Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Knoxville, TN

Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling is a minimally invasive rejuvenation treatment that improves skin texture, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and tightens the skin by stimulating natural collagen production. (1)

As skin ages or undergoes changes from acne, sun exposure, weight fluctuations, or hormonal shifts, collagen levels gradually decline. The loss of structural support can create fine lines, uneven texture, enlarged pores, and stretch marks. RF microneedling addresses these concerns by combining controlled microneedling with radiofrequency energy, allowing for deeper collagen production and enhanced skin benefits.

Medical Director and Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. David Lo leads Lumiere Plastic Surgery + MedSpa along with his experienced team in Knoxville, bringing advanced techniques and attentive care to every patient. RF microneedling can be part of a comprehensive approach to nonsurgical skin rejuvenation for patients who want visible improvements without surgery or extended downtime. RF microneedling can address concerns on the face or body, and it is often selected by patients who want a gradual, natural-looking improvement in their skin quality.

To learn more about RF microneedling, contact us online or call our office directly at (865) 357-2222 to schedule your personal consultation.

About RF Microneedling

RF microneedling is an advanced treatment that uses fine needles to create controlled microchannels in the skin while delivering radiofrequency energy into the deeper layers of the tissue. This dual action stimulates collagen and elastin production at a deeper level than surface-based treatments alone. Over time, this process leads to firmer skin, a smooth texture, and an improved skin tone. (2)

Benefits

RF microneedling delivers noticeable improvements without surgery or significant downtime. Many patients appreciate its ability to enhance skin quality gradually and naturally. Under the care of the expert Lumiere team, our patients see advantages like:

  • Improved skin firmness and elasticity
  • Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
  • Smoother and more even complexion
  • Minimized appearance of acne scars
  • Reduction in enlarged pores
  • Stimulated collagen and elastin production
  • Customization for face and body concerns

How RF Microneeding Works

RF microneedling works by combining two powerful rejuvenation mechanisms into one treatment. Microneedles create precise channels in the skin, initiating the body’s healing response, while radiofrequency energy gently heats the deeper layers of tissue. This thermal stimulation causes existing collagen fibers to contract while encouraging the production of new collagen and elastin. As the skin heals, it becomes smoother, firmer, and more resilient. (3)

Common Treatment Areas

RF microneedling targets a wide range of face and body concerns, including those on the forehead, neck, cheeks, jawline, and the under-eye regions. It can improve firmness, refine texture, minimize scars, reduce fine lines, and more. RF microneedling can also address mild skin laxity or textural irregularities in the abdomen, arms, thighs, elbows, and knees.

Candidates

RF microneedling aims to improve skin quality without surgical intervention, medications, or topical agents. If you are experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, uneven skin texture, large pores, sun damage, or more, you may be an ideal candidate for this treatment. To achieve the best outcomes, you should have generally good skin health without active rashes, infections, or sunburns, and hold realistic expectations for your results. If your concerns are beyond what RF microneedling can address, or if you do not qualify for treatment, Dr. Lo will help you find an effective alternative.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Lo will evaluate your medical history, skin texture, present concerns, and their severity. This evaluation will help him identify your desired treatment areas, determine an effective treatment approach, and estimate the number of sessions you may require. With your specific goals in mind, he will create a personalized treatment plan for you. Dr. Lo and his team will answer any questions you may have. This meeting allows you to feel fully informed, confident, and excited to begin your treatment. Contact us online or call our office at (865) 357-2222 to schedule your personal consultation today!

Preparation

Proper preparation helps to optimize results. Before your RF microneedling treatment, Dr. Lo may have you:

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure
  • Pause the use of retinoids and acidic products
  • Avoid blood-thinning medications
  • Avoid alcohol at least 24 hours prior to treatment
  • Arrive with clean skin on the day of treatment

Procedure and Recovery

On the day of your procedure, we advise you to arrive with clean skin to help reduce irritation and allow for precise treatment application. Dr. Lo will begin the procedure by applying a topical numbing cream to the treatment area. Once the area is numb, he will pass the RF microneedling device gently over the skin. Needles will penetrate the skin to create microchannels while releasing radiofrequency energy to heat in the deep dermis of the skin. Patients typically feel slight pressure and a bit of heat, but the procedure is tolerable overall. Dr. Lo will carefully control the depth of the needle and energy frequency levels to ensure a safe, controlled, yet effective treatment. The RF microneedling process can last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the area.

Recovery

The recovery after RF microneedling is typically short with minimal downtime. After your procedure, you may experience redness, mild swelling, and sensitivity for one to three days, but these symptoms will gradually subside as the skin heals. Most patients can return to normal activities within 48 hours; however, you should refrain from strenuous exercise, direct sun exposure, and certain skincare products that may cause irritation.

Results

Initial improvements in your skin texture and tone will become noticeable within a few weeks, but full results will develop gradually over several months. As collagen production increases, your skin will continue to become firmer and smoother. You will also notice a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, and the appearance of acne scars will diminish. Many patients undergo a series of three to four RF microneedling sessions within a span of several weeks to achieve optimal results. Maintenance treatments can also help preserve your results, particularly for patients who want ongoing collagen stimulation and noticeably improved skin quality.

Corresponding Procedures

Dr. Lo may recommend combining other treatments to enhance overall results. Possible pairings include:

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments can reduce the appearance of sun spots, freckles, or aging spots. These treatments renew the complexion from the inside out by stimulating the body’s natural healing process. Additionally, they will boost collagen production, smooth the skin’s texture, brighten the skin tone, and reveal the fresh, unaffected skin layers beneath old, tired, damaged outer layers.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are non-surgical treatments that add youthful volume beneath the skin. These injections are especially beneficial for replacing volume lost from aging, weight loss, or other factors. Common treatment areas include the lips, beneath the eyes, the cheeks, and more.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel exfoliates the outer layers of the skin to encourage collagen and elastin growth, boost hydration, and reveal a fresh skin layer.

Cost of RF Microneedling in Knoxville

The cost of your RF microneedling treatment varies depending on the complexity of your skin concerns and the number of sessions you undergo. During your personal consultation, Dr. Lo and his team will provide a personalized cost estimate and discuss available financing options.

Schedule a consultation today to explore your RF microneedling possibilities. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Knoxville office directly at (865) 357-2222.

FAQ

How many RF microneedling sessions will I need?

Most patients benefit from a series of three to four treatments, though individual needs and goals may vary.

Is RF microneedling painful?

Dr. Lo will apply a topical numbing agent on the treatment area to reduce discomfort. Overall, this treatment is generally tolerable, minimally invasive, and requires little downtime.

When can I return to normal activities after my RF microneedling treatment?

Many patients return to normal activities within one or two days after their procedure.

How long will the results from my RF microneedling last?

RF microneedling results can last several months and up to a year with proper care and maintenance.

Can I pair RF microneedling with other treatments?

Absolutely! Dr. Lo may recommend some treatment combination options to enhance overall results. You can combine RF microneedling with a chemical peel, skin injectables, a fractional laser treatment, and possibly more. Which areas does RF microneedling usually target? RF microneedling usually targets the forehead, neck, cheeks, jawline, and the under-eye regions to improve firmness, refine texture, and reduce fine lines. RF microneedling can also address mild skin laxity or textural irregularities in the abdomen, arms, thighs, elbows, and knees.

What makes RF microneedling so effective?

RF microneedling is effective because it combines the collagen-boosting benefits of the healing process with the deep, thermal stimulation from radiofrequency energy.

How will I know RF microneedling is right for me?

RF microneedling may be an ideal treatment for you if you wish to treat skin laxity, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, and large pores with minimal downtime.

References

  1. Tan MG, Jo CE, Chapas A, Khetarpal S, Dover JS. Radiofrequency Microneedling: A Comprehensive and Critical Review. Dermatologic Surgery. 2021;47(6):755-761. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000002972
  2. Orr Shauly, Marxen T, Menon A, Gould DJ, Leslie Riggle Miller, Losken A. Radiofrequency Microneedling: Technology, Devices and Indications in the Modern Plastic Surgery Practice. Aesthetic surgery journal. 2023;5. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojad100
  3. Undavalli Navyadevi, Sadhika Ganni, Saka Satya, et al. Efficacy and safety of microneedling radiofrequency in acne scars. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2024;17:315-319. doi:https://doi.org/10.25259/jcas_175_23
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