Treatment / Device
Potenza® RF Microneedling and INTRAcel® RF Microneedling
Potenza® RF Microneedling Device by Cynosure
The Potenza® radiofrequency (RF) microneedling device by Cynosure is a state-of-the-art RF microneedling device that can deliver both monopolar and bioplar RF energy through insulated needles. The Potenza® RF microneedling device is an extremely versatile device and we can adjust numerous parameters including the energy delivered, the depth of needle penetration, the intensity or strength of needle penetration, and the pulse-duration of the delivered energy including pulses composed of sub-pulses. What does all this mean? It means that we can greatly vary our treatment parameters with the Potenza® RF microneedling device and customize treatments to your needs. In addition to varying the parameters by which we administer the RF energy, there are also numerous treatment tips with varying numbers of needles per area, needles that are insulated at the tip, needles that are insulated variably throughout the length of the tip, and an infusion tip that can be used to deliver topicals on the surface of the skin into the skin. The versatility we have with the Potenza® RF microneedling device is unprecedented and allows us to deliver RF energy in a vast array of customized settings.
Potenza® device
Potenza® RF Microneedling FAQ
What is standard microneedling and is it different than RF microneedling?
Standard microneedling is nothing like RF microneedling with the exception that they both apply needles to the skin. Standard microneedling devices generally cost a few thousand dollars and vibrate sharp needles on the skin, similar to tattoo needles. This disrupts the surface of the skin in the hope of stimulating rejuvenation and getting topicals into the skin more deeply. RF microneedling uses an array of needles that are INSERTED into the skin mechanically and then energy is delivered to the tips or tips and body of the needles to create thermal treatment zones that stimulate a healing response.
What type of conditions do you treat with the Potenza® RF microneedling device?
We used the Potenza® RF microneedling device to treat the signs of photoaging including: fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores and sagging skin.
Can all skin types be treated with the Potenza® RF microneedling device?
RF microneedling deposits energy deeper in the skin while sparing the surface layer. This means that all skin types can be treated with the Potenza® RF microneedling device without damaging the surface of the skin and causing increased pigmentation.
What is the most common area treated with the Potenza® RF microneedling device?
The most common area we treat is the neck and jawline in patients who want to improve the appearance of loose or sagging skin. While the results for this area is not dramatic, the ability to improve the appearance of loose neck and jawline skin non-invasively, in the office, in under an hour, using only numbing cream, and with little-to-no downtime is quite desirable.
INTRAcel® RF Microneedling
INTRAcel® microRF injection therapy, or RF microneedling, uses insulated needles to deliver RF energy to various depths within the skin. One of the fantastic features of this device is that it deposits energy beneath the surface of the skin so the INTRAcel® can be used on all skin types. It doesn’t injure or disturb the surface layer causing pigmentation problems in darker complexion patients like so many other devices may. The INTRAcel® is a go-to device for neck and chest rejuvenation in all skin types as well as for facial rejuvenation and treatment of acne scarring.
INTRAcel® device
INTRAcel® RF Microneedling FAQ
How is INTRAcel® RF microneedling different from conventional microneedling?
Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling is completely different than conventional microneedling. Conventional microneedling devices use a vibrating needle, much like a tattoo gun, to make thousands of holes in the skin, with the objective of creating a healing response. At Main Line Center for Laser Surgery, we believe that conventional microneedling is not worth the risk of creating skin damage or scarring. We do not use it. RF microneedling gently inserts an array of needles into the skin and deposits monopolar or bipolar RF energy to create thermal treatment zones beneath the surface of the skin.
What is the difference between monopolar and bipolar mode?
When using monopolar mode, RF energy is deposited at the site of the non-insulated portion of the RF needle and a grounding pad is used, whereas, in biopolar mode RF energy goes from needle to an adjacent one. The effect of monopolar mode is generally deeper in the skin and bipolar mode is more superficial.
What do you use the INTRAcel® RF microneedling device to treat?
We use the INTRAcel® RF microneedling device to improve the signs of photodamage including fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores and sagging skin. We frequently treat sagging jawline and neck skin with the INTRAcel® RF microneedling device.
Can you treat all skin types with the INTRAcel® RF microneedling device?
Because the INTRAcel® RF microneedling device deposits energy deeply in the skin avoiding the skin surface where all the melanin pigment is concentrated, we can treat all skin types with the INTRAcel® RF microneedling device.
Do you ever combine the INTRAcel® RF microneedling device with other treatments?
Yes, we do. Because darker skin types are at risk of pigmentation from many of the lasers we use for rejuvenation, we frequently use the INTRAcel® RF microneedling device in combination with fractionated picosecond lasers, since they both can be used in skin of color. We often combine these devices on the same, or different, days to maximize results.
