedling treatment available at the moment. Along with inducing collagen formation by creating micro-injuries, the treatment utilizes radiofrequency energy to tighten skin and remodel fat tissue. Today we are going to talk about microneedling treatments offered at SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics, their differences, and their applications.
How Do Microneedling Treatments Vary?
If you are at all familiar with the term microneedling, then you already know that it is a procedure that creates tiny micro-injuries on the surface of the skin using a medical tool. This tool is covered with tiny very sharp needles that when rolled over the surface of the skin creates minuscule punctures that prompt the skin’s natural ability to repair itself by producing collagen and elastin. This leaves your skin looking healthier, more hydrated, and smoother than before the treatment.
The key differences in various types of microneedling are the tools used and the intent behind the procedure while the basic technique is similar. At SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics we offer treatments with an RF microneedling device Morpheus8 and a microinjection device AQUAGOLD®.
Traditional Microneedling
The first recorded use of a microneedling type procedure in medical history dates back to 1905 and was used by a German dermatologist to treat scars caused by acne. In 1996 the first microneedling tool was introduced by a Canadian plastic surgeon that looked like a small stamp with needles but luckily things have progressed and improved since then.
Today microneedling, also referred to as Collagen Induction Therapy is performed using a pen-like tool that contains tiny needles that are run across the face or body creating microscopic channels throughout the skin’s surface. The needles can be anywhere from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm in length. Usually, the shorter needles are used for the face and longer needles are used for other areas. Microneedling is used to lessen the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, hyper-pigmentation, large pores, sun damage, and stretch marks.
AQUAGOLD® Treatment
AQUAGOLD® is used to describe a particular brand of microneedling/microinjection tool that is available for use by a licensed professional that not only creates microscopic channels in the skin’s surface but also can deliver custom-blended serums to the targeted location as it is working.
The tool itself looks like a small glass bottle that holds the custom serum blend with a top that houses several tiny spring-loaded gold needles used to deliver the product as it is pressed against the skin. Once pressed, the needles pierce the skin and the serum is delivered into the created channels. The custom-blended serum can consist of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, peptides, exosomes, or amino acids and Botox, etc.
The AQUAGOLD® tool can also dispense Botox over the surface of the skin with the tiny needles channeling it into the microscopic perforations, shrinking pores, smoothing wrinkles, and leaving the patient with tighter and brighter skin.
The procedure is done on cleansed skin that has been treated with a numbing agent and takes between 20-60 minutes. There is virtually no downtime after AQUAGOLD® microneedling and it is recommended that a patient have a series of treatments to keep their skin looking its best especially if they are addressing a particular skin issue.
AQUAGOLD® Microneedling is like getting two procedures in one because not only is your skin benefiting from the custom serum being dispensed and absorbed, but the tiny micro-injuries will prompt natural collagen and elastin production resulting in smoother, tighter, more youthful skin.
Morpheus8 RF Microneedling
Morpheus8 is a microneedling procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to assist with increased collagen production and tissue tightening through the use of heat. It is one of the most powerful and deep-reaching microneedling treatments available and is an excellent choice for those with acne scars, or other skin imperfections.
The targeted skin is cleansed and numbed with a topical anesthetic after which the microneedling tool is gently pressed against the skin. This creates several tiny channels, or micro-injuries while also delivering heat via radiofrequency.
The addition of the radiofrequency allows for the treatment to penetrate even deeper than traditional microneedling and leads to increased collagen production. The beauty of Morpheus8 RF microneedling is that the tiny needles can break down any scar tissue and address imperfections without destroying the epidermis so there is a much shorter recovery time than with a chemical peel or microdermabrasion treatment.
Morpheus8 vs Microneedling
When comparing microneedling vs morpheus8, the main difference is the addition of the radiofrequency provided by the morpheus8 procedure. This added radio frequency heat reaches deep into the layers of the skin to promote the production of collagen and elastin at a significantly higher level and produces far superior results than traditional microneedling.
Another noteworthy difference when comparing morpheus8 vs microneedling is that morpheus8 also can eliminate unwanted fat pockets such as a double chin. Check out this Morpheus8 before and after of actual patient results and the elimination of a double chin.
How To Prepare For A RF Microneedling?
Skin professionals agree that to best prepare for a microneedling treatment you should stay out of the sun, discontinue the use of Retin-A and other topical medications for 3-5 days before the procedure, and refrain from hair removal or skin resurfacing procedures for a week prior to the treatment. You are not a candidate for any microneedling procedure if you have used Accutane within six months previous.
Recovery After Microneedling Procedures
It is important to avoid sun exposure as your skin heals from microneedling. Wear a sunscreen that has at least 30 SPF every day after the treatment, better yet, all year round. Avoid any anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin, Advil, or ibuprofen because they can inhibit your skin’s natural healing ability. Your skin may be red or appear irritated for up to a week but is only temporary. The results of your treatment will become evident within the next 3-4 weeks. For optimal results, a series of treatments spaced 8 weeks apart are recommended.
Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS, a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, and Christopher Ibikunle, MD, FACS, offer Morpheus8 treatments for men and women in Atlanta, Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Buckhead, and the surrounding areas of Atlanta, Georgia.
