Your skin goes through a lot as the years go on. Bouts of acne, sun exposure, changes in hormones, and other events directly impact your skin and its texture. Though makeup can cover many skin conditions, it almost always emphasizes texture, one of the top skin concerns for many of our patients.
The other difficult thing about skin texture is how difficult (or sometimes impossible) it is to improve through at-home skincare products. While our skin professionals at Envision Aesthetics always recommend a good skincare routine, nothing beats the power of professional treatments when it comes to texture!
One of our favorite texture treatments? INTRAcel! INTRAcel is a type of RF microneedling near you in Rochester at our aesthetic clinic. We explain how it works, the conditions it treats, and more below!
What is RF microneedling?
And what is RF?! RF stands for radiofrequency, a versatile technology used in everything from iPads and microwaves to very low strengths in non-invasive skin and body contouring treatments!
According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health, radiofrequency is a form of thermal energy generated from an electromagnetic current. This energy can heat tissues and encourage new collagen production, renewing your skin from within and helping concerns like texture and skin laxity.
Microneedling is a form of manual skin rejuvenation; instead of renewing skin with laser energy, microneedling uses many tiny microneedles to create “micro injuries” in the skin. These small injuries are purposeful and controlled; they cause your body’s natural wound healing response to kick in, increasing skin cell turnover, producing new collagen, and more.
In short, RF + microneedling = smoother, beautiful skin ✨
At Envision Aesthetics, our particular type of RF microneedling is INTRAcel. View the below animation to get a detailed look at how it works.
How is microneedling different from laser skin rejuvenation? Benefits and more
Treats all skin tones
For those with darker skin tones, laser skin treatments are almost always a risk since many lasers target pigment in the skin (melanin). Since lasers work by finding pigment and breaking it up, this could lead to skin discoloration for those with deeper skin tones.
Learn more about the difference between a laser treatment & INTRAcel RF microneedling →
With microneedling and RF microneedling with INTRAcel, this is not the case! Microneedling works in a totally different way, creating many tiny injuries in the dermis of the skin. This technology does not target the melanin pigment in the way lasers do. Of course, there is still a small risk of creating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from skin trauma, so make sure you go to a highly experienced professional who has worked with many skin tones.
Less downtime
Many laser treatments, especially aggressive ablative lasers, call for days of downtime for your skin to recover. This means calling off work, postponing events, and steering clear of the sun for several days, greatly disrupting your routine.
RF microneedling near you requires little to no downtime! In fact, most of our clients look great within 12-24 hours post-treatment. We’ll give you plenty of details to give your skin some extra love as it heals, but this is much more minimal than other resurfacing treatments.
Get treatments any time of year
Since your skin is not nearly as sensitive after RF microneedling as it would be post-laser treatment, it is much easier to get microneedling done any time of year. Whether you want to revamp your skin for the winter holidays or feel confident to go barefaced throughout the summer, you can get RF microneedling done any time of year!
RF Microneedling Near You: What does it treat?
As the title says, RF microneedling is so versatile. Whether you’re struggling with acne scars in your 20s or fine lines and skin laxity in your 60s, this skin rejuvenation has perks for everyone. Let’s jump into the conditions we can treat with this procedure.
1. Scars
Acne scars
Painful acne, especially cystic or hormonal acne, can create divots in the skin from the wound healing process. This can result from excessive picking, popping, or a blemish that really did a number on your skin.
Many people still struggle with acne scars years after their skin clears up. There are a few types of acne scars that are more difficult to treat than others, but INTRAcel RF microneedling can improve their appearance. We will examine your acne scars and give you realistic expectations for results. The amount of improvement depends on the scar type, size, and number of treatment sessions.
Traumatic scars
Traumatic scars refer to any form of trauma your skin has gone through, such as an injury, deep cut, or other experience that leaves a scar on your skin. Traumatic scars vary widely since their origin is different for everyone, but RF microneedling near you is a fantastic way to improve their appearance.
2. Hyperpigmentation
RF microneedling can help break up hyperpigmentation—a skin condition where excess pigment creates areas of discoloration. There are several types of hyperpigmentation we can improve with INTRAcel.
Sunspots
One of the most common forms of hyperpigmentation for people in their 30s and older are sunspots. Also referred to as age spots, sunspots appear from spending too much time in the sun. Your skin produces more melanin when you’re out in the sun as a form of protection, but it can produce too much of this, resulting in excess spots of extra pigment that stick around for good.
The most common areas for sunspots are the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and hands. While Halo laser or Forever Young BBL are good options for treating them, RF microneedling is an option too.
Melasma
Melasma, also sometimes referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” is the appearance of patches of discoloration that is darker than your natural skin tone. It is typically found across the cheeks and around the mouth. One of the top causes of melasma is a change in hormone levels, which is what makes it so common among new mothers.
Uneven skin tone
Sometimes there may not be a specific form of hyperpigmentation you want to treat, and instead you’re looking to improve a generally uneven skin tone. Many people find that they feel more confident in their skin when they don’t feel the need to cover dark circles, redness, or hyperpigmentation with makeup. RF microneedling helps even out your skin tone by getting rid of spots of excess pigmentation.
3. Fine lines and wrinkles
Fine lines and wrinkles are the most common skin concern for people as the years go on. As you age, your skin produces less and less collagen and elastin—the proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm and smooth. With RF microneedling near you, we can stimulate your body to produce more of these vital proteins to improve signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Stretch marks
Stretch marks are very common for men and women, and they form when your skin is under tension for extended periods of time. Typically, stretch marks appear during puberty, weight gain, or pregnancy. Skin that forms the “tiger stripes” is thinner and has been stretched beyond its capacity to hold its shape without affecting skin structure.
RF microneedling can improve stretch marks on many areas of the body, including but not limited to:
- Chest
- Arms
- Buttocks
- Thighs
5. Skin laxity
Finally, one of the most common skin conditions we treat with RF microneedling is skin laxity. Skin laxity is the development of loose, sagging skin on the face and body. Many things can contribute to sagging skin, like normal aging, weight loss, and environmental and lifestyle factors.
RF microneedling helps remodel this skin by reinforcing the structures beneath using radiofrequency energy and controlled micro-injuries. This tightens skin and makes it appear more youthful and firm on the face, neck, arms, and more.
Who is a candidate for RF microneedling?
Almost anyone is a great candidate for RF microneedling. Almost anyone is a great candidate for RF microneedling. An ideal candidate, though, is someone looking to improve signs of aging like fine lines and skin laxity, or someone wanting to improve the texture of scars or stretch marks.
We do not recommend RF microneedling for patients managing with active acne, as the technique can further spread acne-causing bacteria and irritate the skin. The best way to find out if RF microneedling is right for you is through a free one-hour skin consultation with one of our expert providers.
Best skincare products to pair with INTRAcel
We love to recommend the Alastin Procedure Enhancement System for treatment aftercare. This skincare set is the perfect complement to your professional treatment, ideal for post-laser, microneedling, and more. With all of the necessary products to take care of your skin after your treatments, you can feel good knowing that your at-home care is up to par to get the best results.
- Regenerating Skin Nectar (full size)
- Ultra Light Moisturizer (travel size)
- Ultra Calm Cleansing Cream (travel size)
- SilkSHIELD All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 (full size)
At Envision Eye & Aesthetics, we’re happy to help you look and feel your best!
Envision Aesthetics is conveniently located near the expressway, making it easily accessible for both the east and west sides of Rochester. We check every box of what makes an amazing medical spa. With highly trained staff and high-quality products and treatments, we’re here to give you the best experience for your aesthetic enhancements.
No matter what your goals are, we’re here to help! Get started with our virtual consultation tool and get on the path to looking and feeling your best. Or, if you’d prefer, schedule an appointment to come see us and learn more about RF microneedling near you!
The safety and comfort of our customers are top priorities for us. We will always make sure that you’re comfortable with your decisions and happy with your results for a more confident you!