If you want smoother, firmer, more even skin and standard facials are not cutting it anymore, radiofrequency microneedling is the next level up.
RF microneedling combines two proven technologies into one treatment. Fine needles create controlled micro-injuries in the skin while simultaneously delivering radiofrequency energy into the deeper layers. This combination triggers a powerful healing and collagen production response that improves skin texture, reduces scarring, tightens the skin, and shrinks pores.
At Hourglass By Design in Clarkson, Perth, RF microneedling is part of our treatment menu for clients who want to improve the quality of their skin alongside their body contouring goals. It works on both the face and body and pairs well with other treatments in our range.
The treatment uses a device fitted with fine needles that penetrate the skin to controlled depths. As the needles enter the skin, they deliver radiofrequency energy directly into the deeper dermal layers. This creates two simultaneous effects.
The micro-injuries from the needles trigger your body’s natural wound healing response. Your skin starts producing new collagen and elastin to repair the controlled damage.
The radiofrequency energy heats the tissue at depth, which amplifies the collagen production response and causes existing collagen fibres to contract and tighten. The heat also helps remodel scar tissue and break down fibrous bands that contribute to uneven skin texture.
The combination of mechanical micro-injury and thermal stimulation produces results that neither technology achieves on its own.
Standard microneedling creates micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen. It is effective for mild concerns, but it only works on the surface and upper dermal layers. The results are more subtle and typically require more sessions.
RF microneedling goes deeper. The radiofrequency energy reaches into the dermis where the real structural collagen remodelling happens. This means more significant improvements in skin tightness, texture, scarring, and pore size in fewer sessions compared to standard microneedling.
It is the difference between nudging your skin to improve and giving it a real reason to rebuild.
RF microneedling addresses a broad range of skin concerns.
If your skin looks dull, rough, or uneven in tone, RF microneedling can make a visible difference. The collagen remodelling smooths the skin’s surface, reduces the appearance of large pores, and improves overall radiance. It is one of the most effective treatments for achieving that “my skin just looks better” result that is hard to pin down but obvious when you see it.
RF microneedling is one of the best non-invasive options for reducing the appearance of acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks. The combination of needle penetration and RF energy breaks down old, fibrous scar tissue and replaces it with smoother, healthier collagen. Deep acne scars and textural irregularities respond particularly well because the RF energy can reach the depths where scar tissue sits.
Stretch marks on the stomach, thighs, hips, and arms can also be improved over a course of sessions, particularly newer stretch marks where the tissue is still responsive.
While RF microneedling is primarily a skin quality treatment, it also provides a mild tightening effect. The RF energy stimulates collagen contraction and new collagen formation, which firms and tones the treated area over time. It is not going to produce the same lifting effect as HIFU, which reaches much deeper into the structural layers of the skin, but for mild laxity and general loss of firmness, RF microneedling delivers a noticeable improvement.
For clients who need significant lifting, HIFU is the better option. For clients who want texture, tone, and mild tightening combined, RF microneedling is the stronger choice.
A numbing cream is applied to the treatment area before the session begins. This is left on for around 20 to 30 minutes to take effect. Once the skin is numbed, the RF microneedling device is passed over the treatment area. You will feel a warm, prickling sensation as the needles and RF energy work into the skin. It is not painless, but with the numbing cream, most clients find it very manageable.
A full face treatment typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the areas being covered. Body treatments take longer depending on the size of the area.
Expect some redness and mild swelling for 24 to 48 hours after treatment. Your skin may feel warm and tight, similar to a mild sunburn. Some clients experience light flaking or dryness as the skin heals over the following days. This is normal and a sign that the skin is renewing.
You can usually return to normal activities the next day. Avoid heavy makeup, direct sun exposure, saunas, and intense exercise for 24 to 48 hours post-treatment. Wear sunscreen. Use gentle skincare products while the skin settles.
Initial improvements in skin texture and tone are often visible within 10 to 14 days as the first wave of healing completes. The more significant collagen remodelling happens over the following 4 to 12 weeks. Most clients see peak results around 2 to 3 months after their last session, with continued improvement for up to 6 months as collagen production builds.
RF microneedling delivers real, measurable improvements in skin quality. Pores look smaller. Texture is smoother. Scars are less visible. Skin feels firmer. But it is not going to erase deep scars completely in one session or give you the skin of a 20 year old. Set realistic expectations and you will be pleased with the results.
A course of treatments gives the best outcome. Each session builds on the last, and the cumulative collagen production creates the most noticeable change.
Results can last 12 to 18 months depending on your age, skin condition, and how well you look after your skin. Annual maintenance sessions keep the collagen production going and sustain the improvement.
Most clients benefit from a course of 3 to 6 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. The exact number depends on what you are treating and the severity of the concern.
For general skin texture and tone improvement, 3 sessions is often enough. For acne scarring, stretch marks, or more significant skin concerns, 4 to 6 sessions gives the best result.
After the initial course, maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months help sustain the collagen levels and keep the skin looking its best. Fei will assess your skin during your consultation and recommend a plan based on your specific goals.
Hourglass By Design offers several treatments that improve skin quality and firmness. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right one.
Standard microneedling works on the skin’s surface layers only. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy that reaches deeper into the dermis for more significant collagen remodelling. If your concerns are mild, standard microneedling may be enough. For scarring, larger pores, stretch marks, or more noticeable skin laxity, RF microneedling delivers stronger results in fewer sessions.
Both use radiofrequency energy, but they work differently. RF skin tightening uses a surface device that heats the skin from outside to stimulate collagen. It is painless, relaxing, and excellent for overall firming. RF microneedling delivers the RF energy through needles directly into the deeper layers. It is more intense and produces stronger results for texture, scarring, and pore refinement. If your main goal is gentle, comfortable skin firming, RF tightening is the easier treatment. If you want more aggressive improvement in skin quality, RF microneedling is the way to go.
HIFU reaches the deepest layers of the skin, including the SMAS layer, and is focused on structural lifting. RF microneedling works in the dermal layer and is focused on skin quality: texture, tone, scarring, and pores. HIFU lifts. RF microneedling refines. They do different things and can be combined for a comprehensive result where you get both structural lift and surface skin improvement.
RF microneedling is a good fit for anyone dealing with dull or uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, acne scarring or other textural scarring, stretch marks on the face or body, mild skin laxity and loss of firmness, or fine lines and early signs of ageing.
It is suitable for all skin types and tones. Unlike some laser treatments, RF microneedling does not target melanin, which means it can be safely used on darker skin tones with a lower risk of pigmentation changes.
RF microneedling is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for people with active skin infections, eczema, or psoriasis in the treatment area, for those with metal implants or electronic devices in the treatment zone, for people currently using Accutane (a gap of at least 6 months is recommended), or for those with active, inflamed acne in the area to be treated.
Fei will cover all suitability questions during your consultation.
Hourglass By Design is a specialist non-invasive body sculpting and skin treatment clinic. RF microneedling sits alongside our full body contouring menu, which means we can address both skin quality and body shape in one place.
Our clinic is in Clarkson in Perth’s northern suburbs, convenient for clients across Joondalup, Mindarie, Quinns Rocks, Wanneroo, Butler, and the wider northern corridor.
Fei tailors every treatment plan individually. If RF microneedling is the right treatment for your skin, she will build a plan around it. If combining it with fat reduction through cryolipolysis, body toning with EMS, or skin smoothing with vacuum therapy would give a more complete result, she will map that out for you.
We offer the full range of non-invasive treatments under one roof, including laser-based fat reduction, ultrasound body contouring, clinically proven inch loss wraps, and our popular glute shaping and BBL packages.
Does RF microneedling hurt?
A numbing cream is applied before treatment, which makes it very manageable. You will feel a warm, prickling sensation during the session. Most clients find it comfortable with the numbing cream applied.
How quickly will I see results?
Initial improvements in texture and tone are often visible within 10 to 14 days. The more significant collagen remodelling develops over 4 to 12 weeks, with peak results around 2 to 3 months after your last session.
How long do RF microneedling results last?
Results can last 12 to 18 months. Maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months help sustain the improvement.
Can RF microneedling help with acne scars?
Yes. It is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for reducing the appearance of acne scarring. The combination of needle penetration and RF energy breaks down scar tissue and replaces it with smoother collagen.
Is RF microneedling safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. Unlike some laser treatments, RF microneedling does not target melanin, which makes it safer for all skin types and tones with a lower risk of pigmentation changes.
How many sessions do I need?
Most clients need 3 to 6 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. The exact number depends on your specific skin concerns and goals.
What is the difference between RF microneedling and regular microneedling?
Standard microneedling creates micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy that reaches deeper into the dermis for more significant collagen remodelling, tightening, and scar reduction.
Is there any downtime?
Expect redness and mild swelling for 24 to 48 hours. Light flaking is common as the skin heals. Most clients return to normal activities the next day. Avoid heavy makeup, sun exposure, and intense exercise for 48 hours.
If your skin needs more than a facial can deliver, RF microneedling might be the right next step. Whether it is scarring, texture, pores, or firmness, this treatment addresses the concerns that sit below the surface.
Book a consultation at Hourglass By Design in Clarkson. Fei will assess your skin, talk through what RF microneedling can realistically achieve, and build a plan that is right for you.
Disclaimer
Due to the nature of non-surgical & non-invasive cosmetic treatments, results cannot be guaranteed and will vary from person to person. Factors such as lifestyle, medical history and age can affect both the outcome and longevity of results. These treatments and products are intended for cosmetic purposes only and are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition.
