Radiofrequency (RF) and Radiofrequency Microneedling treatments are both popular cosmetic procedures that use radiofrequency energy to improve the skin, but they have different modes of action and different treatment protocols.

Radiofrequency Treatment:

Radiofrequency (RF) treatment involves the application of radiofrequency energy to the surface of the skin using a handpiece with electrodes that transmits the energy into the skin. This energy heats the dermal layer, stimulating the activation of fibroblasts in the skin which are responsible for the production of collagen and elastin, crucial components of healthy skin. RF is commonly used for skin tightening, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, and improving overall skin texture and tone.

RF treatment is completely non-invasive and can be used on the face, neck, décolleté and body. It is great for improving ageing skin and firming skin that has become lax through ageing, weight loss or pregnancy. Radiofrequency treatment is pain free and has very little downtime other than mild redness for a few hours. You can go straight back to daily activities following an RF treatment.

Radiofrequency Microneedling:

Radiofrequency Microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to maximise the treatment outcome. Microneedling involves the use of tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body's natural renewal process and subsequently boosting collagen and elastin production. In radiofrequency microneedling, the radiofrequency energy is passed down into the skin via the micro-needles which allows treatment to be delivered into the deeper layers of the skin, further enhancing the effects. This treatment is effective for addressing concerns such as acne scars, enlarged pores, uneven skin texture, and moderate to severe wrinkles. Radiofrequency microneedling typically requires some downtime for recovery due to the micro-injuries created by the needles which can leave the skin pink/red for around 12-48 hours (depending on skin sensitivity).

The choice between radiofrequency treatment and radiofrequency microneedling depends on various factors, including your specific skin concerns, desired results, downtime tolerance, and the recommendation of your skincare professional. Here are some considerations to help you determine which option may be better for you:

Skin Concerns:

RF treatment is effective for overall skin tightening, reducing fine lines, and improving skin texture and tone. It can also contour the face by stimulating the blood and lymphatic circulation to remove toxins from the skin and reduce puffiness. Radiofrequency microneedling is beneficial for addressing more severe issues such as deeper lines/wrinkles, UV damage, acne scars, enlarged pores, pigmentation and redness/rosacea, as well as having a skin tightening effect.

Discomfort:

Radiofrequency treatment is pain-free, you will feel heat but it is completely non-invasive so there is no discomfort other than a heat sensation which most people find pleasant. Radiofrequency Microneeding uses tiny needles and the radiofrequency energy is transmitted through these needles deep into the skin so there is some discomfort. Most clinics will use a local anaesthetic cream to 'numb' your skin prior to a RF Microneedling treatment which makes the procedure much more tolerable although some discomfort may still be felt. The level of discomfort varies between individuals as everyone's pain threshold is slightly different.

Downtime:

RF treatment typically involves minimal to no downtime, with mild redness that resolves quickly within a few hours. Radiofrequency microneedling may require a few days of downtime due to the micro-injuries created by the needles, during which you may experience more prolonged redness and mild swelling.

Number of Sessions:

RF treatment requires multiple sessions at weekly intervals to achieve optimal results. At Halo Aesthetics we recommend 6 treatments initially (once a week for 6 weeks), followed by a maintenance session every 6-8 weeks. Radiofrequency microneedling usually requires fewer sessions compared to Radiofrequency. We recommend a course of 3 sessions (once a month for 3 months) followed by a maintenance session every 6-12 months depending on the skin condition and severity of concerns.

Cost:

Radiofrequency Microneedling tends to be more expensive than Radiofrequency treatment due to the combination of microneedling and RF technology which makes devices much more expensive for clinics to purchase and running costs are higher. Costs vary from clinic to clinic depending on location and the quality of the devices used (NB not all RF and RF Microneedling devices are equal!). As an example, at Halo Aesthetics we use high quality, market leading devices and a course of 6 Radiofrequency treatments costs £600 for full face, while Radiofrequency Microneedling costs £1000 for a course of 3 to full face.

Professional Advice:

If you have problematic skin, sensitive skin, rosacea, tendency to scar or you suffer from a pigmentation disorder such as melasma/post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is it essential that you obtain professional advice from a reputable clinic where the staff understand these issues fully.

Ultimately, the 'best' option depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the advice of a qualified skincare professional. At Halo Aesthetics we offer a free Skin Analysis and Consultation with a qualified, experienced skin expert to help determine the most suitable treatment for achieving your desired results while considering factors such as skin type, concerns, tolerance for downtime, and budget.