Traditional Microneedling vs. Radiofrequency Microneedling: Which One Is Right for You?
She had tried every serum in the cabinet, but nothing gave her the tightening, smoothing, or glow she wanted. The fine lines around her eyes deepened after each birthday, and the skin on her cheeks didn’t bounce back like it once had. She wasn’t ready for surgery—and she didn’t need it. But she wanted something that worked. Something that went deeper than skincare and delivered noticeable, long-lasting results. That’s when she discovered microneedling—and later, the next-level option: radiofrequency microneedling.
If you’re in a similar place—seeing early signs of aging or skin that’s lost elasticity—microneedling may be the collagen reboot you need. But what’s the difference between traditional microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) microneedling? Which one is better for your skin type and goals?
Let’s break down the science, benefits, and differences between these two popular, non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments.
What Is Microneedling?
Traditional microneedling uses tiny needles to create thousands of controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These injuries signal the body to produce more collagen and elastin, two key proteins that keep your skin firm, smooth, and youthful.
Microneedling has been proven to improve:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven tone and texture
- Stretch marks
- Brown spots and pigment
According to a 2021 review published in Dermatologic Surgery, microneedling can increase skin collagen production by up to 400% after just four sessions [1].
Downtime for traditional microneedling is typically 24–72 hours, with redness and a mild sunburn-like sensation. Most people resume normal activities the next day, but you should avoid makeup, direct sun exposure, and exercise for about 24 hours.
What Is Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling?
RF microneedling takes things a step further. It combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy, which delivers controlled heat deep into the skin’s dermis. That heat tightens existing collagen fibers and supercharges collagen and elastin production.
Two of the most advanced RF microneedling technologies today are Morpheus8 and Exion Radiofrequency Microneedling.
- Morpheus8 is a widely known RF device that targets the deeper layers of the dermis. It can reach depths up to 4mm, making it particularly effective for contouring the jawline, cheeks, and neck, while also improving skin texture. It’s FDA-cleared and suitable for a wide range of skin types.
- Exion RF Microneedling, on the other hand, is a newer technology that uses AI-controlled depth and monopolar RF energy to optimize energy delivery and minimizing surface- level damage. Exion can also reach depths of up to 4mm. It’s excellent for sensitive areas like under the eyes.
Think of it as microneedling with a power boost. The addition of RF makes it more effective at tightening lax skin and smoothing deeper wrinkles.
Studies show that RF microneedling improves skin texture and laxity more dramatically than microneedling alone, especially in the lower face, neck, and around the jawline [2].
Downtime is similar—typically 1–3 days—with more swelling, but the results can be more noticeable and longer-lasting.
Pros and Cons: What You Should Know
| Feature | Traditional Microneedling | RF Microneedling |
| Best For | Surface-level concerns like texture, pores, early lines | Skin laxity, deeper wrinkles, jawline sculpting |
| Downtime | 1–3 days | 1–3 days |
| Pain Level | Mild discomfort (topical numbing cream used) | Slightly more intense, but well-tolerated (topical numbing cream and oral medications may be used) |
| Cost | Lower per session | Higher per session due to advanced technology |
While traditional microneedling is ideal for prevention and younger patients, RF microneedling is a better fit for those noticing skin laxity, fine-to-moderate wrinkles, or looking to sculpt the jawline.
What many don’t know is that RF microneedling also targets the deeper dermis without harming the skin’s surface, making it an excellent option for darker skin tones with lower risk of hyperpigmentation—something traditional lasers can sometimes trigger.
Best Age to Start: Prevention vs. Correction
Collagen production naturally starts to decline in your mid-to-late 20s. That’s why experts recommend starting microneedling in your late 20s or early 30s as a preventative measure. One or three sessions a year can help maintain firmness and elasticity before deeper wrinkles and sagging develop.
By your 40s and 50s, your skin may benefit more from RF microneedling, which not only builds collagen but also contracts existing collagen fibers, creating visible tightening.
Whether you’re preventing or correcting, the key to success lies in consistency and planning.
Treatment Packages for Optimal Results
You won’t get your best results from a single session. Skin remodeling is a process, not a one-time fix.
For traditional microneedling, most providers recommend:
- 3–6 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart
- Maintenance every 6–12 months
For RF microneedling, most patients need:
- 3–4 sessions, spaced 6–8 weeks apart
- Maintenance once or twice a year, depending on age and skin goals
Packages often include discounts or add-ons—something to ask about during your consultation and or treatment.
Pre-Treatment Prep: What to Know Before You Go
To ensure safe, effective treatment, follow these steps in the 7 days before your microneedling appointment:
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning
- Stop using retinoids, acids, and exfoliants
- Pause blood thinners (with your provider’s approval)
- Stay hydrated and come with clean, makeup-free skin
Surprisingly, some medications and supplements—like fish oil, vitamin E, or ibuprofen—can increase the risk of bruising. Disclose everything you’re taking so your provider can guide you properly.
Boost Your Results: Add-On Treatments That Work
Adding regenerative therapies can dramatically enhance microneedling results. At Atagi Plastic Surgery and Atagi Skin Aesthetics in Lone Tree, we offer advanced enhancements to help patients achieve more from each session.
Here are the top options:
- Exosomes: These stem cell-derived messengers speed up healing and amplify collagen production. Many patients report faster recovery and a brighter complexion with just one treatment.
- PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin): Similar to PRP but longer-lasting, PRF is drawn from your own blood and applied post-treatment to boost tissue regeneration. It improves tone, texture, and even under-eye hollows.
- Chemical Peels: Light peels can be layered after microneedling to refine texture and treat pigmentation. This combo works especially well for acne scars or sun damage.
- Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar: Designed specifically to support skin renewal, this medical-grade skincare product that is applied topical after the treatment. It contains TriHex Technology®, which clears out damaged collagen and elastin while supporting the growth of new, healthy skin. Patients using Alastin Nectar often experience less redness, faster recovery, and enhanced results with each session.
- Growth factors: The powerful proteins work by triggering the skin’s natural repair response, stimulating collagen and elastin production for smoother, firmer skin. As an add-on, growth factors can help maximize the benefits of microneedling and support faster, more noticeable improvements in skin tone and texture.
By customizing these add-ons based on your skin biology—your hydration, your inflammation levels, your cellular age—can make a huge difference in outcome.
If you’re looking for a non-surgical way to stimulate collagen, soften wrinkles, and rejuvenate your skin from the inside out, microneedling—traditional or radiofrequency—offers powerful results without significant downtime.
At Atagi Plastic Surgery and Atagi Skin Aesthetics, Lone Tree, our expert team can tailor a treatment plan that fits your skin goals, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you’re preventing early signs of aging or correcting years of collagen loss, we’ll help you unlock healthier, firmer skin—without surgery.
So, the only question left is: Which type of microneedling will take your skin to the next level? Call 303.327.7300 to schedule your personalized consultation.
Sources:
- Aust, M.C., et al. (2011). Percutaneous collagen induction therapy: An alternative treatment for scars, wrinkles, and skin laxity. Dermatologic Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2010.01787.x
- Kim, H.S., et al. (2014). Efficacy of radiofrequency microneedling in the treatment of skin laxity and wrinkles. Annals of Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2014.26.5.584
