Radiofrequency Microneedling: A Comprehensive and Critical Review

February 2021 in “ Dermatologic Surgery ”

Marcus G. Tan, Christine E. Jo, Anne Chapas, Shilpi Khetarpal, Jeffrey S. Dover

radiofrequency microneedling RFMN androgenetic alopecia dermal remodeling neocollagenesis

Studysummary This review found radiofrequency microneedling effective and safe for various dermatologic conditions, including skin rejuvenation and acne scars, especially in individuals with darker skin types, with progressive improvements for up to six months after treatment.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The review article "Radiofrequency Microneedling: A Comprehensive and Critical Review" from 2021 critically evaluated the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) in treating various dermatological conditions. The authors conducted a comprehensive search in MEDLINE and EMBASE up to May 13, 2020, and included 42 high-quality studies in their review. These studies covered a range of conditions including skin rejuvenation, acne scars, acne vulgaris, striae, axillary hyperhidrosis, melasma, rosacea, cellulite, and androgenetic alopecia. The review concluded that RFMN is an effective treatment that can be used safely and repeatedly in combination with other treatments and on individuals with darker skin phototypes. The process of dermal remodeling and neocollagenesis induced by RFMN is slow and progressive, but continues to improve even 6 months after treatment.

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Research cited in this study

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A Pilot Split-Scalp Study of Combined Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling and 5% Topical Minoxidil in Treating Male Pattern Hair Loss

research A Pilot Split-Scalp Study of Combined Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling and 5% Topical Minoxidil in Treating Male Pattern Hair Loss

25 citations , June 2018 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

This study found that combining fractional radiofrequency microneedling with 5% topical minoxidil improved hair count and thickness more than minoxidil alone in Chinese men with male pattern hair loss.

research The Efficacy in Treatment of Facial Atrophic Acne Scars in Asians with a Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedle System

51 citations , September 2013 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that fractional radiofrequency microneedle treatment was safe and effective for improving acne scars in Asians, with minimal adverse effects reported at 6-month follow-up.

research Blinded, Randomized, Quantitative Grading Comparison of Minimally Invasive, Fractional Radiofrequency and Surgical Face-Lift to Treat Skin Laxity

115 citations , April 2010 in “Archives of Dermatology”

In this randomized, blinded study, the surgical face-lift improved facial skin laxity by 49% compared to 16% with a minimally invasive fractional radiofrequency treatment, with FRF causing fewer adverse effects.