London, Ontario • RF Microneedling Guide
RF Microneedling: The Complete Guide.
Everything you need to know about radiofrequency microneedling with the Potenza — how it works, how it compares to standard microneedling, what the booster add-ons actually do, and what to realistically expect from results and recovery. Written by the team at Infinite Medical Spa in London, Ontario.
Watch: Everything you need to know about radio frequency microneedling
How RF microneedling works. Two mechanisms. One treatment.
RF microneedling combines two well-established skin treatment mechanisms into a single appointment. The first is microneedling — ultrafine needles create precise micro-channels in the skin, triggering a controlled wound healing response that stimulates new collagen and elastin production. This part of the process is the same as standard microneedling.
The second mechanism is what makes RF microneedling different. As the needles penetrate the skin, radiofrequency energy is delivered directly through those needle channels into the dermis. That RF energy generates controlled heat at the target depth — causing immediate collagen contraction and stimulating a deeper, sustained collagen remodelling response than needling alone can achieve.
The result is a treatment that works on two levels simultaneously — surface channel stimulation from the needling, and deeper thermal remodelling from the RF energy. The combination produces stronger and faster results for skin tightening, acne scarring, and laxity than either mechanism would achieve independently.
Why depth matters
Because the RF energy is delivered below the skin surface through insulated needles — not on the surface — the treatment bypasses epidermal melanin entirely. This is why RF microneedling is safe across all skin tones including Fitzpatrick IV to VI, where surface heat treatments carry higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
RF microneedling vs standard microneedling. What actually changes.
Both treatments use microneedling as the foundation. The difference is what happens at the depth of the needle. Standard microneedling relies entirely on the wound healing response to stimulate collagen. RF microneedling adds heat energy at that same depth, compounding the remodelling signal and producing a more significant structural response — particularly for concerns that need deeper intervention.
| Feature | Standard Microneedling | RF Microneedling |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Micro-channels trigger collagen via wound healing | Micro-channels + radiofrequency heat at dermal depth |
| Best for | Texture, pores, general skin renewal, early aging | Skin tightening, acne scarring, laxity, deeper concerns |
| Skin tightening | Moderate — from new collagen over time | More significant — immediate contraction + ongoing remodelling |
| Acne scarring | Effective for mild to moderate scarring | More effective for deeper or more significant scarring |
| Downtime | 24 to 48 hours redness | 24 to 72 hours redness, slightly more intense |
| Booster add-ons | NCTF, VAMP, PRP available | NCTF, VAMP, PRP available |
| Skin tone safety | Safe all skin tones | Safe all skin tones — RF bypasses epidermal melanin |
| Sessions | 3 to 4 spaced 4 weeks apart | 3 to 4 spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart |
How to choose
If your primary concerns are texture, pores, general skin quality, and early fine lines — standard microneedling is a strong option. If you are dealing with skin laxity, significant acne scarring, or deeper structural concerns — RF microneedling is the stronger treatment. Your provider will recommend at consultation based on your VISIA skin analysis.
The Potenza by Cynosure. Four modes. One device.
At Infinite Medical Spa we use the Potenza — the world’s first FDA-cleared four-mode RF microneedling platform by Cynosure. Most RF microneedling devices operate at a single frequency with limited depth control. The Potenza combines monopolar and bipolar RF at both 1MHz and 2MHz frequencies, giving your provider four distinct modes to work with depending on your skin concern, skin type, and the area being treated.
In practice, this means your treatment is not a standard protocol applied the same way to everyone. Your provider selects the mode, needle depth, and energy settings based on the specific zone of your face being treated — deeper settings for areas with more laxity or scarring, lighter for more sensitive areas, different frequencies for different tissue responses.
MODE 1
Monopolar 1MHz
Type your paragraph hereDelivers RF energy in a single direction — deeper tissue penetration. Best for skin laxity, deeper remodelling, and structural tightening at the SMAS level.
MODE 2
Bipolar 1MHz
RF energy flows between needle tips — more precise, more localized heating. Effective for acne scarring and mid-dermal remodelling with controlled energy distribution.
MODE 3
Monopolar 2MHz
Higher frequency monopolar — faster energy delivery at controlled depth. Used for collagen stimulation with a broader thermal distribution profile.
MODE 4
Bipolar 2MHz
Higher frequency bipolar — most precise of the four modes. Suitable for delicate areas and patients needing controlled superficial remodelling with minimal thermal spread.
Skin Booster Add-Ons
Booster add-ons. NCTF, VAMP, and PRP.
The micro-channels created during RF microneedling allow active ingredients to penetrate significantly deeper than they can through intact skin — up to 80% deeper than topical application alone. We offer three booster options that are applied immediately after your Potenza treatment while the channels are open, amplifying and extending the results of the base treatment.
Each booster targets a different aspect of skin renewal. Your provider recommends the right one at consultation based on your skin concerns and treatment goals.
NCTF Skin Booster
New Cellular Treatment Factor 135 HA by Filorga
A medical-grade revitalizing complex with 55+ active ingredients including hyaluronic acid, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants. Works at a cellular level to restore hydration, density, and radiance.
- Deep cellular hydration and glow
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production
- Antioxidant protection against UV and environmental damage
- Visible radiance improvement from the first session
- Improves skin firmness, density, and elasticity over time
BEST FOR
Dehydration, dullness, and overall skin quality improvement
VAMP bio-revitalizing Serum
Vitamins, Amino Acids, Minerals + PDRN
VAMP combines vitamins, amino acids, and minerals with PDRN; a highly purified extract derived from salmon DNA that stimulates cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and accelerates skin regeneration at a structural level.
- PDRN stimulates cellular repair and tissue regeneration
- Accelerates healing and reduces post-treatment redness
- Improves elasticity and skin resilience
- Ideal for compromised or sensitized skin
- Brightens tone and nourishes skin cells
BEST FOR
Acne scarring, sun damage, and skin requiring active repair support
PRP Platelet-Rich Plasma
Concentrated growth factors from your own blood
A small blood draw is spun in a centrifuge to isolate your platelet-rich plasma. Applied through microneedling channels, your own growth factors directly stimulate collagen production and accelerate tissue repair. Zero risk of allergic reaction.
- Growth factors directly kickstart collagen production
- Fastest healing acceleration of all three boosters
- 100% biocompatible -- from your own blood
- Most effective for deeper scarring and collagen loss
- Reduces duration of post-treatment redness
BEST FOR
Deeper acne scars, advanced collagen loss, and patients wanting maximum regeneration
What RF microneedling treats. And what it is best suited to.
RF microneedling is a versatile treatment, but it performs best on concerns that benefit from both surface channel stimulation and deeper thermal remodelling. The treatments it excels at are generally those where standard microneedling alone is effective but slower — RF accelerates and deepens the response.
Skin laxity and tightening
The combination of immediate collagen contraction from the RF heat and ongoing remodelling over 12 weeks makes RF microneedling one of the more effective non-surgical options for mild to moderate skin laxity — particularly along the jawline, neck, and lower face. It is not a replacement for surgery for patients with significant laxity, but for early to moderate loosening, it produces meaningful improvement.
Acne scarring
Atrophic acne scars — icepick, rolling, and boxcar — respond well to RF microneedling because the treatment works at the dermal level where scar tissue sits. The RF energy disrupts the fibrous bands that cause depressed scars and stimulates new collagen to fill them in over time. Most patients with moderate acne scarring see visible improvement after a series of 3 to 4 sessions.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Fine lines across the forehead, around the eyes, and above the upper lip respond to the collagen stimulation triggered by RF microneedling. Results are gradual — most visible improvement appears between weeks 4 and 12 after each session as new collagen matures.
Enlarged pores and texture
Pore size is largely determined by collagen density in the surrounding dermis. As RF microneedling rebuilds collagen, pore walls become better supported and pores appear smaller. Skin texture improves alongside as the surface renews and the underlying structure firms.
Stretch marks and body areas
The Potenza can be used on body areas — abdomen, thighs, and arms — for stretch marks and skin quality improvement. Body treatments typically require longer session times and are assessed individually at consultation.
Recovery. What to expect and when.
RF microneedling recovery is slightly more involved than standard microneedling because of the added RF heat component. Most patients describe it as manageable — the intensity varies depending on the settings used and how aggressive the treatment protocol is for your skin concern.
24 to 72 hours — Redness and mild swelling similar to a moderate sunburn. Some patients experience light pinpoint bleeding. Normal. Keep skin clean and cool, no makeup, no actives.
Days 3 to 5 — Redness fades. Light peeling or flaking possible. Gentle cleanser and barrier moisturiser only. No saunas, hot showers, or intense exercise.
Week 2 — Most patients fully presentable by day 5 to 7. Early skin smoothing visible. Reintroduce skincare gradually with provider guidance. SPF 50 daily non-negotiable.
Weeks 4 to 12 — Collagen matures progressively. Most significant visible improvement appears between week 4 and 12. Full result visible at 12 weeks post-session. Most patients complete 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for optimal outcomes.
Aftercare rules
These are clinical requirements, not optional guidelines. Following your aftercare protocol directly affects how you heal and how good the final result looks.
- No makeup for the first 24 hours
- Gentle cleanser and barrier moisturiser only for 48 hours
- No saunas, hot showers, or intense exercise for 24 to 48 hours
- SPF 50 every day for at least 2 weeks post-treatment
- Do not pick at any peeling or flaking skin
Results. What to realistically expect.
RF microneedling results are gradual by design — they come from collagen your body builds over weeks, not from a procedure that produces an immediate visible change. Most patients notice early skin smoothing within the first two weeks, with the most significant improvement appearing between week 4 and week 12 after each session.
A series of 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart is the standard protocol for most skin concerns. Each session builds on the last — the cumulative collagen response across the series is significantly greater than from a single session alone. After the initial series, most patients maintain with a single session every 6 to 12 months.
Setting realistic expectations
RF microneedling produces real, measurable improvement in skin quality, texture, and tightening. It is not a surgical result. For patients with mild to moderate concerns, the outcomes are meaningful and natural-looking. For significant skin laxity or very deep scarring, we will tell you at consultation whether RF microneedling is the right starting point or whether a different approach would serve you better.
Frequently asked questions. Straight answers.
What is RF microneedling?
RF microneedling is a skin treatment that combines microneedling — ultrafine needles that create controlled micro-channels in the skin — with radiofrequency heat energy delivered through those channels into the dermis. The combination triggers both the wound healing collagen response from the needling and a deeper thermal remodelling response from the RF heat. At Infinite Medical Spa in London, Ontario we use the Potenza by Cynosure — the world’s first four-mode RF microneedling platform.
How is RF microneedling different from standard microneedling?
Standard microneedling relies entirely on the wound healing response from the needle channels to stimulate collagen. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency heat at the depth of the needle — producing immediate collagen contraction and a deeper, more sustained remodelling response. The result is stronger outcomes for skin tightening, acne scarring, and laxity compared to needling alone. Recovery is similar, with slightly more redness in the first 24 to 72 hours from the RF component.
Does RF microneedling hurt?
Topical numbing is applied 30 to 45 minutes before treatment and allowed to fully take effect before we start. With numbing in place, most patients describe a warm pressure sensation — noticeable but manageable throughout the session. The RF heat is felt as warmth at the treatment depth. A full face session typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the areas treated and the Potenza mode used.
How many sessions do I need?
Most patients see meaningful improvement from a single session, with results continuing to develop for up to 12 weeks. A series of 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart produces the best long-term results for most skin concerns. Patients with more significant acne scarring or laxity may require additional sessions. Your provider builds a specific plan at your consultation based on your VISIA skin analysis and treatment goals.
Is RF microneedling safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. The Potenza’s RF energy is delivered below the skin surface through insulated needles — it does not interact with epidermal melanin the way surface heat treatments and many lasers do. This makes it safe across all Fitzpatrick skin types including IV to VI. Your provider adjusts energy settings based on your skin tone and tissue response at every session.
What are the NCTF, VAMP, and PRP boosters?
These are booster serums or growth factor preparations applied through the open micro-channels immediately after your Potenza treatment. NCTF 135 HA contains 55 active ingredients for hydration and skin renewal. VAMP delivers growth factors to accelerate collagen repair and regeneration. PRP uses platelet-rich plasma from your own blood for maximum collagen stimulation. Each targets a different aspect of skin renewal — your provider recommends the right one at consultation.
How much does RF microneedling cost in London, Ontario?
Pricing at Infinite Medical Spa depends on the treatment area and whether a booster add-on is included. Book a consultation for a personalized quote — your free VISIA skin analysis helps us build a clear treatment plan with transparent pricing before you commit to anything.
Who should not get RF microneedling?
RF microneedling is not appropriate for patients with active acne or open skin infections in the treatment area, pacemakers or implantable defibrillators, pregnancy, isotretinoin (Accutane) use within the past 6 months, or active tan in the treatment area. A full consultation is required before any RF microneedling treatment at Infinite Medical Spa.
Questions About RF Microneedling?
Use the form below to contact us with any questions you have.
Book your RF microneedling consultation in London, Ontario
- Free VISIA Skin Analysis
- Medical Director On Site
- 10+ Years in London, ON
Not sure whether RF microneedling or standard microneedling is right for your skin? Come in. Free VISIA skin analysis included. We assess your skin and tell you honestly which treatment and booster combination makes the most sense before you commit to anything.
