Why You Should Consider RF Microneedling to Help Patients With Acne Scarring

The most common aesthetic concern for skincare patients continues to be acne and its side effects, including hyperpigmentation, pitting and scarring. 

A whopping 80% of people between 11 and 30 will experience acne, and 1 in 5 will suffer scarring.

Although many attempt to minimize damage with chemical peels and similar procedures, these fail to address the root cause of acne scarring: collagen irregularities and inflammation beneath the skin, which traumatize tissue.

An innovative, non-surgical treatment targets this with acute precision to stimulate new collagen production and the body’s natural healing process: RF microneedling. Its versatility, minimal recovery downtime, and unparalleled comfort make it one of the most remarkably effective acne scarring treatments on the market—attracting more and more patients.

Here’s a useful breakdown of RF microneedling, how it’s transforming acne treatment and improving the look of associated scarring, and why it’s a worthwhile consideration for your practice.

What Is RF Microneedling?

RF microneedling utilizes tiny needlepoints to create micro-injuries on the skin—stimulating the body’s natural healing process and increasing collagen, elastin, and fibroblast activity to generate new, healthier skin.

After this minimally invasive procedure, patients can return to work or other obligations that same day with minimal recovery downtime, side effects, and pain.

Results are immediately evident and only continue improving with time as neocollagenesis (new collagen production) occurs—even after six months!

How RF Microneedling Helps Improve the Look of Acne Scarring

By revitalizing damaged, irregular tissue, RF microneedling addresses acne scarring at its source to produce smoother skin.

This was the outcome for the majority (80.64%) of grade 3 and 4 acne scarred patients who participated in a trial evaluating the technology’s effectiveness. Published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, the findings note “substantial improvement in the appearance of all types of acne scars, which included the softening of scar contours as well as reduction in scar depth.” Most noticed their conditions improve by two grades, and others (19.35%) by one grade.

FDA-cleared for use with 0.5MHz, 1MHz, and 2MHz radiofrequency (RF) energy, VirtueRF is the go-to platform for Maryland-based Pura Vida Med Spa Founder Dr. Leslie Apgar in treating her patients’ acne scarring.

“My acne scarred patients are the most emotionally motivated and so they are prepared for aggressive treatments right out of the gate,” she explains. “Because of this, their results are quite striking after just three VirtueRF treatments, and they are quick to send in their friends. In my experience, this is the only procedure in this industry where husbands, boyfriends, partners not only notice their other half’s skin is improving and comment on it, but they then come in to have VirtueRF treatments themselves.”  

Key Benefits of RF Microneedling

The technology boasts several unique benefits, including:

• Versatile Treatment Options: VirtueRF is the only RF microneedling device with three handpieces (SmartRF, DeepRF, and ExactRF)—enabling tailored, precise treatments across a wide range of acne severity levels, skin pigmentations, and body areas.
• Minimal Recovery Downtime & Maximum Comfort: Its unique combination of Robotic Precision Delivery (RPD), Sub-Pulse Technology, and DeepRF’s cooling plate provides a comfortable and efficacious 20-minute treatment.
• Minimal Side Effects: Aside from some potential for temporary redness or swelling, VirtueRF produces minimal side effects compared to dermabrasion, botox, or chemical peels—whose bruising, skin discoloration, or scabbing can take weeks to heal. 
• Long-Term Results: Its competitive results last anywhere from 12 to 18 months compared to one to four with traditional methods. Experienced practitioners at trusted aesthetics provider Cartessa Aesthetics recommend three to five treatments at four to six weeks apart.

Combination Treatments: RF Microneedling & Tetra CoolPeel 

RF microneedling boasts impactful outcomes in its own right—but when paired with the Tetra CO2 CoolPeel laser treatment, it is the ultimate combination for treating acne.

While VirtueRF stimulates deep collagen restoration, CoolPeel painlessly resurfaces skin. This combination permeates the superficial epidermis and deep dermal layers to target hyperpigmentation, superficial tone and texture, and kickstart neocollagenesis. 

With high peak power exclusive to the Tetra CO2 by Deka, CoolPeel performs superficial ablation without the downtime of traditional CO2 treatments. In fact, it’s common for patients to be treated without numbing agents!

“In the past, all my CO2 laser patients would need IV anesthesia or would be treated in the OR,” explains Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon Carey Nease of Tennessee-based Nease Cosmetic Surgery. “The CoolPeel allows me to treat patients in my office in under 10 minutes and offer them a predictable skin renewal treatment with minimal downtime. Patients don’t want downtime, so they are loving that any redness is typically gone in a few days.”  

For these reasons, the Ultimate Duo continues to be an increasingly popular acne treatment regimen. 

“The most popular treatment in my practice is the combination of VirtueRF and CoolPeel,” explains leading Boca Raton Dermatologist Jordana Herschthal. “It is cost effective and you get to the end result quicker, which is great for both patients and providers.”

RF Microneedling Versus Other Acne Treatments

With minimal recovery time and unparalleled versatile treatment options, RF microneedling is in a league of its own.

Let’s examine how it measures up against other acne scarring treatments on the market.

Why Virtue RF Microneedling Platform?

With lasting results and inclusive treatment options, it’s no surprise RF microneedling’s market value of $505.3 million is projected to grow 7.7% annually through 2030. 

When deciding the right platform for you, consider a device that maximizes RF microneedling’s already impressive benefits: VirtueRF.

The Virtue RF Difference: Product Specs

This industry-leading device is the only platform on the market offering: 

• Three Unique Handpieces 
  • SmartRF: This 36-needle handpiece comfortably treats the face, hands, and decolleté.
  • DeepRF: This 36-needle handpiece specializes in smoothing, tightening, and advanced body treatments, with a cooling plate for added comfort.
  • ExactRF: This single-needle handpiece enables tailored precision around the mouth, eyes, and jawline.
• Complete Comfort & Zero Pain: Sub-Pulse Technology, Robotic Precision Delivery, and cooling plate offer superior results and an unrivaled experience.
• Versatile Treatment Options: Inclusive treatment options cater to a wide variety of acne severity levels and skin pigments, conditions, and types.
• Efficiency & Safety: SmartRF and DeepRF’s auto-modes cut treatment times by up to 30%. On-screen tip configuration confirmation, embedded RF identification codes, and tip cartridge covers prevent misfiring and contamination, for safer use.

When it comes to broadening your practice’s acne scarring treatment options, RF microneedling is the preeminent solution.

To harness the treatment’s full potential, rely on a platform that continues out-performing the competition in every aspect, with unparalleled versatility, comfort, and stunning results.

Cartessa Aesthetics is a trusted provider of end-to-end aesthetics device fulfillment for stunning, safe results. To learn more about how to enhance your practice’s acne scarring treatment options with VirtueRF microneedling, contact us today.