Éblouissant · Journal

RF Microneedling for Acne Scars: What to Expect

How RF microneedling treats acne scars

Acne scars form when the skin heals improperly after severe inflammation. If the body produces too little collagen during the healing process, a depressed scar is left behind. Radiofrequency microneedling addresses this by stimulating the skin to rebuild itself.

The device uses a cluster of fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. As the needles enter the skin, they deliver radiofrequency energy. This energy creates controlled heat in the deeper layers. The physical action of the needles helps break up tough scar tissue. The heat from the radiofrequency energy tells the body to produce new collagen and elastin.

As the skin heals from these micro-injuries, the new collagen helps plump the depressed areas. The result is a smoother skin texture. Because the process relies on the body building new tissue, changes take time. Results build gradually over a period of 3 to 6 months.

Which scars respond to treatment?

Acne scars come in different shapes and depths. Identifying the type of scar helps set realistic expectations for what RF microneedling can achieve. Most patients have a mix of scar types.

Rolling scars have sloping edges that make the skin look uneven or wavy. These scars respond quite well to RF microneedling. The needles can break up the bands of tissue pulling the skin down, and new collagen helps fill the broad depressions.

Boxcar scars have sharper, more defined edges and resemble a small, shallow box. Shallow boxcar scars often improve significantly with treatment. The new collagen softens the sharp edges and lifts the floor of the scar.

Icepick scars are narrow and deep, resembling a small puncture mark. These are the most difficult scars to treat with RF microneedling. While the treatment might soften their appearance slightly, it is not usually the most effective option for deep icepick scars.

Setting realistic expectations

RF microneedling can significantly improve the texture of scarred skin. It does not erase scars completely. The goal of treatment is to soften the edges, lift the depressed areas, and make the scars less noticeable under normal lighting.

The degree of improvement depends on the individual scar and how the person's skin responds to the treatment. Some people see dramatic changes, while others see more subtle softening. Age, skin type, and overall health can all influence the outcome.

Patience is essential. The skin takes time to remodel itself and build new collagen. The final results of a treatment series may not be fully apparent until several months after the last session.

Preparing for treatment

Before starting RF microneedling for acne scars, a medical evaluation is necessary. The physician will examine the scars to determine if this treatment is appropriate. They will also review your medical history.

Active acne needs to be under control. Treating over active breakouts can spread bacteria and cause a flare-up. If you have active acne, your physician will likely recommend a treatment plan to clear the skin before scheduling RF microneedling.

Patients taking certain medications might need to wait. For example, the timing of RF microneedling after taking isotretinoin (commonly known by the former brand name Accutane) is a medical decision. The physician will determine when it is safe to proceed based on the individual case.

What the treatment process involves

A typical RF microneedling session takes about 60 minutes. The provider will clean the skin and apply a topical numbing cream about 30 minutes before the procedure begins. This cream significantly reduces discomfort during the treatment.

Once the skin is numb, the provider will move the device over the treatment area. You might feel a slight prickling sensation and a feeling of warmth. The device settings are adjusted based on the depth of the scars and the specific area being treated.

After the session, the skin is usually red. It might look and feel like a mild sunburn. This redness typically lasts for 1 to 3 days. You will receive instructions on how to care for your skin during this initial healing phase, including what products to use and what to avoid.

Planning your treatment series

Acne scars are tough tissue, and a single treatment is rarely enough. A series of sessions is almost always needed for the most noticeable improvement. Most treatment plans involve about three sessions spaced several weeks apart.

Spacing the treatments allows the skin to heal and the new collagen to begin forming before the next session. Your provider will recommend an interval based on your skin's response. The full effect of a three-session series develops over the months following the final treatment.

RF microneedling at Éblouissant

At Éblouissant, Dr. Pandey evaluates each patient's acne scars to determine the appropriate treatment approach. We use the Vivace RF microneedling device, which is an FDA-cleared system. The device allows the depth of the needles and the level of radiofrequency energy to be adjusted for each patient's specific needs.

Vivace treatments at our practice are $600 per session. A package of three sessions is $1,500, which saves $300. The cost is the same whether the treatment targets acne scars, overall skin texture, or fine lines. Aesthetic treatments are self-pay and not billed to insurance. Appointments can be scheduled online through our patient portal or by calling our office in Greenwich Village.

Common questions

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This article is general information, not medical advice, and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Individual results vary. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Medical disclaimer