Skin Resurfacing · Radiofrequency · Microneedling

RF Microneedling

How this page was made
This page was written with AI assistance and reviewed against the sources listed under References below. It is general information only, not medical advice. See our full disclaimer for how SHEA creates and reviews treatment information.
01

What it is

RF microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy. Fine needles enter the skin while RF energy is delivered through or around the needles, depending on the device.

The treatment therefore combines the mechanical effect of microneedling with controlled thermal injury from radiofrequency energy. See the Microneedling page for microneedling without RF.

Several different RF microneedling systems are used in Korean clinics. Needle design, treatment depth, RF delivery, settings, and other features vary between devices, so evidence for one system should not automatically be applied to another.

02

Why people consider it

  • They are considering treatment for atrophic acne scars or uneven skin texture
  • They are interested in treatment for enlarged pores or mild skin laxity
  • They are comparing RF microneedling with conventional microneedling or other resurfacing procedures
  • They are considering a device marketed for pigment or vascular concerns such as melasma and want to know whether evidence exists for that specific use
03

What the experience is like

The device is passed across the treatment area while needles repeatedly enter the skin and radiofrequency energy is delivered. Treatment depth, energy settings, number of passes, and treatment pattern vary according to the device and the concern being treated.

Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, or pinpoint treatment marks can occur after RF microneedling. Recovery and treatment schedules vary between devices and protocols.

04

Limitations & considerations

Serious complications have been reported
In 2025, the US FDA issued a safety communication after receiving reports of serious complications associated with certain uses of RF microneedling, including burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement, and nerve damage. Some reported complications required medical or surgical treatment. The FDA advises patients to ask which device will be used and to seek treatment from a licensed healthcare provider trained and experienced with RF microneedling.
  • Different RF microneedling devices use different technologies and treatment settings, so results and risks should not be assumed to be identical across systems
  • Clinical evidence is stronger for some concerns, including acne scarring, than for newer or more device-specific uses
  • Evidence for melasma remains difficult to generalize because published studies have used different devices, needle depths, settings, treatment schedules, and outcome measures
  • Prolonged inflammatory reactions and granulomatous reactions have been reported after RF microneedling
  • Device-specific contraindications and precautions should be checked for the actual RF microneedling system being used
  • No specific improvement in scars, pores, texture, laxity, pigmentation, or other skin concerns can be guaranteed
Evidence note
A 2021 comprehensive review evaluated published RF microneedling research across several indications, including acne scars, skin rejuvenation, acne, and melasma. The evidence involves multiple devices and treatment protocols, so results from one study should not automatically be treated as evidence for the entire category.
A systematic review published in 2026 examined RF microneedling specifically for melasma and identified 12 eligible studies using several different devices and protocols. Because of substantial clinical and methodological differences between the studies, the authors used a qualitative synthesis rather than combining the results in a quantitative meta-analysis. The corresponding author is affiliated with Jeisys Medical Inc., an aesthetic-device manufacturer, which is relevant when interpreting the review.
A prospective study of 25 participants with moderate-to-severe active acne evaluated three fractional RF microneedling treatments given at one-month intervals and reported improvement. This was a specific device and treatment protocol and should not be treated as evidence that every RF microneedling system has the same effect on active acne.
Safety reports include prolonged inflammatory reactions and granulomatous reactions after RF microneedling. In October 2025, the US FDA also issued a safety communication after receiving reports of burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement, and nerve damage associated with certain uses of RF microneedling.

References

Peer-reviewed literature and regulatory safety information.

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.
Peer-reviewed · Comprehensive critical review
2. Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency Microneedling for Melasma: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Evidence Synthesis. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, 2026.
Peer-reviewed · Systematic review · 12 studies · Manufacturer-affiliated corresponding author
3. Kim ST, Lee KH, Sim HJ, Suh KS, Jang MS. Treatment of acne vulgaris with fractional radiofrequency microneedling. Journal of Dermatology, 2014;41(7):586–591.
Peer-reviewed · Prospective clinical study (n=25) · Active acne · Device-specific
4. Suh DH, Lee MY, Lee SJ, Song KY, Byun JY. Prolonged Inflammatory Reaction After Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedle Treatment. Dermatologic Surgery, 2018;44(9):1234–1236.
Peer-reviewed · Adverse-event report · Prolonged inflammatory reaction
5. Granulomatous reaction after fractional radiofrequency microneedling. 2024.
Peer-reviewed · Case report · Granulomatous reaction
6. US Food and Drug Administration. Potential Risks with Certain Uses of Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling. Safety Communication, October 2025.
US regulatory · Safety communication
Scroll to Top