RF Microneedling vs Microneedling: What’s the Difference?

Both treatments use fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the natural healing response and collagen remodelling. The key difference is what happens beneath the skin.

Microneedling

Traditional microneedling uses sterile needles at controlled depths to stimulate collagen production. Research supports its use for atrophic acne scarring, uneven texture and overall skin quality, with systematic reviews demonstrating improvement in acne scars.

RF Microneedling

RF microneedling combines needles with radiofrequency energy, delivering controlled heat into the deeper dermis. This creates additional thermal stimulation of collagen and elastin while largely preserving the skin’s surface.

Research supports RF microneedling for acne scarring, skin texture and skin laxity. A 2025 systematic review of 16 studies involving 481 patients found significant improvement in acne scarring following RF microneedling, although further high-quality research is still needed.

Key facts

• Both treatments stimulate collagen remodelling

• Microneedling is effective for acne scars and skin texture

• RF adds controlled thermal energy within the dermis

• RF may be particularly useful where deeper scarring or skin laxity is being targeted

• Neither treatment is “better” for everyone

At SE Medical

We offer both SkinPen Elite microneedling and RF microneedling. Following a clinical skin assessment, treatment depth and modality are selected according to your skin, concerns and treatment goals.

For acne scarring, we may also incorporate medical-grade skincare, chemical peels and LED phototherapy as part of an individualised treatment plan.

Individual results vary. Treatment recommendations are made following consultation and clinical assessment.