Radio Frequency Microneedling can be uncomfortable and therefore to minimise pain you will be provided with a tube of topical numbing cream to apply before your appointment. You will also receive a sterile CLINICCARE face mask, cool pack and arnica cream to take away with you to help aid your skin's healing and ensure you remain comfortable. Paracetamol can also be taken before the treatment if you feel this would be of benefit to you.

At the Aesthetics by Abby clinic, I use the Derma RF Pro machine to deliver Radio Frequency (RF) Microneedling treatments. This advanced treatment combines microneedling with Radio Frequency technology to effectively treat a large number of cosmetic concerns, with excellent results. The machine uses gold-plated needles to gently penetrate the skin and trigger the body to create new collagen and elastin, while also delivering radio frequency deep into the dermal layers of the skin.

I recommend a full-face treatment rather than treating specific facial areas in isolation. However, during your treatment I will focus on the specific areas which need improvement. These areas may be: crows feet, neck and décolletage, jowls and jawline, large pores or scarring.

Yes! Radio Frequency Microneedling is suitable for use on other areas of the body including hands, arms, knees and abdomen.

The most common side effect is temporary redness and slight swelling, which typically fades within a few days. You may also experience some dryness or mild flaking in the following days as your skin heals and regenerates.

Some clients notice a difference straight away, while for others, the magic takes a little longer—but don’t worry, there are some general guidelines so you know what to expect.

Within a few days of your RF Microneedling treatment, you might see an instant glow. Your skin can look brighter, pores may appear smaller, and the gentle heat from the treatment helps to firm and tighten for a subtly refreshed look. Over the next few weeks, things really start to get exciting. The microneedling kickstarts collagen production, so you’ll notice your skin becoming firmer, more elastic, and those fine lines softening. Think of it as a little collagen boost that keeps working long after your appointment—like a mini-facelift, but completely natural!

Preparing for an RF Microneedling treatment properly can help you get the best results while minimising any side effects. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Avoid Active Skincare Ingredients About 5-7 days before your treatment, stop using active ingredients like:

✅ Retinol & prescription retinoids

✅ AHAs/BHAs (glycolic, salicylic, lactic acid)

✅ Vitamin C (if it causes sensitivity)

These can make your skin more sensitive and increase the risk of irritation.

2. Stay Out of the Sun

Avoid sun exposure and tanning (including fake tan) for at least 1-2 weeks before your appointment. Sunburned or tanned skin is more prone to irritation and complications.

3. Skip Blood-Thinning Medications & Supplements For at least 3-5 days before your treatment, avoid:

🚫 Aspirin & ibuprofen (unless medically necessary)

🚫 Omega-3s, fish oil, and vitamin E

🚫 Alcohol (24-48 hours before)

These can increase the risk of bruising.

4. Hydrate & Moisturise Keep your skin well-hydrated in the days leading up to your treatment—drink plenty of water and use a gentle, nourishing moisturiser.

5. Come with clean skin on the day of your treatment:

✅ Arrive with a fresh, makeup-free face

✅ Avoid heavy creams or SPF

6. Plan for Post-Treatment Downtime

Your skin may be red and slightly swollen for the first 24-48 hours, so plan accordingly. You may also experience some dryness or mild flaking in the following days as your skin heals and regenerates.

🌿 The first 24-48 hours:

Your skin may feel warm, tight, and appear red—similar to a mild sunburn. This is completely normal and will settle over the next couple of days.

✅ Hands off! Avoid touching your face to prevent irritation or infection.

✅ Skip makeup for at least 24 hours to allow your skin to heal.

✅ Keep it cool—avoid hot showers, saunas, and excessive sweating (e.g., exercise).

✅ Use a gentle cleanser with lukewarm water to wash your face.

✅ Hydrate & soothe—apply a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturiser (e.g., hyaluronic acid, ceramides).

✅ SPF is a must! Your skin will be more sensitive, so apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ everyday.

🩷 Days 2-7: Healing Phase:

During this time, you may notice dryness, mild flaking, or a slightly rough texture as your skin regenerates.

✅ Keep your skin hydrated—moisturise morning and night.

✅ Stick to gentle skincare (avoid actives like retinol, exfoliants, or strong acids for at least 5-7 days).

✅ Continue using SPF daily—UV exposure can interfere with collagen production and lead to pigmentation.

✅ Avoid picking or exfoliating any flaking skin—it will naturally shed when ready.

💆‍♀️ Long-Term Care for Best Results:

Your results will continue to improve over the next 4-12 weeks as collagen production kicks in.

To get the most out of your treatment:

✅ Stick to a good skincare routine with hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients (e.g., hyaluronic acid, niacinamide).

✅ Protect your investment—daily SPF is non-negotiable!

✅ Consider a course of treatments—depending on your skin goals, a series of 3-4 sessions (spaced 4-6 weeks apart) can give the best results.

✅ Stay hydrated & eat collagen-boosting foods like salmon, berries, and leafy greens.

RF Microneedling is generally suitable for all skin types, including darker skin tones, because the radio frequency energy targets deeper layers of the skin without causing excessive damage to the surface. However, there are some exceptions and considerations:

✅ Who Can Benefit?

RF Microneedling is great for:

✔️ Fine lines & wrinkles

✔️ Acne scars & surgical scars

✔️ Enlarged pores

✔️ Skin laxity & loss of firmness

✔️ Uneven skin texture

🚫 Who Should Avoid It?

You may need to avoid or delay treatment if you have:

❌ Active acne breakouts or infections (can spread bacteria)

❌ Severe rosacea or eczema (can cause flare-ups)

❌ Keloid-prone skin (higher risk of excessive scarring)

❌ Recent sunburn or excessive tanning

❌ Pregnancy or breastfeeding (not enough safety data)

❌ Recent use of Accutane (must wait at least 6 months)

💡 How to Know if It’s Right for You? A consultation is the best way to determine if RF Microneedling suits your skin type and concerns. If you have any skin conditions, sensitivities, or concerns, I always recommend a complimentary skin assessment first!

RF Microneedling isn't recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding as there isn't enough safety data.

RF Microneedling is a fantastic treatment for skin rejuvenation, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Here are the main contraindications—if any of these apply to you, it’s best to book a consultation before proceeding.

Contraindications to RF Microneedling:

❌ Active Acne or Skin Infections – Can spread bacteria and worsen inflammation.

❌ Severe Rosacea, Eczema, or Psoriasis – May trigger flare-ups and irritation.

❌ Keloid or Hypertrophic Scarring Tendency – Higher risk of excessive scarring.

❌ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding – Not enough safety data.

❌ Recent Sunburn or Excessive Tanning – Increases risk of pigmentation issues.

❌ Open Wounds, Cuts, or Skin Irritations – Skin needs to be fully healed before treatment.

❌ Blood Thinners or Bleeding Disorders – Higher risk of bruising and complications.

❌ Recent Use of Accutane (Isotretinoin) – Skin needs at least 6 months to recover.

❌ Metal Implants, Pacemakers, or Defibrillators – RF energy can interfere with devices.

❌ Severe Autoimmune Conditions or Immunosuppressive Therapy – Can affect healing and results.

❌ History of Skin Cancer – Always requires medical clearance.