RF Microneedle

Conveniently located to serve Dallas and Plano, TX

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Radiofrequency Microneedle

RF Microneedle

People are looking for skin rejuvenation at less expense and minimal recovery times. Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling offers the ability to achieve excellent results even after a single procedure but can show ongoing improvement with a series of treatments. RF microneedling is ideal for enlarged pores, fine wrinkles, poor skin tone, icepick acne scarring, and stretchmarks. It does not do as well for skin discolorations or surface epidermal problems, although it can lead to improved epidermal texture.

Key Points:

RF microneedling works by suctioning the skin to the interface, then tiny insulated needles are automatically inserted into the skin at a prescribed depth, and finally RF energy is transmitted to the dermal (middle) layer of skin to improve the collagen. The suction device ensures that the needles evenly penetrate the skin and along with the insulated cuff, the epidermis is protected from superficial burns, allowing all of the action of the microneedle to work in the dermis (where the skin’s principal collagen resides).
The treatment is performed by Dr. Lam’s staff and has minimal discomfort. First numbing cream is applied for about 30 to 45 minutes, then the procedure is performed being dialed up or down in intensity based on patient comfort, the areas intended for treatment, and the indication for treatment. Most patients complain of minimal discomfort. Additional use of breathable nitrous gas (Pronox) can be added for further comfort as needed. However, you will not be able to drive for about 30 minutes afterward.
After the procedure, you can be minimally tender in the treated areas and will be slightly red for 1 to 3 days after the procedure. The skin texture may feel a bit rougher for a few days as well. Typically, you should not experience bruising or significant swelling. Most patients return to work the same day, as makeup camouflage can be applied 1 hour after treatment. For men we offer a light, natural camouflage if need be. There really is no specific aftercare following the procedure that is required.
Although after several days to a week you may notice that your skin may look and feel younger, oftentimes it takes several weeks (and even months) for subtle ongoing improvements. In addition, it is recommended to perform this procedure every 4 to 8 weeks if possible in a series of treatments until desired effect is achieved, then maintenance can be performed less often as required. For more difficult conditions like acne scarring and stretchmarks, a series of treatments performed every month would be suggested to achieve ideal outcomes.

RF Microneedle

FAQs

I have ethnic skin. Is this a safe procedure for me?

This treatment should be safe in all skin types from fair Irish skin all the way to central African and dark Indian skin. The reason for this level of safety is that the RF current is applied only to the dermis (below the outer epidermis) while the epidermis in general is protected from burn injury by insulated needles and uniform suction. Accordingly, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), i.e., darkening of the skin after the procedure, should not be a major concern in most cases.

How does Dr. Lam’s device differ from other types of microneedling devices?

This device is very different from the majority of microneedle devices for a few reasons. First, most spas or aestheticians that perform this procedure without a physician on site have microneedles that do not penetrate deeply and have low RF energy. They are not permitted to perform higher levels of treatment that could otherwise be undertaken in a physician’s office. Further, many microneedle systems do not have RF current, which is the key to achieve excellent results. Those systems that have RF current also may risk burning the skin due to the lack of insulation and suction.

Does Dr. Lam combine this procedure with platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?

No, he has tried many types of skin rejuvenation methods with PRP over the years and found little to no benefit for the patient. However, he does use PRP almost every day for hair restoration and owns and operates one of the most powerful PRP devices on the market. If you are truly interested in PRP along with microneedle, Dr. Lam can perform this procedure for you but does not believe that it is worth the added cost and risk of bruising, etc.

How does this procedure differ from other types of laser treatments?

First, we should distinguish between two types of lasers: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers, which Dr. Lam performs, either partially or entirely removes the outer and middle layers of skin. These lasers cause more downtime, are more expensive, but can lead to both changes in the epidermis and dermis. They are better for more significantly damaged skin. Non-ablative lasers, also known as photofacials or BBLs, only work to improve the epidermis and very minimally the underlying dermal layer. These devices can be good for rosacea, pigmentation, or other surface flaws. Dr. Lam also offers this service, which is performed by his staff. RF microneedle, on the other hand, targets specifically dermal problems like pinpoint icepick acne scarring, lax skin texture, wrinkles, pores, stretchmarks, etc.

How does this procedure differ from other types of skin-tightening procedures?

There are so many types of skin treatments available on the market today, and technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Dr. Lam has owned and/or investigated many so-called skin tightening procedures, e.g., Ulthera, infrared, etc., and has been disappointed. He has also tried other types of devices like Fractora and Infini but the risk to skin burning and the degree of discomfort made him decide that he would not offer these services to his patients. He believes that RF microneedle provides a very targeted solution to the dermis while bypassing the epidermis to provide notable skin improvement (as outlined above) with minimal downtime and risk by preserving entirely the outer epidermal surface. If you should have any more specific inquiries, Dr. Lam and his staff would be happy to answer your questions and help provide solutions to your concerns.

Is RF microneedling a substitute for having a facial?

No, a facial works to improve the outermost surface of the epidermal layer but provides very little improvement to the dermal layer. RF microneedle, as mentioned, targets the underlying dermis. These two treatments along with photofacials, etc., can be quite complementary to one another to provide global skin health and rejuvenation. Even after ablative skin resurfacing, the result can be further enhanced and maintained with RF microneedling.

Call us: 972.312.8188

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Your RF Microneedle will be performed by Dr. Lam's surgery center located in Plano, TX.

Dr. Lam was extremely detail before I got the procedure done.The procedure didn’t hurt at all.The staff was also very nice! It didn’t last long ,and my experience overall was good!