So much misinformation circulates online about aesthetic treatments and how you should properly care for your skin. But at Harbour Direct Primary Care, we give you the knowledge and resources to distinguish the truth.
In this blog, we’ll focus specifically on RF microneedling near Newport, RI, and we make sure you have all the information you need to determine if it’s the right treatment for your skin’s needs.
What is RF microneedling?
RF Microneedling treatment uses small, thin needles to create “micro-channels” within the skin, activating your body’s healing power to smooth and tighten your skin. At the same time, heat generated from radiofrequency pushes the improvement deeper into your skin, helping improve your skin health and appearance from the inside out.
At Harbour Direct, we use Exion RF Microneedling, one of the latest and most advanced skin treatments available today. Our providers can deliver an exceptional RF microneedling treatment to both the body and the face using the same applicator.
The Specs
Although clinics can choose from many other microneedling devices on the market, we continue to use Exion to deliver the highest quality of care because:
- It has adjustable depth options to target specific issues like fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and stubborn fat.
Its unique “autonomous impedance intelligence” measures the resistance of the tissue to penetrate to the correct depth. - Exion uses insulated or non-insulated needles, making treatment safe for all skin types.
- It offers an extended mode, which adds greater depth without extending the needle to create a more comfortable treatment.
- Exion technology requires only a single pass over the skin, making treatment shorter and more comfortable than other microneedling devices.
How RF Microneedling Works
Microneedling leverages your body’s natural healing capabilities to improve your skin. When the device creates the micro-channels in your skin, that stimulates your body’s healing response without creating actual wounds.
To “heal” your skin, your body’s immune system works to disinfect, increase blood flow, and clear debris from the treated area. The heat generated from the radiofrequency stimulates this reaction deeper into your skin than microneedling alone could. This all helps rebuild healthier and smoother skin from deep within your dermis.
During healing, your body also increases its natural production of collagen and elastin, proteins your body needs to keep your muscles, tissues, and organs strong and flexible. This increase helps rebuild the cellular structure of your skin to create a smoother, more youthful complexion.
What RF Microneedling Treats
Microneedling was originally used starting in 1995 as a treatment for acne scars, burn scars, and post-surgical scars. However, physicians and patients soon noticed it also helped with other skin concerns, like wrinkles and pigmentation.
In the last 10 years, microneedling technology has advanced significantly, leading to easy-to-use devices that deliver simple yet effective treatment. It has also led to the combination of treatments in a single device, like Exion RF microneedling. We can treat the following concerns using Exion:
- Scars
- Hyperpigmentation/melasma
- Sun spots/age spots
- Wrinkles/fine lines
- Enlarged pores
- Stretch marks
- Sagging skin
- Uneven skin tone
Treatment Details
| Procedure Time | Number of Session | Numbing | Downtime | Duration of results |
| 1 Hour | 3 | Topical | 24 to 48 Hours | 4 to 6 Weeks |
The Microneedling Process
While we will customize your process to your skin’s needs, you can expect your treatment for RF microneedling near Newport, RI to follow a timeline like this.
Step 1) Preparing The Canvas
First, your physician cleanses your skin to ensure dirt and dried sweat won’t get in the way of treatment. To keep you comfortable during your microneedling session, they’ll apply a topical numbing cream, letting it sit for a few minutes to make sure it takes effect before you begin. Once you both feel ready, they’ll begin to administer treatment.
Step 2) Controlled Damage
Your physician will use the handheld device to stamp your skin, making sure to evenly treat the entire targeted area. You may feel a mild heat from the radiofrequency, but you should otherwise be able to tolerate treatment. Exion’s single-pass technology ensures a shorter treatment time, prioritizing your comfort.
Step 3) Essential Infusions
Once your physician finishes administering Exion RF microneedling, they will apply a condition-specific serum to your skin. They customize this to your specific needs, and it nourishes, hydrates, and protects your skin.
Step 4) Revealed Radiance
While downtime looks different for every patient, most need to take about 24 to 48 hours of social downtime after a session of RF microneedling near Newport, RI. Once you have rested and your skin begins to heal, you’ll notice initial improvements in your skin’s texture and radiance. However, we typically recommend 3 sessions to unlock your skin’s full potential.
Care Instructions
You can speed up the healing process and maximize your results by preparing your skin for microneedling and caring for your skin after treatment. While your physician will give you personalized instructions based on your individual skin needs, you can expect steps like these for both pre-care and post-care when you receive RF microneedling near Newport, RI.
Pre-Care Instructions
- Arrive to your appointment with clean skin free of any lotions or perfumes.
- Avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight for 1 week before your appointment. We suggest wearing sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30.
- Make sure to tell your physician during your consultation about your full medical history, including any medical conditions you have and any medications/supplements you take.
- Do not undergo other exfoliation treatments or use harsh skincare products on the treated area within 1 to 4 weeks of your microneedling appointment, depending on your skin type.
Post-Care Instructions
- Help your skin heal by keeping your body hydrated. We recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces of water each day.
- Continue to protect your skin from direct sunlight by wearing a minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen whenever going outside.
- Refrain from drinking alcohol or using tobacco products for 48 hours after receiving RF microneedling near Newport, RI.
- Avoid other exfoliation treatments or harsh skincare products for 4 weeks after your Exion session.
Contraindications
RF Microneedling can effectively treat people of all skin types and tones, but some other conditions may prevent you from choosing this procedure. While we ask you to share your full medical history, these main concerns would make our team members consider an alternative form of treatment for your goals:
- Active acne or infection in the treatment area
- Cold sores
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Electric implants in the body
- Bleeding disorders like mesothelioma
- Immunocompromised patients
- Recent cosmetic procedures
- Active cancer
Paired Treatments
When you choose us for your care, we help you create a treatment plan that includes the best procedures and products for your specific skin needs. However, we commonly pair some treatments with microneedling because they work well together to improve your skin.
Emface
Emface noninvasive skin rejuvenation treatment combines radiofrequency (RF) and HIFES (high-intensity facial electro stimulation). Targeted radiofrequency produces a gentle heat that stimulates your body’s collagen and elastin production to create smoother skin. Simultaneously, the electrical currents contract specific facial muscles, helping restore lost volume by building muscle mass and lifting the skin. This treatment helps with sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Clear RF
Clear RF also pairs well with RF microneedling near Newport, RI. Clear RF emits radiofrequency in the form of heat through tiny pins. These pins penetrate the upper part of your epidermis, causing your skin to shed dead and damaged cells in response to the heat. Your body then creates new skin cells, increasing collagen and elastin production for refreshed and revitalized skin.
Botox
Another treatment we like to pair with RF microneedling is Botox. RF Microneedling cannot address dynamic wrinkles—wrinkles that are caused by repeated movements in the facial muscles. However, Botox can. So, we pair Botox (to treat wrinkles caused by movement) with Exion (to treat wrinkles from loose skin) for comprehensive wrinkle reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even with our ultimate guide to RF microneedling near Newport, RI, we understand that you might have more questions. Our team hears many of these questions during consultations, so now we’re sharing corresponding answers.
Is microneedling safe?
Yes! RF microneedling safely and effectively rejuvenates the skin. Many people love it because it stimulates your body’s healing response without actually creating any wounds in your skin. This makes it both a safe and comfortable treatment. We highly recommend RF microneedling for those who want a minimally invasive yet highly effective treatment to create smoother, healthier skin.
What areas can it treat?
Exion microneedling can treat your whole body. The length of the needle is adjustable to target both the thin, delicate skin on your face and the thicker skin on the rest of your body.
Why get RF microneedling at Harbour Direct if I can get an at-home microneedling kit?
Some stores and online retailers sell at-home microneedling kits. While they can help improve your skin, they don’t work as effectively as Exion.
Exion penetrates your skin at a deeper level than at-home microneedling kits, so it requires a licensed aesthetician to provide treatment. Because of that depth, it delivers more visible and lasting improvements than any at-home kit. Additionally, at-home kits only provide microneedling—no radiofrequency. With at-home kits, you will not achieve the same depth of rejuvenation as Exion in our office.
Feel At Home in Your Skin
You should feel comfortable in your skin, and our team at Harbour Direct can help. You can find out if RF microneedling is right for you by using our complimentary treatment planning tool or by scheduling an appointment with one of our experts. Either way, we’ll help you find the best solution for your skin.
