What it is
Acne scarring is not one thing. Depressed scars range from narrow and deep, to wide with a sharp edge, to broad and rolling. Each responds differently, and many faces carry more than one type at once.
Microneedling with radiofrequency works by rebuilding collagen beneath the scar, so its floor lifts gradually and the contrast with the surrounding skin lessens.
What has to be said plainly: the aim is improvement, not removal. Anyone expecting a surface with no trace of scarring will be disappointed, whatever the device. Being honest about that before starting is better than explaining it after three sessions.
Where it is used
- The cheeks — the most commonly treated
- The temples
- The forehead
- Chin and jawline
- Scarring on the back or chest in selected cases
When it shows, and how long it lasts
Improvement is cumulative across sessions rather than after one. Sessions are spaced to allow remodelling, and part of the effect shows over weeks and continues for months.
How many sessions depends on the scar type, its depth and your response. Any number quoted before an examination is a guess.
Who it suits
- Those whose acne is settled and no longer active
- Those who understand the aim is gradual, cumulative improvement
- Those able to commit to several sessions and to their spacing
- Those able to commit to sun protection — here a requirement, not advice
When we advise delaying or not treating
- Active inflamed acne — we treat that first; treating scars before stopping the cause wastes the effort
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Recent isotretinoin use — timing is discussed
- A known tendency to keloid scarring
- Recent sun exposure or an active tan — we postpone
- An expectation of complete removal. It will not happen, and we say so before the first session
- Anyone unable to commit to a course; an isolated single session is rarely worth it
How the session goes
- Examination and classification of the scar types on your face; the plan is built on that, not on the device's name.
- Other techniques may be combined in the plan for particular types — explained beforehand.
- Numbing cream applied well before the session.
- Passing the handpiece at varying depths according to area and scar type.
- Documented photography before starting where useful, so assessment rests on a record rather than an impression.
Afterwards
- Redness, warmth and grid marking for some days
- Dryness and light flaking are possible
- Avoid irritating products until the skin settles
- Strict sun protection between sessions and afterwards
Possible effects
- Redness, swelling and grid marking — expected and temporary
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation: the most likely problem, higher in deeper skin tones, and higher again in skin that has already pigmented from the acne itself
- Infection or reactivation of cold sores — uncommon, managed early
- New scarring or worsening — rare, associated with inappropriate settings
- Some scars not responding — possible, particularly narrow deep ones
The larger practical risk is not a rare complication but an inflated expectation that leads to repeated sessions for little gain. Photographic follow-up protects against that.
A note on darker skin
Acne scarring in deeper skin tones often comes with pigmentation, and sometimes it is the pigmentation rather than the depression that actually bothers someone. Separating the two before starting changes the plan entirely: pigmentation is treated by other means, while depth is what this device targets. Starting with conservative settings and protecting from the sun reduces the risk of adding new pigmentation on top of the old.
See also
Common questions
Will the scars disappear completely?
No. The aim is to reduce their depth and soften the transition with the surrounding skin. Anyone promising a completely clear surface is not telling you the truth.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies with scar type, depth and your response, and is decided by examination rather than before it.
When will I see a difference?
Improvement is cumulative across sessions; part of it shows within weeks after each and continues for months.
My acne is still active.
We treat that first. Treating scars before stopping the cause means new scars on top of what was treated.
Does it suit darker skin?
Yes, and it is among the options offered, with greater caution for pigmentation and a conservative start.
Is it the color or the depth that bothers me?
An important question, settled by examination. If color is the main issue, the plan is entirely different.
Does it hurt?
Numbing cream is used. Sensation is noticeable and varies between people.
Will I need time off?
Usually some days of redness and grid marking. We arrange timing around your commitments.