Microneedling has become one of the most popular treatments in the medical esthetics industry. If you’re looking to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles or acne scars, your esthetician will most likely recommend microneedling.
In this post, we’ll be covering a form of microneedling called Radio Frequency (RF) microneedling. A newer treatment to the scene, this procedure uses specially insulated needles that deliver high-intensity radio frequency energy into the targeted tissue once the needles have broken through the skin.1
What is Radio Frequency Microneedling?
A microneedling device involves a pen with tiny needles that penetrates the skin to cause small wounds. This triggers the skin to create more collagen and elastin to heal the wound, which then reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Microneedling with radio frequency means the tiny needles also release radio frequency into the wound, causing more damage to the skin, which enhances the effectiveness of the treatment. According to Glynis R. Ablon, M.D., associate clinical professor of dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and founder and director, Ablon Skin Institute & Research Center, RF microneedling is a valuable treatment to offer because it can treat a range of skin aging signs and conditions, both on the face and body, plus, there is minimal risk and downtime compared to other common esthetic treatments.
Ablon also says that microneedling with radio frequency is a great option for skin tightening and resurfacing to treat wrinkles, lip lines, acne scars, other depressed scars, and stretch marks, and it can be used regardless of skin phototype. 2
Why is Radio Frequency Microneedling Important?
So why should you worry about this type of microneedling? For starters, staying on top of your game as an esthetician will help you attract more clients. In today’s fast moving world, people are always looking for the next best thing.
As this industry always evolves, it's also important to stay in the know with what other practitioners are doing. Even if you aren’t trained in a treatment, you can still be prepared to answer questions your clients may have. #knowledgeispower
Besides the advantages it will bring to your business, clients themselves will benefit from this treatment more than regular microneedling alone. “One of the great things about microneedling with radiofrequency is that it is color blind. Unlike with lasers, microneedling with radiofrequency delivers energy in a way that is not chromophore dependent. Therefore, it is safe to use in patients with darker skin types,” says Dr. Ablon.
Tips and Reminders
It's important to remember that when you’re just starting out in your career, you don’t have to master every procedure out there. By staying in the know through reading industry journals and networking with experienced professionals, you will set yourself up for success. As you progress through your career, you may find that you gravitate towards certain types of treatments, rather than trying to do a little bit of everything.
Another crucial part of learning new treatments is knowing what types of procedures your license allows you to perform. What a license legally allows you to do in Texas may differ from California. If you’re interested in adding a new treatment to your skill set, research the licensing guidelines where you live.
When learning a new skill, it is also important to do your own research on both the procedure and the outlet you’re getting your information from.
If you’re looking for opportunities to expand your skill set, check out our ICE&M Advanced Classes. We are always offering our students, and the Houston beauty industry the opportunity to learn more and grow their career through continued education.
1 – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/cosmetic-plastic-surgery/procedures/radio-frequency-rf-microneedling
2 – https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/microneedling-plus-radiofrequency-effective