Micro Needling Radio Frequency
Micro Needling Radio Frequency
Scarring from acne is a very upsetting issue. Atrophic acne scars are dermal depressions caused by collagen destruction after inflammatory acne. Many therapeutic measures, such as chemical peeling, subcision, derma-brasion, fillers, and punch techniques, have been used to improve acne scarring, but with varied outcomes.
Ablative lasers, such as Er: YAG lasers or CO2 lasers, produce noticeable difference at the expense of long recovery times and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Newer techniques, such as micro-needling fractional radio-frequency (MFR), have recently been shown to be clinically effective in treating acne scars without causing direct damage to the epidermis.
MNRF is a straightforward, risk-free, and minimally invasive therapeutic technique. Needles are inserted into the skin at a predetermined depth. To heat the dermis, RF is delivered through these needles. Because RF is color blind, it can be used safely and effectively on any skin type.
The MNRF's History
Since the early 2000s, RF has been used in dermatology. Micro-needling was first described in 1995 by Orentreich and Orentreich as dermal needling in the form of subcision for scar treatment. Hantash and colleagues proposed the idea of using needles as electrodes to deliver RF energy into the dermis in 2009.
How Does MNRF Work?
A radio-frequency current is an alternating electric current with a high frequency. When an electric current flows through the body, it encounters resistance. This tissue resistance is referred to as impedance. According to Joule’s law, heat is generated when an electric
current meets resistance due to the micro-oscillations of charged particles.
Tissues coagulate when the temperature rises to around 60 degrees. The RF effect is
electro-thermal in nature. The depth of RF penetration is inversely proportional to the frequency of the RF.
Action-reaction mechanism
Within the following three months, newly formed collagen replaces the denatured collagen zone. The skin also receives new elastic fibers. Skin rejuvenation is caused by an increase in epidermal hyaluronan.
Mechanically disrupting vertical scars also has this advantage. The needles’ depth can be manually changed. The reticular dermis, subcutaneous fat, non-selective destruction of eccrine sweat glands, and inhibition of sebaceous glands are all easily accessible.
varieties of needles
1. Insulated stainless steel 34 G size coated with gold for improved conductivity, followed by a silicone insulation double coating, with the exception of the first 300 micrometres at the tip, which limits the delivery of energy to the tip alone.
Epidermis – physical needling injury without thermal injury induces epidermis regeneration.
Dermis – RF energy causes coagulation, which results in the dermis being restructured.
While performing the procedure, oozing and pinpoint bleeding are visible because coagulation is only at the tip.
Multiple passes, typically three, are required to cover the majority of the dermis.
2. Non-insulated Because the needle’s entire shaft is uninsulated, the needles act as active electrodes all the
way from the epidermis to the needle tips, causing slight epidermal thermal damage.
More agonizing Increased coagulation There is no pinpoint bleeding.
A minimum downtime of 48-72 hours is required.
3. Electric current takes the path of least resistance, delivering 80% of its energy at the tip of the needle.
MNRF Treatment Method
Wash your face, Use topical anaesthesia.
After 30 minutes to an hour, remove the cream and apply the hand piece tip to the
epidermis.
The machine’s power level, exposure time, and depth of needle insertion are all manually adjusted based on the indication and area to be treated.
After pressing the foot or finger switch, microneedles penetrate the skin automatically. In the epidermis and dermis, microfractional holes are formed. In the deep dermis, high RF is emitted, causing dermal coagulation.
Microneedles are automatically withdrawn. There are either single or multiple passes available. When using multiple passes, the first pass should be at a deeper level than subsequent passes, and the exposure time and/or power should be reduced as one moves closer to the epidermis.
After cleaning the face, minor pressure is used to control any oozing or bleeding. To improve patient comfort, a cooling pack, mask, or cold air can be administered. Antibiotic cream and sunscreen are applied. Treatment can be done once every 4-12 weeks for a total of 3-5 sessions, depending on progress.
Contraindications
Infection that is currently active Infection with the Herpes simplex virus Pacemakers in patient Patients with metal implants in their faces Patients with inflated expectations.
Complications
Infections caused by erythema and crusting Hyperpigmentation caused by an inflammatory process
Needle track marks scarring Acne flare-up Milia-style eruptions After MNRF Treatment, Postoperative Instructions There will be no sun exposure. Sunscreen and moisturisers will be provided. No soaps, skin pricking, or rubbing Adequate skin cooling There are no fumes or steam. There will be no sweating or exercise.
After 72 hours, light makeup can be worn.
Conclusion
Finally, MNRF is a versatile technology. It can be used aggressively and safely on patients with pigmented and tanned skin. Advantage of less downtime, resulting in higher patient compliance.